Suffolk Reporter

From a native species planting event at Life Sciences to a new mural being painted at the ECC Building, Campus Beautification Committee (CBC) projects are spreading art, joy, and community involvement around campus. The latest CBC call to action took place earlier this week with a message from Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer Judi Brown Clarke announcing 'ART Tank.'

“It’s the same idea as Shark Tank and Wolfie Tank,” said Wolfie Tank founder and director David Ecker, technology solutions and engagement specialist/innovator in the Division of Information Technology. He added that “The ART stands for ‘Art Rising Through.’ And the aim is to provide students the opportunity to express themselves, leave a lasting legacy of art and get the unique opportunity to gain feedback for their work from professional panelists. Also to win an award.”

The other benefit, said School of Professional Development’s Chris Tanaka, who conceived of the idea with Ecker, is that “SBU will continue to build a beautiful, engaging, inclusive and interactive campus environment that recognizes the cultural significance of the arts and invites community members to participate and enjoy.”

By Wednesday, October 1, students are being asked to submit their ideas for campus beautification designs at one of three designated locations. The proposals can range from murals to sculptures to landscape design or wherever their imaginations take them. The actual ART Tank event will take place Thursday, October 24, as part of the university’s Homecoming Week celebration.

— Ellen Cooke