Artistry percolates at Old Stone Mill

Author: Cloe Shasha

The Old Stone Mill Board approved six student artistic proposals for this semester Sept. 29. These first student groups will inaugurate the building for its new purpose: a space to foster creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. The students' proposed projects range from cooking for strangers to starting an online arts magazine. The building, located in the town of Middlebury over the Storm Café, contains multiple spaces that can be customized, within reason, at the will of the accepted applicants.

John Glouchevitch '10.5 observed that Middlebury students, over time, tend to stay relatively insular in their circles of friends. So he conceived of a once-a-month dinner party called, "Strangers at the Old Stone Mill: cook, eat, and laugh with a group of people you've never met before," with the goal of bringing a different diverse group of individuals together at each event.

"I'm hoping to steal some kitchenware from 51 Main and start cooking for people I've never met before," Glouchevitch said. "I am excited about getting to meet new people and helping other people meet new people."

He will use the kitchen in the Old Stone Mill to cook and will acquire food from a variety of sources.

Morgan Peach '09 wants to create a physical work of art entitled "The Source," primarily out of wood. In order to build this concept, he will construct his own table with his tools. He will incorporate light, sound and electronics into his work.

"Allow me to paint a picture of what it may feel like to encounter 'The Source,'" Peach said. "You will step into a dark room, into nothingness, the void. Waves of pressure, sound, will wash over you. You turn your eyes to 'The Source' and your thoughts freeze, absorbed in the moment, awe-struck by the spectacle that radiates light and the love of a woodworker's heart."

Peach looks forward to spending long nights working with his materials in his office on the first floor.

"I will allow the muse to speak through me, as my hands do the work of an unconscious mind. Such is the experience of creation when immersed in the moment."

After Peach completes his project idea, he plans on exhibiting his work.

Taryn Tilton '11 is setting up her space in a second floor office where she will do mixed media and collage. She wants to cover the walls with art and magazine pictures for inspiration. Tilton is aiming to culminate her project with an art show of her own work.

"I feel so lucky to be able to have studio space like this," Tilton said. "Especially because I'm not an art major."

Taryn plans on occasionally bringing her young community friend to her space to share it with the child.

Mairead Harris '09 and Gregory Arthur '09 are going to teach calligraphy classes in the Old Stone Mill, on the second floor. These two students live in the Chinese house and want to expand the Chinese calligraphy activities that already exist on campus.

"We're most excited about getting students, whether they study a language or not, interested in the artistic value of a variety of written linguistic forms," said Harris. "We'd also love to do some activities with kids in local schools, and get enough students' calligraphy to do an exhibition sometime this semester!"

Harris and Arthur want to explore new types of calligraphy in their classes - everything from Hebrew to Tibetan - as well as Chinese calligraphy.

"The Hunt" is an elaborate treasure hunt that many students are familiar with after its kickoff last year during Winter Term. During its first year, the event was a faculty-planned success.

Now, Michael McCormick '09 and James Riddleberger '09 want to lead The Hunt and establish it as a Middlebury tradition.

"The great thing about using the Old Stone Mill space is that it will give us an area where we can spread out," said McCormick. "We can build props there or anything else for The Hunt, and we will have a nice space for meetings without distractions."

They are using a second floor office of the Old Stone Mill to plan this winter's Hunt. In their space they will hold meetings and map out the course of The Hunt.

Middlebury College does not yet have an Online Arts Magazine, so Nick Fager '09 plans on starting one. He is in the coordination stage of his project and is still looking to recruit other interested students.

"The thing about my project that I am most excited about is the opportunity to give student artists from Middlebury and colleges nationwide the chance to get some exposure for their most prized works," Fager said. "The kind of exposure that might otherwise be very difficult to find."

Fager is using an office on the third floor where he can hold meetings and install the technology and materials that he needs.

Spaces in the Old Stone Mill still remain, and the Review Board will continue to accept applications for this semester and next semester.