Damaged Art

I've always had such an adoration and respect for all types of art. And lately, I've been getting more in touch with the local art here on island. Last week, I visited the art building to see the art displays. And to my shock, the art building is the most run-down, dilapidated building on campus.

First off, there was no air conditioning. The sculpture and ceramics studio recently just got air conditioning last semester. The building isn't equipped with generators, so the power outages can get pretty bad. The hallways were plastered with old cabinets and display cases that looked like it hadn't been changed since the building first opened. Old art projects sat atop an old cabinet, collecting dust. Shelves of old, dried out paint, broken desks, and random pieces of scrap wood were scattered nearing the balcony exit. And for a building with beautiful art displayed, there wasn't much lightning. The hallways are dim, so during the night classes it's difficult to see the displays.

I strongly feel that the entire art building could use a couple renovations, such as extending the building so that all art classes are together. The Isla Center for Arts is located at the Dean's circle and so are a few photography classes. The building is too small that some art courses are held in different buildings. I believe that the art students deserve more than the conditions they are given, especially since they pay as equal the amount of tuition as with any student on campus. Can you imagine a full-time student, paying the full amount of tuition, learning in a classroom where there are no air conditioning and poor lighting?

What baffles me is how the gym is always well-kept. I understand that a lot of events and high school graduations take place in the field house gym, but that doesn't mean the school should neglect the learning conditions for the art students. The gym is fully air-conditioned and well-lit. Janitors and cleaning staff are constantly sweeping and mopping the floor and making sure that the bleachers are trash free.

It is clear to me that the field house gym is available to the public for use (with payment) and that is why it should always be maintained. However, is this fair to the students who are paying a lot of money to learn?