Knox College is in the process of selecting an architect to design a new building for studio art and art history.
“Right now students’ work is scattered over seven different sites on campus,” said Mark Holmes, Associate Professor and Chair of Art.
The college is also deciding where on campus to locate the new building.
The project is being made possible by a $5 million gift from Dick and Joan Whitcomb. She graduated from Knox in 1956 and he received his degree a year later.
The college said it’s the largest gift from living donors in the school’s 177-year history.
Dick Whitcomb was the founder of Gypsum Management and Supply, which is the nation's largest independent distributor of specialty building materials.
The estimated cost of the building is $4 - $6 million. President Teresa Amott said the project shows Knox can dream big.
“It’s appropriate that a new, fresh, contemporary building be an art building because the building itself will be part of teaching the appreciation for the arts,” said Amott.
Amott announced the gift to more than 200 prospective students and their families at the Admitted Student Day luncheon on Friday, April 18.
She said the Whitcombs also contributed to the renovation of Alumni Hall. That building is scheduled to open in October.
