ABOUT THE GALLERY
The Edward J. & Helen Jane Morrison Gallery is centrally located in the main floor in the Humanities Fine Arts Building. The facility can be ranked as among the best of galleries on small liberal arts campuses in the United States. The Gallery is a showplace for five to six exhibits scheduled for fall and spring semesters. The works of art presented are by professional artists from all parts of the nation as well as Canada who work in various media of painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and mixed media installation projects. During April and early May, two to three exhibits feature the work of Morris studio arts students.
THE MISSION
The mission of the Morrison Gallery is to provide a dynamic and accessible venue that supports the educational, cultural and artistic experiences of students, faculty, and the community. The gallery promotes diverse cultural and personal perspectives in both innovative and traditional art exhibitions linking our community with the global art world. The Morrison Gallery has operated on the assumption that the visual arts is central to a liberal arts institution as a fundamental means of communicating beliefs, values, concepts, and visions.
THE HISTORY
In February of 1974, the Humanities Fine Arts Gallery was established within the new Humanities Fine Arts Building. Through 1974 – 2002, the HFA Gallery was under the direction of Dr. Fred Peterson, Professor Emeritus. Through Dr. Peterson’s direction the HFA Gallery became a preminate showplace for a range of artists and mediums through out each academic year. Over the last 39 years the gallery has hosted national touring exhibits, regional exhibits, and plethora of students exhibits celebrating the creative works and accomplishments of the students at the University of Minnesota, Morris. In the Fall of 2003, Michael Eble, Associate Professor of Studio Art took over the leadership of the HFA Gallery and the UMM Permanent Art Collection. He has continued to direct the gallery based on the founding mission of the gallery, by promoting diverse cultural and personal perspectives through both innovative and traditional art exhibitions linking our community with the global art world.
In the Fall 2013 through the generous gift from Edward J & Helen Jane Morrison, the gallery was renamed…
ABOUT EDWARD J. AND HELEN JANE MORRISON
The gallery is named for long-time University supporters and donors, Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison, honoring their decades of leadership on behalf of the Morris campus. Edward J. Morrison was a founder and former president of the West Central Educational Development Association, an organization which provided vital support to the Morris Campus in its earliest years. Helen Jane joined him in his efforts to secure the campus, and additionally served as organizer of Morris's very first concert series, leading eventually to the founding of today's performing arts series. They have contributed generously to scholarships over a long period, in addition to their gifts for the gallery renovation and endowment.