Charles Dreis works on a project during his Ceramics 1 class in the newly renovated Art Building.

The exterior of UW-Platteville’s Art Building hasn’t changed much since it was originally built in the 1940s. However, due to a recent renovation, the students that go inside have something to smile about.

“For someone who was familiar with the old Art Building, it will be a bit of a shock,” Pete Davis, assistant director of engineering at UW-P’s facilities management office, said. “The building has a completely new look about it, from the front entry to the basement, it has been entirely updated.”

The renovated Art Building now features new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as bathrooms in the basement of the building. In classrooms, new lighting systems were installed, as well as new equipment ranging from electrical potters’ wheels and a new lathe in the sculpture lab.

“We were living in a slum over there,” Dan Fairchild, chair for the Department of Performing and Visual Arts, said. “I really have to thank the administration. I’m proud to show this building off.”

Fairchild said that although a lot of work has been done, the renovation is not complete. There is still some work to be done on the new lighting systems in the studios, as well as a display case to be finished in the main hallway.

“We’ve never had any place to display art,” Fairchild said. “The students and faculty can take pride in what we’ve got here.”

The general reaction to the renovation from students and faculty has been a good one.

“I’m thrilled with the changes,” Linda James, associate professor of art history, said. “The building is a metaphor for our program.” James has been teaching in the Art Building since 1999.

Prior to the renovation, temperature control was an issue with the Art Building.

“It was either boiling or freezing,” James said. “There were times that we could see our breath indoors in the winter.” The new heating and air conditioning system has remedied this problem.

The Art Building was originally built in the 1940s. At the time it was the industrial arts building. Although small changes to the exterior had been made, such as the addition of a ramp and new doors and windows, the interior had not been renovated until now.

“When remodeling a building, there are always a number of issues that come up.” Davis said. Despite any issues that arose during, the project, which began in 2006, was completed on time and within budget.

“If I sound enthusiastic, it’s because I am.” Fairchild said. “”We’ve gone from a dump to someplace where we can make art.”