Thinking Back on CAPP—Eldis Sula '11
Eldis Sula looks into Patrick Jacobs's Fairy Ring with White Clover (2010) acquired by his committee in 2011. Photo courtesy of Eldis Sula.
The Contemporary Art Purchasing Program is a terribly important initiative at the University of Maryland. CAPP was one of the best projects that I've been involved in, as a student in college, and in my life in general. It was thrilling to dive head-first into the contemporary art world, to hear Jenny Morgan discuss her creative process at her studio in Brooklyn, or to gaze deeply into Patrick Jacobs's intricate dream-like diorama at Pierogi Gallery, not to mention the more than 30 other incredible artists and galleries we visited in New York and DC, and the hundreds of paintings and sculptures that we considered in the process.
As a committee member, I was afforded the rare opportunity to take part in something I am passionate about – looking at and thinking about art – while also being involved in the practical, real-world applications of the art market that I would have never been exposed to otherwise – that is, operating within a budget, serving as a representative of the University of Maryland, and making critical decisions about how to best engage the university community and make art come alive within the Stamp Student Union.
Looking back on the program now, I’m astounded by the tremendous responsibility that was bestowed upon our student committee. But after reflecting on the experience, why should I, or anyone, be surprised? At its basis, CAPP operates on the convictions that art is important, that it improves our quality of life, and that its mere presence can awaken our consciousness, regardless of background or age. This is why the program – which elects a multi-faceted group of students, guided by a critical advisory board, in order to represent a diverse student body – has been a success for the ten years of its existence before, during, and since I’ve been involved, and will continue to be so for years to come.
Eldis Sula, UMD '11
2010–2011 CAPP Committee