BOONE—Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts will host a celebration of innovation in its new space at 182 Howard St. during the Nov. 4 First Friday Art Crawl in downtown Boone. The free event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and showcases plans for the space, which is undergoing a renovation managed by students enrolled in the Integrative Design Experience (IDEX) Lab. The lab is a course designed to marry the best practices from the engineering and architecture professions with an immersive educational experience. The 2016 solar vehicle, Apperion, will also be on display.

The college recently leased the Howard Street property across from The Local, a Boone eatery, to provide a flexible work and gallery space designed to promote collaboration across departments and the university and engage the community through faculty and student exhibitions, performances and showcases. The building will also be used as classroom and study space.

“We are absolutely thrilled to invite the community to see our newest building,” shared Phyllis Kloda, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. “Our students and faculty are a constant source of inspiration in the ways they collaborate across departments on unique and cutting-edge projects. I’d like the public to experience the creativity and enthusiasm we see every day in the college.”

As the student-led renovation progresses throughout the fall and winter, the building will be open to the public during First Friday events and other select dates.

About the College of Fine and Applied Arts

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment and Theatre and Dance.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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