Jonesboro, Ark. – Arkansas State University officially opened the new Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation, a $25 million facility that brings together students from the Art + Design, Engineering and Computer Science programs. The hall, funded by a generous $25 million gift from the Windgate Foundation, features flexible studio spaces, a state‑of‑the‑art project studio, and a gallery for exhibitions.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration at the Core
Art + Design Department Chair Katherine Baker said the building was designed to foster collaboration across seemingly disparate disciplines. “From its conception, the Windgate Hall was imagined as a space where different fields could come together to produce something new,” she explained. Baker added that creativity is a key skill for Art + Design students and is equally vital for engineering and computer science majors.
Ribbon‑Cutting and Alumni Reunion
The ribbon‑cutting ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, and will also serve as the centerpiece of the Art + Design Alumni Reunion, which runs through Sept. 12. Alumni are invited to tour the new building, attend workshops and panel discussions, and enjoy the festivities before the Red Wolves’ first home football game. All events are free, though advance registration is requested.
Cutting‑Edge Facilities
According to Baker, the project studio is a light‑filled lab equipped with new technology that enables students to collaborate side‑by‑side. The hall also includes a gallery near the entrance for regular student exhibitions and visiting artists, as well as an outdoor terrace with flower beds that can be used for natural dye projects.
Interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Dr. YeonSang Hwang, highlighted the building’s advanced equipment, such as virtual‑reality stations and 3D printers. “Students will find themselves in a well‑prepared space surrounded by enthusiastic faculty ready to help,” he said, noting that the studio will showcase the full design cycle for prospective students.
Support from University Leadership
Interim Chancellor Dr. Calvin White Jr. emphasized the hall’s role in preparing students for careers in an increasingly interconnected world. “Windgate Hall reinforces our commitment to providing hands‑on learning experiences that prepare our graduates for success,” he said.
Julia Wintner, director of the Bradbury Art Museum, expressed excitement about future collaborations between the museum and the new facility, calling it “unprecedented opportunities for artists, engineers and computer scientists to work together.”
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Art history instructor Caitlan Smith noted that the department plans to expand public events such as the annual Halloween Art Bash and the Delta Print Symposium, aiming to make the hall the regional hub for the art community.
The Windgate Hall aligns with the existing Windgate Center for Three‑Dimensional Arts, opened in 2021, and will provide additional space for woodworking, ceramics and other hands‑on disciplines.
With the Windgate Foundation’s continued generosity, university officials anticipate further enhancements, including the addition of robotics instruments and other advanced equipment.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
