University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CSUN Opens Washington Mutual Gallery,
New Home for Harry Jackson Bronze Collection

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Jan. 31, 2007) -- Cal State Northridge today opened the doors of its new Washington Mutual Gallery, showcasing 30 bronze statues by noted American artist Harry Jackson, in Redwood Hall on the east side of the campus.

The new gallery is adjacent to the Matadome entrance in the lobby of the hall, home to the university’s athletics teams as well as its kinesiology program. The lobby receives approximately 30,000 visitors from the university and community each year, making it an attractive location to encourage public viewing of the Western-themed art work.

Northridge President Jolene Koester called the opening of the gallery a wonderful opportunity for CSUN and Washington Mutual to share the cultural richness of Jackson’s work with the community.

"The bronzes provide a unique look at the history of the American West," she said. "They are treasures that deserve to be viewed and appreciated by as many people as possible. Presenting such outstanding work to the public is an essential part of the university’s commitment to be a center of culture and art in the community."

Redwood Hall is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. If a weekend home game is scheduled in the Matadome, the building is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Washington Mutual donated its collection of Harry Jackson Western bronzes to the university last spring in recognition of the profound role Cal State Northridge plays in the cultural life of the region.

An acclaimed artist, Harry Jackson’s work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, the Vatican and in Queen Elizabeth II’s private collection. In 1999, the Wyoming resident was recommended for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The 30 bronzes, which will be on permanent display in the Washington Mutual Gallery, feature various aspects of life in the early West, including figures of cowboys and Native Americans.

The Jackson sculptures were originally acquired by Washington Mutual as part of a public works 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 offices.

Washington Mutual gave the artwork to CSUN with the approval of the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs. The department, through its Arts Development Fee Program, works with developers to create art installations and projects that serve as the developers’ private arts donation fee compliance.

"It is a great honor to have been the custodians of this wonderful collection of great American art," said Wayne-Kent Bradshaw, Western Region President of Community and External Affairs for Washington Mutual. "WaMu is delighted to have California State University, Northridge as the permanent home for the collection, where it can be shared with the public and will perhaps inspire future artists."

Washington Mutual was established in Seattle, Wash., in 1889. It is one of the largest banks in the United States, and has become a vital economic engine for the greater Los Angeles area. Washington Mutual has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For," and is known not only for its customer-friendly service but also for its philanthropic commitment to the communities it serves.

This collection is just one of many generous gifts Northridge has received from Washington Mutual over the years. The bank also has provided financial support to programs in such diverse academic areas as the arts, education and business.

California State University, Northridge has 34,500 full- and part-time students and offers 62 bachelor’s and 50 master’s degrees as well as 28 teaching credential programs. Founded in 1958, CSUN is among the largest single-campus universities in the nation and the only four-year public university in the San Fernando Valley. The university serves as the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Valley and beyond.