By SOLEIL PAZ
Staff Writer
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On Friday, Nov. 7, The College of Saint Rose held its official opening ceremony for the new digital photography studios in the Picotte Center for Arts and Design.
During this significant event, students, faculty, and even several members of the general public gathered to join the Art Department for a ribbon cutting and various demonstrations of new technologies that the labs offer. The process of adopting the change and renovating the space was one that has spanned three years and was considered a large milestone for more than just the Saint Rose artistic community.
The urge to modernize the photography studios in Picotte was something that many individuals in the Saint Rose community empathized with. The only cause for delay was the allocation of resources. In asking for the funding, the Art Department had to “get in line.” Other departments were vying for their own funds, so the fact that the digital color labs were finally made into a reality was something colossal.
In her address at the dedication ceremony, President Carolyn Stefanco said, “Tonight is important because this project is about the faculty and students… We really want students and faculty to have the best technology to be able to collaborate with each other and to do great work.”
“[C]reating digital photography studios and a fabrication lab of this level of sophistication enables our art and design students to maximize their creative and artistic expression using cutting-edge technology,” she said.
Stefanco went on to stress the impact of such an addition to the already advanced art program at Saint Rose. Described as a “hidden jewel,” by Stefanco, she said that she hoped the renovated facilities would attract more great students and great creators.
After the dedication, there was a ribbon cutting, which in itself paid homage to the new machinery at Picotte—the “ribbon” was a length of a photograph printed out using one of the large-scale printers. The digital labs were then opened for people to wander in and look around. Student projects that utilized the new technology covered the walls to display the high quality of work that they have been producing.
The pictures that the new printers put out are tremendously crisp and clear. Even a simple panorama taken on an iPhone proved to be compatible and had no evidence of any diminished quality or pixelated effect. Colors were more vibrant and consistently pigmented from screen to paper, which means it will be easier for students to get an advanced idea of what their final prints will look like. The paper size has also been stretched to the limit—the largest printer will be able to tackle a file or picture that is 59 feet long.
The amount of pride and fulfillment in the whole artistic community was certainly felt during this momentous occasion, according to photography professor Tom Santelli.
“I’ve been here a long time and I do believe we have one of the best facilities in the area… We’re very happy to have this, I think our students are delighted to have this, and I think they’re using the labs in an incredibly creative way. And that makes me feel very satisfied.”
Art students who attended the event were, to say the least, very excited. Gina Magistro, a junior in the graphic design program, commented, “It’s great to hear what all went into it, and it’s interesting that the public is here. I think it’s great to help promote the school and see what we’re doing here.”
In addition to the digital studios, demonstrations were also held in the fabrication lab (the fab lab for short). The lab houses a universal laser cutter, 3D printer, and 3D scanner, allowing students to create physical objects in minutes, both incredibly precise and intricate, out of their computer files. After a few simple demonstrations, it became apparent that the capabilities of such machines were astonishing.
Senior graphic design major Will Mintzer agreed, “I love the new technology. I love the fab lab—the fab lab is great. I haven’t even seen the 3D scanner work yet, but it’s cool stuff. It looks good up there, too.”
Though art majors and professors are extremely thrilled about the renovations, that does not mean others cannot benefit from the systems as well. The Center for Arts and Design has made these resources available to be used by art majors and non-majors alike, even going toward any other special needs on campus.
Infinite opportunities and endless possibilities have been introduced. Friday’s event was the ceremonial opening to get the news out there, but it was only just the beginning.
