The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Anderson Center for the Arts

Click on image titles for larger views.

Anderson Center for the Arts, Hartwick College

Institution Name: Hartwick College
Original/Historic Place Name: Center for the Arts
Location on Campus: West St.
Date(s) of Construction:

1973	original construction

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Postmodern (Glossary)
Significance: history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete

Walls: block

Roof: asphalt

Function:

1973-present (2006)	library (music)
1973-present (2006)	classrooms (also photo lab, darkroom, letterpress, computer art and music studio, 3-D sculpture studio, ceramics and glass-blowing studios, metal forge, soundproof music practice rooms, and listening center)
1973-present (2006)	museum (Foreman Art Gallery)
1973-present (2006)	theater (120 seat Anderson theater)
1973-present (2006)	academic department building (music, art, art history)

Narrative:
President Adolph Anderson and his wife Margaret planned Anderson Center for the Arts as a catalyst and venue for cultural events in both College and community. At the time, the facility was the most expensive ($4 million) and strikingly modern building on the campus--a large curving structure with large circles at both ends.

The facility continues to serve as a center for art and culture on campus, and although modified on the interior to accommodate Hartwick's ever changing art and music programs, much of the original interior finishes and fixtures remain, as does the striking exterior. A sculpture garden, in honor of the late Trustee Margaret Foreman, was added in the 1990s and provides a unique outdoor area for exhibit receptions, concerts, and classes.

References:

Bailey, Ronald H. Hartwick College, A Bicentennial History: 1797-1997. Oneonta, NY: Hartwick College, 1997.

Milener, Eugene D. Oneonta: The Development of a Railroad Town. Second revised edition. Plainview, NY: EPI, 1997.