ArtWorks provides space for student artists to show work
JMU’s student gallery adjusting to new home on Grace Street
By Leila Saadeh, contributing writer
Posted on October 23, 2006

ArtWorks is like a hidden treasure. It looks like an old factory on the outside, but once you walk up the stairs, you enter a colorful and exquisite world of art. Located on Grace Street, JMU’s student gallery is a place for students to show off their artistic side.

The idea of a student-run gallery was first conceived of in the 1970s, and located in the former Zirkle House on South Main Street. Last semester, the gallery moved to Grace Street and became the current ArtWorks gallery.

“This space is amazing,” said senior Resa Erickson, the director of ArtWorks. “It’s much better than the Zirkle House.”

The moveable walls in ArtWorks allow the artist more display options than the fixed walls of Zirkle House while also adding a dynamic look to the gallery.

A more open floor for viewers to walk around and better lighting also contributes to the benefits of the new gallery. The location is convenient, making the gallery still walking distance from campus.

 “The contrast of the white moveable walls splashed with colorful art along with the old brick walls of the previous factory give the gallery a very modern look, sort of a New-York-loft feel,” sophomore Lisa Martland said.

All different kinds of art are featured at ArtWorks. The style is mainly modern and contemporary and encompasses all varieties of mediums.

“Artists [can] apply [to in be in the shows], incorporating photographs or examples of their work and an explanation of their theme along with a résumé,” Erickson said.

After the application process, the directors and advisors decide whose work is displayed in the current exhibit.

Each exhibit is displayed for two weeks, but the present exhibit, “Three: A Collaborative Exhibition of Student Work” is displayed for three weeks, ending Oct. 28. This exhibit is special because three different school are incorporated in the show; Eastern Mennonite University, Bridgewater College and JMU.

ArtWorks is not limited to JMU art majors.

“Sometimes SMAD majors are shown in the gallery rather than just the expected art majors,” Erickson said. “Really, anyone who applies and gets accepted can be shown, however, it’s generally JMU students because of the location.”

Everything about ArtWorks is student-run, but there is a faculty advisor, Leslie Bellavance, who assists when needed.

There is a room inside the gallery where professional artists from the New Image Gallery get a chance to present their art in every exhibit.

 In this current exhibit, art was shown from the Contemporary Mathematical Photography and New Media theme. One example was a series of pieces titled “Alma’s Arithmetic” by Eugene Tulchin, which incorporated geometric shapes and bright colors.

The gallery is open from 12 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 12 to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.