The soft hum of an air conditioner is the only sound filling the art gallery as bright lights are cast onto the heavy brushstrokes of an image of two figures entwined in thick gray and black oil paints.
Twisted metal sculptures, ancient ceramic pieces and paintings such as this are only a small part of the works of art featured at the Kresge Art Museum, located on the campus of MSU. Although the location might be the closest for students to visit, there are many other options to view exhibits by local, student and well-known artists.
Rachel Vargas, registrar for Kresge said the important thing for students to realize is in order to have a well-rounded college career, they need to experience all facets the campus has to offer - including the artistic venues.
"Students don't need to spend hours looking at art to appreciate it," she said. "Because it's free, students can stop in a couple of times during the year."
Vargas added the museum is the perfect place to take a break in-between classes.
"It is cold in the summer, hot in the winter and a quiet place to relax," she said.
Kresge visitor Wendy Pride said there are many opportunities to become a part of the gallery scene in the Lansing area. The Okemos resident also said it was important for people of all ages to be interested in art.
"I bring my kids with me," she said. "Even though they may not be enjoying it as much as I am, I do like to think they are absorbing something."
Roy Saper, owner of Saper Galleries, 433 Albert Ave., said the local galleries are a good place for students to visit because many don't charge admission and each offer a unique experience.
"The galleries in the area showcase phenomenal creativity," Saper said. "Visiting a gallery is a great adventure for students because it's free, it's fun, and you'll see lots of new things that will broaden the way you look at the world."
Both Vargas and Saper said there is no expected etiquette when visiting an art gallery. Students are asked to leave backpacks at the service desk at Kresge - and like most shopping centers, food and drink are not allowed.
The Lansing Art Gallery, relocating this month to 113 S. Washington Ave. in Lansing, features changing exhibits that Executive Director Kathy Babcock said are accessible to students.
"With our expansion we will be able to offer a new studio for children while expanding the area of art for all visitors," she said.
Babcock added MSU students are encouraged to become involved in the Lansing Art Gallery either by submitting applications to have their work included in shows or by volunteering at the gallery.
Other galleries in Lansing's Old Town including the Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner St., incorporate other forms of art, such as musical venues, into their exhibits.
"The entire atmosphere is very casual," said Robert Busby, owner of the Creole Gallery. "There's no pressure to buy anything, and we have a very relaxed approach to art and music."
That relaxed approach is what Saper stresses is most important for students to realize if they might be intimidated to attend an art gallery.
"There's a common misconception that art galleries are only for parents," he said.
"We have pieces of art that cost $20 and we have pieces of art that cost $20,000."
Saper also said the local galleries are good places students can take their parents when they might be visiting throughout the year.
"Even if the student's apartment or dorm looks like a trash heap, they can take their parents to an art gallery and show them the cultural aspects of the area that they have explored."
