Audrey Hanchar believes art appreciation should begin at a young age.
To that end, the Griffith grandmother brought her granddaughter Kaylee Robinson, 7, to the recent Art Tour at Purdue University Northwest.
“I had no idea that Purdue had so many works of art, until I saw the ad for this event,” Hanchar said, as she and Kaylee arrived. “This is a great way to introduce the public to what’s inside the campus.”
The event was part of the university’s program, Building Community Through the Arts.
After gathering at the Welcome Center in the Student Union Library building (SUL), two dozen visitors traveled to each of the three floors to peruse the various pieces of art found therein.
The group donned artist’s hats, which were distributed when the tour began.
Six PNW student ambassadors accompanied the group, making sure everyone stayed together.
“With many local schools cutting their art programs, it’s important to show people that art is still very important in education,” said ambassador Danielle Hmad.
Led by Judy Jacobi, who is vice chancellor of University Art Collections and Special Projects, the one-hour tour highlighted 52 pieces of art housed in the SUL building.
“We didn’t have art (before) to this degree on our campus,” Jacobi said. “And we wanted to bring it to the level of awareness. Our collection is growing through donations and leases.”
The niece and Foundation of New York sculptor and painter George Sugarman were in the latter category.
Sugarman died in 1999, leaving the gift of a definitive collection from almost 50 years of his work. Purdue University Northwest was the recipient of this generous gift.
“His legacy continues. We’ve received 120 pieces,” Jacobi said, as she stood in front of one of the artist’s large pastel-colored pictures. “Every one of our meeting rooms has one of his paintings on the wall.”
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History lessons also were on tap, as some of the artists that were present talked about the background of their artwork.
“My pieces cover the early years of our country,” said Chicago artist Kay Smith, as she discussed her watercolors of buffaloes, historic buildings and scenery of early America. “They follow history.”
Due to time constraints, the tour did not include sculptures located outside on the PNW campus.
“Every time I drive by here, I’ve always wondered what they’re all about,” said Michelle Hasselgren of Hammond, as the inside tour wrapped up. “I’m going to check with our tour guide to see about getting information on them.”
During the closing reception, Jacobi and the artists talked with visitors to get feedback on the afternoon’s experience.
All of it was very positive, with comments ranging from, “eye opening” to “the history behind some of the works taught us great deal.”
Indeed.
Art for art’s sake is wonderful, Jacobi added. “But art also is a doorway to learning,” she said.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.