An Arts page for everyone

If you're not a self-identified artist, a theater guru or well-versed on Shakespeare, we have at least three things in common. \nBoth myself and the assistant arts editor Andrea Alumbaugh do not identify ourselves as art connoisseurs -- and we know a good portion of IDS readers do not either. Still, we appreciate art and aim to cover arts-related events and happenings on campus and in Bloomington extensively, effectively and in a way that will encourage students to appreciate it, too.\nAndrea and I are incorporating some features into the Arts page that will allow readers to learn art in an easily accessible way. Here's what to expect:\nARTiFACTs\nThis feature will run every Tuesday and provide an image and a brief-but-informative blurb about pieces of art on campus -- primarily from the IU Art Museum and the Mathers Museum of World Cultures. We encourage students to be familiar with art and want to make it as simple as possible for them to do so. With ARTiFACTs, we aim to help students "become more cultured in 30 seconds or less."\nTuned In\nBeware, transportable music device wearers. Every Wednesday, including today, Tuned In will feature two to four students and the song they were listening to at the moment they were approached by a photographer. \nSidewalk Runway\nAppreciating fashion doesn't have to be complicated. Every Thursday, a "model" found on campus (in the form of an IU student) - wearing something bizarre or beautiful - will be photographed and published on the page as a means to encourage fashion appreciation. We believe that it's not only runway models who have great style. Wear something that speaks to your personal style, or something unusual, and you could be our next Sidewalk Runway model.\nGraduARTs\nWe want to see more student artists in the paper. So every Thursday, Arts reporter Lindsey Landis will interview a student with an arts-related major or genuine interest and achievements in fine arts. We believe the arts can include anything from comedy to jewelry making to tuba playing.\nIn addition to the above features, the Arts page feels it's important to cover happenings at the IU Auditorium, IU Department of Theatre and Drama, IU Opera and Ballet Theater, IU Art Museum and Jacobs School of Music -- as well as the many arts groups and organizations in Bloomington. Still, we need help finding out about everything that's worthy of press, so please always feel free to e-mail us at arts@idsnews.com.\nAlso, if you feel like you can contribute to the Arts page, certainly consider applying to be a reporter, photographer or designer. Applications can be picked up in the newsroom in Ernie Pyle Hall Room 120. You can submit story ideas even if you're not on the IDS staff.\nWe hope to hear from you soon. We heart art.