The New Art and Cinematic Arts Building is Now Open

Illustration by Breanna Newburn

Article by Madeline Teeter

NEWBERG, Ore. - This semester, the new Art and Cinematic Arts building opened for classes. This is not the only change for the Arts program, as Brougher Hall and the clay studio were demolished during the Summer.

Though plans to acquire a new art building were not solidified until 2023, talks of this expansion have been ongoing for years.

“This has been a huge team effort,” said Tiffany Hokanson, assistant professor of Art and Design. “We had support from Plant Services, Finance, Administration, Art and Design, and students to help move in. It has taken a village to get to where we’re at.”

Hokanson revealed that George Fox University (GFU) received a new kiln this year. “The kiln arrived five months early. The timing was just God timing.” Hokanson said that she believes God was present in every step of building and ensuring the space would be ready this Fall.

Regarding new opportunities the building creates, Alex Chung, director of the School of Cinema, said, “The soundstage and all the new gear will provide students with a more professional experience.” He also said the screen room is a valuable addition.

“We’re using space. Having that available to students is a game changer,” said Hokanson. She explained that the previous ceramics studio was cramped, while this studio has space for all students and new equipment, such as kilns and sinks.

The ceramics and sculpture studios now share an outdoor patio. “It’s fun being back with ceramics again,” said Tim Timmerman, professor of Art and Design. “For the old sculpture room, we didn’t have access to the outside. The fact that we have this outdoor space is really lovely.”

As for the removal of Brougher, Timmerman said there had been talk of its demolition across his 23 years at GFU. “The big thing is the people,” Timmerman said. “The goodbye for me was the memory with people; the memory of all of us in there working.”

Now is the time for new memories to be created, and these spaces will become what the students and staff make it. “A lot of the impact [of the building] will depend on the commitment the students have,” said Chung. “The faculty will always give 110 percent.”

An open house for the Art and Cinematic Arts building will be held on Oct. 4 from 5-7 p.m. for anyone curious to explore.