Construction of the Center for Three-Dimensional Arts at Arkansas State University is now underway.
Chancellor Kelly Damphousse on Wednesday released the architect’s renderings of the project, which will be near the existing Fine Arts Center. The Windgate Foundation awarded A-State a $6.7 million grant for construction, expected to be complete in April.
The 21,900-SF center will feature new areas for creation of sculpture, including foundry areas for casting, and also areas for new methods of creation of dimensional artwork, like 3-D printing.
It will also contain studio spaces for ceramics, metalworking and woodworking, replacing outdated areas in the Fine Arts Annex building. A long lobby space will connect the studio areas and offer a view of the sculpture garden through full-height glass windows.
Official naming of the center is set to come before the ASU System’s Board of Trustees at its Sept. 18 meeting.
“In the age of coronavirus, we have to make adjustments to everything we do, but we do not let this change dampen our enthusiasm and spirit for projects like this,” Damphousse said in a news release. “We might not have a traditional groundbreaking now, but I know we will have a wonderful ribbon cutting ceremony when we open this facility in 2021.
"I know the great value art has for our society, and for our souls. Right now, forging ahead with construction is important. It allows us to fulfill our commitment to partner with our friends at Windgate Foundation to create a space that will touch students and our region for decades.”
Temma Balducci, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Art + Design, said the department is "excited about the new opportunities" the center will create for students, including increased exhibition space, studios for advanced students and access to new materials and techniques.
The architect for the project is WER Architects/Planners of Little Rock. The contractor is Clark Contractors LLC of Little Rock.
