2008 Woodie Awards
Culture
More art equals better campus
Issue date: 1/16/08 Section: Editorial
Increasing the amount of permanent public artwork would enliven and enrich the cultural environment of CMU.
The sculptures and paintings that already grace the public spaces of our campus help to define and enhance the buildings and walkways they inhabit.
They have become a part of the culture of the university.
It wouldn't hurt to add to that culture.
The few sculptures scattering campus are a vehicle for expression or communication of emotion and ideas. Like any work of art, they are a means for exploring and appreciating different themes.
Art makes you think. It's another kind of educational experience.
In one aspect, a colorful painting can simply be aesthetically pleasing, candy for the eye. But beneath the surface it, can cause infinite discussions and arguments about contemporary society.
Art is a break from words, allowing people to learn in different ways.
A book will explain the intricate details of a historical event, but a photo or a painting also can tell that story on an entirely different level.
It also provides visual stimulation, a break from the mundane. Something colorful or complex can change a mood or inspire creativity.
Even if a piece is misunderstood, it's important.
The lack of public art on campus reflects the fact that the CMU art program is not represented. Displaying more art or even more student art would raise awareness of the program.
In addition to implementing more permanent works, something should be done to protect them.
During September 2006, vandals destroyed a deceased art professor's sculptures that were just off the walkway near the corner of Washington and Preston streets.
It wasn't the first time campus art was damaged.
While there are few obvious students who do not appreciate or understand the aesthetic value of art, it doesn't mean that the campus as a whole should be punished for their actions.
The sculptures and paintings that already grace the public spaces of our campus help to define and enhance the buildings and walkways they inhabit.
They have become a part of the culture of the university.
It wouldn't hurt to add to that culture.
The few sculptures scattering campus are a vehicle for expression or communication of emotion and ideas. Like any work of art, they are a means for exploring and appreciating different themes.
Art makes you think. It's another kind of educational experience.
In one aspect, a colorful painting can simply be aesthetically pleasing, candy for the eye. But beneath the surface it, can cause infinite discussions and arguments about contemporary society.
Art is a break from words, allowing people to learn in different ways.
A book will explain the intricate details of a historical event, but a photo or a painting also can tell that story on an entirely different level.
It also provides visual stimulation, a break from the mundane. Something colorful or complex can change a mood or inspire creativity.
Even if a piece is misunderstood, it's important.
The lack of public art on campus reflects the fact that the CMU art program is not represented. Displaying more art or even more student art would raise awareness of the program.
In addition to implementing more permanent works, something should be done to protect them.
During September 2006, vandals destroyed a deceased art professor's sculptures that were just off the walkway near the corner of Washington and Preston streets.
It wasn't the first time campus art was damaged.
While there are few obvious students who do not appreciate or understand the aesthetic value of art, it doesn't mean that the campus as a whole should be punished for their actions.
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