Campus North artwork tells story of creation

The long hallway that runs alongside the post office, Light Medical and other student services at Liberty University’s Campus North has been transformed into an art gallery of sorts.

Recently, 34 mixed-media canvases were installed as part of a permanent display showcasing the artwork of nearly 50 Visual Communication Arts (VCAR) students.

The canvases were done under the theme “God the Creator,” with about six canvases for every day of creation.

Professor Todd Smith, VCAR program director, headed the project.

“Our first exposure to the God of the universe is that he is a designer,” he said. “This project helps to connect the students with the idea that God is creator and God is the one who gives the gift of artistic design and expression.”

While students were gone over Christmas break, workers started renovation on the hallway, painting the walls and adding a dark ceiling with “wall washer lights” to make the hall seem smaller and more inviting and to give it a gallery feel, Smith said.

The work was commissioned by Becki Falwell, wife of Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr.

“I am thrilled at how the hallway turned out,” she said. “I was amazed at how beautiful all of the paintings are, and I loved looking at each one several times the day they were put up. Each time I looked at the paintings I saw something that I hadn’t seen before. It is wonderful to be able to share the work of our talented students with others.”

She said there are also plans to renovate the hallway that runs by the track and the Campus North bookstore.

Smith said the project was a great opportunity for students to gain real-world experience and use their God-given gifts.

“There is this ideal side of the artist being gifted by God, but there is also the practical aspect of the artist negotiating in a real world setting and that is something we want the students to have,” he said. “This is a way of God using their talents to glorify God.”

The VCAR degree was made available in fall 2006. Students can choose concentrations in Graphic Design or Studio Art, with 45 credit hours required. Minors are also offered. Classes range from the cutting-edge subjects of desktop publishing, digital imaging and 2D/3D animation, to the traditional arts of painting, drawing and sculpture.