In 2007, Robert and Emily Steele established The Steele Family Fund — a designated fund dedicated to supporting the Exhibitions Program and ensuring high quality exhibitions are accessible for the entire community. Emily Steele served on the Board of Directors & Exhibition Committee of The Arts Center for many years after retiring from a successful career as an artist working in glass & metal.

For many years the Around Oregon Annual, (now Biennial) show artists have been selected by a different juror each year. Past jurors include: Terry Sund/Imogen Gallery, Martha Lee/Russo Lee Gallery, and John Olbrantz, the Maribeth Collins Director of the Hallie Ford Museum.

In 2018, Emily and Robert Steele and their family donated twelve sculptures to The Arts Center creating the Emily Steele Sculpture Collection, as well as future funding support for the organization. Works from the collection are meant for the public to enjoy.

If you share in the vision to support inspiring and accessible arts exhibitions in our galleries, consider donating to the Steele Family Fund, a Donor Advised Fund Supporting Arts Exhibitions of The Arts Center.

Read more about all of the endowment, agency and donor advised funds of The Arts Center.