CHSS Dedicates Outdoor Classroom, Art Plaza

The Houstonian reports the opening of the new College of Humanities and Social Sciences Art Plaza and Outdoor Classroom that occurred on Friday, November 9:

As a lover of both the arts and environment, [Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences John] de Castro was persistent in finding a way to provide faculty and students with an area that would showcase different art forms in a beautiful environment. He not only envisioned a space used for the arts, but for the classrooms as well.

“The idea came from an understanding that we have a beautiful environment here and faculty love to come outside and share this environment with their students and have outdoor sessions, but we didn’t have an appropriate space,” de Castro said. “When I looked at the space here I thought it was perfect.”

Jesus Moroles is the artist and designer of the Arts Plaza. Moroles works as a granite sculptor. In 2008 he was the youngest person to receive the National Medal of Arts from former President George W. Bush. Moroles has more than 2,000 works in foreign countries such as Switzerland, China, Egypt, France, Italy, and Japan. Moroles created a space that would be able to hold seating for an event. Along with a 9 foot water wall, the space provides excellent acoustics.

The Arts Plaza and Outdoor Classroom is located behind the CHSS Building, adjacent to Johnson Coliseum. Wi-Fi will be provided outside for students.