Among all the happenings that come with a fresh school year, LCU’s new Art Studio building had an Open House Monday afternoon. This new studio space was funded by generous grants from the C.H. and Helen Jones Foundation and is located in the former motor pool area on campus. The new building provides about four times as much space as the old art studio, which was housed in a barracks building for the last 23 years. “Because of this new studio, we're able to expand our programs in ways that we could never even think to in the old building,” says Dr. Michelle Kraft, associate professor of art education. “Right now, LCU has more students in art-related majors than at any time in its history. We have plans in the works to grow our studio course offerings, which we simply couldn't have in the previous building.” The new art building includes a large, open studio, a wood working area, and a student gallery, as well as an office and increased storage. It is heated and cooled through the university geo-thermal system. LCU senior and Art Education major, Loren Wilferth comments on the new art studio, “I think the new art studio is a wonderful place for students. It is a place to go and escape reality and work on art. The art students at LCU now have a space to work and create in peace. This new location gives you the space you need to move around, but also a sense of a private work environment. I am so excited about the new studio and to see the works that are produced in it!”