ANNUAL REPORT
VISUAL ART COMMITTEE
1995-1996
MEETINGS
The University Visual Arts Committee (VAC) meetings were scheduled monthly during the 95/95 school year. During these sessions the routine business of the committee was addressed and future projects planned. Several subcommittee meetings were also scheduled on an as needed basis.
Art in the Classroom
Installations
Two new commissioned art pieces were introduced to the Art int eh Classroom collection during the 95/96 school year. A tapestry by Charlene Marsh was installed in Knoy B-16. Later in the year a commissioned piece by Marilyn Price was installed in LAEB B-222. Unfortunately the Charlene Marsh piece was stolen and has yet to be recovered. The committee is currently looking at their options for replacement of the piece. It should be noted that theft of this type of art is very uncommon on the West Lafayette campus. Only two pieces of the VAC collection have ever been stolen.
The committee once again decided to continue allocating funds to the Art in the Classroom project. Indiana artists were solicited for the competition. The committee narrowed the selection to two artists: Mr. Terry Lacy and Mr. Bill Cross. After a visit to campus the artists were asked to submit a proposal for a specific work and room selection. Mr. Cross selected Stone Hall room 217 and Mr. Lacy selected Mechanical Engineering room 156. The committee solicited financial help from the School of Engineering and Consumer and Family Sciences. Both schools agreed to contribute $1,000 toward the $3,000 commission. This allowed the committee to make two Art in the Classroom purchase awards this year.
Poster Collection
The major activity for the poster collection this year was done in Stanley Coulter. Posters were installed in various classrooms with selection and installation coordination done by committee members. In this case, all poster and installation costs were paid from other than committee funds.
Other Projects
The committee has coordinated the repair and reinstallation of a commissioned piece from Knoy B-33. This piece required reinstallation to improve the mounting technique. With help from the Physical Plant the artwork has been reinstalled.
One of the major efforts of the VAC this year was aimed at development of a portfolio containing photographs and descriptions of the various art works installed by the committee. The portfolio is being developed to help publicize the efforts of the VAC. Both the Development Office and Office of Publications have provided assistance with this project. The portfolio should be completed during the 96-97 school year.
Future Plans
The committee's goals are to continue to install art in various classrooms and other public spaces on campus. This will most likely be accomplished through continues purchase of commissioned pieces and student works. The committee also hopes to develop a long term fund raising strategy with help from the development office. The new portfolio is the first step toward this goal. The poster collection will also be maintained and expanded during upcoming years.New posters in the tunnel between the Memorial Union and the new parking garage should be installed next year. The committee is currently waiting for estimates for framing and installation.
Funding
This year the committees general allocations ($3188) were supplemented by funds from the office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs ($2,500). Once again the committee would like to thank Dr. Ringel for his support. The poster collection activities have been supplemented by PEP donations. The poster installations have been done on a cost sharing basis whenever requested by a particular department.
The committee will have spent (or have allocated) virtually all this years funds by the end of the fiscal year.