A new series of artwork has been added to the lounge located next to The Bistro, inside of Gee Library.
The artwork comes from students and faculty of the Department of Art, chronicling their work dating back as far as 25 years ago.
“The artworks on display are drawn from a stash of drawings, photos, collages and prints made by students and faculty members over the past 25 years,” Interim Head of Art Michael Odom said. “We found the stash in a storage area in the Art Building last spring while tidying up.”
The forgotten art was installed in the Library during the summer break.
“Greg Mitchell, the director of the library, had asked whether the Department of Art could provide a visual display for the library, and we were able to do so,” he said.
The works range from different styles and forms that are significant to the department and University.
“There is a mix of mediums on display in the library. Some of the works are photographs by Bill McDowell, who used to teach photography here a few years back,” Odom said. “Some of the works are examples of student work in a print making technique called Intaglio which involves printing from metal plates. Others are examples of screen printing or Serigraph.”
Some students have not had a chance see the display or simply overlook it.
“I have never noticed the art, I am always so into what is playing in my headphones that I don’t see them, but I hear that they are pretty interesting.” Undergraduate Theresa Anderson said.
Although, the display hasn’t gone totally unnoticed by students in the library.
“Well I usually just go into the area to make copies but there is always one that catches my eye. It sort of looks like a musical melt the clock picture and I really find it interesting every time,” Undergraduate Lauren Stubbs said.
Plans are in the works to put more of these artworks within the library, as well as in different buildings on campus.
“I’m working on installing some new work in the hallway outside the Provost’s office next month and some new work in the office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences this semester,” Odom said. “When that happens, we will be able to rotate the Library show out and replace what’s there with fresh work.”
Gee Library Director Greg Mitchell is pleased with the result of gallery.
“The artwork is the first display for our gallery area, and adds a new ambience to the whole area,” Mitchell said. “It is a retrospective of students’ prints from the art department. We will be rotating the displays in our gallery, but I am not sure when we will actually change to another one.”