JONESBORO — Arkansas State University has officially opened its new Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation, a $25 million facility designed to bring together students from art, design, engineering, and computer science for interdisciplinary collaboration.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, will coincide with the Art + Design Alumni Reunion, a weekend-long gathering for department graduates to reconnect with classmates and explore the new facility. Reunion activities include building tours, workshops, panel discussions, and the Arkansas State Red Wolves' first home football game of the season. Attendance is free, but advance registration is encouraged.
Constructed with a $20 million gift from the Windgate Foundation, supplemented by $5 million for maintenance, the hall features cutting-edge technology including project studios, VR tools, and 3D printers. The space is designed to foster creativity, with flexible work areas, outdoor green spaces, and a gallery for student and visiting artist exhibitions.
Dr. Katherine Baker, chair of the Art + Design Department, expressed the building's significance as a hub for collaboration. “From its conception, the Windgate Hall was imagined as a space where seemingly disparate disciplines could come together to produce something new,” Baker said. The facility, she noted, will enhance the ability of students to transform ideas into tangible projects and develop skills integral to their fields.
Dr. Calvin White Jr., interim chancellor of A-State, emphasized the hall's role in preparing students for dynamic, interconnected industries. “Windgate Hall reinforces our commitment to equipping students with hands-on learning experiences that bridge art, design, engineering, and computer science,” White said.
The project studio stands out as a core feature, providing an interdisciplinary workspace filled with natural light and advanced tools. “Students can utilize new technology in a collaborative environment, making this a transformative resource for both art and engineering practices,” said Baker.
Beyond the indoor facilities, the hall includes outdoor areas designed to inspire creativity. These spaces feature species of plants that can be used for natural dyes and a terrace offering views of the broader campus.
Dr. YeonSang Hwang, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, praised the opportunities the facility will provide for students. “We expect the project studio to become an alluring spot for prospective students, showcasing how the complete cycle of design unfolds through carefully crafted equipment in dedicated areas,” Hwang said.
In addition to teaching spaces, the hall strengthens the connection between the university and the broader community. Caitlan Smith, an instructor of art history, highlighted the department’s history of public engagement through events such as the Halloween Art Bash and the Delta Print Symposium. She sees the new facility as a leap forward in becoming a regional art hub.
The Windgate Hall is located near the Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts, which opened in 2021. Together, the two facilities provide students with access to a broad range of artistic disciplines, from woodworking to ceramics.
The Windgate Foundation remains A-State’s largest benefactor, with total gifts exceeding $40 million. “The continued generosity of the Windgate Foundation has transformed what is possible for A-State,” White said. “We are grateful for their enduring partnership and commitment to expanding educational opportunities across Arkansas.”