Arts museum completes first renovations

The West Virginia University College of Creative Arts has neared completion of its first phase of renovations to the former Erickson Alumni Center and plans to be finished with the addition of an Art Museum in 2012.

The Erickson Alumni Center has been upgraded to an education center for students, while maintaining its original design by world-renowned architect Michael Graves.

Graves is known as one of "The New York Five," a group of architects praised for their work in architectural modernism and has became a household name with his designs distributed by Target.

According to Art Museum Director, Joyce Ice, the inside renovations of the former Erickson Alumni Center have been completed and the exterior will be finished soon.

The revamped student center will now house staff offices, a museum shop with refreshments and an outdoor terrace for seasonal use.

The Great Hall will now host a variety of educational programs, including art activities, lectures, artist demonstrations, recitals and performances. This space will also be available to rent for receptions, dinners and other events.

Associate Chair of the Division of Arts Kristina Olsen said these renovations to the original Alumni Center which was built in 1986, will allow for more student access and be more welcoming to visiting speakers and artists.

"The renovations to the Great Hall have now created a multi-functional building that will allow us to integrate students, staff and the public on our academic mission," Olsen said. "Students have already began internships and research projects with the staff here."

The Art Museum is to be completed in late 2012, according to Ice and is designed by SmithGroup Architects.

It will include two art galleries totaling 5300 sq. ft. and will be designed to be the best atmosphere to hold the art pieces, controlling light, temperature and humidity.

There will be free access into the Art Museum.

The three story building will also house an electronic classroom, a study/seminar room and a space to showcase traveling exhibits.

Ice said the new Art Museum will not only benefit the community but will also provide efficient space for the University's artwork – something it has never had before.

"The Art Museum will give the public an opportunity to see the collection that's been here at WVU for years, but we never had the appropriate space to showcase that work," Ice said. "Soon we will be able to share with the area the latest local artwork, and altogether improve the quality of life of this community."