Art at eye level
You don't have to look far to enjoy fine art on Southeastern's campus
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Pictured here is Sue Johnson's "Interior Life of a Daffodil."
You don't have to visit a gallery to enjoy fine art on Southeastern's campus – it's everywhere you look. From the lobby of Sims Memorial Library to the atrium of the Biology Building, works from the university's Fine Art Collection are on display for everyone to enjoy on a daily basis.
Curated by Department of Visual Art + Design Professor Dale Newkirk, the collection has grown from a few dozen to about 350 pieces in the last 10 years. The majority of the collection includes works on paper – such as photographs and drawings – with ties to the southeast region.
"I try to put the artwork where students can enjoy it, such as in the Southeastern Writing Center and the Department of English's writing studio," said Newkirk.
The artwork also is made available to visitors and the local community. It adorns the walls of the Inn at Southeastern, an overnight accommodation for visiting artists and dignitaries, as well as the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond.
Newkirk plans to continue increasing the collection through acquisitions and donations, but he has to make sure there is appropriate space available before accepting new artwork. Humidity and temperature have to be consistent for the art, according to Newkirk, who reframed and restored much of the original collection since joining the university a decade ago.
If you are hoping to enjoy art in a gallery setting, look no further than Southeastern's Contemporary Art Gallery. Located at 100 East Stadium, the gallery hosts exhibits and events throughout the year that are free to students as well as the public. While you're there, pick up a complimentary copy of the student-designed publication "Selections from the Southeastern Louisiana University Fine Art Collection."
Connect with the Contemporary Art Gallery on Facebook to view the current schedule and latest news – and be sure to keep an eye out for works from the Fine Art Collection the next time you're on Southeastern's campus.
