School of the Arts now State-of-the-Art
WALKING PAST the cistern at the College of Charleston, I am struck by the sense of time and place at one of our country’s oldest colleges. Spanish moss hangs from grand oaks that frame the columns and fading pink walls of colonial architecture. It is a scene of southern tradition and charm.
Cato Center for the Arts
As I turn the corner on St. Philips Street towards Calhoun, my steps quicken with anticipation as I approach the new Cato Center for the Arts. It has been 16 years since the inception of this building and now, two presidents and 27 million dollars later, the time has finally come.
Most students are still returning from their December break, but those attending the open house today are wearing huge smiles, as are the hundreds of visitors. All five stories and dazzling new 71,000 square feet are abuzz with energy. Clearly, the arts at the College of Charleston are alive and well, with an exciting sense of possibilities where music, theatre, dance, art, photography and arts management are finally under the same roof.
There is so much that is new. New space to create and learn, and the luxury to do both comfortably. New freedom to explore and cross-pollinate with other art forms. More room to delve deeper into a creative process of producing valuable work on a personal and professional level. It is a state-of-the-art frontier inviting artists to come and share their knowledge and talent with the college. And as this campus continues to grow, it is very apparent that the new center for the arts is going to be vital to both the College and the community of Charleston.
BELOW: the author interviewing professors at opening day of the Cato Center for the Arts.
Looks wonderful…world class…good luck
[...] CharlestonToday.net, January 15, 2010 [...]