Sustainable Community Associates (SCA) and Oberlin College are in the final stage of discussions to make a student art gallery and art studio part of the East College Street project.

The art gallery and studio facilities may incorporate up to 4,000 square feet of space to showcase the work of Oberlin art students. The College and SCA are hopeful that the space will contribute to the revitalization of downtown Oberlin as well as broaden the audience for student artists.

“A downtown gallery and studio could not come at a better time for the art department,” says Sarah Schuster, associate professor of art. “Many students come to Oberlin because it is a liberal arts college known for its vibrant art community. That includes not only the conservatory, but also the dance, theater, and cinema programs, and the visual arts.

“During the past 20 years, the number of art faculty has increased and number of art majors has tripled, and so has the demand for studio and exhibition space. The opportunity to create a gallery and studio in downtown Oberlin that will be visible to the College and the public is incredibly exiting for students and faculty as well.”

“The placement of the student art gallery and studio space among downtown restaurants and shops can play an important role in the economic development of the city,” says Ben Ezinga ’02 a member of SCA.

Construction of the $14 million East College Street Project, which is designed to be LEED Gold-rated, will begin this fall.  The Project will also have 12,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space and 42 condos ranging from 1-3 bedrooms. Construction is estimated to last 12 months, and the complex is scheduled to open August 2009.

Says SCA principal Naomi Sabel ’02, “The space would not only expand the downtown arts community – Gingko Gallery, the New Union Center for the Arts, and Firelands Association For the Visual Arts (FAVA) – it would also enhance the presence of art and educational programs downtown and foster audiences for all.”