Over the course of the last year, the Art Department, the School of Education, and the UW Foundation reviewed our readiness to begin a fundraising campaign for a new Art Academic Building. We found that, for several reasons, the proposed timeframe for fundraising and construction is not practical. We still plan to achieve this vision; we just need to set our sights further out. An independent consultants’ analysis was complimentary of the Art Department’s communication and success in reaching out to alumni. They encouraged us to continue this important work.
The consultants also remarked on finding considerable enthusiasm for the plan to move Tandem Press to a location adjacent to the Art Lofts as part of the east campus arts corridor master plan.
It comes as no surprise that many people are passionate about the legacy of the Art Department, particularly in the areas of ceramics and glass. For art glass, this is fortuitous timing: 2012 will mark the 50th anniversary of Professor Harvey Littleton founding the first glass studio at an American university – UW-Madison – a moment often cited as the birth of the American art glass movement. We would love to honor Professor Littleton’s groundbreaking work, as well as that of other great faculty, with funds that will make a critical difference for the faculty and students who continue to carry this great legacy forward.
It has been true pleasure to be back connecting with various departments in the School of Art, oops, darn, I mean the Art Department. Which leads me into this final update.
Another initiative of the Art Board of Visitors is leading the movement and setting the direction for the Art Department’s role in a campus-wide effort to establish a School of the Arts. Wow, what an exciting time for us! We have had several meetings and discussions pertaining to this goal. I’m pleased to report there has been progress toward making this effort a reality. It will obviously take some funds and a huge amount of integration, but we’ll keep that momentum moving.
If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or comments, don’t hold back! We want to hear from you.
Regards,
Ron
Chair, Art Board of Visitors
847-846-4076
rbstarr@aol.com