Forming a permanent collection of works of art is one of the most important endeavors any institution of higher education can undertake to cultivate an appreciation of the visual arts. Although the significance of museum/gallery exhibitions, publications and educational programs cannot be over-estimated, ultimately, a permanent collection best enables students to directly engage art on a daily basis. For many students, the works of art they encounter on college campuses are their first exposure to the richness and diversity of artistic expression.
In 1980, recognizing the important role Johnson County Community College could play in advancing an awareness and appreciation of the visual arts, the college board of trustees approved a yearly art acquisition program. In so doing, the college embarked on a visionary endeavor that has immeasurably added to the quality of education and life at the college, as well as the cultural life of the region.
From the outset, the museum collection has focused on contemporary art, which is especially fitting for an institution whose founding (in 1969) and rapid growth occurred in the late 20th century. In addition, the spare geometry of campus buildings has provided numerous spaces that are inherently conducive to the exhibition and siting of contemporary art. The gently rolling hills of the 235-acre campus are also ideally suited to the installation of site-specific and large-scale sculpture.
The opening of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in 2007 dramatically increased exhibition spaces for the permanent collection and major temporary exhibitions. However, the 41,000-square-foot museum can only showcase a portion of the more than 1,400 works in the permanent collection.
To reach the largest, most diverse audience and place more of the collection on view, Johnson County Community College embarked on an unprecedented and ambitious project — installing much of our collection within the daily environment of students, faculty, staff and visitors. We created “Collection Focus” areas in our corridors, dining halls and other highly visible and accessible locations, sparking a spontaneous engagement with art. These “Focus” areas emphasize particular mediums such as painting, ceramics, etc., thus allowing faculty to teach from specific collections. Almost 400 works of art are on view across the campus — and new “Focus” areas are currently underway.
Thousands of people enjoy the Nerman MoCA collection daily, in a manner that encourages them to experience art as an integral part of their everyday lives, rather than limiting that interaction to museum or gallery visits. It is always rewarding to observe students as they suddenly discover themselves amidst major works of art, simply by walking to class or during lunch. People can be overheard describing to friends which pieces they prefer or dislike, wondering how an artist executed a spectacular vessel or pondering the meaning of a painting or sculpture.
In 2006, JCCC was named “One of the Big Ten” universities or college in America for Art on Campus.
Whether a student or visitor is 18 or 80, Nerman MoCA offers him or her immediate access to the important art of our time. We encourage creativity, intellectual curiosity, diversity and support of the arts by “living with art.”
–Bruce Hartman, Executive Director, Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
