Marshall Downtown -- Vol. 1, Issue 4

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M arshallD owntown Volume 1, Issue No. 4

Marshall University is repurposing the Stone & Thomas building – a Huntington icon – into a state of the art Visual Arts Center.

Construction continues, with these updates: •

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Interior steel brace framing is complete Ceilings are being finished Conduits and ductwork is being installed on all floors • Ramp to basement is gone • Structural steel on the roof is forthcoming to support HVAC equipment is forthcoming in October • Window installation has begun While traffic lanes on 3rd Avenue will be closed intermittently for material deliveries, two-way traffic on 3rd Avenue will be maintained.

Neighborgall Construction, the rest of the construction team, and the College of Arts and Media appreciate the wonderful cooperation we have received from all the neighboring businesses.

Photo rendering courtesy Edward Tucker Architects, Inc., Huntington.

Marshall University is transforming the old Stone & Thomas building on 3rd Avenue across from Pullman Square into a downtown Visual Arts Center. The center will house studios and classrooms, plus ground-floor retail and gallery space to draw tourists and local shoppers.

Caldwell serves as avid supporter of arts in Huntington As a native Huntingtonian, Liza Caldwell returned home to become active in the re-development of this fine city. She has been a supporter of Marshall University through its fine arts department by serving over the past 25 years on several efforts to further the arts. She has served since the inception of the College of Fine Arts (now the College of Arts and Media), supporting the downtown expansion of the visual art department, providing the space to integrate the College of Arts and Media and the local arts community through the generous donation of Dingess Rum Properties, Inc. Gallery 842 offers exposure for the students to have hands on Gallery experience, while affording the community to have a venue to display and enjoy art.

You’re an avid supporter of the arts in Huntington. How did you become interested?

I have always been exposed to the arts; my parents would take us to museums and the theater growing up. I guess it has always been a part of my life. I have been involved in theater, painting and photography since I can remember and music has been a staple in my life. I received my BFA from Ohio Wesleyan University, and spent my first years after graduation as a commercial photographer in New York City and Columbus, Ohio. I guess in some manner each and every turn in my professional career I have been involved or used my education to further my love for the arts.

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For mo re i n fo rmati o n o n th e Visu al A r t s Ce n te r c al l (304) 696- 6433

Caldwell

(continued from side 1) Why do you think it is important to have arts venues in our community?

Without art, we lose our sense of amazement; we no longer expand the way we see the world. Each and every great culture or person has had a deep understanding and appreciation for the arts. They provide a new door for some to learn; they evolve cultures, and are a higher form of the sciences. As a community, I feel we are obligated to provide the opportunity to improve our world. I learned very early that exposure to the fine arts is so very important for artist development, in a community’s economic health. In relocation efforts of businesses, the arts play an important part in choices of where companies locate. Historically, Huntington has placed its effort on the arts through our architecture, theaters, and our museum, all of which have a national reputation.

How do you see the new Visual Arts Center impacting downtown Huntington?

With each and every step we have taken to restore our fine city we have laid the foundation for growth. I feel this is a natural step for Huntington. We are so diverse from other cities in West Virginia, and over the past decade or two we find ourselves coming into our own. It will define the city and meld the

university and Huntington into one. This will be the perfect marriage for each entity. I am so excited for where we are heading, there are no downsides.

What do you think it will mean for students?

Opportunity. It will provide the creative environment, culture and stimulus. They will have opportunities to explore the fine arts as well as commercial ventures. As a former art student, it is all about opportunity, creativity and exposure.

What do you think it means for Marshall University?

The University stands to become a leader in the visual arts, redefining its fine arts program and again providing a world class education. I am so impressed with the fine arts department at Marshall, its students and staff. However, the most amazing thing to watch is the direction in which it—as a University—is headed.

Simple Gifts Our interview with Liza Caldwell demonstrates how the simplest idea can become a significant and memorable gift.

Countless students and community artists, as well as a number of visiting professionals, have had the opportunity to exhibit work in a bright and energetic gallery in the heart of Huntington. A simple idea: we need downtown exhibition space. And, several years later we have a year-round gallery open to the public.

This summer, cadres of volunteers spread out all over the city to bring to life the Huntington in Bloom project. They helped to transform our city, and our attitudes about how a beautiful city looks and feels.

Other visionary volunteers are helping us move forward with the PATH project, with Lilly’s place, and with countless other gifts of ideas, plans and time. We are a city of inspirational givers creating movements large and small that make a difference.

What idea for downtown Huntington would be your “simple gift?”