‘Appalling’ Fresno State art facilities are shameful

Fresno State is ranked 25th by Washington Monthly, what an honor. However, those who do the ratings have obviously not visited the art department.

Over the last six years, I have not witnessed a single improvement to the building or its facilities. The outdated space and equipment they use is appalling. The rooms are cramped with students struggling to find a space to utilize; the rusty kiln produces clouds of black smoke; ceilings leak in hallways and rooms, and many more problems plague our creative students.

With our cultural arts in the Tower District and downtown area booming in popularity, it has increased a high level of interest in the art program at Fresno State. Interestingly, all the university can offer is outdated facilities. What a shame.

The athletics and agricultural departments lack nothing.

Additionally, Fresno State, one of the few universities in the Valley, does not offer a master’s degree in fine arts program. Doesn’t Fresno want to keep its future artists here in Valley? Without an MFA program, students who want a higher education leave to other colleges outside of Fresno and more than likely, do not return.

I hope these words will inspire Fresno State to take action and to stop neglecting the arts.

This story was originally published September 9, 2016 at 11:25 AM with the headline "‘Appalling’ Fresno State art facilities are shameful."