Student artwork on display in DeMoss Hall

Liberty University’s Department of Studio and Digital Arts (SADA, formerly VCAR) has livened up the fourth floor of Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center with the addition of 40 works of art completed by students in the department.

The pieces cover a number of styles from impressionism to abstract.

“As I worked with students to plan the general theme, the idea of creativity continued to surface, the idea of using creativity and expression as ways of reflecting God’s gift of creativity and expression,” said Department Chair Todd Smith.

Andrea MacBean, a junior studying studio art, created four pieces for the display. She said she enjoyed the opportunity “to make a physical impact at Liberty University that will be there to inspire others for years to come.”

“I believe art should point us to the highest artist, God Himself; so knowing that all of the paintings on these walls point to God’s creativity through His creation … gives me so much joy,” MacBean said.

The third and fourth floors of DeMoss Hall, Liberty’s main academic building, were renovated last year, the first projects to kick off a major campus transformation now under way.

“I’m very thankful to Chancellor Falwell and his wife, Becki, for allowing Studio and Digital Arts students to do these paintings,” Smith said. “The students are always so excited when they are asked to do projects like this.”

This is the second time SADA has been asked to create artwork for a part of campus. In 2009, students created 34 works that are now displayed on the first floor of Green Hall, near the Tolsma Indoor Track Complex, under the theme of “God the Creator”.

Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. and his wife, Becki, commissioned the art displays.

“We often receive positive comments about the existing display in Green Hall.  The artistic talent of Liberty students always exceeds our highest expectations.  I know the new display in DeMoss will be another source of pride for Liberty,” Falwell, Jr. said.

• The Department of Studio and Digital Arts is part of Liberty’s School of Communication. It offers majors in graphic design and studio art, with an option for teacher licensure. Students can also minor in graphic design, studio art and photography.