Creative? Try out the Quad's new art studio

Students who have trouble sleeping can now channel their creative energy in the new undergraduate art studio which opens Friday in the basement of the Quadrangle. The studio, called Atelier des Artistes, will be housed in rooms one, three and five on the Butcher first floor, which is located in the unrenovated section of the Quad. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any undergraduates needing an environment in which to create, according to co-founder and College sophomore Matthew Mandelbaum. Mandelbaum, along with College freshman Yisrael Tigay, approached the administration about Atelier des Artistes, since there was no creative forum on campus. "The whole process of working with administration was really easy and they were very enthusiastic with the idea," Mandelbaum said. He explained that Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone suggested that they use the Butcher basement, since the rooms were empty due to flooding. "We're delighted to work with students to make this happen," Simeone said. "Matthew called and said that art students needed this space. We put our heads together and came up with this idea." Jane Rogers, associate Residential Living director for residences, was also very active in helping making the idea come to fruition. "I saw my role as trying to help them make this happen," she said. "I thought it was a nice idea for students to have a place to paint without worrying about? having to wander off campus." According to Rogers, Residential Living will provide approximately $500-1000 in funding from student program fees. This money will be used for tarps, lamps and easels, Mandelbaum said. "[Students] have to pay for supplies but the common stuff is there for everyone," he said, adding that there are locked closets where projects can be stored. Mandelbaum said a new set of locks were put on the doors, in addition to closets and shelving. Tigay explained that in order to use the space, students will have to sign the charter that explains the rules of the studio. "We've created a very laid-back and free atmosphere because that's the best atmosphere to do good work," he said. Although the Butcher basement was abandoned two years ago due to flooding, Rogers said it is unlikely that any water problems will affect the studio. The opening of the studio, which will be held in the Butcher basement Friday between 4-6 p.m., will feature a progressive "dinner," she added. "Beverages [will be] in one room, chips in another room and cookies in a third room," she explained. "The plan is for them to exhibit student art work in rooms and hallways. "We'll have place decked out for the event," she added. And Mandelbaum said the room will be decorated with various types of artwork, and paper and crayons will be provided so that students can make their first piece of art and "christen the studio." College and Wharton sophomore Jed Appelrouth said he is thrilled that the studio is opening. "It will be great to be in a common environment where you have people being creative together," he said. "You feed off each other and get new ideas."