THE EAST WHIT ART CENTER
Eugene, OR
A healthy society needs to provide access to art education. Local art centers provide a space for the arts and are vehicles to bring communities together. They promote self-expression and the cross-pollination of professional creatives and locals who are intrigued with art and eager for creative experiences. This thesis investigates the power of art. Through the tangible the act of making, art can connect people and enrich a community by supporting a diversity of local and visiting artists. The project manages the competing objectives of a creating a dynamic civic building for public art programs and an intimate, contemplative environment for viewing art.
Now, more than ever, it is necessary to advocate for the beneficial properties and healing power of art within communities. This is where self-expression, the development of social connections to our immediate community through inclusive programs, and the therapeutic benefit of making are all realized. Surprisingly, there are no places like this in the Whiteaker neighborhood, even though it has a demographic that needs an art center and could support an emerging entertainment district. The site selected for this project is on the corner of a semi-industrial block. Using two buildings, a century old brick building and an adjacent single-story with a non-descript structure, will generate separate roles for the spaces based on private or public function.