Self-expression: Student Art Loan pilot program debuts at The Thompson

Jessie Glasel loves nature. It’s evident immediately upon entering her room in The Thompson, where a painting of flowers bursting with bright reds, yellows, greens and blues adorns her wall.

“I was drawn to the flowers, and, for me, it brought a little bit of nature in a bustling city,” said Glasel, who studies vocal music education and performance in Wayne State University’s Department of Music. “It's a beautiful piece. It adds a pop of color and a little bit of life. It also says a lot about me as a person and how I view my time here as I'm blossoming into a new future.”

Glasel discovered the acquisition done by artist Joyce McDaniel Kurisky, titled “Still Life #1,” through a new Student Art Loan program facilitated by Grace Serra, curator of WSU’s University Art Collection. The program loans students works of art owned by the university to put on display in their dorms and apartments at no cost. Currently in the pilot phase, it is being offered first to The Thompson residents, which houses students in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, with the intention to expand to serve the entire university housing.

“Living with art improves mental health, well-being and inspires creativity — all of which we hope our students will experience while living at The Thompson,” said Hasan Elahi, dean of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. “Our intent in loaning artwork to students for their rooms is to meet our mission of using the University Art Collection as a way to educate, inspire, foster creative thinking and promote cultural leadership. And by doing so, we cultivate longterm public stewardship for the arts.”

For the pilot program, a select group of prints from the collection were assembled and prepared for safe use in student housing. The bright, colorful prints — created by both nationally and locally recognized artists — are available for students to check out for the academic year. Serra hopes this early experience will teach WSU students about the University Art Collection. In addition, they will be given information about art collection care.

“Guided by the principles that original works of art can be a vital component of higher education, the University Art Collection enhances the academic and lifelong learning experience of Wayne State students, staff and visitors,” said Serra. “This collection of over 8,000 works of art, which celebrate Detroit and Regional artists, was built through gifts from our community.”

Most works in the collection are installed throughout WSU’s campus — integrated into public spaces, libraries, meeting rooms, offices, and on the university’s malls and lawns. However, Serra said, many remain in storage and can also provide additional impact on student experiences. “We know the benefits of living with art are numerous,” Serra said.

Each loan through the pilot program requires students to sign a loan agreement, essentially a contract outlining responsibilities of caring for the work while it remains in their possession. An art collection student intern then hangs the work in student rooms to make sure the works are placed in the safest and most appropriate locations, without damaging the walls during installation. At the end of the academic year, students will make appointments for work to be picked up before they leave campus for the summer.

“This may be the first time students experience living with real artwork,” said Serra. “In addition to the health benefits, experiencing art firsthand is also one way to prepare our students to become future art patrons. Not to mention the leadership development skills, because looking at art aids in the development of emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills — both important qualities found in good leaders.”

Cedar Reilly, a first-year fine arts major and Glasel’s roommate, also opted to join the Student Art Loan pilot program. Reilly was drawn to an abstract, mystical piece by artist Nacy Fish Hawkins, titled “Dance,” that inspired him.

“I make a lot of art, so I wanted something that you could think on for a while. I really wanted to have a piece from the community in my room, too — a piece made in Detroit,” Reilly said. “This experience also gave me another look into Jessie’s personality, which I was excited about. We chose very contrasting pieces, but I honestly think they represent us well.”

Both Reilly and Glasel highlighted the ease of obtaining and hanging the art. Glasel echoed her roommate’s sentiments on how their chosen pieces reflect who they are and helped them bond as first-time roommates.

“We know this is a temporary space, but all of our art helps explain our personalities,” Glasel said. “You can tell who we are, just by looking into the room. When I was a resident advisor, it was something I learned a lot about — getting to know people just by seeing their room and learning a little bit about them.”

Story and photos by Shawn Wright, Communications Officer for the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts.