William Givler

William Givler was one of Oregon’s most influential artists and teachers. He worked at

the Museum Art School at the Portland Art Museum for 42 years, first as an instructor, then as dean from 1944 until 1973. Under his leadership the school (now the Pacific Northwest College of Art) was accredited and established a four-year degree program.

In addition to his distinguished career as an educator and mentor, Givler also was a dedicated painter and printmaker who inaugurated Oregon’s Print Annual exhibitions. Prolific despite his busy teaching career, he exhibited his works widely in regional exhibitions. Givler also worked briefly for the federal government’s Public Works of Art Project in Oregon in 1934 making works for government and other public buildings.