A woman garbed in a traditional Japanese kimono of striking purple and fuchsia graces the reception area, greeting visitors to the Tufts University Art Gallery in the Aidekman Arts Center.
The woman, simultaneously familiar and unique, is captured on 40 square inches of color silkscreen on canvas. This screen is one of 25 paintings of a series by Andy Warhol who is considered by many to be the originator of the pop art movement.
Not so long ago, the "Kimiko Powers," one of many impressive pieces in Tufts' permanent art collection, was tucked away in the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences. Few could appreciate it there, and the relative lack of building supervision made security a major concern.
The new Director of the Galleries and Collections, Amy Schlegel, relocated the piece soon after her appointment in January. This move was part of several aesthetic changes made to the galleries to more effectively utilize space and to encourage renewed appreciation of the art already housed at Tufts.
"We're a great resource," Schlegel remarked. "We want to be a destination for students on campus."
As director, Schlegel implemented several changes intended to update the gallery's image. A new and more concise mission statement was developed with an eight-member steering committee of faculty representatives and one senior undergraduate.
New to the gallery is the Projection Wall, a solo exhibition plasma screen located near the Tisch Gallery entrance which presents one work in video or film. The Point of View Series, or "P.O.V.," showcases an interactive DVD of new media on a Macintosh computer in the lobby of Tisch Gallery.
Other new highlights include a donation from Tufts alum and photojournalist Jim MacMillan, whose piece, "At First Light 9/12/01," was presented during a Sept. 11 memorial service.
Despite these many attractions, many students are unaware of the caliber of the gallery. Senior and Gallery Coordinator Andrea Bedoya finds that fewer students come to view the exhibitions than members of the arts community.
"I don't think many people [at Tufts] realize it exists," Bedoya said.
Bedoya also said that few
students are aware that the Tufts University Art Gallery is actually comprised of four different galleries, each with their own exhibitions: the Tisch Gallery, the Koppelman Gallery, the Remis Sculpture Court, and the Slater Concourse Gallery.
Schlegel estimates that the entire gallery is approximately 6,700 square feet, much larger than galleries at Boston University and Boston College. As for attendance numbers, she remains optimistic.
"I think it's really a matter of calling people's attention ... [and] doing a better job of promoting our events," Schlegel stated, also noting that in the past neither much effort nor funding had been put into marketing the exhibitions at the gallery.
Schlegel aims promote the gallery among students on all Tufts campuses and throughout Boston. Students and student groups are invited to apply for exhibitions in the Slater Concourse Gallery, which rotates monthly.
Currently on exhibition at The Koppelman Gallery "Evidence: The Case Against Milosevic," being held in commemoration of the EPIIC program's twentieth anniversary.
Other recent changes include extended hours on Thursdays, guest lectures, and an "Art @ Lunch" series, which will held every other Wednesday and includes an informal tour and talk about the different exhibitions.
"The more people recognize this area," gallery attendant and third-year School of the Museum of Fine Arts student Brie Everard said, "the more we can do for this campus."
With such implemented changes, Schlegel feels that student interest will increase over time.
