By TANIA RALLI
Arts Editor
 

The Society, headed by Maya Shinohara '98 and Parker Agelasto '98, organizes a range of activities, from lectures to workshops to museum visits.

Most recently, the group traveled to Boston to view Picasso: The Early Years at the Museum of Fine Art. Trips to the Portland Museum of Art are more frequent given the obvious accessibility.

Shinohara says it is the goal of the organization to "commit to educating, appreciating and practicing the visual arts." Meeting are not only devoted to discussion, but to projects as well. The group is currently collaborating on several collages using a range of materials.

Projects in the past have included making jewelery while sitting on the Quad, or using Fimo, a polymer clay that is formed and then baked. Students also had the opportunity to learn printmaking last year. The group has sponsored different films like "I Shot Andy Warhol" and `Fargo".

Shinohara says the Arts Society aims to bring local and regional artists to Bates. The organization wants to provide an informal atmosphere not only to discuss the works, but also to learn more about the process of creation. Additionally, subsequent workshops are being planned.

Another project that the Arts Society is involved with is the solicitation of student art work for the walls of Lane Hall and the Ronj. Shinohara encourages interested students to submit their works for display. The works will be framed, and then will adorn the walls for a period of six to seven weeks.

The Arts Society sponsors three annual art exhibits at the end of each semester and during Short Term. Held in Chase Hall, each exhibit is just a day long. All submissions are exhibited. The cost of the venture is eliminated because none of the works have to be framed. Members of the organization take turns overseeing the exhibition.

Shinohara wants to incorporate art historical elements to the activities to broaden the group's interests. The Arts Society ultimately aims to provoke the Bates community's interest in art while furthering their own. Making for an interesting backdrop, the Society is comprised of students majoring in disciplines other than studio art and art history.

The Bates Arts Society meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Skelton Lounge.