Gallery’s grand re-opening will spotlight students

• By ROBIN MILLER
• Arts writer
• Published: Oct 11, 2009

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Ten of the 29 made a point to stop by the gallery between classes on this particular morning.

Most are seniors with a couple of sophomores and juniors sprinkled in the mix. And all are majoring in fine arts.

Which is important to note, because they, the students, have been given the honor of re-opening Southern University’s newly renovated Visual Arts Gallery.

The gallery has hosted plenty of guest artists through the years, many of them with national notoriety. But the gallery has been closed six years for renovation.

Yes, six years.

“And so much has been done,” Robert Cox said.

 “The floor was carpeted, the walls were covered with carpet.”

He sighs. The sigh doesn’t reflect frustration as much as it does relief.

“You know, I don’t know who put the carpet on the walls,” Cox said.

“I guess they thought it was a good idea at the time.”

But the end result of this renovation is so much better. Hardwood floors and drywall have replaced carpet, and professional track lighting has been installed. Windows have been removed to provide for more exhibit space, and a door has been added, which will lead to an eventual sculpture garden.

“We also have new, glass doors that lead into the gallery,” Cox said. “Anyone passing by will be able to look through the doors at the art.”

And if those people decide to walk in to get a closer look at the artwork, all the better.