2008 Woodie Awards
Art on campus provokes variety of opinions
John Yehambaram
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Intermission
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Steve Ludwig, vice president of SCSU, said most of the art on campus is built in part of state legislative rule that 1 percent of funds for construction on campus is to be appropriated to art.
Ludwig said other art structures on campus, like the "Mirror Gardens" between the administrative building and Centennial Hall, are from the relationship SCSU has developed with Akita University in Japan and was paid for by the cultural diversity fund.
"It was designed by Japanese artist Kinji Akagawa, who was raised in Japan and lives in the Twin Cities. He teaches in the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and as part of a class he came up with the 'Mirror Gardens' and his students in the class helped him to assemble the pieces," Ludwig said.
Susan Sayal, an SCSU sophomore said the "Mirror Gardens" is a great place to study and hang out, especially when spring season arrives.
"It's nice to have a beautiful artistic place like this in the university where students can just chill out or study," Sayal said.
The modern abstract silver construct next to Stewart Hall called "Perspectives" is the first piece of art to be commissioned from the 1 percent rule. Ludwig said it was designed by artist Charles Huntington, who has also designed art pieces for General Mills.
Monica Bergen, an SCSU junior and art major, said the "Perspective" structure is a fairly good representation of modern art on campus. She said there isn't much eclectic art on campus and would like to see more.
"It would be nice if students could construct a big modern art piece like the 'Perspective' one," Bergen said.
Ludwig said "Infinite Voices" is another art piece commissioned by the 1 percent for art. It is located in front of Lawrence Hall. He said it was designed by Janet Lofquist.
"It is made from local granite and its concept is about bringing people together," Ludwig said.
The stainless steel piece has 40 different languages written on it and it is shaped in a triangular dynamic. Bergen said the "Infinite Voices" is probably one of the more meaningful art works on campus because it is situated in front of Lawrence Hall.
"It is well thought of being placed in front of Lawrence Hall where the international office is located, which makes a nice welcoming symbol for new international students," Bergen said.
Bergen said most of the art on campus does blend in to the culture of the town's geographical identity.
"The fountain in front of Atwood, it's made out of granite, symbolizing what this town is famous geographically for," Bergen said. "The art on campus comes in many shapes and sizes and so does the opinion of SCSU students on it. We do need art on campus, and we probably need more of them that relate to students on campus."