Mount Saint Mary College Communications Arts and Media students recently got their first taste of the college’s new satellite classroom and studio at Regal Bag Studios on the Newburgh Waterfront.
According to Dean Goldberg, associate professor of Communication Arts and Film Studies, and Christopher Neyen, assistant professor of Art and Graphic Design, the space will be used for video production, photography, fine art projects, and more.
The Regal complex, formerly the Regal Bag Factory, is now a center for artists, sculptors, photographers, filmmakers, and graphic artists. The large, open space features 13-foot-tall ceilings, plenty of natural light, and spectacular views of the Hudson River.
“This is more than just a studio. We call it a visual media lab,” said Goldberg. “The whole space is enormously attractive. It’s great for shooting films, taking photos, fine art – the view is truly inspirational.”
The first major use of the space will be for Neyen’s photography class this summer, with more classes scheduled for the coming semesters. A shuttle will take students to the site for classes and back to campus.
Goldberg and Neyen note that the space opens up new opportunities for courses that might not have been possible in a regular classroom.
“It’s not just that we have another space where students can work,” said Neyen. “This will be a place where we can create new works, and tell new stories.”