ANNUAL REPORT
VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE
1994-1995
The University Visual Arts Committee held seven regular meetings during the
year. During these sessions routine business of the committee was addressed
and future projects discussed. Subcommittees were formed throughout the course of the year.
PROJECTS
Art in the Classroom
Both 1994 Art in the classroom competition awards were installed during the academic year. Brian Jones' piece, "Purdue Nests I- IV" was installed in Mechanical Engineering 161 in September 1995. Rudy Pozzatti's work, "In the Course of a day" was installed in University Hall 303. The visual Arts committee also held a reception for Rudy Pozzatti on February 20, 1995 at the installation of his artwork.The committee held its ninth competition for the 1995 Art in the Classroom Project. There were three finalists for the award: Charlene Marsh, Marilyn Price and Dr. Elinor Jones. Each artist met with members of the committee during Spring Break to view the three classrooms chosen as potential sites for the artwork, Laeb 222, KNOY B16 and SC 239. Each artist submitted specific final proposals. Two artists, Charlene Marsh and Marilyn Price, were chosen to receive individual awards, contingent upon receiving additional funds from the Dean of Liberal Arts and the Dean of Technology. Members of the committee contacted Deans Caputo and Gentry and each contributed $1,000 toward the purchase of the artworks. The additional funding, facilitates the purchase of two individual commissioned artworks at $3000 each for the 1995 Art in the Classroom Competition. VAC will contribute the remaining $2,000 for each work.
The Committee requested that each artwork be finished and submitted by August 15, 1995. Installation of each artwork should occur early during Fall 1995 semester.
Purchase of Student Artwork
The committee voted to allocate up to $500 for the purchase of student art work. A subcommittee was formed to view and vote on the work, currently on show in the Union Gallery and Beelke Gallery. A Raku Pot from student artists Mark Hartzler was purchased for $50.00 and a large chalk drawing by student artist Michelle Rund was purchased for $150.00.
Poster Collection
The committee voted to allocate $500 for the Poster Collection in order to frame posters already in the collection. Additionally, the Underground Gallery in the subwalk between the PMU and the new Grant Street garage will need new frames when the garage is complete this summer. The committee allocated an additional $1,000 for the project.
Tunnel Art
A subcommittee met to tour a number of underground tunnels which currently have no decoration or artwork. The proposal to expand the Poster Collection to include these tunnels was put on hold until additional funding (to purchase and install said posters) can be found.
"Art at Purdue" Touring Brochure
The revised and updated "Art at Purdue- A Tour of the University Art Collections on the West Lafayette Campus" Brochure was received and distributed to several campus locations, including the Visitors' Center.
Art in the Classroom Brochure
The committee discussed the need for and feasibility of creating a new brochure which would publish photographs and descriptions of current "Art in the Classroom" Artwork in order to enhance visibility of this VAC project on campus, in the Lafayette community and statewide. (The Art in the Classroom Project, which funds commissioned work from Indiana artists for classrooms on the West Lafayette campus, is unique in Indiana and, and most likely, the United States.) A subcommittee was formed to discover the cost of photography and publishing the brochure. The Development Office has agreed to fund the taking of photographs of current Art in the Classroom installations which alleviates the financial burden VAC. The University Publication Department has agreed to publish the "Art in the Classroom Brochure."
Marketing and Development
A subcommittee contacted and met with members of the University Development Office to discuss the ways and means to enhance the committee's exposure to alumni organizations which may want to contribute gifts for specific projects, such as "Tunnel Art" and an "Art in the Classroom Brochure." Tom Eismin has agreed to continue heading this subcommittee next year.