Student to student: 11 colorful campus spots to remind you of summer

The thing about the spring semester is that it never really seems to get to spring.

Most of “spring” semester is filled with freezing temperatures, chilling winds and slush-covered roads. Eventually, it starts raining instead of snowing, but even that is just as dreary.

But even in the midst of a gloomy winter, there are a lot of places on campus you can go to find reminders of summer. Here are some spots where you can find bursts of color or light to bring you back to the days of sunshine.

Botany Greenhouse

In the depths of Birge Hall, lies the Botany Greenhouse. Home to eight rooms of more than 1000 species of plants from tropical to desert, this greenhouse has enough life to pull you out of the dead of winter.

The best part? Breathing in the fresh, moisture-filled air will make you feel replenished after dealing with the dry winter air.

Art galleries in Memorial Union

There are two rotating art galleries in Memorial Union, the Class of 1925 Gallery and the Porter Butts Gallery. From works created by artists with disabilities to an exhibit of neon lights to a collection of Leon Varjian’s belongings, the galleries display a wide variety of unique art. Check out the newest exhibits, “Threads, Folds, Rabbit Holes” and “Where Tradition Meets the Unexpected.”

D.C. Smith Greenhouse

Another great greenhouse on campus is the D.C. Smith Greenhouse, located in Lakeshore on the corner of Linden and Babcock. Of the different areas in the facility, 10,000 square feet are located underneath glass, so when the sun does peek out from the clouds, it warms the plants below. There are picturesque benches for reading or studying, tons of different plants, and lots of humidity.

College Library coloring table

Need a break from a long study session at College Library? Head to the coloring table by the vending machines, and color your stress away. The table is also a great spot for you to add some more color into your life — beyond the dull grays of winter.

 

Wheelhouse studios

Venture to the basement of Memorial Union for a variety of artmaking opportunities at Wheelhouse studios. Take a break from the dreary winter by creating pottery, fused glass, jewelry, mosaics, paintings, photographs or other colorful art. Just sign up for a class, attend a free event, or stop by the studio to take a look around!

 

Chazen Museum

For even more vibrancy, go to the Chazen to see more than 20,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and photographs. Some of the pieces give you a window into a summery scene. Others give you that pop of color you’ve been looking for. Instead of being discouraged by the winter weather, lose yourself in the 176,000 square feet of beautiful artwork.

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery

What to study somewhere with a little bit more green space? Even though Bascom Hill is covered in snow, you can still study at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. The trees, bushes, fountains and open space provide you with a livelier place to study than in a library looking out at the snow.

Whirling Return of the Ancestors

The Ruth Davis Design Gallery, located in Nancy Nicholas Hall, is hosting an exhibit called the “Whirling return of the Ancestors.” The gallery features art and clothing that celebrates the traditions of the Yorùbá peoples of West Africa, including the importance they placed on their ancestors.

The exhibit will be open until April 8, with special programs in March and April to supplement the exhibit. Stop by Nancy Nicholas Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays to see it.

Bathrooms in Nancy Nicholas Hall

Take your break from classes in the tranquil forest-like bathrooms on the first floor of Nancy Nichols Hall. Undoubtedly the best bathrooms on campus, the space has green leaf and bark accents on the walls, red phone booth bathroom stalls, a pebble design on the ground and sink, and a blue ceiling that’s reminiscent of the sky. To top everything off serene rainforest sounds play in the background, bringing you back to summer nights.

WUD Art Committee’s 90th Annual Student Art Show

This year’s student art show received more than 150 submissions from 61 different student artists. Each piece that was included in the exhibit was carefully selected by jurors. Wheelhouse Studios Director Jay Ekleberry, a juror, said he hopes viewers will be “beguiled” by the art.

Head over to Gallery 1308 in Union South and feast your eyes on these vibrant paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures.

Alumni Park

Even in the snow and slush, the new Alumni Park still shines brightly. You might be a little cold, but walk through the park at night to see the backlit exhibits that celebrate Badger traditions and remember more than 200 alumni.

Have more campus spots that remind you of summer? Let us know by emailing us at theweekly@uc.wisc.edu