Statesman

Issue date: 4/1/09 Section: Variety

Media Credit: Joe Olivieri Alicia Weagel sets up artwork for her senior exhibit that she spent nearly $1,000 on.

Regardless of your major, college is an expensive endeavor. However, students with majors in the art department are responsible for a lot of additional costs. Especially given the current economic recession, many art students are finding it somewhat difficult, or at least frustrating, to cover these costs. Studio art classes can cost students up to $400 out of pocket.

Studio art kits are approximately $250, paint tubes are $15 dollars, canvas materials are $20 and these supplies need to be re-filled somewhat frequently.

Senior Sarah Gauthier, an art history major, said that the supply costs are generally pretty small one by one, but really add up by the end of the semester.

"Which is too bad, because a lot of talented and passionate students can't afford studio art as a major," Gauthier said.

Gauthier said she knew what she was getting into when she chose her major, but believes the university could provide more supplies to students for free.

"It is college; I don't think the university should be babying us. I chose the program; I was aware of the financial responsibilities. But, yeah, I do think they could up the ante a bit."

Gauthier also suggested providing bigger discounts for students.

"I can think of a lot of things I'd rather be spending my money on than yellow paint tubes," Gauthier said.

Shannon Johnson, who was currently filling in for Arlene Atwater in the UMD Bookstores as the art supplies buyer, spoke for the store's buying standard.

Johnson said that Atwater, "definitely buys with students in mind. She's looking for the best quality with the lowest price; there's a lot of shopping around."

Since each professor decides individually which supplies will be required for his or her class, the UMD Bookstore has little control over how much students will have to spend.

Vendors have also recently started adding fuel charges to the price of the art supplies the bookstore buys.

"Unfortunately, those price hikes trickle down to the consumer," Johnson said.

Danielle Barck is a freshman and elementary art education major. Her main concern is buying supplies she doesn't need.

Continued...

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