John Brown University dedicated the Peer-Andrus Studio and Project Barn during a ceremony on Thursday evening.
The $3.2 million building opened in August and provides art and engineering students with studio and project space. The facility is the latest initiative of JBU's $125 million Campaign for the Next Century, which is scheduled to be completed next year, according to a press release from the University.
The 16,800-square-foot facility, is divided into two sections. The art section includes space for commercial photography and video shoots, a wood shop and three large project areas. Five art classes are being held in the new facility this semester. The engineering section features one large project area with 17 flexible workstations for students.
The building is named in honor of Charles Peer, who retired from his position as professor of visual arts last May, and Dave Andrus, current professor of visual arts. The two men founded JBU's visual arts program in 1990 with only six students. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the university's largest programs with eight faculty members and more than 200 students, including majors in graphic design, art and illustration, digital cinema and photography.
"They are truly great friends and they have accomplished much. ... I am grateful for the chance to honor them today," said Chip Pollard, university president.
Andrus, a JBU graduate who also has a Master of Fine Arts from Syracuse University, teaches design and works in oil painting, calligraphy and digital art. His work has been recognized by the Heart of American Illinois River Water Project Artists Salon juried exhibition and he recently received a faculty excellence award for his teaching. He is a wonderful artist, and a gifted teacher and administrator, Pollard said.
Peer, who graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1979 with a Master of Fine Arts in painting and drawing, is an internationally recognized pastel artist, whose work has been featured in numerous juried exhibitions sponsored and earned a long list of awards. Last spring he was awarded Master Circle Status by the International Association of Pastel Societies, one of only 185 artists in the world to receive the recognition. In addition to teaching for the past 31 years, Peer has also been the director of JBU's fine arts gallery for the past decade, bringing internationally recognized artists to university.
Peer said he is grateful for his family, friends, fellow faculty members and students, as well as those who have supported the university's art program.
"Speaking on behalf of the departments of engineer, construction management and visual arts, along with all of our students past, present and future, I would like to thank all of you who have given so generously of your time, your talents, your financial resources, to help us make their young dreams become reality."
Senior engineering student Aby Acker said the new facility has positively impacted her and her peers' ability to work and test class projects, study for exams and build community.
"On behalf of all the seniors we're just so grateful for the space and for all the opportunities, it's going to provide future generations of engineers who are going to spend a lot of late nights here," Acker said. "I know that a lot of effort was put into this dream by our faculty and by Dr. Pollard and a lot of you have contributed to making that dream a reality, so I just want to say how grateful we are, we really appreciate this new space."
General News on 10/07/2018