UW Crest
 

building projects

Art Lofts: From Warehouse to Arthouse

Formerly a university warehouse, the Art Lofts houses the Art Department’s glass lab, metal sculpture foundry, ceramics, graduate darkroom and digital facilities, and papermaking areas, studio spaces for more than 60 faculty and graduate students, and public spaces for the display of student and faculty artwork.

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, guests and members of the public attended the Art Department and School of Education's celebration of the opening of the Art Lofts facility during the week of May 5-9, 2009.

Guest artists included distinguished Art alumni Marvin Lipofsky and David Dahlquist, a recipient of a 2009 School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.

Alumnus Dale Chihuly (by video) and the family of emeritus faculty member Harvey Littleton, reflected on "The Early Days of Ceramics and Glass on the UW Campus."

Provost Julie Underwood, Interim Dean Adam Gamoran, Chancellor Biddy Martin and Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton gave remarks on the importance of the new facility and of the arts on campus. Professor Carol Pylant then cut a ceremonial ribbon created by several students under the direction of Asst. Professor Fred Stonehouse.

Multimedia

(note that Quicktime Player is required for watching the videos)

View the Art Lofts Dedication Ceremony.

The following faculty and alumni shared memories of the Art Department at the opening: Alumnus David Berlow, Alumnus and Professor Jim Escalante, Professor Steve Feren, Professor T.L. Solien and Alumna Sherry Zander.

View the Art Lofts Floor Plan

Did you have a studio in the building? Please visit the MFA Studios history site and submit a memory.

Graduate Student Support Fund

The Art Department has patiently waited for years to locate the graduate studios together in one facility. In honor of the dedication of this new facility, the Department established a fund to support graduate students and their art. Whether or not you were able to attend the Art Lofts Opening Celebration, we invite you to support graduate students with an Art Lofts Sponsorship gift. Please click on the link below to make a gift on our secure website. Thanks for your support!
https://secure.uwfoundation.wisc.edu