623 S. Wabash

One of the main central buildings that any Columbia student will have classes in is the 623 South Wabash building. This building I believe is a key to understanding to Columbia College’s art scene. You can tell a lot about Columbia’s art scene because it is one of the central locations were all students come to create. When you first arrive at the building you will come across many students outside of the building. No matter what season it is, you will find many smoking their cigarettes and drinking their coffee. Once you enter the building you will come across a few unique aspects of Columbia College. First you will come across on the right the Hookin Gallery. This is main gallery that many Columbia College students work is put on display. When you walk into the gallery you will come across not only many walls that students work is displayed on but also a stage which students work can be performed on. What makes this space so unique isn’t only because of the gallery space but also is holds a café in the right hand corner of the gallery. This gives the viewing experience of the gallery a unique one. Not only will visitors of the gallery see the students work which is on display but also the every day students who come in to utilize the café. You won’t find that situation in many galleries. This bring the average day person into an experience that they probably won’t come in contact with often.
While you enter the 623 South Wabash building, you will come across on your left the Shop Columbia store. This is a recent addition to the 623 South Wabash building. This store is a collaboration with student artist’s work. It gives the opportunity for students to sell some of their work before graduating form Columbia. Any day you go in to visit, you will find numerous students work. From unique one of a kind garments made by fashion students to colorful graphic prints, you will find an array of items. Not only does it give them the experience but it provides them with an understanding on how it might be when you graduate. It gives the students an insight of how what to expect after they graduate.