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HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

New art facility nears completion

FOR RELEASE: November 25, 2009

Huntington, Ind.— Construction is nearing completion on a new facility for studio art instruction at Huntington University. The new building, located between Merillat Boulevard and Lake Street, will create an additional 3,000 square feet of instructional space for painting, drawing, and photography.

"All drawing and painting classes will be moved to the new site, along with a photo lighting studio space. The new building will also have a dedicated spray booth for using adhesives, fixatives and spray paints," explained Ken Hopper, associate professor of art and department chair.

The facility is designed with an open concept for maximum flexibility of instruction.

"One of the greatest features of the new space is that both the painting and drawing sides of the main floor will have dedicated adjustable lighting setups hung from the ceiling that will allow us to properly light still-life setups and models," Hopper said.

The new building will provide creative space for both students and faculty.

"I had a painting studio in Becker and the new building will have space to continue my painting," Hopper added.

The as-yet unnamed building is located adjacent to 3-D art studios for ceramics and sculpture. Hopper said that students and faculty are looking forward to using the new ground-floor space. Painting and drawing classes have been taught on the third floor of Becker Hall.  "That third-floor climb was getting old... or maybe that’s just me," Hopper quipped.

The transition of painting and drawing classes to the new building will make the third floor of Becker Hall available for the expansion of classrooms and labs for the digital media arts program.  With tracks in animation, film production, and film studies, digital media is now one of Huntington University's largest academic programs. Renovations to Becker Hall are expected to begin next year.

Graphic design and additional courses will continue to be taught in the Merillat Centre for the Arts.

Troy Irick, vice president for advancement, said that funding is already in place for the new studio art  building. "At an approximate cost of $400,000, the new facility will meet the immediate and near-term needs of the visual arts program while freeing additional space for the digital media arts program. We want to facilitate continued enrollment growth and support quality of instruction while exercising prudent financial stewardship."

Funding for the new building was provided entirely through private gifts to the university, Irick said.

Expanding these programs is closely tied to the university's Christian mission, explained President Blair Dowden.

"Additional studio and lab space for both the visual and digital arts will help our students become gifted artists who serve as salt and light in the world," Dowden said.

The new facility is expected to be ready for classes at the start of the 2010 spring semester.

Fine art, art education, and digital media are among more than 70 academic concentrations offered by Huntington University. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. In 2008, Forbes.com listed the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review named the institution to its “Best in the Midwest” 2009 list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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