Stories Archive

On March 9, 2015 construction officially began on the new Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building. We anticipate construction being completed in Spring 2016 with actual instruction taking place in the building in Fall 2016. The realization of the project represents the conclusion of an almost decade-long endeavor involving the entirety of the Art and Art History faculty. During the 2014-2015 academic year, we have finalized the building plans and met with consultants in classroom design. In addition, student input was sought. As the primary users of the building, our current majors and minors provided invaluable insights into their hopes for the building. We have been able to incorporate many of their suggestions as we have completed the planning.

 

Three faculty working groups have been tasked with certain responsibilities. A technology committee, chaired by Professor Aoki, has been visiting local vendors in an effort to determine the most appropriate digital displays for use in our classrooms. Professor Morris leads a separate committee focused on furniture. This group will make decisions concerning the design of faculty offices, classroom seating, and furnishing that will be located in common areas of the building. Finally, a third faculty group, steered by Professor de Maria, is assisting University Relations with fundraising for the new structure.

 

The new, 43,000+ square foot facility will be located on the North side of campus, on Franklin Street directly across from Alumni Science. Spanning from the Alameda to Alviso Street, the building will be the cornerstone of an arts-focused corridor on the Santa Clara University campus. The move to Franklin Street will place the Department of Art and Art History in close proximity with the other Fine Arts departments on campus, including Theater and Dance, Music, and Communications as well as the de Saisset Museum. We look forward to welcoming you all to our beautiful new home in 2016.