Morris Herald-News

USF moves art department to Rialto complex

JOLIET – The arts are an important tradition at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

Now, USF is celebrating the arts by creating a synergy – real-world experience, energetic urban environment and historical setting – to inspire the bold expression of today's artists.

This distinctive educational experience is made possible by new facilities created especially for the university's Art & Design Department in the historic Rialto Square Theatre building in Joliet's city center.

It is a project that has received unprecedented community support, according to USF President Michael J. Vinciguerra.

"This unique three-way partnership that made this project a reality will enhance the redevelopment of the downtown and near westside," he said.

Classes began Aug. 24 at USF's Rialto City Center campus. The university will be host to a grand opening of the new Art & Design Department facilities on Friday, Sept. 18, as part of its Homecoming/Reunion activities.

The event will begin at 3 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at the Rialto building's Van Buren Street entrance. Self-guided tours of the facility will follow. For information about the grand opening, call (815) 740-3496.

Two floors at USF's Rialto City Center Campus are dedicated to art and design. Each classroom and workspace is designed to meet the needs of art students working in a variety of mediums, such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, wood, 2-D graphics and photography.

Exhibition space within the learning complex is provided. A street-side gallery is planned to house works by students, faculty, alumni and visiting artists.

One of the most exciting components, according to the president, is that individual artist studios are available to upperclassmen.

"This hugely benefits students and is something not commonly available in university art programs," Vinciguerra said.

Access to the Rialto City Center Campus is easy from both the USF's main campus and the greater Chicago area, noted Vinciguerra. Metra train service is just a short walk away at Joliet's Union Station. A shuttle from the main campus to the Rialto City Center Campus and downtown attractions is also provided by USF in partnership with PACE.

The University of St. Francis, city of Joliet, Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority (Rialto Square Theatre) and the City Center Partnership have created a partnership that encompasses economic development, and community/quality of life development, noted Joliet City Manager Tom Thanas.

"The increased foot traffic that will result from bringing USF students and employees to the downtown will benefit City Center businesses and be an important component in the downtown redevelopment plan. We look forward to future projects with the university in downtown Joliet," Thanas said.

The university's move to the Rialto also creates a stream of revenue for the landmark theatre operations, noted Thanas. The University of St. Francis will invest more than $4 million over a 20-year lease of instructional and gallery space at the Rialto.

The $3.8 million Rialto renovation project that extends beyond the USF facilities created about 100 construction jobs during the renovation, according to Randy Green, WCMEAA and Rialto Square Theatre general manager. The renovation includes hospitality, meeting and banquet room space, and an elevator for the theatre's patrons, as well as commercial tenant space to generate additional revenue and activity in the city center.

The project has received unprecedented support. The WCMEAA provided an initial capital investment of $400,000 for the project. The city of Joliet has committed about $540,000 in funding over two years to support interest on a loan that the Rialto took to finance the renovation project.

The City Center Partnership downtown redevelopment organization contributed $10,000 to the Rialto renovation. State Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi also secured $50,000 in state grant monies to support the project.

The University of St. Francis in Joliet serves 3,600 students nationwide, offering 38 undergraduate programs, four degree-completion programs and 12 graduate programs, along with a doctorate in nursing practice. Programs are offered in arts and science, business, education, nursing and health care and social work.

For information, call (815) 735-7500 or visit www.stfrancis.edu.