‘A Celebration of the Arts’ Leads Myles Center for the Arts Dedication

NEWS AROUND CAMPUS ‘A Celebration of the Arts’ Leads Myles Center for the Arts Dedication

Voices in song accompanied by the melody of instrumentalists, graceful moves of dancers, tangible talents of visual artists and actors’ comedic antics filled Myles Center for the Arts to celebrate the facility’s official dedication. Appropriately named “A Celebration of the Arts,” the event paid tribute to Trustee Chair Emerita June Myles who fulfilled her vision of creating an inviting cultural center with a $6.7 million expansion of the building. The campus community, as well as members of the community at-large and special guests, gathered to mark the beginning of a new era in the arts for the Randolph County area. “It was a wonderful, joyous day,” Myles said. “I could not help but think how much better it is to celebrate a dedication while you are alive and be able to see the joy it brings.” Opened in January 2021, the extensive renovations feature a glass enclosed Senate Commons equipped with a state-of-the-art audio-visual system that includes five large screens, a media wall and a drop-down projector screen for presentations. A new elevator and balcony bridge make the entire building handicapped accessible at all levels. The stone and brick rotunda, which mirrors the structure at Madden Student Center, serves as the main entrance to the building. Upgrades were also made to Myles Plaza. At the center stands “Discovery & Esprit,” a bronze sculpture of a young couple dancing. The artist who created the work, James “Jimmy” Grashow, got his first look at the piece anchored in its new home. “I wish I could express how I feel,” Grashow said. “It’s like raising a successful child. It reminds me of the stories of someone raising a lion cub and you let it go free. Then one day you go out into the wild and it comes out and embraces you.”

While artists shared their talents and ideas, the day was not without words of commemoration. After officially cutting the wide, red ribbon, College leaders and guests took to the podium to express their appreciation and vision for the future. “June Myles makes a difference,” D&E Executive Vice President Dr. Rosemary Thomas said in leading the program. “She has a creative spirit. She is a successful businesswoman. She is a philanthropist. And dare I say… she is ours.” Chair of the Board of Trustees and alumnus Mark Barber ’75 offered gratitude from the board and recognized that the event also paid tribute to all involved in helping to grow the campus The dedication of Myles Center for the Arts on the Davis & Elkins College campus was complete with an official ribbon cutting. From left are, student Tylyn Asterino, Assistant Professor of Art Kevin Woodcock, artist James “Jimmy” Grashow, alumnus Wendell Cramer, alumnus and Chair of the Board of Trustees Mark Barber, Chair Emerita June Myles, President Chris A. Wood, for the future. Pointing out that the completion of the Myles Center renovations is the first step in a multi-year Campus Master Plan to renew the grounds and facilities, he also recognized faculty and staff who work to preserve and nurture the Center as a home for artistic learning and expression. student Anna Ruf, Mills Group Managing Principal Michael Mills, Michael Doig “We speak often about the transformational student and student Hussain Hamide. experience D&E offers, an experience that some of us have lived,” Barber said. “Thanks to the great big heart and inspired generosity of June Myles, D&E is having a transformational experience of its own – right here, right now – and you are witness to it. In the 118-year history of Davis & Elkins College, this is a very big moment.” Junior Anna Ruf of Belington shared insight as a student on the impact the building has made on the campus and those who are considering making the College their home. Ruf explained that every time she escorts prospective students and their families to the Myles Center, they are always struck by the beauty of the facility. In addition, she and her classmates enjoy the space that has been used for numerous activities. Recognizing that the Myles Center for the Arts is also a part of the area community, alumnus and Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco ’90 emphasized the partnership between the College and the city, and the unity that arts and a common gathering space bring to the community. “The arts community has been a major staple within the Appalachian culture for generations,” Marco said. “Now with the generous donation by June Myles, these arts will continue to be passed down through future generations of Davis & Elkins College students, local citizens and visitors.” While the vision of the facility was that of Myles, the design was the product of Mills Group. Managing Principal Michael Mills spoke of his collaboration with Myles to create a unified space with functional upgrades. Elkins resident Gracie Metheny performs on the Harper-McNeeley stage in Myles Center for the Arts. The cast of The Old Brick Playhouse’s “Mamma Mia” presents a song from the balcony in Myles Center for the Arts.