Company: Pathways/OI Partners, Inc.
Headquarters: Portland, Oregon
Industry: Outplacement and Executive Coaching
Company Size: Small (annual revenues of less than $50 million)

"One of our goals is to expose as many people as possible to WPA and the regional artists of Oregon. We believe that in addition to being a moving experience, art gives Oregonians a sense of identity, place, and history."
                – Ronald F. Ennis, Ph.D, President

Objectives
To expand its networking opportunities and client base, to enhance employee morale, and to broaden interest in, and support for, the arts.

Process

• Pathways sponsors exhibitions and fundraising events to promote appreciation of period regional art, and to preserve works by Oregon’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) artists.
• To raise money for the restoration of damaged WPA murals in the Irvington School in Northwest Portland, Pathways co-sponsored a fundraising exhibition with ArtSpace, a local gallery that specializes in WPA and regional art.
• Pathways provided funding, loaned WPA art from its own collection to the exhibition, and recruited additional sponsors who underwrote promotional materials and catering.
• Using mailing lists contributed by arts organizations, Pathways sent local arts patrons invitations to the fundraising exhibition. Individuals who attended and made donations were eligible to win one of two signed prints by WPA mural artist Ed Quigley, which were donated by Pathways and the Oregon Historical Society.

Results
By sponsoring the exhibition Pathways/OI Partners succeeded in raising the $20,000 needed to restore the WPA murals, increased its presence in the community and attracted several new clients. Additionally, Pathways employees are proud to be part of a small company that makes a difference in the quality of life of their community, and increases awareness and interest in Oregon’s art and history.

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