11/06/2023
Art Enhances Regional Higher Education Centers
Story and Photos: Eric Robinson, Old Dominion University Peninsula Higher Education Center
A new initiative is slated this fall to enhance the aesthetic of Old Dominion Universities’ Regional Higher Education Centers with art from the ODU Baron & Ellin Gordon Art Galleries located in Norfolk, Virginia.
Dr. Tish Szymurski, Associate Vice President, wants to extend the University in supporting ODU associates through collaborations and partnerships. This opportunity would feature ODU students, faculty, alumni and related artists from the area through creative use of the Centers, says Szymurski.
“When I met with Charlotte Kasic, the Executive Director of The Barry Art Museum to brainstorm collaborative opportunities, we talked about enhancing the Centers with art,” Szymurski said. “The Centers currently hold small pieces of art, but we have ample space to showcase University-owned and affiliated work. Charlotte suggested a visit with Stirling Goulart of the Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries to investigate the possibilities, so here we are!”
An art selection team was assembled from the ODU Tri-Cities Higher Ed Center and Old Dominion University Peninsula Higher Education Center including Media Specialists Eric Robinson and Erwin Farrow who visited the Gordon Art Galleries Oct. 24.
Also on the team was Jeanne Yates, Executive Office Manager, Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium located in the same building as the Tri-Cities Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. Yates uses the eclectic nature of art as a welcoming message for her constituents, “The artwork shows we are open to multiple groups,” Yates said.
Goulart, Assistant Director of Operations for the Gordon Art Galleries, says at the heart of the artwork is generosity.
“With an art program you have alumni and faculty wanting to give back to the University. Most of our collections are donations,” Goulart said. “It’s really cool.”
The Gordan Art Galleries, “… exhibit works by nationally and internationally recognized self-taught artists, contemporary artists working in all media, and local and regional artists connected with Old Dominion University,” according to the Galleries’ website.
“We do a faculty show every three years,” Goulart said. “All the art faculty are practicing artists. It’s a great way for students to see what their professors are doing. Every semester there is a senior show class where from concept to finished product students design an exhibition. The first one for the fall is Nov. 30th.”
Goulart is scheduled to install loaned artwork at the Tri-Cities Center, 1070 University Blvd. in Portsmouth, and the Peninsula Center 600 Butler Farm Road in Hampton, Virginia the first week of December. The Gordon Art Galleries is located at 4509 Monarch Way in Norfolk.
