This summer, the 20-year-old Kevin P. Mahaney '84 Center for the Arts (CFA) found itself rejuvanated and reborn. Throughout June, July and August, crews toiled day after day on the project, gouging the earth in the front lawn, revealing the building's copper veins.
Despite this lengthy proces, the construction was not as drastic as it appeared. According to Richard Saunders, director of the Museum of Art, the renovations consisted "primarily of replacing faulty sprinkler pipes in the walls."Â The CFA was due for repairs to its mechanical systems. However, these repairs were not the full extent of the summer improvement.
In addition to piping upgrades, the museum also rearranged certain offices. This was done mostly to accommodate the new History of Art and Architecture suite in the CFA. Minor improvements to security and surveillance systems were also added.
"Unfortunately," said Saunders, "the pipes [were] inside the walls and ceilings of the galleries, which necessitated we remove most art objects for safety and security reasons."
However, once the repairs were completed, the museum set to reinstalling old galleries and preparing new exhibits for their September openings.
One of these new exhibits, which opened Sept. 4, is titled "Camera Work: Stieglitz, Steichen, Strand and Company." Based on Charles A. Dana Professor of History of Art & Architecture Kirsten Hoving's course from last year, "Camera Work: Alfred Stieglitz and Photography," the exhibit will highlight three luminaries of American photography: Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen and Paul Strand. The exhibit will also display issues of the journal "Camera Work," which was published by Stieglitz between 1903 and 1917. In addition to the three photography powerhouses, the exhibit will also feature other contemporary photographers of the time.
Another new exhibit opening Sept. 13 is called "China Modern: Designing Popular Culture 1910-1970." With over 175 articles of Chinese culture – such as designs, cinema, pop culture icons, pulp fiction, fashion, games and toys – the exhibition features iconic imagery that chronicles China's changing attitudes and identity throughout its history. On loan from the Pacific Asian Museum in Pasadena, California, the exhibition gives a cultural timeline of how China grew into a world superpower. From posters describing the "worker's paradise" and the bright future of China, to the images of modern boy and girl in advertising, "China Modern" will offer a glimpse at the still-evolving fabric of China's myriad culture.
There is good reason for the recent renovations and new exhibits: the CFA is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. To honor its legacy at the College, the museum will be hosting the Nicholas R. Clifford Symposium later this month, featuring the theme of "Creativity and Collaboration."
With all this and more on the horizon, it will certainly be an exciting year for the CFA. Students interested in participating in museum events are encouraged to register to become a Friend of the Art Museum to be informed of upcoming events and exhibits.
Renovated Center for the Arts Prepares New Exhibits
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