Art Club; headed in a new direction

Millersville’s Art Club had its first meeting on October 5 at 6 p.m. in Breidenstine. It almost ceased to exist about a month ago due to lack of organization and not having the resources or staff to govern the club.

The few members that still remained within the club almost forgot to register their organization due to the chaotic nature of not having proper officers to run art club.

However, thanks to a faculty member who reminded of the registration deadline, the club is active and looking for new members.

“If we hadn’t registered soon, we would have to forfeit the money that we’ll be receiving from student senate,” said President Matt Eggswar.

“We almost lost Art Club, so bear with us,” Lauren Nye, a Senior Fine Arts major said to students who attended the first meeting. “If we had, it would have been a difficult process to start it all over again.”

A few members still in the Art Club, such as Eggssware and Nye, took on positions to save the Art Club because the organization needs officers to exist. Therefore, all of the positions are up for grabs and anyone who is interested in becoming president, secretary or treasurer should attend their next meeting on October 21 at 6 p.m. where they will be voting for the new officers.

“We just want to make sure we get a good group of people who will take on the responsibilities,” said Nye of her expectations of the new officers.

This semester, the Art Club has received only a fraction of money, and they are thinking of fundraising methods to boost up their budget.

According to Eggsware, the funding they received this semester is less than 25 percent of the normal budget.

“Art Club used to get a good amount of money, but the funds weren’t renewed last semester,” said Nye who has been a part of the Art Club for two semesters.

The Art Club organizes museum trips to Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York and other major cultural centers. However, since the budget is low, opportunities for these trips are limited, but are still available through the Red Raven Art Company in Lancaster. This is an art gallery in downtown Lancaster that arranges bus trips to museums and is open to anyone interested. Their next trip is to New York City, Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art on December 6. For ticket prices and more information go to: http:// www.redravenartcompany.com

The Art Club, aside from its financial battles is still trying to organize a small trip to Philadelphia in the near future.

As an attempt to raise money, Eggsware discussed setting up a membership fee.

He asked the members and newcomers how they feel about a $10 membership fee every semester, and the students seem to nod in agreement.

However, Eggsware said that for those who already belong to another art organization, their fee is only $5. He also talked about fundraising projects such as making and selling T-shirts or helping out on First Friday in downtown Lancaster.

There will also be open modeling available October 14 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the art building.

Open modeling is an opportunity for students to draw, paint, and sketch freely.

This session will be at no cost, however, Eggsware said they might start charging a very small fee to Millersville students after the first time.

One of the community service type projects that the Art Club will be involved in is cleaning up the Rose Garden behind Breidenstine.

This will take place Saturday, Oct. 24. Anyone interested should check their Facebook for times.

A big change to the Art Club is a new faculty advisor, Assistant Professor of Art, Dr. Victoria Weaver.

“This is the first time in a long time that we actually have a faculty coordinator,” said Eggsware.

Dr. Weaver said looking around the room that she was glad to have the support of so many students.

The Art Club is looking for new members and anyone interested should attend their next meeting on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.