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"The Euphrat Museum of Art's influence on the Peninsula spans many communities, from the fine artists it presents, to the schools, centers and institutions that the Euphrat collaborates with. The Museum's work has promoted diversity and cross-cultural understanding through art and deepened our knowledge of community issues in our area. I applaud its efforts and wish it continued success."
| Richard Lowenthal, Former Cupertino Mayor |
"For more than three decades, the Euphrat Museum of Art has inspired our citizens with its groundbreaking exhibits and collaborations. The Museum has fostered discussion and creativity in classrooms and in the community, and its influence is felt nationwide. We are very fortunate to have this organization in our area."
| Otto Lee, Sunnyvale City Council Member |
Mission
The Euphrat Museum of Art's mission is to research, produce and present challenging exhibitions and educational materials that provide a resource of visual ideas and a platform for communications. Our highly regarded Museum traditionally presents one-of-a-kind exhibitions, publications, and events reflecting the rich diverse heritage of our area. Our exhibitions and publications highlight our heritage of different cultures; enhance understanding of art fundamentals, art history, and esthetics; and augment college instruction.
The Euphrat offers exhibitions that showcase emerging artists and artists with national and international reputations. Educational materials and public programming, such as lectures and receptions, complement the exhibitions. We also present student shows featuring art by local elementary and middle school students and De Anza College students.
History
The Euphrat Museum of Art was established at De Anza College in 1971 as the Helen Euphrat Art Gallery. After an
extensive Museum Assessment Program study, the Euphrat evolved into the Euphrat Museum of Art in 1992, receiving
mayoral proclamations from the Cities of Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and Los Altos. For three decades, the Euphrat has
presented one-of-a-kind exhibitions, publications, and events reflecting the rich diverse heritage of our area.
We have featured quality contemporary exhibitions of national and international stature in various media, focusing
on political, social, and historical issues. Each year the Euphrat produces three exhibitions that include emerging
artists and artists with national and international reputations, plus shows featuring art by local elementary and
middle school students and De Anza College students. We work with over 50 artists annually.
In addition to our inter-campus connections, the Euphrat involves community members, including artists,
writers, educators, and activists, to work with us in defining exhibitions, locating artists and students,
and contributing to exhibition-related public programs. We collaborate with a range of organizations outside
the college, from small groups to city government agencies.
Family Roots and Naming
The Euphrat Museum of Art was named after Helen Euphrat. The Euphrat family was the last private owner of the
property before its purchase by the Foothill De Anza College District as the site of the De Anza Campus
(founded in 1967). E.F. and Helen Euphrat donated the original endowment for the Helen Euphrat Art Gallery.
After the college was built, the Euphrats continued to live on campus, in an area that will soon be the site
for a new Mediated Learning Center. Their son, Jack Euphrat, provided critical seed money to build the Euphrat
Gallery programming c. 1980. Granddaughter Lisa Euphrat Saunders now serves on the Euphrat Council. Grandson
Fred Euphrat attended the opening reception for the new Euphrat Museum of Art in February 2009.
Euphrat Council member Walter S. Newman, Jr., M.D. was part of the extended Euphrat family and spent summers
on the Euphrat Ranch as a youth. For our inaugural exhibition of the new Euphrat, he shared this story about Emmanuel Euphrat:
"When I was very young, ‘Papa Euphrat’ read to me The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde on more than one occasion. We both
loved the story. He gave me a beautifully illustrated copy of the book, which I still have...and shall always treasure."
"Please read it to yourself and perhaps out loud to someone you love. In so doing, we honor the spirit of the apricots
and the education and creativity that have blessed the lands of the Euphrat Ranch in Cupertino for so many years."
The original Euphrat Ranch centered on the Le Petit Trianon building (currently the California History Center).
Designed by architect Willis Polk, part of the original Baldwin estate, built c. 1894, it was later nicknamed "le Petit Trianon," and
has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. The sunken garden and balustrade were also part of the original
Baldwin Estate, which featured a reflecting pool, fruit trees, a vineyard and extensive landscaping. The cottages (formerly two)
were guest and servants’ quarters. The Mission revival style architecture is said to have inspired the College’s Spanish-style design
and the "arches" theme. The Winery and Cellar (currently Financial Aid) were used by the Baldwins to make their own label of wine.
A Cork oak tree (Quercus suber) still stands near Flint Center, most likely planted by the Baldwins for use by their winery.
A family tree for the Euphrat family and additional historical information and photographs are being researched.
For more information about the history of the campus, contact the California History Center and visit the Stocklmeir Library and Archives.
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