Editorial
Annual art installations should be appreciated by all
October 6, 2016
The 25th Annual Outdoor Art Installations were held on Oct. 5 and 6. The installations featured artwork created by students and faculty, as well as pieces created by full class sections.
The installations make one’s walk to and from class much more interesting and pleasant. It’s as if a new life is given to the campus throughout the two days in which the artwork is featured. Whether it’s the giant David Bowie painting or the display of pipes standing as commentary against the Dakota Access Pipeline, the campus was much more visually stimulating for those two days this year.
Participating in the displays is not restricted to art students, either. Next year, consider participating! The displays are fairly open, so long as they don’t interfere with the surrounding environment.
If participating isn’t so much your forte, take the time to appreciate what is there next year. Maps are always supplied so that one can be sure to see every installation. The grounds around Kleinpell Fine Arts this year, for example, were loaded with displays. From the windows to the walls, art was everywhere.
If not simply looking at the pieces is enough, take advantage of future outdoor installations by participating in the guided walkabout. Every year, a tour of all of the installations is led and one gets to see the artwork critiqued by a professional. This year, it was artist Randy Johnston. Some of the artists behind the pieces also attended, offering additional perspectives into their work and describing their ideas. This gives a wonderful opportunity for one to gain an increased understanding and a new level of appreciation for the work. It might even get you to see the artwork in a new way.
Some of the displays this year were actually interactive. The dreamcatcher installation, for example, allowed one to contribute their own dreams and tie them to the display. Use this to your advantage, and make your voice known.
Of course, not all of the installations should be touched. Be sure to respect the artwork so that this tradition, which has already made it a whopping 25 years, can remain part of this campus environment for many years to come.