Thu 4/23 @ 6PM & Wed 5/06 @ 11AM
Kent State University is building a new Center for the Visual Arts to house all of the art disciplines under one roof for the first time in KSU history. To help raise funds, there will be a series of art auctions to assist with rasiing money for the new project, which means you can contribute and be part of this history making event!
Currently, the School of Art includes Art Education, Art History, Crafts, Ceramics, Glass, Jewelry/Metals, Textiles, Fine Art, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture. Yet the departments are in different buildings spread throughout campus.
Construction for the new building began in August of 2014. The building is being completed in two phases. The first phase will be ready for students this fall and the second phase is scheduled for completion for the spring term of 2016.
Christine Havice, director of the School of Art, said,”The new space will end the ‘diaspora’ that the school has been spread across since 1960. Currently, School of Art programs and classes are spread out among several different buildings. Our new building, the Center for the Visual Arts, will become a learning resource itself. We will have a home under one roof in which to think, learn, imagine, explore, create, critique and celebrate together.”
The School of Art at Kent State University offers a long tradition of imagination, thought, skill and achievement in the visual arts. Its mission is to explore ideas, provide the highest standards of craft, and stimulate individual and collective creativity, teaching and research, curriculum and exhibitions. The School of Art nurtures both the creative and entrepreneurial spirit needed for success as a professional in the arts, with emphasis on critical thinking and independent learning as important goals. Make, teach, explore, research — all are options open to undergraduates in the BA and BFA degree programs and graduates in the MA and unique MFA degree programs in the School of Art.
Seventy-four pieces are being auctioned off to support fundraising efforts for the development of the Center for the Visual Arts.
“Professor Loderstedt reached out to all faculty and emeriti faculty,” says Jenifer Warren, associate director of Advancement of KSU’s College of the Arts. ” He also contacted alumni who he knew are working actively as professional artists and have remained connected to the School of Art,”
“In addition to donations from current School of Art faculty members such as Martin Ball, Gianna Committo, Paul O’Keefe, Michael Loderstedt, Darice Polo, there are some pieces being included from the School’s permanent collection, including a Calder, two Lichtensteins, an Andy Warhol and a Rauschenberg,” says Warren. “Additional pieces are also from School of Art emeriti faculty such as Cleveland Arts Prize winner Brinsley Tyrell and Arts Prize winner alumna Liz Maugans of Zygote Press. What is most exciting is the passion of the donors to the auction to support their new home through their own art. Contributing to the future of art education through their own art practice is very special and impactful. It shows their commitment on a deep and personal level. The quality and variety of art being auctioned speaks for itself.”
Come out and meet the artists and view firsthand the variety of art works created and donated by faculty and alumni of the School of Art. This premier preview exhibition will be from 4/21-/4/26 and is free and open to the public at the William Busta Gallery (2731 Prospect Ave. East). The Art Auction Benefit will be Thu 4/23 from 6-9pm, also at the William Busta Gallery. Gray’s Auctioneers will be available at the reception to assist with early bidding. Join the festive occasion and bid on the artworks.
There will be a final opportunity to view and bid on the artworks at Gray’s Auctioneer (10717 Detroit Ave. 216-458-7695), as they will host a preview exhibition from Thu 4/30-Tue 5/5th. The culminating live auction will take place on May 6th at 11AM. Don’t miss your chance to bid on pieces by Kent State’s renowned faculty and alumni artists. All participants will make an indelible impact on the School of Art’s future. If you are unable to attend the live auction, you may join in by phone, online or through absentee bidding.
Online bidding is also open. Visit Gray’s Auctioneers for details. To view all images being auctioned for this benefit, enter “Center for the Visual Arts” in the search bar of the Modern, Post-war & Contemporary Art auction. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Center for the Visual Arts building fund.
Both venues have parking lots adjacent to their buildings.
Art Credit: Brinsley Tyrell, Emeritus Faculty