Good news for the arts in Arkansas: The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith has announced plans to build a “15 million-plus” visual arts facility that will be open by the fall 2015 semester. 

The arts building will bring together classes now scattered over campus to bring “a cohesiveness to the visual arts programs for students that has not been physically possible with varied locations,” Chancellor Paul B. Beran said. From the story: 

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The new building, being designed by WER Architects of Little Rock, will also house gallery spaces, the letterpress and printmaking operation, graphic design laboratories and spaces for photography, painting, sculpture and art history. The freshmen foundations program – which includes basic courses in drawing, 2D design, 3D design, typography and digital imaging – will also be housed there.

The Chancellor’s Coalition for the Visual Arts, created by Beran in his efforts to increase the quality of place for the Fort Smith region, will also have space within the new building.

“During meetings to provide input for a new campus master plan scheduled for release this fall, the need for this facility was clearly shown,” said Beran. “It’s time to move forward and provide new, quality space to house these visual arts programs, but we also see this facility as one that will further enhance the University’s role in the arts in this region.”

 
Something (or someone) there is that likes the arts at UA Fort Smith: It also has a new performing arts building, at 101 N. Second St. downtown., and is holding a naming contest.The building was the former home of Second Street Live; it was sold last year to the city and UAFS is leasing it.

CDI Contractors are construction managers for the visual arts building.

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