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GLENVILLE -- Students in the Glenville State College Art Society have directed their talents to refreshing the benches in Glenville for the new semester.
The benches project, which began many years ago, provide color and spirit to Glenville through colorful and creative designs.
In 2019, art students and members of the Art Society noted the wear benches had accumulated over the years. They set out to give them a new look with touch-ups and protective clear coats.
Students closely worked with the city and Mayor Dennis Fitzpatrick for the funding and supplies needed for additional benches.
"Back in 2019, Ms. Taylor Brumfield came to me with a thought of redoing all the street benches through her campus organization," Fitzpatrick said. "She stated to me that, with the condition of the benches, it would be a nice facelift."
More than a dozen benches needed to be designed and painted, Chris Cosner, an assistant art professor, said.
"Each bench had to be stripped, sanded, primed, hand-painted and then clear-coated for protection," he said. "The students worked tireless evenings, weekends, and sometimes in freezing temperatures to complete the project."
The pandemic stalled work on the benches in late March as students were forced to leave campus and transfer to online learning. With social distancing guidelines in place, however, students have returned to complete the project.
"This was an extremely ambitious project that the students took on for the community," Cosner said.
"Glenville State College prides itself on preparing our students for not only their chosen careers but to be active members in improving their communities," he said. "We want to thank all of the students, faculty, and community members who helped complete the benches. We hope the colorful benches help to brighten and beautify the community and serve as a place for residents and visitors to come together in friendship and conversation."
Art Society President Brianna Deel said she has been fortunate to be a part of the process.
"Seeing the first round of benches finished and placed back around town is very gratifying knowing that there was a lot of patience, hard work, and time put into the project," she said. "I hope the community enjoys seeing the newly painted benches in town as much as we do."
For senior Claire Amos, the benches makes for a sense of community in Glenville.
"It never feels like a chore to help out the town, especially with the never ending support for the college," she said. "Seeing the benches around town fills me with a sense of pride, knowing we could do a little something for our community. I'm excited to help out on more projects and to better our community."
The Art Society is active on campus and in the community, completing projects and activities, fundraising events, art-related trips and more while giving creative individuals a place to collaborate and discuss art.