University of the Pacific's permanent art collection is comprised of almost 2,000 paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, textiles, ceramics, and decorative objects representing the generosity of donors and creativity of the Pacific community. Work from the collection is shared with the public on all three campuses in Stockton, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Reflecting Pacific's dedication to thinking and learning, the collection is available for research, development and understanding.  

The University Curator is responsible for maintaining the collection as well as creating art engagement opportunities for the Pacific community. The curator also supports the Department of Art & Graphic Design by curating some of the exhibitions on view in the Reynolds Gallery on the Stockton Campus.  

Collection Highlights

Modern

The jewel of the collection donated by Robert and Jeannette Powell features work by Jasper Johns, Richard Diebenkorn, and Wayne Thiebaud among other significant American artists. Actor Raymond Burr, friend of McGeorge School of Law dean Gordon Schaber gifted work from his Los Angeles gallery of mid-century graphic arts.

European

Former University Regent Lucy E. Ritter's significant collection includes late 19th century paintings and sculpture by August Renoir, Maurice Utrillo, and Pierre Auguste Rodin among others. Portfolios of late editions of Rembrandt, Hogarth, Durer, Van Dyck, Van Leyden and Potter came from the Kolb family in the 1970s.

Regional

Pacific houses a significant collection of paintings and lithographs by 1930s and 40s social realist Carl Hugo Beetz. Paintings by noted California artist and friend of John Muir William Keith comprise a special collection in addition to important work by University faculty, visiting artists, and community members.   

Access

Elements of the collection can be viewed in public spaces on all three campuses. Focused exhibitions are regularly scheduled for the Reynolds Gallery on the Stockton campus. Researchers, faculty and students may request access to the collection through the University Curator. Work in the collection is available for loan for exhibitions to appropriate institutions. Please be aware that the collection database was created from historic documentation; some may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently updated and revised. 

Lisa Cooperman
About the Curator
Lisa Cooperman

Pacific's inaugural University Curator Lisa Cooperman comes to the position after eleven years as the Curator of Education at the Haggin Museum where she led the docent council, created entertaining educational programming, and crafted interpretation for the museum's history and art collections. Before the Haggin she taught in Pacific's Department of Art & Graphic Design as well as co-directed the Humanities Center. She graduated magna cum laude with a BA in English Literature from Bowdoin College and holds an MFA in Sculpture and Metalsmithing from Montana State University. She is a nationally exhibiting studio artist who had her second solo exhibition at the A.I.R. Gallery in New York in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of the Pacific's permanent art collection is comprised of almost 2,000 paintings, prints, sculpture, photographs, textiles, ceramics, and decorative objects representing the generosity of donors and creativity of the Pacific community. Work from the collection is shared with the public on all three campuses in Stockton, Sacramento, and San Francisco.  

University Curator Lisa Cooperman, MFA, maintains the collection, conducts research and utilizes artwork for exhibitions and installations. The Curator position is held in the President's Division; the physical office is located in the Jeannette Powell Art Center, Room 207. Phone (209) 932-3254 or lcooperman@pacific.edu.

Call the University Curator to determine if it is part of the permanent inventory. The curator will make an office visit and arrange for its removal.

Contact the University Curator to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs. 

Contact the University Curator. Art purchases should be coordinated with the Curator. 

Personal office space art is not under the purview of the Curator or considered part of the University's permanent art collection. Therefore, payment is at personal expense.

Contact the Curator for more information. A list of available art will be created from our database. You may also arrange for a visit to the collection room. 

All loans to the University are coordinated through the Curator. Contact the Curator to discuss how best to obtain and place the work of art. 

Contact Advancement Services and the University Curator to discuss the suitability of the donation. 

Arrange a visit with the Curator who will advise you about suitable storage during the renovation. 

The label includes an inventory number and indicates that the art belongs in the University's permanent collection.