Swine barn renovation to create graduate art studio space at MSU

11/02/2001 BOZEMAN --       The School of Art at Montana State University is embarking on an ambitious renovation project that will create a 6,000 square foot facility to house its graduate art studios.

      The studios are currently housed in the basement of Taylor Hall. The plan is to relocate the studios to the vacant swine barn west of South 19th Ave. in Bozeman.

      After extensive renovations estimated at $300,000, the facility will house 14 graduate studios as well as an open gallery/classroom/workshop space and a faculty office.

      "There is ample room surrounding the building for a future kiln yard, metals foundry and sculpture garden," said Claire Sands Baker, College of Arts and Architecture development director.

      The building will also house the visiting artist program and a student common room for exhibitions and classes.

      "The graduate studios allow graduate students to be role models and valuable educators within the undergraduate program. Many of these students are noted artists in the state," Sands said.

      The studios will be named the Senska Wilber Graduate Art Studios in honor of two of the most influential art educators in the history of Montana, Frances Senska and Jessie Wilber.

      "The School of Art, as we know it today, has been sculpted and nurtured by them," said Richard Helzer, director of the School of Art.

      Senska and Wilber taught at the school from the 1940s to the 1970s. Senska is sometimes referred to as the grandmother of modern ceramics and continues to participate in the school's lecture series and gallery receptions.

      Wilber, now deceased, was an accomplished painter and printmaker. Montana artists Rudy and Lela Autio note that Wilbur's teaching and dedication to students raised the standards in the art department and revitalized it into a diversified applied arts program.

      The studios are expected to open in January of 2003.

      For more information, contact the School of Art at 994-7414.

Send questions or comments to Brenda McDonald: bmcdonal@montana.edu. Or you can send letters to Brenda McDonald, MSU Communications Services, 416 Culbertson Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717.

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