After four years of waiting, this past Friday, those within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts finally got what they have been waiting for: a new 112,000-square-foot, $14 million building that can better house music, art and theatre.
“We’re [now] all together in one place,” said Doug Cook, Chair of the Department of Visual and Fine Arts.
UT President Dr. Joe DiPietro, UTM Chancellor Dr. Tom Rakes and UTM Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Jerald Ogg led the official ribbon cutting, each speaking of the benefits of the new building for both the campus and community.
“Today is an exciting day for us. We haven’t had a new building on this campus for over 40 years. … Our outstanding students are very fortunate to have the privilege of studying and learning under some nationally recognized faculty, and now we realize that we have a learning space to accommodate these excellent faculty and students,” Rakes said.
The building includes 35 office spaces, 23 practice rooms, three rehearsal halls, two lecture halls, 12 large specialized studios, five classrooms, additional computer labs and specialized spaces for band, music and the visual arts. Within these spaces are state-of-the-art lighting, technology and acoustics. However, Rakes said that the renovations don’t stop there.
“Plans are under way for Phase 2, which will be a renovation of the Harriet Fulton Theater. … [In addition], our work continues not only in the Harriet Fulton Theater, but all over campus in a number of ways,” Rakes said.
As for the long wait on the building, Rakes praised those who supported and worked towards the completion of the renovation.
“It’s tough when you’ve been relocated. Students have to reorient with what’s there. You really have to cooperate across lines, and that happened. … I think it was well worth the wait. A vision is essential, but execution is what’s required to complete the task,” Rakes said.
DiPietro also expressed gratitude for the new addition to UTM, talking about how Fine Arts and education are important for this area of Tennessee.
“I know that this kind of activity around Fine Arts is good for the region for a lot of reasons. It solidifies the fact that you’re a cultural hub for the region, and it affects the quality of the life here in West Tennessee very positively. It affects the economic development of the region from the standpoint of potential industry partners who move into the area are going to look for this kind of an opportunity to [invest in]. … It provides community service, without a doubt, and connects with the people,” DiPietro said.
“It’s a privilege to be [UT System] president; it’s great to be around on days like this. … This is a day to celebrate; this is a day to cheer on UT Martin and to come take a look at this building.”
Many of the staff within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts are glad to be in one building again.
“One-stop shopping for the arts is our goal. I remember the excitement of the 1970 opening of the Fine Arts Building. What a thrill it is to witness the renovation and expansion,” said Elaine Harriss, Chair of the Department of Music.
As for the students in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, this will be the first time for many to be back in the Fine Arts Building.
“It is very exciting for the dance program, because we now have stages to perform on. We have been performing in the studio and in the Student Life Center ever since I have been here, so we are all so excited about having the performance space, as well as the lighting to experiment with and incorporate into the pieces,” said Leah Jean Graham, a senior Performing and Fine Arts major.
Not only are students excited about the quality of the building, but many are also excited about the departments being together again.
“The unveiling of the new Fine Arts Building will, no doubt, increase the morale, recruitment and family atmosphere we so deeply treasure in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts,” said Timothy Johnson, a senior Music Education major.
For many within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the goal is to improve education and service. With this new facility, the faculty, staff and students hope to achieve just that.
“I think the important thing to know is that we’re going to be doing much greater and better things here at this university, and we’ll be able to support and improve our teaching and servicing the community,” Cook said.
