Joseph
F. and Helen C. Dyer have donated $2.5 million, the lead gift
to build and develop a visual arts center in NTID's Lyndon Baines
Johnson building. The facility will be known as the Joseph F.
and Helen C. Dyer Arts Center.
Through
a new special project, NTID plans to attract additional funds
for the center, specialized gallery space and the archival needs
of the school's extensive art collection. The Dyers' financial
commitment will begin the work on the unique center, which will
house and exhibit art works by both deaf and hearing artists.
"NTID
currently holds a significant collection of artwork contributed
by deaf people from all corners of the world," says Robert Davila,
vice president for NTID. "We seek to build on and develop the
current collection through contributions. The center will serve
as an exciting space to witness and appreciate the important contributions
of visual artists, among them a significant number of NTID students
and graduates who have distinguished themselves through the arts."
The
7,000-square-foot Dyer Arts Center will become the focal point
of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Building, which houses the administrative
headquarters of NTID as well as a number of laboratories and high-tech
classrooms. Visitors will encounter the glass enclosed arts center
as they first enter the front doors of the building. A glass roof
to bathe the exhibit rooms in natural light will cover the center.
The
Dyer Arts Center will also be the site for special events hosting
national and international dignitaries and will serve as a unique
venue for RIT presidential events. Last year more than 4,000 people
from all over the United States and many foreign countries visited
NTID, among them President Mary McAleese of Ireland, the president
of Tianjin University in China and two delegations of educators
from Hungary.
"NTID
at RIT is of great importance to the deaf community," says Joseph
Dyer. "Helen and I want to help support NTID, which has made significant
contributions to deaf education, technology and the arts."
"We
believe the arts are a large component of a well-rounded college
education," Helen Dyer says. "Expression through art for deaf
people is especially meaningful and beneficial."
