Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81 — Curator Tour and Opening Reception
Free, at the Library Gallery!
Location
Library and Gallery, Albin O. Kuhn
Date & Time
February 12, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Description
The Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery presents a Curator Tour and Opening Reception for Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81, a photography exhibition on display from January 26 through May 22.
In 1976, American photographer Mary Ellen Mark and sociologist Karen Folger Jacobs spent thirty-six days living in the Oregon State Hospital, where they photographed the residents of Ward 81, the hospital's all-female, high-security psychiatric unit. Their unprecedented access allowed them to create a deeply nuanced portrayal of women navigating psychiatric care in the mid-1970s. Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81 brings together Mark's photographs, Jacobs's newly uncovered audio recordings, and rare archival materials, offering an intimate and expanded view of this landmark documentary project.
Visitor Information
Admission is free. For driving directions and parking information, please visit here.
Library Gallery hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Image: Mary Ellen Mark, [Mona and Beth in the shower, Ward 81, Oregon State Hospital, Salem, Oregon, USA], 1976. © Mary Ellen Mark, courtesy of The Mary Ellen Mark Foundation.
