While the MSC provides students with a number of amenities to enjoy, perhaps the most notable feature of the center is its housing of the J. Wayne Stark Galleries.

Named after the founding director of the MSC, the J. Wayne Stark Galleries feature 10,000 square feet of exhibition space divided into four galleries and an education room. Dozens of exhibits can be seen in the galleries every year, as well as a permanent collection of statues seen around campus.

The University Art Galleries have a history dating back to 1973 when J. Wayne Stark created the Office of University Art Collections and Exhibitions with the purpose of curating art acquired by the university. Opened in 1990, the galleries were named after Stark to honor his commitment to the university and his belief in the arts. 

Cathy Hastedt, University Art Galleries Director, takes care of all artwork on campus and runs the Stark Galleries. Hastedt said part of her job is to act as curator and to select artwork for exhibition. 

“I look at if we can afford the work, but more importantly how we can connect [the work] in some way to the curriculum,” Hastedt said. “Hopefully some of our faculty will be able to find ways to use it to teach their students.” 

The Galleries offer several educational programs for children, students and adults designed to entice individuals and groups to pursue achievements in visual art. 

One such program is hosted for students of ages 7-12 where they learn different art techniques such as forming metal frames and painting with watercolors.

The Galleries’ exhibits are usually on display anywhere from one to three months and are available for anyone to walk through.

“I walk by them all the time but decided to go in recently because I had an hour to spare,” said Emily Brooks, freshman Blinn Team student. “There’s some really beautiful art on display.”

Julia Rauschuber, Galleries attendant and animal science junior, said several exhibits are presently on display, including “Taking Shape” and “Before & After,” which will be on display through the first week of August. 

“‘Taking Shape’ is an exhibition of art pieces that use geometry as a focal point,” Rauschuber said. “‘Before & After’ consists of pieces that have been damaged by time and use, then restored.”

The Stark Galleries are open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.