2008 Woodie Awards
Construction of new building only a start for Art department to meet students' larger needs
Karin Portenkirchner, Staff Writer
Issue date: 10/24/06
Last Updated: 12/26/07
The Arts department at Whitworth has needs that go beyond the construction of a new visual arts building. Some Art majors feel that their department lacks recognition as well as money.
The significance of the Art department at Whitworth is not as high as it should be, Graphics Design major and sophomore Kristina Adams said. In her opinion, art makes an important contribution to humanity and to the liberal arts. Christian liberal arts colleges seem to regard the arts as not that necessary, Adams said.
"It leaves the arts out in the cold. It's sad because we have a lot of promising talents at Whitworth," Adams said.
Clayton Walters agrees that other departments get a higher priority at Whitworth. He was an Art major at Whitworth for two years. He had to leave due to financial reasons and is now working to earn money to go to another art school.
"Other departments get a lot more attention. This might be because of student's interests," Walters said.
The lack of money is what frustrates Adams.
"Whitworth kind of tries to support the arts, but there could be more done, especially more funding," Adams said.
For her the biggest problem is the Fine Arts Building and the facilities.
"In painting you are exposed to dangerous chemicals, and we don't have a proper ventilation system, which is kind of unsafe," Adams said.
Associate professor of art Gordon Wilson contracted cancer from chemicals and fumes due to poor ventilation a few years ago. He is now completely recovered.
A new visual arts building is due to be built starting June 1, 2007, but currently this project has problems with funding, said Tom Johnson, vice president of business affairs.
Aurélie Brault, a French exchange student, is an art major with an emphasis in printmaking and photography.
For her, the biggest difference is that she has to buy her own printmaking tools and supplies, Brault said. In France, they are provided by the university or art school, Brault said.
The significance of the Art department at Whitworth is not as high as it should be, Graphics Design major and sophomore Kristina Adams said. In her opinion, art makes an important contribution to humanity and to the liberal arts. Christian liberal arts colleges seem to regard the arts as not that necessary, Adams said.
"It leaves the arts out in the cold. It's sad because we have a lot of promising talents at Whitworth," Adams said.
Clayton Walters agrees that other departments get a higher priority at Whitworth. He was an Art major at Whitworth for two years. He had to leave due to financial reasons and is now working to earn money to go to another art school.
"Other departments get a lot more attention. This might be because of student's interests," Walters said.
The lack of money is what frustrates Adams.
"Whitworth kind of tries to support the arts, but there could be more done, especially more funding," Adams said.
For her the biggest problem is the Fine Arts Building and the facilities.
"In painting you are exposed to dangerous chemicals, and we don't have a proper ventilation system, which is kind of unsafe," Adams said.
Associate professor of art Gordon Wilson contracted cancer from chemicals and fumes due to poor ventilation a few years ago. He is now completely recovered.
A new visual arts building is due to be built starting June 1, 2007, but currently this project has problems with funding, said Tom Johnson, vice president of business affairs.
Aurélie Brault, a French exchange student, is an art major with an emphasis in printmaking and photography.
For her, the biggest difference is that she has to buy her own printmaking tools and supplies, Brault said. In France, they are provided by the university or art school, Brault said.
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