By Meghan McCloskey
Students at the University who have class in Calkins Hall and who disregard the glass room they repeatedly walk past in the hallway can now identify it as the home of the FORM art gallery, created for and by University students.
The FORM gallery was originally two professors’ shared office that was donated to students to use four years ago. It is run entirely by students, and is a useful commodity for artists at the University to get their art noticed.
According to Christina Makrakis, the Assistant Director of FORM, the group was created with the intent to “schedule and showcase exhibitions like a well-oiled machine in the new space.”
As for the type of art that is featured, Makrakis said that the gallery is not biased towards any art medium. In fact, the
gallery has showcased everything from painting to film.
The gallery also includes a comment book where students are welcome to leave praise as well as criticism for the
featured pieces. Because the artists volunteer to show their work in the FORM gallery, it is free to be taken in different ways by the public.
The process begins by signing up for a time slot in the gallery. “Artists are given time slots on a first come first serve basis,” said Makrakis.
The artist then meets with the director of FORM to work out all the details. The group makes it a point to not turn any artist away due to their abilities. “Everyone deserves at least a chance,” said Makrakis.
Makrakis added that the
gallery is extremely beneficial
to University artists because of the way it gives them a chance to showcase their abilities as well as receive constructive criticism from their peers.
“FORM members believe that they have created a
valuable tradition for Calkins Hall and the Fine Arts Department at the University,” Makrakis said. She added that the group meets at the
gallery, Calkins room 117, during common hour and encourages any interested students to find the “FORM Student Gallery 2007-2008” group on Facebook.