Eickmeier

Herron’s name change comes at an appropriate time: The school will move from its current home at 1701 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, to its new location on the east edge of the IUPUI campus in May. The move will bolster Herron’s partnerships with other schools on campus as well as strengthen its relationships with nearby arts organizations including the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, the Indiana Historical Society, Canal Walk and White River State Park.

According to Valerie Eickmeier, dean of the Herron School of Art and Design, the school’s responsibility is to “lead the charge toward building a better understanding in the community as to the role art plays, not only in a cultural sense, but also in a business sense.”

Locally, Herron students have provided visual communication services for the Indiana Pacers, Arts Council of Indianapolis, IU Center on Philanthropy, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and others.

“We are pleased to see business leaders understanding that through design they can explore opportunities, solve problems and achieve strategic advantage,” said Eickmeier. “This translates into stronger development efforts for businesses and, ultimately, into a strengthened economy for the city.”

On a national level, a team of Herron students is designing the Web site and promotional materials for a national high school education program organized through the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo.

As a way of further strengthening its visual communication program, Herron will be offering a master of fine arts program in visual communication in 2006. Current degrees through the Herron School of Art and Design include a bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of arts, bachelor of art education and a master of art education.

http://www.herron.iupui.edu/