Commissioned Projects
An inaugural project for CenterWorks was completed for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts in summer 2006. The PCA commissioned the Center to create a series of seven "award art pieces" that were presented to recipients of the 2006 Governor's Award for the Arts by Governor Rendell, in Wilkes-Barre on June 20, 2006. Chris Weiland acted as Designer and Project Director, leading a group of student employees in the execution of the awards.
In July 2006, the Center's portable bandsaw mill was used to reclaim and process over 30 trees into lumber, from the first phase of the IUP Residential Revival by Chris Weiland along with students and personnel of the Center and volunteers. This reclamation also contributed to the University's construction ratings for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Almost a year later, in June 2007, Chris Weiland, along with students and personnel of the Center, reclaimed and processed over 70 trees into lumber felled to make way for the second phase of the massive IUP dormitory project. On-going photo documentation will further enhance the value of this wood.
Throughout 2006/07, campus trees continued to be selectively felled by IUP and processed by the Center, most notably, the Pin Oak that was to have graced the new Theater renovation, and a Red Oak near Sutton Hall. Timber from the Pin Oak is slated to become benches created as a CenterWorks commission in the summer of 2008 for the opening of the new Fisher Hall performing arts center.
Another CenterWorks commission was completed for the Indiana Free Library as part of its 100th anniversary celebration. Chris Weiland designed a large narrative pedestal to enhance an existing bronze figure. He was assisted in the creation of the pedestal by Tim King and several students, May 2007.
CenterWorks continued to confirm its vision with the commitment to a commission from IUP Student Affairs for the design and creation of a series of 150 Donors Awards. The design incorporated campus hardwoods saved through the Center's harvesting initiatives, as well as, materials reclaimed from Gordon and Langham Hall dormitories during their demolition. In June 2007, Chris Weiland, once again, acted as Designer and Project Director, leading a group of student employees in the execution of the awards. The awards honored individuals and organizations who were instrumental in Phases 1 and 2 of the IUP Residential Revival dormitory project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21, 2007.
