Following an act of vandalism in a Benedum art studio, the Department of Fine Arts may adopt restrictions that limit students’ access to classrooms and equipment. 

Assistant Professor of Fine Arts and Communication, Lisa Rasmussen, arrived at campus early on the morning of Feb. 10, 2025. Upon entering Benedum Room 120, Rasmussen found that an orange had been thrown at the chalkboard. As she cleaned the area, she discovered that supplies and artwork had been damaged by the orange juice.

“It likely happened the day before, over the weekend,” Rasmussen said. “Students are working late at night and they’re a little tired. They think it’s funny, but it’s actually not.”

Rasmussen said she alerted the fine arts faculty, including Chairperson of the Department of Fine Arts, Instructor of Music and Music Program Director, Eric Brewer. 

Rasmussen also spoke with Campus Security Officer, Robert Aberegg, who inspected the studio. Despite the best efforts of Public Safety and the Department of Fine Arts, the responsible party has not yet been identified, according to Rasmussen. 

As the Department of Fine Arts decides how to move forward, Brewer said that limiting studio hours is under serious consideration. 

“We’re discussing a few options, and we haven’t really settled on anything,” Brewer said. “However, one of the things under debate is possibly restricting student access to these areas.”

According to Brewer, students currently have access to the art studios and equipment during evening hours and throughout the weekend. If students choose to work at these times, they can ask a campus security officer to unlock Benedum’s doors. 

If access to the art studios were to be restricted, these hours would change drastically, according to Brewer.

“Students would only have access during the day, or during business hours,” Brewer said. “We would possibly cut off access to those areas after 8 p.m. each evening, and all weekend.” 

The closure would be “building wide,” according to Brewer. Not only would art students be affected, but also music students, and any other individuals using the Mac Lab located in Benedum. 

Brewer discussed the importance of being cautious when making decisions of this scope. He said he understands how the restrictions might impact students, and that he is interested in hearing their opinions.

“There are students on this campus who are crucial to the culture of the community,” Brewer said. “If they don’t have opportunities to complete work, that’s like saying athletes can’t go to the gym.”

Kaitlin Leadbitter, a senior Art major and Digital Design minor, expressed her concerns about the possible restrictions. 

“Most of the time I get for work is overnight,” Leadbitter said. “Whenever I come here, I’m setting up shop for a good couple hours. Literally all my work is done here.”

Leadbitter emphasized the importance of access to art equipment as her Senior Art Exhibition approaches. 

 “I can’t work on anything without access to this building,” Leadbitter said. “All the stuff for my art show is in Benedum, all the tools are here and I have sculptures in the back room.”

When asked how she would complete her final semester with potential restrictions, Leadbitter said, “I can’t imagine. It’s impossible.”