Faculty and students across Illinois State University’s campus continue to engage safely in teaching and learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts this fall semester, musicians are wearing masks with mouthpiece openings to continue playing their instruments, painters are taping off individual studio workstations that abide by physical-distancing guidelines, and ceramic artists are expanding their classrooms to the great outdoors.

Many faculty members are simultaneously teaching students in the classroom and through online formats. For a year that requires much adaptation, Illinois State faculty and students are rising above to make the most of this unusual time.

Student through a magnifying glass

Associate Professor Randall Reid’s Wood/Metal Design I continue to mold and shape their woodwork and metalwork projects while maintaining distance in the classroom.

Student playing a xylophone

Assistant Director of Athletics Bands and Percussion Dr. Ben Stiers’ Percussion Quartet consists of four students who are experiencing their first year at Illinois State to the beat of their own xylophones.

Associate Professor Albion Stafford’s Ceramics II class enjoys the fresh air while working underneath the pavilion outside of Centennial West.

Associate Professor Albion Stafford’s Ceramics II class enjoys the fresh air while working underneath the pavilion outside of Centennial West.

Metal work student in class

Associate Professor Randall Reid’s Metal Work and Jewelry Design I students are able to use firing equipment provided by the University that would be inaccessible via remote learning.

Two female students playing the violin

Dr. Glenn Block, director of Orchestras and professor of Conducting, instructs his Symphony Orchestra: Strings class within the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall to abide by physical-distancing guidelines.

Student painting

Ann Toebbe’s Painting II students have designated studio spaces that are taped off six feet apart on the floor in the Center for the Visual Arts.

Spencer Molnar’s Life Drawing class meets in person and online to discuss and critique the students’ artwork.

Spencer Molnar’s Life Drawing class meets in person and online to discuss and critique the students’ artwork.

Student playing piano

Group Piano Coordinator and Piano Pedagogy instructor Renee Chernick’s Group Piano Pedagogy consists of three graduate students who are beginning to teach their own classes.

Student working in 3-D art class

Students in Associate Professor Randall Reid’s Visual Thinking: 3-D Fundamentals class sit at individual workstations to maintain physical distancing while assembling their projects.

Female students playing horns

Professor of Music Education Dr. David Snyder’s Group Instruction in Brass students use masks with mouthpiece openings and fabric bell covers to reduce particles in the air while playing their instruments.