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Governor Ted Kulongoski has appointed Jean Boyer Cowling of Medford to the Oregon Arts Commission. Jean Boyer Cowling has lived in Southern Oregon since 1974. An ardent supporter of arts education, she taught art for 17 years to junior high and high school students in Medford's 549-C School District. Following her career in teaching, Boyer Cowling was International Sales Manager, responsible for sales to 27 countries, for Sabroso Company, a manufacturer of fruit purees. She has been a board member and president of the Rogue Valley Art Association, chaired the Craterian Committee which developed plans for the re-use of the Craterian Theatre as a performing arts center, and has been involved in local fundraising efforts for the Schneider Art Museum, the Jackson County Central Library and the Southern Oregon University Foundation. Boyer Cowling received a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University and an M.A.T. in Fine Arts from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Chicago. "I can think of no one more creative, expansive and inspiring to serve on the Oregon Arts Commission," said Lindsay Berryman, former Mayor of Medford. "Jean's successes and skills have encouraged and played major leadership roles in the expansion of the arts in public libraries, public places and schools in our area." "My experiences as a visual artist, art supporter, teacher, fundraiser and business woman have allowed me to appreciate how the arts nurture, enhance and fortify our society," said Boyer Cowling when her appointment was announced. "I look forward to working with the Commission to build support for the arts across Oregon." She has been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Jack Robertson of Portland
who resigned from the Arts Commission. The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine Commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the Economic Development Department in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission's expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
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