New D-Studio to serve all art, design students
Studio made possible through the generosity of Marty and Jane Kittrell will serve all art students.
Kim Chaudoin |
Students in the School of Art & Design have a new learning space that will inspire creativity and foster collaboration.
On Aug. 31, the Lipscomb community gathered to dedicate the new Jean Nunley Dennison D-Studio, located in the lower level of McFarland Hall. The studio is a multi-disciplinary art laboratory that touches every student in the School of Art and Design. From art therapy to graphic design students to studio art majors and everything in between, every student in the School of Art and Design will benefit from this new space.
The D-Studio is funded through a generous gift from Lipscomb trustee Marty Kittrell and his wife, Jane, in honor of his mother-in-law Jean Nunley Dennison. Dennison, 96, has a passion for art. She became an artist in the 1960s and has had a passion for drawing ever since, and remains interested in sketching today.
President Candice McQueen with Jane and Marty Kittrell.
“Marty and Jane, you have been so generous in sharing your time and resources with us for a number of years,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen at the dedication ceremony. “Thank you so much for your continued support of Lipscomb University — and in particular of our students. I look forward to the lasting impact this studio will have on students for years to come.”
The studio includes drawing space, classroom space and features several of Dennison’s paintings throughout the space.
Mike Fernandez, dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts, said the opening of this new studio is particularly meaningful as the college celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
“I'm reminded as we are in our 10th year as a college, that arts at Lipscomb goes way back. Today I think of some of the people who are the giants in the space that we work in here,” said Fernandez. “I can't help but think of John Hutcheson, who led the department for so many years and created a rich tradition of the arts that birthed many great artists out into the world.”
Rocky Horton, professor and director of the School of Art & Design, speaks to students during the dedication ceremony.
“While this space feels brand new, it's built on the bones of something very old, very special and very strong,” he continued. “So I hope as you're taking this in today, you can be mindful that Lipscomb has always been a proud supporter of the arts and we've got many people upon whose shoulders we are standing today.”
Lipscomb’s School of Art & Design offers undergraduate degree programs in graphic design, studio art, art therapy and visual art teaching. Learn more.
Paintings by Jean Nunley Dennison are featured in the new D-Studio.