“A brown box relic,” someone once called Calcia Hall. Today, we’re standing before Calcia Hall at Montclair State University. It is a building that has sparked both creativity and controversy. Calcia Hall houses many art studios. It also has a film theater.
But first, let’s delve into its story. Calcia Hall’s origins trace back to the late 1960s. Since then, the building has been a hub for the university’s fine arts students. They come here to hone their skills and unleash their creative potential.
Now, there’s a bit of a backstory to Calcia Hall. It has earned a reputation for its, shall we say, “unique” characteristics. Students and faculty have joked about its unreliable plumbing and inconsistent heating. One might even say that Calcia Hall has a certain “charm” born of its imperfections.
In 2015, the building became the target of anonymous vandalism. Graffiti appeared on its side, proclaiming, “YOU ARE PAYING FOR LOCKED DOORS AND A FAILING CURRICULUM.” This referred to the building being locked on weekends and late at night. It prevented students from accessing studio equipment.
There were plans for renovations. They were even included in a budget. The renovations would have created four new design labs. The photography studio would have been upgraded too. Unfortunately, the renovation was canceled.
Despite its challenges, Calcia Hall remains a vital space. It provides a home for the Department of Art and Design. It also houses visual arts studios, a 122-seat auditorium, and mediated lecture rooms. Faculty offices are here too.
Calcia Hall also features a Calcia Workshop. It has a mixed-use workspace. This workshop has many tools and equipment. You can find a table saw and lathe. There are chop saws and sanders too. A large-scale Shopbot CNC mill is available.
The Visual Communication Design Studio is on the lower level of Sprague Library. It has 30 iMac desktop computers with 27-inch displays. The facility has two high-resolution scanners. Color and B&W printing are available for students.
In 2024, some renovations were completed. The entrance space was opened by removing the projection rooms. The accessible seating area was enlarged. Wider fixed tablet arm seating was installed. New carpet, acoustical ceiling, and wall surfaces were installed. The walls were refinished with a new color palette. It features the university’s colors of red and white, with grey added as a neutral element.
Calcia Hall stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of art. It is a place where creativity thrives. It also provides a space for future generations of artists to flourish.