Sheldon open to all students during college night
Ashley Pritchard
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Features
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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln houses a hidden gem that most students don't know exists.
Tucked behind the College of Business Administration building and across from Hamilton Hall, the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery is reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple with its slender columns and arched porticoes.
Inside, the museum houses both the Nebraska Art Association collection and the University of Nebraska collection that together comprise more than 12,000 works of art in a variety of styles and media.
"The Sheldon is probably one of the top five museums in the nation for American art, and some students haven't been in here," said Kestrel Lemen, senior fine arts major and UCARE participant at the Sheldon, 12th and R streets.
One reason for this, Lemen said, is the perception that museums are stuffy and formal. Students think it isn't a place for them.
"So many people not only have a very limited knowledge of art," said Emma Clute, senor art history, French and German major and Sheldon student docent, "but worse, are intimidated by it."
To break down those barriers and create a less formal atmosphere, college night at the Sheldon was created. Wednesday the Sheldon opens its doors from 5 to 7 p.m. for students, groups and night classes. There will be pizza, refreshments and tours by student docents.
"I hesitate to call it a 'tour' because that sounds so formal," Chute said. "It's really more of an exploration."
Students have the opportunity to socialize, have a snack and see three different exhibitions.
"The bottom line is it's all free," said Tom White, marketing and public relations director for the Sheldon. "It's a great place for students to enjoy student life and perhaps learn something."
Breaking down the barriers of intimidation and the false ideas that museums are elite and boring is one of the main goals of college night, Lemen said. But they also want students to form their own ideas about art and realize the importance of art in today's society.
"American art is a representation of our culture," Lemen said. "If you want to be able to talk about life and real-world issues, you need to know what's going on in the art world."
College night at the Sheldon is a fun option for students to hang out with friends, grab a free bite and build appreciation for art.
"You may not get Rothko or understand a Pollack," Lemen said, "but there is going to be something there you'll enjoy and relate to."
ashleypritchard@dailynebraskan.com
Tucked behind the College of Business Administration building and across from Hamilton Hall, the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery is reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple with its slender columns and arched porticoes.
Inside, the museum houses both the Nebraska Art Association collection and the University of Nebraska collection that together comprise more than 12,000 works of art in a variety of styles and media.
"The Sheldon is probably one of the top five museums in the nation for American art, and some students haven't been in here," said Kestrel Lemen, senior fine arts major and UCARE participant at the Sheldon, 12th and R streets.
One reason for this, Lemen said, is the perception that museums are stuffy and formal. Students think it isn't a place for them.
"So many people not only have a very limited knowledge of art," said Emma Clute, senor art history, French and German major and Sheldon student docent, "but worse, are intimidated by it."
To break down those barriers and create a less formal atmosphere, college night at the Sheldon was created. Wednesday the Sheldon opens its doors from 5 to 7 p.m. for students, groups and night classes. There will be pizza, refreshments and tours by student docents.
"I hesitate to call it a 'tour' because that sounds so formal," Chute said. "It's really more of an exploration."
Students have the opportunity to socialize, have a snack and see three different exhibitions.
"The bottom line is it's all free," said Tom White, marketing and public relations director for the Sheldon. "It's a great place for students to enjoy student life and perhaps learn something."
Breaking down the barriers of intimidation and the false ideas that museums are elite and boring is one of the main goals of college night, Lemen said. But they also want students to form their own ideas about art and realize the importance of art in today's society.
"American art is a representation of our culture," Lemen said. "If you want to be able to talk about life and real-world issues, you need to know what's going on in the art world."
College night at the Sheldon is a fun option for students to hang out with friends, grab a free bite and build appreciation for art.
"You may not get Rothko or understand a Pollack," Lemen said, "but there is going to be something there you'll enjoy and relate to."
ashleypritchard@dailynebraskan.com
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