Ann Rice O'Hanlon's Fresco in Memorial Hall

Ann Rice O' Hanlon

 

              Born and raised in Ashland, Kentucky, Ann Rice O'Hanlon permanently had the drive to pursue art from a young age. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a master’s degree in art, but then achieved a higher level of art training at the California School of Fine Arts since she only considered her degree at UK as "basic training". By the year of 1931 she was wrapping up her years of art schooling and started to begin her career as an artist, focusing on frescos. At this time O’Hanlon was struggling finically, starving for almost a full year. Luckily, for O’Hanlon Roosevelt came around to help out all the struggling artists. During an interview with O’Hanlon regarding what happened during these hard times an interviewer tried to understand what Roosevelt did to help the artists. “Didn't he assign somebody in each major city of each state or community or area, to hire artists for some major project?” O’Hanlon replied “It wasn't a relief thing in that case, it was simply, they said that the government wanted some art work done and I just happened to be the only person, apparently, in Lexington who was available to do a major work on a wall. And so I was chosen” (Oral History Interview).  O’Hanlon soon took full advantage of this opportunity as she was assigned to paint a Fresco at the University of Kentucky’s Memorial Hall.

                Ann Rice O’Hanlon was paid $38.00 a week to work on this fresco, as it was the only thing she really had to do with her time. Her original idea for her painting was incorporate the history standpoint of Kentucky with geography and agriculture that went into the state. This idea rapidly transformed as she received input on what the mural should entail, now starting to gear more towards the people and things that shape who/what Kentucky is today. This fresco that O’Hanlon took on was forty feet by eight feet in height, all to paint on her own. She worked day and night for about eight months slowly adding every detail she could to make it represent Kentucky in the best light. As she completed the Fresco, she was excited for the public to come in and see all the hard work she put in.

         Sadly, the public expressed no interest in the fresco at all as no one would care to see it. The painting was written more about people not caring to see it, rather than how intriguing and historic the painting truly is. Now, as we walk into Memorial Hall we admire the art work of Ann Rice O’Hanlon, but never do realize the true struggle she entailed to accomplish this artwork.

               

 

 

Memorial Coliseum

Memorial Coliseum

    Home of the athletic department, holding a 10,000 seat arena which houses the women's basketball, volleyball and gymnastics teams, Memorial Coliseum is a historic part of campus that just adds on to the rich history of the University. Memorial Hall was originally built to honor to the Kentucky natives that have died in WWI, WWII, the Vietnam, and the Korean War. The building originally hosted the men's basketball team, holding the NCAA men's basketball tournament ten times in the past between the time of 1950-1976. In 1976 the Rupp Arena was built, which is located behind Memorial Coliseum to expand space due to the massive success of the men's basketball team, a place we have all know and love.
     After $4 million dollars in renovations, Memorial Coliseum has brought a state of the art training facility to train our athletes to their full potential. Originally, the Coliseum held 11,500 seats, but was forced to be reduced down due to the renovations made, which now results back down to 10,000 seats. However, these luxurious additions included a players lounge, a team meeting center, and even a new athletic administration office. These additions have not only helped improve the Coliseum, but the University of Kentucky as a whole to make it a sight to see to people from all over the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Center at The University of Kentucky

Student Center at the University of Kentucky

      Here, at the University of Kentucky Student Center convenience is at everyone's finger tips. The center offers endless fun events and everyday activities constantly available to students with all different interests. "The Cat's Den" is packed with all different types of gaming systems, table tennis, billiards, flat screen TVs, and even free popcorn. If those aren't your forte, the den also offers free events throughout the year, there is always something for everyone at the den. To find out more about the Cats Den check out: http://dib.uky.edu/studentcenter/catsden
          If you're a movie goer, but like most college students, is stuck on a budget, the center offers free movie Thursdays and Fridays, check out the link below to find all about the upcoming movies at the "Late Night Film Series". For more information: http://www.uky.edu/studentcenter/lnfs
          Passing by the student center on the way to class or wanting to catch up with a friend for some lunch? The center is a hot spot for some of the best food on campus including, Chik-Fil-A, Subway, Starbucks, Panda express, Greens-to-go, and Sbarro. There is something for everyone's taste buds here at the student center! Information on dining can be found at: http://dib.uky.edu/studentcenter/dining
          Yes, the student center does seem like all fun and games, but there are some great resources available for students. Especially for the students looking to get involved, the student center is home to the "Student Involvement Center". Here, there are endless different clubs and organizations to get involved with other UK students, that are not only a fun time but is a great way to make life long connections. Getting involved here at UK helps you maintain great values such as character, service, selflessness, and a sense of being a community. To find out more ways to get involved check out: http://getinvolved.uky.edu/
         Here at the University of Kentucky they truly give all students the opportunity to succeed and have an exciting memorable time. The student center continues to expand to make it just that much better, at this point, with all that is there we are left wondering what could possibly be next?