Club campaigns for art wall

Emily Timmerman

Editor in Chief

In part as a response to the increase in “graffiti” found across campus, The College of Wooster Community Art Connection is working to implement a campus art wall. They are hopeful that students will see the wall as a viable option for public artistic expression. While the “wall” would not realistically be erected until next fall, the group is currently working through the logistics involved in gaining the school’s approval for this project, while also trying to come up with the best understanding of what exactly this kind of public art platform could look like.

In a recent survey done by the group, 70.7 percent of the 178 participants said that they were interested in a public art wall, and 52.2 percent said they would utilize such a structure, suggesting significant support for the group’s intentions.

For the time being, the plans for the “wall” consist of mostly ideas, and the group is open to both suggestions and feedback from the campus at large. It is undecided what form this “wall” will actually take; they are currently working with the idea of a sculptural piece, a pyramid or cube, which would allow for multiple sides on which students could paint.

Where it will be located on campus is still unknown, and parameters as far as censorship and free expression are still unclear. The committee is hoping to have a forum towards the end of April where some of these details can be worked out.

They are also looking to get other student groups interested in their mission, primarily to help broaden and perpetuate the interest in the project. Furthermore, they see this as a venue for both an individual’s artistic expression, as well as group, artwork. “We see this as a public creative display,” said Charlie Fanelli ’12, one of the members of the committee spearheading this project. He has identified a need for such a venue, understanding that “everyone has a creative side, and we want to channel that into a more physical representation.”

“Basically, our mission is to get the planning out of the way this year. That way, come next fall, the art wall can be ‘introduced’ and ready to go,” explained Kristen Schwartz ’12, art wall committee member. As for this semester, the group hopes to solidify the specifics of the project and submit a proposal by the end of the year.

If you are interested in hearing more about this project, or if you have ideas and suggestions, there will be a meeting Thursday, April 17 at 10 p.m. in the CoRE in Andrews Library. Any questions or comments can be directed to either CFanelli12@wooster.edu or KSchwartz12@wooster.edu.