In an unusual College-student relationship, senior studio art majors receive money for their academic efforts, a different experience for those accustomed to paying high tuition fees. The Office of Residential Life's Art Acquisition Program, with funds from the Class of 1960, purchases works created by senior art majors, which are then permanently installed in campus buildings.
The opening reception for this year's Senior Majors Exhibition took place Tuesday night in the Hopkins Center. Prior to mounting the art pieces, Jerry Auten, studio art professor and coordinator of the exhibition, along with Marty Redman and Emily Eckels of ORL, examine the works and choose which to purchase. Members of the studio art department also provide advice. The prices, determined by ORL, vary from around $200 to $400, taking into account both visual effect and the cost spent on a work's creation.
Kelly Storer '05, who sold prints in the exhibition. said that some people choose to not sell pieces that are worth more than ORL can pay. The artists, however, still appreciate the compensation and the opportunity to be reimbursed, Storer said.
Agreeing with Storer, Miriam El Rassi '05, who sold architectural plans, said she feels that "any kind of money is great."
The Class of 1960 began the acquisition program in 1991 and continues to contribute money every year to the purchases and preparation for art placement in campus buildings. If necessary, ORL supplements these funds. Dennis Goodman '60, who has been involved with the program since its start, represented his class at this year's show opening. He expressed that the program was particularly popular with his class, whose members voluntarily make contributions on a regular basis to the fund.
According to Eckels, ORL attempts to purchase a piece of art from everyone who chooses to sell one of his or her pieces. In selecting purchases, logistical factors concerning building installation are taken into account.
"Sometimes their artwork doesn't always translate to something to exhibit in the residence halls, but we try our best," Eckels said.
Student artwork can currently be found in virtually all of the campus buildings, including the Treehouses. Pieces are typically placed in spaces that work according to their size, but occasionally artists request particular spaces.
According to ORL's website, approximately 15 pieces are purchased each year through the program. This year, 28 works were selected, reflecting the atypically large number of senior studio art majors. The pieces range from oil self-portraits on canvas to electronic copies of architectural plans.
Joining other senior art majors in positive reaction to the program, Ariel Churnin '05 said that a purchased piece makes her feel more confident as an artist. She also appreciates the opportunity to be permanently connected to the College.
"I really like the idea of me being a part of Dartmouth forever," Churnin said.
Soojung Rhee '05 said she is grateful that the program acknowledges the majors' works and endeavors, which she feels may not typically attract as much attention as other student efforts.
"I think it's a great thing that Dartmouth realizes we take our work very seriously and personally," she said.
The Senior Majors Exhibition continues through June 19 in the Jaffe-Friede & Strauss Galleries and the Upper Jewett Corridor of the Hop.