Chapel Gallery Open

Westminster’s new multipurpose working gallery for students, faculty and other artists located in the lower level of Andrews Memorial Chapel and called the Chapel Gallery officially opened Sept. 19 with an exhibition featuring five visual arts teachers. A reception was held  in the gallery and included the exhibiting artists Whitney Barrett, Ray Gustafson, Kerry Kazokas, John Sandoval and Jane Toner.

 

The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will continue until Oct. 13 and be open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Fridays from noon until 1:30 p.m.

 

The idea for the gallery originated with art teacher John Sandoval P’13,’15, who serves as its director. He made a proposal for its establishment and design, and upon approval of funding for the project, worked with members of the facilities staff on refurbishment of a former classroom and hallway into the gallery space. He also constructed special panels for hanging works of art.

 

The Chapel Gallery is faculty and student run and administered by Westminster’s Visual and Performing Arts Department. It features a small works’ hall, a mixed-use space that accommodates small performances, visual arts, as well as digital and electronic media.

 

“It is the first dedicated, permanent place for exhibiting student work other than in the Hamilton Art Studios,” said John. “It promotes the positive values of art education and aims to provide a platform for the exploration of innovative work and ideas. The design of the space offers a lot of versatility for exhibiting works in different media.” One of John’s goals is to have the gallery utilize contemporary practices such as QR graphics and short-throw projectors.

 

Student shows will soon follow the first exhibition and be timed to school events such as arts festivals and Candlelight Service. “There is potential for visiting artists’ shows, themed shows, traveling shows, short film nights and coffee houses,” added John. “We also hope other academic departments can use it for display of student work. There is even the opportunity to do some joint programming with the Archives, which is right next door to the gallery.”