Wichita State shows off its remodeled printmaking studio
The project includes ventilation and new floor plan that allows for additional graduate studios.
More than 100 people turned out for a ribbon-cutting and open house in the newly remodeled home of Wichita State's print media program on September 4.
The classroom and studios, which are on the second floor of McKnight Art Center's north building behind the Ulrich Museum of Art, are the latest in a series of projects to update the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries' aging facilities. Prior to this year, those mostly centered on Henrion Hall, the second oldest building on campus. Henrion houses 3D studio art programs and graduate studios, and large portions of the building have been air conditioned and remodeled in recent years.
The updated printmaking area includes the addition of ventilation and new HVAC, space for up to five graduate studios, and a new layout that makes better use of the square footage. The school’s extensive letterpress printing equipment is now housed in the area along with the other presses.
“It's a huge upgrade from what we had before,” said Jeff Pulaki, ADCI director. “My guess is it's probably one of the best (printmaking studios) in the state at the moment.”
The infrastructure projects have arguably preserved ADCI’s facilities. Wichita State announced a 10-year master plan last year, which includes the demolition of multiple campus buildings, including the School of Performing Arts’ Wilner Hall. Under the plan, which was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents, both art buildings will remain intact.
Jeff Pulaski, ADCI director, said the university has committed to extending new HVAC throughout Henrion Hall, which is not completely air conditioned.
He hopes the next remodel will target the photography area in McKnight, which has been a source of student complaints.
— Emily Christensen is the managing editor of The SHOUT.
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