Art studio opens in Quadrangle

A maintenance glove, dot paintings and a Tide laundry detergent box straight from the laundry room were among the items presented at the opening of the Atelier des Artistes art studio Friday afternoon. According to co-founder and College sophomore Matthew Mandelbaum, approximately 40 people signed the charter which will enable them to use the new art studio, which is located in the Butcher basement in the Quadrangle. "It looks wonderful and it's exciting to see the students here and to actually see some art work on the walls," said Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone, who worked in conjunction with Mandelbaum and College freshman Yisrael Tigay in finding the space in Butcher rooms one, three and five. Students were just as excited that there will be an art studio available for use. College freshman Joree Adilman, who was drawing lips on easels set up in the studio Friday night, said she is "really glad that the art studio was started." "I can draw with my pencil and ink and my sketch book," she said. "But if I want to use charcoals or pastels I need a lot more space." Tigay was also excited about the opening. "The opening is important so people have fun and see that the space exists and have fun while realizing what they can do and what's already here on campus with the Artist Guild," he said. Atelier des Artistes is "pleased and proud to be working with in conjunction with the Artist Guild," according to Mandelbaum. Engineering senior and outgoing manager of the Artist Guild Adam Matta said he is happy that this space has been open to the public. "The Artist Guild has desperately been lacking space," he explained. "The Artist Guild has the kind of spirit that will fill this kind of space," he said. "This is supposed to be about the communal atmosphere and making art together in the same area and students having discussions. "I think they'll both work hand in hand well," Matta added. Mandelbaum agreed, saying he is "really excited because there is now vertical integration of the artistic process from conception to execution to exhibition." College junior and incoming Vice President of the Artist Guild Javier Villar also stressed the concept of vertical integration. "It's getting all the disciplines together and exposed to art," he explained. "The College is very empirically inclined but there are a lot of students who do art." Many present said they were happy with the success of the opening. "I want people to use the studio for anything from their individual art work to scenery painting to sculpture," said Assistant Dean for Residences Jane Rogers. "The uses are as many as people can imagine." Incoming President of the Artist Guild Diana Falchuk, a College freshman, said she has high hopes for the studio. "I'm really glad that Matthew and Tigay took the time and effort to get this place," she said. "We hope people start coming here and hanging out and an art community will develop." Tigay said he agreed. "I'm ready to come as soon as I can and put down some canvas and start painting," he said.