A prank labeled “artistic” recently stirred debate and baffled students and professors in the Center for the Arts. Potted plants were taken from the atrium and moved into a single room, left there to block students from accessing projects.

“I think ‘prank’ is the word whether it’s artistic or not,” said Professor of Art Kate Martinson. “Every building has its group of pranksters.”

Jeff Dintaman, professor of theatre and head of the art and theatre/dance departments, looked at the issue from a different perspective.

“Artists will always push the boundaries, and if we’re not doing that, we’re not artists,” said Dintaman. “At the same time, we have to be responsible.”

Professor of Theatre Bob Larson agreed.

“Balance can be a challenge,” said Larson. “In many ways the building should be a space of surprises, but within the context of a teaching and learning space.”

The main problem with the “artistic” prank was the damage to Luther property.

“Trees lost limbs, and I don’t think it’s right to just say it’s art,” said Dintaman. “A lot goes into them, and they make this building nice. We’d all miss them if they were gone.”

Because the plants were put into a classroom, they also interrupted the work flow of students.

“It was not respectful to the property, and they did not think about it wasting people’s class time,” said Martinson. “I love pranks, but they have to be thoughtful. And it wasn’t.”

Dintaman also cautioned students to be respectful if deciding to make an artistic statement in the future.

“Clean it up, and find a way to make a statement that doesn’t interfere with other students’ work,” said Dintaman. “Some students wanted to work on their art, and they couldn’t because the room was full of plants. Does one person’s art trump another?”

Although the Luther campus is very receptive to all artistic expression, this prank seems to have gone beyond artistic limits.

“An art installation is valid, and a prank can be very humorous, but when the consequences are negative, it’s gone too far,” said Martinson. “The building is here for students, and it’s up to them to step up and be responsible for the building.”

Dintaman also called for students to take ownership and pride in the CFA.

“When [pranks] do happen, I hope we all learn from that,” said Dintaman. “I hope that everyone who uses this building realizes that there are consequences that go with these actions.”

Students were e-mailed about the possibility of locking the building on weekends unless faculty was there to supervise students, or only being open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays.

“Based on student responses, a decision was made on how to move forward,” said Dintaman. “Locking the building would have been like high school. Students realize the building is theirs and should tell others that those aren’t the best things to do.”

Instead of the lockdown, Luther faculty and staff called for students who use the building to respect it and protect it from those who may damage it.

“The situation is recoverable, and it helps us all to learn about community,” said Martinson.