An additional gift from Washington Mutual Bank will support construction of the specially-designed gallery. The gallery's location, adjacent to the Matadome entrance in the lobby of Redwood Hall, receives approximately 30,000 visitors from the university and community each year and will encourage public viewing of the western-themed art work. The 30 bronze statues will be on permanent display.        

The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs approved Washington Mutual's transfer of the art collection to the university. The Department of Cultural Affairs, through its Arts Development Fee Program, works with developers to create art installations and projects that serve as developer's private arts development fee compliance.

The Jackson sculptures were originally acquired as part of a public art covenant between the City of Los Angeles and Great Western Bank, the original developer of the office park that is now home to Washington Mutual's Chatsworth administrative center.   

"This donation reflects our appreciation for Cal State Northridge as one of the San Fernando Valley's great public institutions and a great supporter of the arts," said Washington Mutual Western Region President Wayne Bradshaw.  

Born in 1924, Harry Jackson is a long-time resident of Cody, Wyo., where the Harry Jackson Museum was dedicated in 1994. Jackson's art is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, the Vatican and in Queen Elizabeth II's private collection. In 1999, he was recommended for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"We are honored to be chosen by the City of Los Angeles and Washington Mutual as the new home for these remarkable pieces. This gift continues Cal State Northridge's commitment to providing new and unique cultural opportunities for our students and the surrounding community," said Judy C. Knudson, vice president for University Advancement at Cal State Northridge.

The exhibit will be permanently displayed in the lobby after a public opening event in the fall.