Individualized Learning Stories
An Art Gallery In An Unused Space
Johnathan Vanko '13, Assistant Dean of Students Curt Lauderdale, Acting Dean of Students Amy Uecke, and Associate Professor of Art Rob Neilson
What can a freshman student at Lawrence University do? How about open an art gallery?
Beginning Wednesday, April 28, the former Jason Downer Commons building will be transformed into a temporary art gallery for student artwork—the brainchild of Johnathan Vanko, a Lawrence freshman from East Dundee, Ill.
Vanko, a studio art major, said the idea came to him during a discussion with friends about how "there should be more places for student artwork to be on display." He mentioned it again during a class and soon the idea took flight.
He sent a 17-page proposal to Lawrence President Jill Beck suggesting that the vacant Downer Commons could be put to good use as an art gallery. Vanko and Beck met and the president invited him to present his plan to the President's Cabinet.
The cabinet endorsed the idea and before long Lawrence administrators, faculty, Vanko and even local fire inspectors were at work bringing the gallery to life. Rob Neilson, associate professor of art, was appointed faculty advisor. Amy Uecke and Curt Lauderdale from the Campus Life Office became the staff advisors for the project. Dan Meyer, Lawrence's director of facility services, helped with the exhibit plans.
Now that Downer Commons has been converted from dining hall to art gallery, Vanko says he looks forward to offering students a new place to display artwork and "to experience the work of our peers."
The opening of Jason Downer Commons Student Art Exhibition will be celebrated from 4-8 p.m., April 28, and will feature drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, GLOW's NOH8 photo exhibit and a Downer Commons Through the Years timeline. The Alyssa Paul Maria Fund and the Class of 1965 Grant are supporting the exhibition.
