Fort Smith Four

On September 3, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s new visual arts facility, the Windgate Art & Design building, was ceremonially opened. Over three hundred people were in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony and reception which was open to the public. The grand opening event began with speeches from community and faculty members, including Chancellor Dr. Paul Beran. Immediately following, Dr. Beran and several others officially cut the ribbon and a ceremony followed. The 58,000 square-foot Windgate facility was open for those in attendance to tour the film theater, numerous galleries, a professional-quality video and photography studio, letterpress, tool shop, classrooms, and more.

 

UAFS began construction on the building following a $15.5 million grant from the Windgate Charitable Foundation of Siloam Springs, with $2.5 million of the grant donated as a challenge grant to match other donations raised by UAFS.

 

According to Chancellor Paul B. Beran, the Windgate building is “not just a classroom building. It is much more than that.” This is reflected in the design of the building- even the office desks have original elements, making it more interesting than a typical university building.

“I was really impressed when I walked through- this is a workshop, not just a gallery,” said Morgan Chronister, UAFS Art major.

 

This building gives art students and graphic design students a top notch facility to work in, a place to work off hours. It also brings elements of culture to the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.  However, though the building may be a dream come true to graphic design students, not everyone is thrilled with the new addition. While taking a tour of the Windgate building, one student was appalled at the fact that the facilities are not being offered to more students. Several media communication’s students were offended that the photography studio with an adjacent editing room not available to them.

 

“I am required to create three video projects for this semester, and I have two optional video projects, all for different classes. I rely on the university to help make these projects a reality because I cannot afford the necessary equipment. However, our equipment and facilities are limited,” stated one media communications student.  

 

The opening of Windgate was just the beginning of the university’s 20 year master plan, which was unveiled in 2013. The Windgate Art & Design building was designed by WER Architects of Little Rock and constructed by CDI Contractors of Little Rock and Fayetteville.