Art in the Library

Would you rather study in a purely functional environment - blank walls, industrial carpeting - or in a well-designed setting graced with works of art? At the MSU Libraries, we're aiming for the latter. Of course, our top priority has to be buying materials we need for the collection, staffing our service points, and keeping up with the back-office work that makes the library run smoothly. But whenever possible, we try to bring art into the library, whether it's donated or on loan from another campus unit. Now, the library has an endowment to fund the acquisition of artwork. And best of all, it's designed to support student artists: the Irene B. Arens Endowment in Support of Student Arts in the MSU Libraries. Thanks to Mrs. Arens, we're now holding the second annual Student Art Competition.

Winning entries by one undergraduate artist and one graduate student artist will be selected by a committee. Each will receive a $500 prize, provided by the Arens Endowment, and the MSU Libraries will acquire and display the artwork.

The winning entry from 2010, "Things Are Being Hidden" by Steven Stradley, can be seen in the Main Library reference area. Entries for this year's competition are due Friday, March 16. And, watch for the Student Art Competition award reception - with unveiling of the winning artworks - at the Main Library in April!