Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) will host a dedication ceremony for the new Windgate Arts Complex on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at 4 p.m. in the Chris Kaufman Critique Atrium. This invitation-only event celebrates the Windgate Foundation's $3.4 million contribution, which was crucial in funding the state-of-the-art facility. The event will also honor other significant private donations made by supporters of EMU’s School of Art and Design. The ceremony will include a ribbon-cutting, guided tours, and remarks from university leaders.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Windgate Foundation's generous contribution to the Windgate Arts Complex," said EMU President James Smith. "Their support not only strengthens our commitment to providing top-tier arts education but also ensures that our students have access to cutting-edge facilities that inspire creativity and innovation.”

The new Windgate Arts Complex spans 23,000 square feet on the northwest corner of campus and houses various art programs such as ceramics, sculpture, digital fabrication, and furniture design.

“The Windgate Arts Complex is for faculty, staff, and students—present and future—who will be inspired by this new facility and want to return time and again to practice their crafts, work alongside fellow artisans, and design new works of art in studios that were built for these very purposes,” said EMU Professor and Director of the School of Art and Design Sandra Murchison.

The complex aims to enhance partnerships with organizations like the Riverside Arts Center by offering summer workshops to Washtenaw County residents. Additionally, teachers across Michigan can participate in a summer institute led by EMU Art Education faculty to expand their skills.

In addition to showcasing the new facilities, the ceremony will feature a student-designed bench that will become a permanent fixture in the Christopher Kaufman Critique Atrium. EMU student Leah Popyk created the sleek bent-wood bench with an integrated concrete table as part of her winning entry in the Student Furniture Design Challenge.

“Leah’s design is a testament to our students' incredible talent and vision, and it’s exciting to see their work become part of the permanent landscape of the Windgate Arts Complex,” said Chris Kaufman, an EMU advisory board member.

Popyk and her classmates produced ten benches based on her design during Professor John DeHoog’s Furniture Design winter 2024 class. This project aligns with EMU’s strategic plan promoting student success through real-world applications of their studies.

The completion of the Windgate Arts Complex within 15 months highlights EMU’s forward-thinking approach to art education by providing a collaborative environment for students across multiple disciplines.

The Windgate Foundation was established in 1993 by William Loyd “Hutch” Hutcheson Jr. and Mary Ella “Dede” Dietrich Hutcheson. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, it focuses on strengthening contemporary arts and visual arts education through grants.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University serves over 13,000 students pursuing various degrees across its multiple colleges. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence and commitment to applied education.