Annual Report
Visual Arts Committee
1997/98

Meetings

The university Visual Arts Committee meetings were scheduled monthly during the 97/98 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.

Installations

Two new commissioned art pieces were introduced to the Art in the Classroom project. Indiana artists were solicited for the competition. The committee narrowed the selection to two artists, Mr. Harry Boone and Ms. Sydney Zentall. After a visit to campus the artists were asked to submit a proposal. We are currently working with the artists to define production and installation schedules.

New Proposals

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. Harry Boone and Ms. Sydney Zent all. After a visit to campus the artists were asked to submit a proposal. We are currently working with the artists to define production and installation schedules.

Poster Collection

Work is nearly completed on replacement of the posters in the tunnel between the Memorial Union and the new parking garage. The frames and plexiglas are installed and the should be installed by the time you receive this report.

Other Projects

The Art-in-the-Classroom portfolio was completed this year. This portfolio contains a color photo of each piece commissioned by the committee and a description of the work. If I do say so, the portfolio is exquisite. This will be used to further expand recognition of the Committee's activities.

Future Plans

The committee's goals are to continue to install art in various classrooms and other public space on campus. This will most likely be accomplished through continued purchase of commissioned pieces and student works. The committee also continues to develop a long term fund raising strategy with help from the development office. The poster collection will also be maintained and expanded during upcoming years as the budget allows.

Funding

This year the general allocations ($3,448) were supplemented by funds from the Office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs ($2,750). 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 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.

Special Note

The extremely small budget of the VAC is becoming an increasing problem. As the VAC installs more art on campus the cost to maintain this art increases. For example, to replace the posters in the tunnel between the parking garage and the Union cost approximately $3,500. This is more than our annual budget. Currently 1,300 framed posters and 28 commissioned art works are maintained by the VAC.

The committee must find more funds some time soon if it is to continue its mission. The cost to maintain the current art will soon absorb all of our budget. I have requested additional funds from Vice President Ringel. That letter is attach ed. Please help support our committee.