From time to time, Olin lobby entertains more than just students taking a break from stressful workloads. This often-frequented campus locale is also a primary spot for various events, from art exhibits to Hanukkah celebrations.
The most recent art exhibition, displayed in the lobby from March 24 to April 16, was assembled by the West Indian Student Association (WISA), a University group dedicated to informing the campus community about West Indian issues. Featuring Caribbean paintings, drawings, and poetry, the exhibition portrayed a slice of West Indian style and life—and offered a pleasant means for procrastination.
Students noted being impressed and interested by what the WISA exhibition had to offer.
“It was great,” said Karin Tonhäuser, who is a visiting international student. “Every time I went to Olin I stopped at the exhibition and looked at the pieces.”
While most students may not even consider requesting to get their artwork displayed in the library lobby, anyone is allowed to apply to fill the space. Although the exhibitions are usually comprised of student pieces, Olin librarians offer any artist—regardless of their affiliation with a student group or even the University itself—the chance to display pieces in the lobby.
Library Assistant Jessica Steele described the application process as a simple and painless one. After formulating a concept for the exhibit, applicants must fill out a registration form that asks basic questions about the content of their project, how long they would like the exhibit run, and why they believe Olin lobby is an ideal place to house it.
In most cases, Steele noted, well thought-out and creative proposals are happily granted a display spot in the lobby.
If you have ever been distracted by bouts of cheering and applause echoing through Olin’s reading rooms, you know that Olin lobby also often transforms from an art gallery into a performance stage.
“Art displays are not the only thing Olin lobby is used for,” Steele said. “You also can ask for permission if you want to perform in the lobby, for example, if you’re acappella group.”
In addition to these vocal performances, Olin lobby can also be a hot spot for discussions—both impromptu and student organized. On March 18, for example, students may have happened upon a political debate between the Wesleyan Democrats and Wesleyan Republicans.
Steele also cites various other events, some serious and some light-hearted, that have been brought to the lobby. Environmental Organizer’s Network (EON) was one group that recently took advantage of the space Olin lobby offers, presenting an exhibition during global awareness month. A tribute to Rosa Parks was also recently displayed to captivate and educate students passing by.
Beyond these activities, Steele recalls other memorable events.
“WesPeace [held]…a ritual dedicated to 4000 soldiers who passed in the Iraq war. All their names were written down in memory of them,” Steele said. “The Hanukkah candle show was also something special we had in the Lobby a couple of weeks ago”
Whether stopping to watch a political debate or to peruse a student-run art exhibit, students intending to work in Olin are sure to find some pleasant distraction before making it through the lobby.
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