In Memoriam: Laura Meier

Sam Miller — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:30:18 +0000

The Portland Art Museum is saddened to share the passing of Laura Meier, a beloved member of our community with exceptional commitment, warmth, and curiosity. After arriving in Portland from New York with a deep love of art, she became active in civic life and, alongside her late husband, Roger Meier, helped shape the city’s cultural landscape through decades of leadership and philanthropy.

Laura was a Museum member beginning in the 1960s, joined the Board of Trustees in 1998, and was named a Life Trustee in 2012. Additionally, she served on the Executive, Collections, and Development Committees. Laura’s philanthropy was broad, consistent, and mission‑driven. She supported major initiatives—capital campaigns, key program areas, especially European art, and provided meaningful Annual Exhibition support for many years. Laura also enhanced countless Museum events with flowers and décor, bringing beauty and creativity to special occasions.

She made significant gifts of art to the Museum’s permanent collection, including an exceptional group of lithographs by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the celebrated Elles series, as well as paintings by Paul Elie Ranson, Alfred Sisley, and Théo van Rysselberghe, among others. These gifts reflected her love of French culture and belief in art to inspire and connect.

The Portland Art Museum extends its deepest condolences to Laura’s family and to all who loved her.

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Daily Art Moment: Shan Goshorn

michaelsmith — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:38:06 +0000

Shan Goshorn was a respected Cherokee artist who initially became known for her deeply personal work in the 1990s as a photographer and mixed media artist. She became best known for her paper baskets which combined historical imagery and text with traditional Cherokee basket-weaving techniques. Chief Antoine Moise is part of a series of works based on her research in the archives of the National Museum of the American Indian: “I was awed by the clear, honest studio portraits commissioned by the photographer Frank Rinehart, 1898 Indian Congress, Omaha, Nebraska. Held in conjunction with the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, this gathering attracted over 500 native members of 35 different tribes. Viewing these photos led me to wonder about the courage and adaptability of these Indian men and women who were curious enough about their quickly changing world to travel to the event. These portraits are unique in that they are a ‘non-exotifying’ collection, simply recording the participants as they were without the glamor of special backgrounds or added props.”

—Shan Goshorn

The interior, printed with a vivid blue background, adds the translated text of a Cherokee memorial song, including the words, “We remember your sacrifices. You will not be forgotten.” The words and images honor her ancestors, both as individuals and carriers of tradition. This basket is constructed with a Cherokee style single-weave known as ‘Chief’s Heart.’ Goshorn stated: “These pieces are meant to honor these ancestors, who formed the basic support for the ongoing work of Native activists today. Their blood is our blood; their strength is our strength. Our hearts are linked by the dedication we show every day to our people.”

—Kathleen Ash-Milby, Curator of Native American Art

View the source photo.

Shan Goshorn (American and Cherokee, 1957-2018). Chief Antoine Moise, 2015. Arches watercolor paper, pigment ink, acrylic. Gift of Charles Froelick, 2021.1.2. Photo by Mario Gallucci, courtesy of Froelick Gallery and Shan Goshorn Estate.

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In Memoriam: Laura Meier

Daily Art Moment: Shan Goshorn