Ohio University breaks ground on arts education center

Ohio University in Athens has broken ground on the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts Violet L. Patton Center for Arts Education.

The Patton Center, named in recognition of a $50 million gift from the late Violet Patton, is central to the university's $99.2 million plan to enhance arts education and community engagement.

The center will have a 350-seat proscenium theater and rehearsal hall, as well as a lobby dedicated to fostering connections among students, faculty, and community members. The facility will have an art gallery and exhibition spaces to showcase student and artist work. ​

The Patton Center is part of a broader initiative to transform the university's arts facilities into more interdisciplinary, innovate and collaborative places. Major renovations are also planned for Seigfred Hall, which houses the School of Art + Design.

The overall goal is to create an Arts + Education Green that brings together the College of Fine Arts' six schools and four professional arts programs.