2008 Woodie Awards
EDITORIALS
Issue date: 3/9/06 Section: Opinion/Editorial
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'Art Institute of St. Louis' could be Webster's with proper investment
ght not mean to whine, but they have ample reason to complain about the state of their building. The cramped studio spaces and leaking windows and pipes don't provide a welcoming place for artists to be creative. Webster University's reputation as an artistic institution should be considered when administrators decide which building to build next.
The Leigh Gerdine School of Fine Arts provides one of the strongest pillars of Webster's reputation in the community, with the Conservatory program and the gravitas offered by having both the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis housed on campus. Before Webster was known for an MBA program or a biology degree, it was the school for fine arts
in St. Louis.
Let's be honest - Webster will never be able to compete with Washington University or St. Louis University in the sciences. The biological sciences department deserves better facilities than the dank dungeon that is the basement of Webster Hall, but on a very practical level, new science facilities won't attract new students while Wash U. and SLU are promoting themselves as the founders of the St. Louis "Bio-Belt."
An investment in a new art facility, however, would give Webster a toehold in an area other local institutions have yet to invest in. Chicago and Kansas City have art institutes. Why can't St. Louis have "The Art Institute of Webster University?"
After our investment in the Old Post Office downtown, perhaps some renovated loft studio space in one of the city's many warehouses would provide the facilities and atmosphere to attract art students from across the nation.
Before President Richard Meyers heads out into the world hat-in-hand to raise money for new buildings, perhaps he should consider the sections of this university that have brought its reputation so far.
Only eight weeks to go: It's all downhill from here
ght not mean to whine, but they have ample reason to complain about the state of their building. The cramped studio spaces and leaking windows and pipes don't provide a welcoming place for artists to be creative. Webster University's reputation as an artistic institution should be considered when administrators decide which building to build next.
The Leigh Gerdine School of Fine Arts provides one of the strongest pillars of Webster's reputation in the community, with the Conservatory program and the gravitas offered by having both the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis housed on campus. Before Webster was known for an MBA program or a biology degree, it was the school for fine arts
in St. Louis.
Let's be honest - Webster will never be able to compete with Washington University or St. Louis University in the sciences. The biological sciences department deserves better facilities than the dank dungeon that is the basement of Webster Hall, but on a very practical level, new science facilities won't attract new students while Wash U. and SLU are promoting themselves as the founders of the St. Louis "Bio-Belt."
An investment in a new art facility, however, would give Webster a toehold in an area other local institutions have yet to invest in. Chicago and Kansas City have art institutes. Why can't St. Louis have "The Art Institute of Webster University?"
After our investment in the Old Post Office downtown, perhaps some renovated loft studio space in one of the city's many warehouses would provide the facilities and atmosphere to attract art students from across the nation.
Before President Richard Meyers heads out into the world hat-in-hand to raise money for new buildings, perhaps he should consider the sections of this university that have brought its reputation so far.
Only eight weeks to go: It's all downhill from here