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SBC Dairy Barns to Become New Arts Complex
Renovations to Largest Barn Nearing Completion
By Michelle Lurch-Shaw
SBC STAFF WRITER

Once famous for its milk and yogurt, Sweet Briar is nearing the end of the second phase of a renovation project that will see the College’s old dairy barns converted into facilities for the school’s studio arts programs. Alumnae, board members and other special guests will be given a sneak peek at the progress of the $950,000 renovations to the largest barn on Nov. 3. This phase of the new complex, known as the Studio Arts Farm, is expected to be completed in January 2006.

Sweet Briar’s dairy farm was the only one still in operation in Amherst and Nelson counties when changes in environmental regulations resulted in its closure in 1994. The regulations cited the location of dairy farms as an environmental concern. Historically, dairies were located near streams. Relocating or renovating Sweet Briar’s dairy would have been too expensive, historical records note.

Phase one of the Studio Arts Farm saw the conversion of the milking barn into a ceramics and sculpture studio in the fall of 2000. The current phase includes adapting the largest barn to house four large studios for painting, drawing, and printmaking; a photo studio and darkroom; and faculty offices. A longer-term goal calls for the creation of gallery space in one of the remaining structures.

“Almost every program and every office on campus started out with a different home at some time,” said Paul Davies, vice president of finance and administration. “We have a rich architectural heritage at Sweet Briar so we always weigh the value of preserving our historic buildings against starting from scratch when new facilities are needed.”

Studio Arts Professor Joe Monk taught ceramics and sculpture in the Sweet Briar Train Station for 15 years. Now his studios and office, part of the first phase of the renovations, are in the College’s old milking barn. He says having the new facility is important.

“For the first time, everyone [studio arts students and faculty] will be together,” said Monk. “We’ll have a physically integrated program where the cross-fertilization of ideas – so important to any learning environment – can take place on a regular basis.”

“It’s going to be an exciting space,” he added. “The tall ceilings give a spacious feel to the rooms. There are exposed metal beams. To coin a teenage phrase, the building is pretty ‘cool’,” he said.

Sweet Briar President Elisabeth Muhlenfeld agrees with Monk. “With the renovation of the largest barn, our students and faculty will have a wonderful, bright and spacious facility commensurate with their creativity and talent,” she said. “The arts have been one of the hallmarks of Sweet Briar’s national reputation and are indispensable in attracting many of our finest students.”

This phase of the renovations was made possible through donations to the College’s current capital campaign.

Reprinted with permission from College Relations.