McNeese State University officially opened May 7 the $15.7 million addition to the Shearman Fine Arts Building to area media and invited guests who toured the state-of-the-art facility after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

McNeese students described the various features of the new ceramics and sculpture studios, digital and traditional photography areas, and theatre and performing arts spaces. Student choral ensembles and the McNeese Steel Drum and Brass Bands also performed.

Guests were amazed by the many features of the new 59,918 square foot addition, especially the glass atrium, grand staircase and expansive Grand Exhibition Gallery.

"The state-of-the art features and equipment in both the visual arts and performing arts areas provide a quality environment for students to learn, study, perform and showcase their work,” said McNeese President Robert Hebert. "We are grateful to the former and current members of our Southwest Legislative delegation who assisted us in gaining state funds to build this addition.”

Dr. Jeanne Daboval, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said this expansion will give "our faculty an environment where they can truly showcase their teaching skills and demonstrate their exceptional talents as artists and performers.”

"In addition to providing an outstanding setting for teaching and learning, this facility will be a tremendous recruiting tool for us,” she added.

The new addition houses two academic programs within the McNeese College of Liberal Arts—the departments of performing arts and visual arts. Michele Martin is head of performing arts, while Lynn Reynolds is head of visual arts.

The performing arts department, which encompasses the music and theatre arts programs, offers a Bachelor of Music in music performance, a Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in theatre arts. The McNeese music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Martin said the first floor houses a new 526-seat theatre and stage, costume and scene shops, dressing rooms, concessions and a ticket office, while the second floor houses the theatre control booth, rehearsal hall, choral library, ensemble room, faculty office studios, a conference room, performing arts department suite and storage.

"The Shearman Fine Arts addition is a state-of-the-art facility," said Martin. "We have incorporated the latest technology that permits our students to develop their potential as creative artists and prepares them for professional careers in music, music education and theatre arts.”

The visual arts department offers two undergraduate degrees—the Bachelor of Arts in art education and the Bachelor of Arts in art with studio concentrations in graphic design, ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking and photography. The McNeese Department of Visual Arts program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Reynolds said the first floor houses a grand gallery, sculpture and ceramics studios, with a kiln patio, mixing and glaze rooms and a 3D studio, photography darkrooms, a digital photography studio, an art history/visual resource center, classrooms, faculty offices and storage. A balcony exhibition gallery is located on the second floor.

"We are excited about moving into the building,” said Reynolds. "Students will be using state-of-the-art equipment that will allow them to develop their artistic talents in their studio concentration.”

Architects for the addition are C.R. Fugatt and Associates, AIA, and Champeaux, Evans, Hotard, APAC. Bessette Development Corp. is the general contractor.

The original Shearman Fine Arts structure was built in 1950 with an extension added in 1962. The older sections of the building are scheduled to undergo renovations that will bring the entire structure into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

SHEARMAN FINE ARTS BUILDING

Quick Facts
Named for Flora I. and Thomas B. Shearman Sr. in 1991
Original building built in 1950, additions in 1962

Shearman Fine Arts Addition