“It’s time to revitalize art in this area,” said Ericka Basile, president of the Student Painting and Drawing Association.
Basile, along with Mira Gerard, faculty advisor to the SPDA, Kim Deakins, the vice president, and seven other members recently went on a weeklong trip to New York City.
The SPDA takes a trip each year to expand their horizons as well as see new techniques in the art world. After the trip, Basile became inspired to let students at East Tennessee State know the possibilities they have closer to home.
“My ultimate goal is to get students to participate in the arts we have here on campus,” said Basile. “Many forget the opportunities ETSU offers in the humanities department and only take the required courses.
“I hope students will read this and finally come out of their bubble to seek out new things,” Basile said.
The SPDA visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and The Armory Show while in NYC, as well as several other galleries and shows. They also attended the opening reception of British artist Damien Hirst’s show, “The Elusive Truth.”
“I think my favorite out of all the shows was The Armory Show,” Basile said. “I had never been to an international art fair and it was slightly overwhelming, but I think it was a good experience to see art from all over the globe.”
The ETSU Art Department, along with its six student organizations, often provides free lectures open to the public, usually from visiting artists.
Basile said she hopes the 606 fund, offered by the Student Government Association, will help fund future lectures.
“These avenues are open to everyone and I hope students will take advantage of them,” said Basile. “It’s a good experience to be around.
“We’ve got a good, growing department with talented students and faculty and I hope we will get more support in the future.”
For more information on upcoming art events and lectures, go to http://art.etsu.edu or call 439-4247.

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