Located at the heart of Pacific University, the Kathrin Cawein Gallery of Art
is integrated into the southeast corner of the Harvey W. Scott
Memorial Library building. The gallery represents something very
special for the academic and creative climates of the campus and
surrounding region.
The gallery is named in recognition of the late Kathrin Cawein of New York, who beyond being an accomplished printmaker and contributor to Pacific University, established an endowed scholarship for students of the Arts at Pacific. The fund was established through the sale of her intaglio etchings and engravings during exhibits at Pacific, as well as from the proceeds of her estate after death in 1996.
The gallery was originally made possible by the receipt of matching grant moneys from the Oregon Arts Commission in 1984, through the "Check-Off for Oregon Arts' program. Contributions made through Oregon state tax return for the arts at that time provided the $1500 base grant money for planning and initiation of the remodeling of the exhibit space. This funding, together with other donations totaling $10,000 made the gallery possible.
A note of special thanks is given to trustee Elizabeth Johnson for her unrestricted matching gift and appreciation is extended for the support letters from the City of Forest Grove, the Valley Art Association, and the Hillsboro Arts Council. Special mention is also given to other generous donors, patrons, members of the Pacific University Board of Trustees, and especially to former University President Robert F. Duvall, who expressed strong interest in making art a treasured asset at Pacific.
The gallery is situated on the east side of the
library building. Its north-south directional orientation, track
lighting, and textural wall surfacing contrasted with brick walls
provide a wonderful space in which to view art. Outside window
views bring natural light and a sense of warmth from the campus
environment into the gallery. Adequate storage and an exterior
south entrance facing the 
center of campus have made the gallery
known as one of the best University galleries in the state of Oregon.
Exhibits change monthly throughout the academic year, and are provided at no cost to the public through the Department of Art. This program constitutes a service that benefits both the University community and the surrounding region. Receptions with exhibiting artists at the openings of their showings provide an opportunity for community enrichment and cultural growth. At times, Artist talks are also scheduled to coincide with the exhibit schedule, to give the artist a chance to share his or her creative inspirations and motivations related to the works on display.