JSU's New Gladys M. Carlisle Applied Arts Building
Expected to Open Sept. 15

Steve Ivey
Star Staff Writer
Anniston Star
04-22-2007

It's a couple of weeks behind schedule,
but JSU's art department has a new home
Reprinted here in its entirety.

JACKSONVILLE — It's a couple weeks behind schedule, but sculptors, photographers and designers at Jacksonville State University will soon get some elbow room.

The art department expects to open the new Gladys M. Carlisle Applied Arts building Sept. 15.

JSU's art enrollment has grown by about 60 percent over the past 19 years. Students first outgrew their home in Hammond Hall 10 years ago and moved into a house behind the visitors' bleachers at Paul Snow Stadium.

"It was intended as a temporary space," said Charles Groover, head of the art department. "It served the purpose, but it really was inadequate for our needs."

Groover first sat down with architects five years ago to design the new art annex. Delays in shipping steel and roof work pushed back completion slightly.

The art department found space for classes during the first couple of weeks until the new annex opens. Signs in the Hammond lobby sort through the temporary confusion.

Art history, printmaking, painting and graphic design will stay in Hammond, while photography, drawing, graphic design and ceramics will make a new home in the Carlisle annex.

Classrooms will be equipped with track lighting and tack boards to show off artwork, per faculty input.

"We're giving them what they need for what they do," he said.

Groover said interest in photo and design in particular have spurred the art department's growth.

"Part of that is the demand is very high right now," he said. "There are a lot of positions available for graduates. People don't realize you really can make a living with art."

Eventually, JSU's capital plans, submitted to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, call for a renovation of Mason Hall, which currently houses the music department but will change to the art building.

A new music complex, estimated at $30 million to $40 million, is part of JSU's Power of 125 capital campaign.

Joe Serviss, vice president for institutional advancement, said the university is about 73 percent of the way to its goal of raising $25 million to support the music construction and a new facility for the education department.

"It's exactly where it needs to be right now," he said.

Serviss said the campaign, which will also raise money for new technology and professor positions, continues through Dec. 31, 2008.

The university expects to receive about $4.6 million from a bond issue the Legislature passed earlier this year.

JSU's plans with ACHE project $125 million in construction and renovation spending through 2012.

About Steve Ivey
 
 Steve Ivey covers education for The Anniston Star.
 
 See story at The Anniston Star's website: www.annistonstar.com .
 
 Note: JSU faculty, staff and students may access The Anniston Star online through their affiliation with the University. Those not affiliated with JSU may have to subscribe to receive The Anniston Star online. If you already subscribe to The Anniston Star, you receive a complimentary online membership. This provides complete access to all the content and services of the site at no additional charge. Otherwise there is a $5 online monthly charge for their online service. Contact The Anniston Star for information.

---

Submit items for news releases by using the request form at www.jsu.edu/newswire/request.