David Bretz has been involved in the arts in a variety of roles for over 40 years. He earned his masters degree in Arts Management from the University of Oregon and has been teaching art and culture courses at the University for over 12 years. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Denver. While performing as a professional musician in Los Angeles, California, he studied acting with Milton Katselas and Robert F. Lyons. David studied art with Rabindra Danks and Les Gray in Los Angeles and continues to make and teach art to this day. He has extensive experience working in the performing arts industry as a professional musician, artist manager and tour and production manager.
As part of David’s teaching duties at the University of Oregon, he has worked with the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, teaching art studios for student athletes as well as co-currating and serving as a juror for the Art of the Athlete exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, summer of 2012. This exhibit coincided with the 2012 Olympic Trials, held in Eugene in June of 2012. This ongoing project is exhibiting annually. In addition, David has been teaching art studios for groups of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most recently mentoring these students for the Art Reach exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. David continues in his position as the liaison between the Arts and Administration Program and the John E Jaqua Academic Services for Student Athletes.
David is involved with a collaboration pilot project and research with the American English Institute (AEI). This project will link the Academic English for International Students (AEIS) course, Advanced Academic Oral Communication with the Arts & Administration Program’s course, Art and Visual Literacy. The focus of this concurrent course project is to continue developing international students listening ability in academic contexts, and to build their skills to express themselves at sufficiently high levels in oral contexts in order to better participate in academic discussions.
Courses Taught
AAD 250 Art and Human Values
AAD 251 Art and Visual Literacy
AAD 301 Understanding Arts and Creative Sectors