Since 2001, Larry Newhouse has been EMU’s gallery program director.
Previously, he owned and operated a successful retail business in the area and taught at both EMU and Oak-land Community College. He is a U.S. Army veteran, having served a one-year tour of active duty in Vietnam. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his master of fine arts degree from EMU in 1997.

Recently, I received a telephone call from a gentleman in Florida wanting to know more about the Emil Weddige (’34, ’73) lithographic print exhibition that was in the University Gallery. I gave him a brief history of the exhibition, explaining that it would be available for viewing through the summer and invited him to visit. He assured me that a trip to Michigan was planned and then asked for directions to Eastern Michigan University from Detroit Metro Airport. When I asked him how he found out about the Weddige exhibition, he informed me that he discovered us on the EMU Web site. He went on to say that he had taken a few art courses as a college student in the 1970s and had only recently found time to actively appreciate art again.

I share this story because my job as the gallery program director is the result of a similar path. I, too, studied art as an undergraduate with the hope of being a designer and a fine arts instructor. However, there were several exciting detours along the way to EMU. My plan was to work a few years and return to college for my advanced degree. After 25 years and a successful business career, I returned to EMU to complete my master of fine arts degree. Upon finishing, I sold my business and began teaching jewelry design and metalsmithing as an adjunct professor at EMU and Oakland Community College.

It did not take long to discover just how much I enjoyed teaching and being a part of the academic community. I looked forward to going to the University each day, working with the students and interacting with faculty and staff.

During those first few years of teaching, I had opportunities to work with several gallery directors designing and installing exhibitions. This was when I realized what a tremendous impact the gallery program could have on art student education and in community outreach.

When our department head was looking for an interim gallery director in 2000, I was ready to step in on a part-time basis. Since then, my tenure has convinced me that EMU is blessed with a community of people who believe in the power of education in all its manifestations. This has resulted in several major changes in our gallery program. During the past six years, we have grown from a single small gallery with 1,000 square feet of space to two galleries with a combined total of 2,600 square feet. Our guest attendance has increased to 9,000 from 5,000. And we recently instituted a summer program presenting graduate thesis exhibitions and regional art exhibits.

Our gallery program goes a step further by providing a unique resource for entertainment as well as education. The addition of the new University Gallery in the EMU Student Center has helped the art department and University achieve national recognition. We have become a recognizable force in the legions of art galleries and museums in the United States.

I have found that a successful gallery program doesn’t just happen. It requires extended planning, an awareness of what constitutes good art, hours of research, an adequate venue and a staff dedicated to bringing a dynamic program to fruition year after year. We all enjoy what we do and appreciate the support we receive from our faculty, the students and the community.

I am proud to be part of EMU and appreciate the opportunity to serve in a rewarding staff position. I take pride in knowing that we are bringing a viable gallery program to the University and greater community. I look forward each day to meeting new visitors and, of course, answering e-mails and telephone questions about our gallery programs. It is a wonderful time to share the good news about art at Eastern Michigan University.