As a fiber arts study group, Loosely Bound has created several group challenges for collaborative work. For this exhibit we wanted to pick a project that honored part of the history of Oregon State University. We chose to pay homage to what we think is one of the most beautiful buildings on the OSU campus—the Women’s Building. 

The Women’s Building was built in 1926 and designed by Portland architect, John V. Bennes. Bennes designed other buildings on campus, but this was the only building that he was chosen for from an open competition. The President of OSU at the time, William Jasper Kerr, was keen on having the “finest facilities for recreation, exercise, gymnastics, interpretive dance, and health and hygiene” for the young women on campus.[i] From 14 entries, Bennes’ design was chosen by the Board of Regents to fulfill this mission. 

The architectural structure and the elaborate details of the building provide artists with a wealth of inspiration to create their own designs. Classical structures like the colonnaded entry porch, alcoves, arches and vaulted ceiling are further enhanced with details from ceramic friezes, ceramic panels, and statuary depicting Greek and Roman motifs. Medieval details such as coats of arms, beamed ceilings, and Celtic dragon details on lighting fixtures reflect the interest in the 1920s to embrace Gothic styles. Art Nouveau is represented in the railings, use of peacock motifs, and the lantern design on the entry porch. Art Deco styling can be seen in the geometric play of the inset brickwork. Chippendale finials grace the top of the entry doorway. This abundance of styles and structures provides bountiful design fodder for artists seeking ideas. 

Colors and textures of the materials used provide inspiration for artists. Brick with terra cotta trim, decorative tiles, black walnut and other hardwoods, granite, Red Verona marble, pressed lens glass, wrought iron, and bronze are a few of the unique materials used in the Women’s Building. The history and folklore of the building are also a resource to spark motifs and themes for current work. For example, an artist may choose a water theme knowing that one of the important features of the Women’s Building was the swimming pool because every graduate of the time was required to know how to swim. 

Loosely Bound found the Women’s Building a wonderful resource for ideas. To reflect the current era we have created a pastiche of fiber responses to the building’s many visual and tactile gifts. We hope you are inspired to visit the Women’s Building after your viewing and see the features that inspired us first hand. It is located across the quad, facing east, a short walk from the Memorial Union. 

A special thanks is extended to the Oregon State University Archives and to Dr. Zoeann Holmes, OSU professor emeritus, for supporting this exhibit by photographing the Women’s Building, finding archival information, and encouraging our efforts with her enthusiasm for OSU history.