Paper cranes hang from the ceiling in long, colorful strands of yellows, reds and pinks. Two students criss-cross an intricate pattern of yarn on the front windows. Tables set up just when you step in contain half-installed works of art.
The Jordan College of Fine Arts Annex—also known as the JCX or the annex—is almost ready for its art show.
Many students will recognize the recently converted area as the former Jordan Academy of Dance, located next to Facility Services at the corner of Boulevard and 52nd Street.
The building contains four studios. Two will be dance studios and used mostly for physical well being classes. Currently, they’re rented to Dance Kaleidoscope.
The other two are the university’s first art studios for its art + design program.
Opened at the beginning of the semester, the two studios host the program’s more intensive programs. Next year, the annex will hold all of the art classes, including the core art class “Perspectives in the Creative Arts: Introduction to Visual Art.”
“The most important thing is that students can leave out their work while it’s in progress,” said Elizabeth Mix, associate professor of art history. “It has been the most challenging part of not having our own space.”
In addition, Mix said it’s nice to have rooms that are set up for art work, with sinks and storage closets for supplies.
“It’s just so beneficial to come in on my own time,” said Jasmine Gonsalves, a freshman art + design major. “We aren’t as confined in this space, and I think it will make the show more art-like.”
The new space has given them an entirely new art show to look forward to. To accompany ART NOW, Art at the Annex is open to the public Thursday and Friday.
Mix said that the show, as opposed to ART NOW, features installation pieces from the art + design program’s “space” and “function” classes. In addition, the program’s two thesis students, Laura Kramer and Daniel McCullough, present their final projects for the show.
“At the annex, we can do what we need to do because it’s our space,” Mix said. “It’s a flexible space to create the art show we’ve always wanted.”