Art department holds ceramics building grand opening

By JoAnn Lindfors |ContributorAfter more than a year of planning and construction, the Department of Art and Design opened the newly renovated sculpture and ceramics lab in a ceremony on Monday, March 5. The usable square footage of the new building has now doubled, offering a bigger workspace for students, faculty and staff. The studio has grown to 8,253 gross square feet.The newly renovated sculpture and ceramics studio will also offer new degree programs and academic offerings.As it was an exciting time for the faculty and students, the excitement was abundant, and the energy of the building was vibrant with lots of chatter and a sense of anticipation before the ribbon cutting.Memories of what the old building was in the back of everyone’s mind while touring the modern new facility. Food and refreshments were available during the ribbon cutting ceremony as well, with plenty of mingling to partake in.Dr. Brooks A. Keel, Augusta University’s president, believes the renovated ceramics lab shows the commitment the university has to the arts.“We have one of the best art programs in the country,” he said before cutting the ribbon. “My promise to you is that we do a better job of sharing your artwork so that others can know how much we appreciate the arts and humanities in this institution.”Dr. Elna Green, Dean of the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences appreciated President Keel attending the ceremony and his kind comments about the art program at AU.“The university is supporting the art programs,” Dean Green noted before the ribbon cutting.Elisabeth Hundt, a senior majoring in communication, was impressed with the new lab.“The newly renovated ceramics and art facility is a great addition to Augusta University’s campus because it has so much space, and can acquire more art activities,” Hundt said. “Washington Hall has become overcrowded and can only acquire so many art projects. The Augusta University art students deserve the best and deserved a new building. This facility really is awesome.”The newly renovated ceramics and sculpture building is in full use, as students are now flocking to the facility to work on their art designs.Students, administrators, faculty and staff attended the grand opening. Also present were the architects and donors.Art and Design Chair Scott Thorp thanked all for attending before President Keel cut the symbolic ribbon with a power tool. After the ribbon cutting, the attendees were invited to the sculpture and ceramics lab for refreshments and a tour of the facility.