Celebrating the fifth birthday of the Center for the Arts, professors reflected on the theatre/dance and art programs before the building existed. They also discussed what the CFA has done for Luther since its construction and how it may serve as a model for future buildings.

In the years prior to the construction of the CFA, Loyalty Hall, Korsrud heating plant, Korsrud Annex, Storre Theatre, the Field House and the basement of Valders were all home to the theatre/dance or art programs. The theatre/dance offices were located in Norby House, which is the southernmost point on the campus map.

“Students thought it was the end of the world to have to walk to Norby House,” said Bob Larson, professor of theatre. “We were disconnected, and there was not much student traffic.”

When Larson first came to teach at Luther in 1966, his office was in the basement of Valders. Many of the theatre/dance programs also took place in the Valders basement before the construction of Storre Theatre.

“Historically, we didn’t want to stick around the art buildings, but we wanted to get out of there,” said Larson. “There was limited visibility and student flow.”

The buildings where classes took place were not conducive environments for teaching and learning.

“Tin sheds and double-wide trailers are embarrassing places to teach for any department,” said Jeff Dintaman, professor of theatre.

The art department had a similar situation.

“Most of our offices were in Loyalty Hall, but our secretary was in Norby House,” said Kate Martinson, professor of art. “Painting was in the heating plant, and photography was in the basement of Brandt. We also had classes in the old health services, which is now a parking lot.”

Because theatre/dance and art were spread out around campus, it was difficult to draw students to the programs.

“Art can exist in tin sheds, but students didn’t want to come here for art,” said Dintaman.

It was uncommon for prospective students to see much of the art departments.

“For both departments it was hard to find the offices, and no one came to our building,” said Martinson. “Tours also avoided it. We were very separate.”

Because of these conditions, a concept for a new art building that would house theatre/dance and art classrooms and offices was created. This building would help bring the programs into focus at Luther.

“One of the components of a liberal arts college is art, and for years there was a program but no distinctive place for them,” said Dintaman.

Plans were set in place in 1974, but were set aside so other projects could be completed. In the early to mid 1990s, conversation arose again, and multiple committees were formed. They got to the point of looking at floor plans, and then the Luther College president at the time, Jeff Baker, died of cancer. Because Baker was instrumental in the planning of the building, it was put on hold.

When President Richard Torgerson came to Luther, he resumed the building project.

“President Torgerson picked up the project, and I think it was very brave and generous of him,” said Dintaman. “It wasn’t his dream, but he saw it through.”

The CFA was constructed around the idea of community for not only art students, but all Luther students, faculty and staff.

“The idea that the arts could exist together was a major piece in designing this building,” said Dintaman. “We didn’t want it to be just a series of classrooms. We wanted it to be a community for more than just class.”

Sunnyside Café is a major component in the realization of the community atmosphere.

“The café at the center of the building is where people gather,” said Dintaman. “Conversation happens differently when you have a cup of coffee in your hand. We wanted it to be a place of gathering.”

Artists, actors, dancers and a variety of others constitute the community of the CFA, and everyone from both departments works side by side.

“There are things going on most of the day, and we’re all together talking and laughing, and there’s a feeling of camaraderie,” said Martinson.

It is difficult to determine all of the ways the CFA impacts student life.

“There are extra-wide hallways, big community spaces and windows in the classrooms,” said Martinson. “A lot of people are afraid of the arts, but when they come in and see cool stuff and that people are having a good time, they reconsider the arts.”

Professors from other departments are also drawn to the building.

“A lot of teachers on campus like to teach here, and people want to be with the arts and the coffee shop,” said Martinson. “It helps it be another place where people want to gather. It has become what we had envisioned in terms of a crossroads.”

For some, the CFA has become even more than a gathering place or a class space.

“The CFA is a visible symbol of the college’s commitment to the arts,” said Larson. “That there’s an investment in study, participation and engagement in the arts is important to the academic development at Luther.”

Not only has the CFA come to represent art and community at Luther, it also fits with Luther’s plans for sustainability.

“The CFA is geothermal, safe and student accessible,” said Martinson. “There are plants growing out back that are used for dyes and artistic fibers. It’s a very sustainable building.”

Future buildings may follow in the footsteps of the CFA.

“I would hope people would learn from this building how to serve the community and be energy wise,” said Martinson. “The CFA really embodies the spirit of Luther — community and efficiency.”

Although the CFA has already reached the five-year mark, its design and the people who gather there maintain the feeling of a young, vibrant community.