Events display art in new ways
By Emily Espinosa
Even in tough times, Santa Clara students can relish in the fact that free artistic opportunities are available right on campus.
You may not have noticed it on your way to the Arts and Sciences building, or to Lucas Hall, but Santa Clara houses its very own sanctuary in the form of the de Saisset Art Museum, ideal for the art enthusiast and curious student alike. The museum is a resource for Santa Clara's teaching and research, but is also a one-stop shop for a quick dose of culture.
"We see a significant number of students coming through our doors throughout the course of the year," predicted Lindsey Kouvaris, the museum's curator of exhibits and collections, and Santa Clara alum. "Students become involved with the de Saisset as visitors to our exhibitions and lectures, as participants at College Nights, and as student employees."
The museum is hoping to appeal more to students by hosting events that make art more relatable, including college nights, film programs, panel discussions and lectures.
Junior Brittany Ames recalls some unique programs at the museum last year. Ames, who worked at the de Saisset at the time, remembers one event where the guests all joined in on a communal art project and another during which a DJ played techno music to compliment a technology-themed exhibit. The latter inspired guests to dance among the art.
"We typically host one College Night per year," Kouvaris added. "They feature performances, music, food and a hands-on art component related to our current exhibitions."
Featured this fall are three exhibits that focus on the theme of landscape. These collections approach the traditional style through different media and points of view. One featured artist is Richard Mayhew who, "does not depict specific places or locations in his work, but rather paints 'improvisations' that represents the shapes, colors and tones that he experiences in the landscape" said Kouvaris. Also on display is a group exhibition that features 17 artists working from the late 19th century to the present along with one family's eclectic collection.
The museum was founded in 1955 after Isabel de Saisset bequeathed real estate to then-Santa Clara College, which the Board of Trustees then sold to fund the erection of a building on campus for an art gallery and museum. The de Saisset family crest can be found above the entrance to the building. The museum has come to house thousands of objects since it opened, including exhibits ranging from modern to historical influences and media ranging from photography to sculpture.
In addition to highlighting broad artistic influence, the museum aims to bring attention to the art and history of the Bay Area and Santa Clara Valley. The University's California History collection, including Native American art and artifacts along with the Mission's colonial collection, is permanently on display. The de Saisset is also working behind the scenes to sift through a collection of prints.
According to the Santa Clara University web site, the Museum was awarded a $44 thousand grant in 2007 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to provide support for a project that involved a survey of a 5045-object collection from the Renaissance period. As more and more objects are discovered, the members of the examination are able to determine what should be additionally researched and conserved.
"The exhibitions not only provide an opportunity for students to view artwork by established and often well-known artists, they create opportunities for deeper learning and engagement," said Kouvaris.
The de Saisset will reopen on September 26 after being closed for the summer, and is regularly open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
A preview reception will kick off the fall 2009 exhibits this Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Admission to the event is free, as are all events at the museum.
Contact Emily Espinosa at (408) 551-1918 or eespinosa@scu.edu.