The community remains a top priority for Marshall’s Visual Arts Center even after 10 years, a commitment expressed by both the first and current directors of the VAC.

  “We are always finding new ways to reconnect the use of the building for community organizations.” said Sandra Reed, who served as director when the VAC first opened.

  Meanwhile, the current director Mark Zanter, commented on how the 10th anniversary of the VAC “lets us reconnect with all of the patrons who helped built the facility in place.”

  When asked about what their proudest moment was while working at the VAC, Zanter spoke about the move of the Birke Art Gallery from Smith Hall to the center’s first floor.

  “It was a really great thing for us,” he said.

Reed shared his opinion, and said student galleries are “a great opportunity to integrate the city even more to the building.”

  Zanter also spoke on the “unique physical characteristics” of the building.

  “The VAC is a wonderful, purposeful arts building with so many purpose-built features for the school,” he said.

  Zanter went on to say that the VAC’s location in downtown “helps to bring more traffic and more tourists to the center.”

“It is such an inspirational place to work,” Reed said.

  The Visual Arts Center will have their 10-year anniversary celebration on Sept. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is open to the public.

  Jordan Ooten can be contacted at [email protected].