School is back in session, and the art department is geared up for another visually enriching academic year thanks to a few changes made in recent months. During the summer, the multimedia program received a $60,000 grant.
“I am excited about the grant. The department is planning to reapply for another grant sometime this year,” Zara Logue, Assistant to the Department Head, said.
With the money received this summer, the program was able to purchase new computers and other related materials. Additionally, the program was able to renovate two classrooms and hire two well-known names to be guest speakers in multimedia classes this year: Amy Frances Chini and Anne Wilson. The department has also hired two new full-time faculty members, Kevin Yates, who will be working in the sculpture program, and Kartz Ucci in the multimedia design program.
Along with the grant, the department is also looking forward to the reopening of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
According to the museum’s Web site, “The new facility will be nearly twice the size of the former building, offering dramatically expanded and redesigned spaces in which visitors will discover innovative exhibitions and programs.” The museum’s official reopening date is set for January 23.
Until the reopening of the museum, art enthusiasts can view the
student-showcased artwork featured in the LaVerne Krause Gallery, located in Room 100 of Lawrence Hall. The gallery, which is sponsored by the art department, features the artwork of three different students each week. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, each Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. new exhibits and artwork are introduced at receptions, where people are encouraged to mingle with the artists and enjoy complimentary food. Jocelyn Mcauley, a research assistant in the biology department, comes into the gallery to view the newest “cutting-edge art” every Monday.
“It is always an exciting show because the space gives me an opportunity to look at challenging art, as well as a good opportunity for the artists to practice receiving an audience,” Mcauley said.
Artists looking to have their work featured in a gallery showing can pick up an application packet from the art department office.
Gallery Coordinator Casey Wanlass, who selects the artists, said he does not discriminate in choosing the sort of art to be featured.
“As long as you are a student and there is space, your work can be featured in the gallery,” Wanlass said.
If too many people apply at once, graduate students are selected before the undergraduate students.
“Being the gallery coordinator is a rewarding experience because each week you get to witness new students’ work,” Wanlass said.
This week, the gallery features artwork by Wanlass himself, along with work by Jodi Hanson and Benjamin Hollberg.
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