This letter is in response to Centralia College President Robert Mohrbacher’s reply to a “low” art offering at the college.
“Robust” was the term he used to describe the state of the arts program there. The definition of “robust” means healthy and strong. Dr. Mohrbacher, your program is far from it! Some of our local high schools offer as much or more than the college currently.
Robust, no, you are sliding along on just a few classes compared to what should be offered. I understand why you are defensive but let’s get real.
It is my understanding you have no department or Fine Arts Center, just a few classes in Washington Hall. Sculpture in the Industrial Arts building does not constitute an art area or environment. Art casting doesn’t exist nor does the once thriving stoneware pottery program — gone!
Dr. Mohrbacher, I am sending you a current list of art programs currently offered at Wenatchee Valley College. This is what a “robust” art program looks like, and Centralia College is a very long way from this. I taught at Wenatchee College 1968-74, and our program exceeded your current program.
Let me qualify myself by providing my art background so you have a better understanding of why I am so adamant about improving our local offerings to our community and beyond. During my six years of formal college training, I majored in sculpture, pottery and painting. This culminated with a master of fine arts in sculpture.
Beyond that, I studied commercial art for two years and later worked as an illustrator. I studied in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with three renowned painters. My background also includes teaching 3-D arts for seven years in two community colleges.
With over 60 years in the arts and the last 40 as a full-time sculptor, I feel I am justified in speaking out on what constitutes a good, solid college program. I would be very happy to discuss with you, your board and instructors ways in which this current program could be improved and what constitutes a good, solid college program.
My suggestion is to add a good MFA instructor in order to free the other two to do what they do best. This would add many more much needed classes. Put in a fine arts department with solid offerings in sculpture, pottery and jewelry making. Then, you will start to have something!
First, you are going to need to add a facility, which you do not have. Will we see this in our lifetime? I have been told “no.”
James Stafford
Adna
