An unexpected gallery
Works of art on display in new Clinical and Translational Research Building
By Michelle Champalanne
The Clinical and Translational Research Building just got a little more colorful.
The building, which opened last August, has received a donation from University Galleries in the form of the piece “Alphabet Soap” by Steve Silver. The piece is currently installed in the CTRB’s pediatric waiting room.
Amy Vigilante, Ph.D., director of University Galleries, is thrilled to have the piece installed in the CTRB because its contemporary feel and open space let the work be seen even from Gale Lemerand Drive, she said. The large piece is a perfect fit for the children’s wing of the CTRB, she added.
“Each of the letters is a separate little painting,” she said. “So it’s put together like children’s building blocks.”
The painting, on indefinite loan, was originally purchased for University Galleries by Gary R. Libby, a UF alumnus and director emeritus of the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach. He has been a strong supporter of the UF School of Art and Art History.
In addition to the “Alphabet Soap” piece, the CTRB is funding a site-specific public art project for their center. Students, alumni and faculty of the UF School of Art and Art History submitted proposals for a piece to be tailored to the CTRB.
“The administration over at the CTRB has been very supportive of the art, particularly out of our college,” said Oaklianna Caraballo, director of operations for the School of Art and Art History.
The finalists will be selected at the end of March. The number of pieces chosen to be included in the CTRB will depend on each individual proposal’s budget, she said. The CTRB has provided $70,000 for funding the project.
“Having an artist create something for the space is incredible, because they’re keeping in mind what fits the space both physically and conceptually,” she said.
A reception will be held in the fall in honor of the installation of “Alphabet Soap” and the finalists’ new pieces.