State of the Arts: The Bryant Arts Center at Denison University

The creation of the Bryant Arts Center exemplifies Denison University’s commitment to the fine arts, to innovative teaching and learning, and to green construction practices—all while retaining the beauty and architectural integrity of the historic college campus.

Bryant Arts is home to the studio art and art history programs within the Department of Art. The 45,000-square-foot facility houses studios for ceramics, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and digital media. It also features fully electronic classrooms, open gallery spaces, an art history resource room, outdoor performance spaces, a common area for studio art seniors, and independent studios for faculty.

It opened in 1904 as Cleveland Hall, a men’s gymnasium, and it has experienced several incarnations throughout the last 105 years as generations of students have passed through its doors.

As a funding priority of Denison’s recently concluded $178 million Higher Ground Campaign, the $14 million Bryant Arts Center project broke ground in April of 2007. It is named for the project’s lead donor, Donald L. Bryant Jr. ’64 of St. Louis.

In August of 2009, the old Cleveland Hall re-opened as the new Bryant Arts Center after a massive yet thoughtful renovation. And the celebration of its completion is a signal event in the life of the college.

This is the state of the arts at Denison.

For More Information:

DU events to celebrate new fine arts building (Newark Advocate, October 14, 2009)