The Orre Nobles Art Collection

We started an art collection when the new school was built

Two years before the building opened, a blue-star panel assembled to determine how to spend the limited “one-half per cent for art” monies from the Washington State Arts Commission. With the help and support of the Ballard High School Foundation, additional monies were raised to buy artworks by professional artist members of the Ballard neighborhood and others, acquired for viewing by students and staff. The results are unique in the nation; only private schools, such as Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., have their own collection—and museum. At Ballard, all art is visible—the high school is the museum!

Students see 95 paintings, sculptures, photographs, collages and prints every day, accompanied by explanatory labels. The work is chosen by invitation, special commission,
and the occasional approved donation. The collection is owned by the Ballard High School Foundation and is on permanent loan to Ballard High School. The Foundation pays for all installations, annual insurance coverage, and continues to research possible additions to the collection that fit the established criteria. (For example, we are currently seeking works by alumnus Lawrence Beck ’56, an Indigenous Inuit native.)

Named in honor of long-time beloved art teacher, Orre N. Nobles (1894-1967), the collection evolved around four distinct criteria:

• that it reflect the history of the school and surrounding neighborhoods, including Ballard, Magnolia, Greenwood, and Queen Anne Hill
• that it be art that depicts Ballard history
• that is be art that reflects the ethnic demographics of the student body
• that is be art that honors important artists who live in Ballard

A result of purchases, cash donations and gifts, the art enriches the daily lives of students and includes a range of historical examples, artistic styles, and various media. In addition, special murals were commissioned from three artists (Joe Reno, Carl Hasse, and T. Michael Gardiner).
Twenty-five artworks were outright gifts from generous collectors with 10 arriving from estate bequest

Regular tours are available for interested groups or individuals. Contact Art Committee chair Matthew  Kangas at mkangas@earthlink.net. Enjoy one of Ballard High School’s greatest treasures, its art collection!

Matthew Kangas

Matthew Kangas ’67

The Ballard High School Arts Committee is chaired by Matthew Kangas. Matthew, a 1967 graduate of Ballard High School, is a nationally acclaimed well known art critic and writer.

Click here to see a brief discussion on Orre Nobles Art Collection