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A&E
THURSday AUGUST 26, 2010
CONTACT US 304-293-5092 ext. 3 | DAA&E@mail.wvu.edu
Arts museum completes first renovations by mackenzie mays associate a&e editor
The West Virginia University College of Creative Arts has neared completion of its first phase of renovations to the former Erickson Alumni Center and plans to be finished with the addition of an Art Museum in 2012. The Erickson Alumni Center has been upgraded to an education center for students, while maintaining its original design by world-renowned architect Michael Graves. Graves is known as one of “The New York Five,” a group of architects praised for their work in architectural modernism and has became a
household name with his designs distributed by Target. According to Art Museum Director, Joyce Ice, the inside renovations of the former Erickson Alumni Center have been completed and the exterior will be finished soon. The revamped student center will now house staff offices, a museum shop with refreshments and an outdoor terrace for seasonal use. The Great Hall will now host a variety of educational programs, including art activities, lectures, artist demonstrations, recitals and performances. This space will also be available to rent for receptions, dinners and other events. Associate Chair of the Di-
Victoria’s Secret PINK event date confirmed Oct. 7 The Victoria’s Secret PINK event will take place Oct. 7, the company has confirmed. No other details, such as performers or a schedule for the event, have been released. The free event will be similar to FallFest according to earlier reports, with students surveyed as to which performs will attend. It will fea-
ture free gifts, games, celebrities and a concert. West Virginia University won the concert as part of a nationwide vote. Schools competed through different rounds of voting and brackets. In the end, WVU beat 58 schools across the country and beat Rutgers in the final round. — ddr
Mountaineer Idol to hold sneak preview tonight West Virginia University’s annual singing competition will be holding a “sneak preview” of its 2010 season. The event will take place from 7:30 p.m. in the Mountainlair Food Court. According to a Drew Slu-
sarick, co-host of Mountaineer Idol, the preview will feature music, ‘big giveaways,’ and a chance for students to sign up and participate in the competition. — ddr
Local Rapper J Mei releases first album
vision of Arts Kristina Olsen said these renovations to the original Alumni Center which was built in 1986, will allow for more student access and be more welcoming to visiting speakers and artists. “The renovations to the Great Hall have now created a multi-functional building that will allow us to integrate students, staff and the public on our academic mission,” Olsen said. “Students have already began internships and research projects with the staff here.” The Art Museum is to be completed in late 2012, according to Ice and is designed by SmithGroup Architects. It will include two art galleries totaling 5300 sq. ft. and
will be designed to be the best atmosphere to hold the art pieces, controlling light, temperature and humidity. There will be free access into the Art Museum. The three story building will also house an electronic classroom, a study/seminar room and a space to showcase traveling exhibits. Ice said the new Art Museum will not only benefit the community but will also provide efficient space for the University’s artwork – something it has never had before. “The Art Museum will give the public an opportunity to see the collection that’s been here at WVU for years, but
see DESIGN on PAGE 5
CHELSI BAKER/THE DAILY ATHENAEUM
The outside of the former Erickson Alumni Center has recently completed its first stage of renovations. It will soon be used as an art gallery and education center.
Taziki’s: Mediterranean with a high-tech twist by jakE potts A&E writer
A week after launching, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe is serving more than 300 customers a day, according to general manager Jesse McNeely. The restaurant, located by Quiznos in the Mountainlair, launched with a soft-opening Aug. 19. Taziki’s offers a range of Mediterranean dishes, including grilled tilapia salad to roasted pork loin with tomato chutney aioli among many other dishes – something different from other restaurant menus. “I’m glad there’s a change of pace available. It’s good to get away from the burgers and fries every so often,” said Hesper Nelson, sophomore psychology major. Dubbed “fast casual,” McNeely said the goal is to offer healthy meals in a timely manner. “Our goal as a restaurant is to get the food from our kitchen the customer
Students line up at Taziki’s in the Mountainlair Wednesday. in under five minutes,” McNeely said. “We make all of our dishes fresh, and we cook them to the customer’s wishes.
MATT SUNDAY/The daily athenaeum
We like to think that gives The ordering system is difmore opportunity for the kids ferent at Taziki’s, too. to stray away from the popular see TAZIKI’S on PAGE 7 fast food trend.”
STUDENT FANS The Mountaineers face Coastal Carolina on September 4 Online ticketing begins at 12:01 a.m., Aug. 29
Go to www.wvugame.com to request tickets.
Bring student ticket and WVU ID to stadium for admittance; enter through East gates of Stadium; gates open 1 1/2 hours before kickoff. J Mei recently released his first album ‘Shanghigh Nights.’
by derek rudolph A&E writer
Local rapper Josh “J” Mei recently released his first album “Shanghigh Nights,” available for download online. “Shanghigh Nights” is an experimental type of hip-hop album, produced by J Mei’s friend DJ Coutz. Coutz used samples from bands like Hall & Oates, Incubus and David Bowie on the album. Since the samples of these popular songs are not licensed, the album can be downloaded for free. J Mei is a Morgantown native who graduated from Ohio University with a degree in
SUBMITTED
broadcast journalism in 2009. The album was a “do-ityourself effort” and was recorded at J Mei’s home with only a microphone. The beats were produced on a computer by Coutz. “Shanghigh Nights” features guests Tone Capone and J Mei’s old hip-hop group the Iron MCs. J Mei described the album with a more “chill” style than a club-centered record, saying it wouldn’t be a song typically heard in places like Bent Willeys. “Most of the tracks aren’t hook-oriented,” J Mei said.
see J MEI on PAGE 7
Mutt’s 2129 University Ave. Sunnyside
Thursday
“IT’S IT S A CHEAP LAG LAGER LAGER”
$2 Imports
Guest tickets - if available after the initial request period - will be located in the Upper Deck and Spirit Section 121; be sure to select one of these sections when requesting guest seats. QUESTIONS on ticket procedure? Check out the policy and FAQ at www.wvu.edu/football_tickets/
REMEMBER: Bring ticket and student ID for admittance; tickets are nontransferable. Any attempt at fraudulent ticket reproduction will result in disciplinary action, including loss of athletic privileges and possible expulsion. If you do not have BOTH your ticket and student ID, you WILL NOT be admitted to the game. In the spirit of promoting a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone enjoys a fun and safe environment, there will be a no admittance policy at the gates for intoxicated fans. Please display a healthy respect for the rights of others and tailgate responsibly. Violators may have their season or student ticket privileges revoked and face fines and arrests. Support the Pride: Get to the game 45 minutes before kickoff to see the WVU Mountaineer Marching Band!
Have Fun, Be Safe, Be a Mountaineer!
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