From the beginning: A look at Zirkle’s history

Many of us walk by Zirkle House every day without a single thought as to how it became a part of JMU.

The Zirkle House is anything but just another campus building. Purchased in 1949 for a mere $13,500, the Zirkle House was prepared as a home for former JMU president Samuel Page Duke (1919-1949) and his wife after his resignation from the university in August of that year. This location was particularly significant for Duke because each day it allowed him to view the campus he had contributed to and supported for almost thirty years, according to "Madison College: The First 50 Years" by Raymond C. Dingledine Jr.

Today, the Zirkle House displays a collection of galleries offering a variety of mixed media, artwork and photography by students and guest artists. First opened in the 1970s, the Zirkle House is one of the only entirely student-run galleries on the East Coast, according to senior and Zirkle House employee Ann Frey.

"It’s about the students, for the students," Frey said.

Three of the four galleries in the house — the Artworks Gallery, the Other Gallery and the Madison Gallery — exhibit undergraduate and graduate work, while the fourth — the New Image Gallery — exhibits professional photography.

Every two weeks, new student shows are displayed, with openings the first Monday of each exhibit from 7 to 9 p.m. The atmosphere is enhanced with snacks offered at many showings. Refreshments also are available at Free Coffee Fridays, where coffee is provided to wandering viewers and amateur art critics. Zirkle House staff tries to elicit community involvement through poetry readings and art auctions which occur sporadically throughout the year, Frey said.

For more information, check out the Zirkle House Web site at www.jmu.edu/zirklestuart.