A new Web site created by the MSU Public Art on Campus Committee has put campus artwork on display for the world to see.

The new site, publicart.msu.edu, allows surfers to take a look at the 903 pieces of art displayed in locations throughout campus.

The committee was established in 1999 by the MSU Board of Trustees. Committee member Jeff Kacos said the committee plays an important role in creating artistic diversity and fostering art awareness on campus.

"Art enriches anyone's time on campus, and we help to administer the selection of a diverse range of artists and pieces," he said.

Any piece of art that is to be displayed inside a building or in any outdoor location on campus first must be approved by the committee.

"When we were founded, there was no list or official source to tell us which pieces were on campus," Susan Bandes, committee member and director of the Kresge Art Museum, said. "So we decided to take an inventory of all the pieces."

In doing so, members realized MSU housed more pieces than anyone thought.

The committee decided a Web site would be a good way to catalogue the inventory.

"The Web site is an informative and efficient way to display campus art for everyone to see," Bandes said.

On the Web site, users can enter as guests or use an MSU Net ID. The site can then be searched by the title of work, artist, location and medium.

There are 347 different artists displayed on the site, and most pieces are accompanied by a short description of the artist and the piece's size. Kacos said the site also is a resource for students who have an interest in art.

"The site is a nice compliment to the vast selection of art on campus," he said. "Many people are unaware of just how good the MSU art collection is.

"We hope, in creating the Web site, we will stimulate student interest in art and encourage them to take a closer look at pieces on display all around campus."