A project, several years in the making, is soon to become a reality. Art students, brace yourselves for the world of opportunity that is Gallery 203.
Gallery 203 is the first project Art Department chairman Jed Jackson took on when he arrived at The University of Memphis last year.
"I saw it as the most immediate thing I could do to improve the program," Jackson said.
The construction has now been put in the hands of the Gallery Committee president Melanie Spillman. She said everything will be handled by students, from top to bottom -- organizing the exhibitions, installing and publicizing the work and holding the reception.
"We needed this," said Brenda Landman, associate to the chair of the Art Department. "It's (been) like having a theater with no stage."
Jackson agreed, and said he finds that when students' work is put in front of the public eye, they can grow more -- both as individuals and in their creative talents.
The gallery will show works from all students of the department, as well as students from other universities who are accepted by the committee.
"Students can gain the professional experience of submitting their art to a gallery," Spillman said. "And ultimately, we're trying to do something to unite all of the art at The University. We have separate buildings for photography, painting and drawing. We are an art community. We are all artists."
The committee constitution states its purpose: "To give students exposure to the professional requirements and responsibilities of public exposure."
"This will greatly increase recognition from the University community, and also the community at large -- which is our main goal," said Beth Edwards, assistant professor of art. "It's important for the students to view their work in an objective environment alongside the other students' work."
Jackson said he encourages students to get involved.
Gallery 203 will remain flexible and run on a month to month basis, Spillman said. She stressed the professionalism of the Gallery, and said 203 will be open to all medias.
"We'll show anything from a pretty painting in a pretty frame to a big, clunky, ugly sculpture that takes the whole floor," Spillman said. "We're a group of young artists trying to start a new attitude."
The enthusiasm of the students and committee is showing through their renovations of the 30 x 30 foot former studio in room 203 of the Communication and Fine Arts building.
Spillman said there is no opening date set, but it shouldn't be long. The first exhibition, "A Member's Show," is being planned.
"We are putting our best at the beginning to show good work and set a good example," Spillman said.
This is an opportunity for students to expose themselves as artists and increase their awareness and sophistication, Jackson said.
The 203 committee encourages non-art students to support this effort.
"There is more in Memphis than just barbecue and Tiger football," Spillman said. "There's art."
Students interested in joining or submitting art work to the committee can attend a meeting in room 203 of the CFA building at noon Friday, Jan. 26. They can also contact Melanie Spillman at MJSPLLMN@memphis.edu or 624-4672.
