Pat Reser Pledges $13 Million to Beaverton Arts Foundation

Beaverton, OR. The Beaverton Arts Foundation announced a $13 million dollar pledge from Pat Reser, through the Reser Family Foundation, to help fund a new center for the arts in Beaverton. Chris Ayzoukian, Jordan Schnitzer, Lani Faith, Pat Reser, and Mayor Denny Doyle were on hand for the announcement on July 17th. It brings the private fundraising goal down to a little over $9M. With this news also came the announcement of the official name of the facility, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Patricia Reser poses with the sign stating that the official name of the facility will be the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.

Geno Biggi and Beaverton City Councilor Mark Fagin

Mark Reser, David Vernier, Christine Vernier, Francesca Kim, Julie Vigeland, Roy Kim, Bill Westphal

Vocalist Julianne Johnson with Mayor Denny Doyle and the ACMA Jazz Band

A large crowd gathered to hear the announcement

Here’s more information about the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts;

The Vision

Art has the power to transport us and inspire our imaginations—it enables us to imagine the unimaginable.

Art connects us to the past, the present and the future, sometimes simultaneously.

Art lets us see ourselves and our own community through a different and more compassionate lens.

Art dares us to dream.

Beaverton has always been a city where anything is possible and for years, our community has dreamed of a dedicated performing arts center in the heart of the city—a world-class destination that makes the arts possible for all and celebrates a thriving arts community.

With thought-provoking performances, stunning visual arts, educational programming and unique multicultural expression, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be a breathtaking leap forward for our entire community.

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The Concept

As a state-of-the-art facility, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will present the best in local, regional and national concerts and touring productions. The center will welcome all and serve as a catalyst for personal, cultural and economic growth, as well as increased civic pride and engagement.

Features include:

Modern, well-equipped multipurpose theatre
Classrooms, meeting and conference rooms
Art gallery and exhibit space
Café
Outdoor plaza
Lobby and gathering areas

Visit the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts page on the City of Beaverton’s website to learn more.

The Location

The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be nestled adjacent to The Round, between SW Cedar Hills Boulevard and SW Hall Boulevard, accompanied by a public parking garage and just steps away from light-rail transit.

Why Now?

Greater Beaverton is an ethnically diverse area with so much to share, truly an international community poised to be the artistic and cultural jewel of Washington County. That’s why building a modern performing arts center is a key component of the Beaverton Community Vision action plan — and it’s why various partners and stakeholders have been planning for the Center for the Arts since 2004 (see The History below).

Together, we’ve created a vision that values connection to the arts and healthy collaboration, community access — so that every resident feels ownership — and excellence in design, amenities and impact. The time to make it happen is now.

“We know that arts impact communities in deep, meaningful and measurable ways. Arts of all types help to educate, entertain, bring together neighbors, newcomers and tourists, and ultimately celebrate the immense and beautiful assets of our diverse and culturally rich community. “

– Lorraine Clarno, ACE, President/CEO, Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce

The Campaign

A unique public-private partnership was created to fund the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, and 80% of the funding has already been secured. The Beaverton Arts Foundation is proud to serve as the project’s private fundraising partner, leading the drive to secure $9.6 million in remaining private capital needs. Ready to be a partner with us?

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.