Architecture Foundation of Oregon

Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) was pleased to present Crossing the Columbia: What Does it Mean? in conjunction with PDXplore. AFO advocates for the enhancement of our built environment, the livability of our communities, and preservation of our rich architectural heritage.

Established in 1983, AFO celebrates architecture through education, research, publications and awareness via programs that include:

• Architects in Schools, a six-week residency program that annually serves 2,200 third through fifth grade Oregon students
• Teaching the Basics through Design, a three-day intensive workshop that guides Oregon high school teachers through urban design problems and shows them how to incorporate design-thinking and decision-making into their curricula
• Dinner With An Architect, an annual series of 40 dinners in architecturally interesting homes, studios or other environments
• An annual Honored Citizen award to an individual who has made significant contributions to Oregon's built environment
• A small grants program for projects throughout the state that complement AFO's mission
• Advocacy related to public education on critical design issues of importance to Oregonians

AFO's services are guided by a 30-member board of design, business and community leaders, and Executive Director, G. Jane Jarrett. Jane has over 30 years of arts administration experience, working in marketing, development and management positions for the Oregon Symphony, Portland Center for the Performing Arts and Portland Center Stage. She was Managing Director of Stage One: The Louisville Children's Theatre, one of the nation's premier professional theatre companies for young audiences. Jane has participated on the Regional Arts & Culture Council's Operating Grants Panel, has served on the Boards of Directors for West Coast Chamber Orchestra and Portland Center Stage, and is currently Co-President of the Board of Third Angle New Music Ensemble. She also served as Business Development Director for SRG Partnership, a Portland architecture firm, and is happy to have landed in this role at AFO to combine her nonprofit expertise with her love of architecture and service to the community.