Press Release Archives 2004

October 18, 2004
American University in Rome Inaugurates Second of Four New Buildings in Year of Growth

Rome, Italy, October 18, 2004 - The American University of Rome has announced plans today for the official inauguration on November 7th, 2004 of its second in a series of four new buildings, and which will feature a two week, 40 piece art exhibit of Prof. Breda Catherine Ennis’s paintings.

Dr. Robert H. Evans, president of The American University of Rome, will be cutting the ribbon at The Pyramid Art Studio located on via Dandini, at 6:00 pm. Under his guidance the university has also acquired new space adjacent to its main campus at via Pietro Roselli on the Janiculum Hill. The new Auditorium, was opened in time for Dr. Evans’ first anniversary at the university and for the May 2004 graduation of AUR’s largest graduating class. The fourth of the new buildings, temporarily being called “The Villino” is the bright, spacious, new home to the Art History and Fashion Design & Architecture departments; plans for its official name and opening are yet to be announced, pending announcements of its benefactors.

Finding inspiration in trees, Prof Ennis has called the official Pyramid Art Studio inauguration exhibit ‘Reflections’ and has utilized acrylics and soft German pastels in her works. This is her second exhibition this year, the first being held in Frascati, just outside Rome. She was invited by the Mayor of the Comune di Frascati, Paolo Francesco Posa, to show in the rooms of the Museo Tuscolano of the Scuderie Aldobrandini.

When asked about her role at the studio (she is the newly appointed Director) Ennis said, ‘I will take care of the PR for the new studio, inviting people from various fields to visit and see the students working. I intend on inviting people to show their work in the studio – both students and established artists from outside the university – in order to build up a special relationship with the studio and the local and international community. She wants to continue her research into the problems relating to contemporary art and artists. She would like the The American University of Rome’s Pyramid Art Studio to become an international point of reference for the arts. Prof. Ennis’s show is the second art exhibition to be held at the studio – the first being the very successful show of the works of the MFA students of American University of Washington in May 2004. Each spring A.U. Washington students bring their MFA Italy program to the Pyramid Art Studio. The students study advanced drawing and inspirational track methodology with Prof. Ennis and Art History with Prof. Terry Kirk.

Inauguration will take place at the Pyramid Art Studio, at 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 7, 2004 Via Dandini 6C Rome 00154. The “Reflections” art exhibit will be open to the public for two weeks, times yet to be announced.

About The American University of Rome
The American University of Rome is a private, independent American institution of higher education in Rome committed to offering liberal studies and professional courses in an international environment that promotes cross-cultural understanding. The university offers American degree programs primarily to undergraduate students. It also serves study abroad students, graduate students pursuing degrees at other universities and people interested in ongoing professional development and liberal education.

CONTACT INFORMATION
About the Pyramid Art Studio
The American University of Rome
Professor Breda Catherine Ennis, Director
b.ennis@aur.edu - Telephone and Fax: 0039 06 5728 7595

About Making a Gift to The American University of Rome
Dott.ssa Chiara Lino, Administrative Assistant to the President
president@aur.edu
+39 06 5833 0919 phone
+39 06 5833 0992 fax
www.aur.edu

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October 25, 2004
Art Exhibition Launches Opening of The American University of Rome‘s Pyramid Art Studio

ROME, Italy, October 5, 2004 – The acclaimed Irish-born artist Breda Catherine Ennis announced today the opening of her exhibition, “Reflections”, and the launching of The American University of Rome’s Pyramid Art Studio. The exhibit will be inaugurated by the Irish Ambassador to Italy, His Excellency John F. Cogan, and will open on November 7, 2004 at 18:00. The exhibit will consist of more than 20 of Ennis’ most recent works from 2004, and will remain open until November 20, 2004, excluding Monday and Saturday. The studio is located at Via Dandini 6C, Rome 00154, entry is free, and there are no reservations required.

Ennis has worked on the collection since last January and will feature nature and trees in her artwork using the colors of Italy, Ireland and France. She is inspired by artists such as Carracci, Cannaletto, Matisse and Titian, as well as the energy of the Japanese art of calligraphy. However her style is her own, as she approaches art from the view of “fresh eyes”, because she feels that fresh eyes are the only way to give art “an element of surprise”, and make art personal. Ennis says, “you take your own DNA and you borrow DNA from what is already invented … everybody has a little bit of everything in their work.” Her work appeals to a wide variety of audiences, and the exhibition will feature acrylics, soft pastels and oil pencils. Currently, Ennis airs on Vatican Radio One-O-Five Live FM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and has written features for The Journal of Sacred Architecture.

Ennis has an art background extending over 25 years. Originally from Ireland, she has also lived in London, Paris and now Rome. She began her studies at the Fine Arts Academy in Rome, where she learned her basic techniques. She then studied at the Printmaking Museum of Rome. She has been a Professor at The American University of Rome for 16 years, teaching art and exhibiting. During her career she has exhibited more than 35 times, including this summer’s highly-praised collection at the Scuderie Aldobrandini of the Comune di Frascati.

In addition to her work as an artist and Professor, Ennis is responsible for the new art studio. She looks forward to inviting new artists to exhibit their work. As gallery space for artists is not always easy to find, this studio plans to host shows which are open to artists of different nations and artists who are only just beginning their career, and also well-known artists. I’m also setting up the studio as a research centre to look at all the problems which relate to contemporary art and the contemporary artist and his/her world, as well as continuing my role as teacher to give stimulation to the fantasy of creation”. The American University of Rome’s Pyramid Art Studio will build up strong links with established institutes in Rome in order to create a lively debate and a pleasant exchange of experiences.

The exhibition opens Sunday, November 7 at 18:00 and continues through November 20, 2004. Hours are: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 16:00 – 19:00; Wednesday and Sunday 10:00 – 18:00. Entry is free.

Contact The Pyramid Art Studio, 06-57287595 for more information, or The American University of Rome’s main campus, 06 5833 0919.
+39 06 5833 0919 phone
+39 06 5833 0992 fax
www.aur.edu