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Miyuki Baker | Phoenix Staff

BY TIFFANY LIAO

In print | Published August 26, 2008

1. Bamboo Garden

Swarthmore’s Bamboo Grove is an unexpected, but much appreciated, burst of botanical diversity.

2. Beardsley

Home to both Art and Art History courses, this building is the perfect place to eavedrop on a lecture on Western Art, or, to take one of those sculpture or Contempoary Art classes yourself.

3. Bender Oak

Rather than let the ancient oak deteriorate, artist Marty Long transformed this rare hybrid tree into a sculpture in the form of an oak leaf and acorn intended as an “ode to oaks.”

4. Calder Mobile

Sculpted by famed American artist and mobile inventor Alexander Calder, this colorful structure is entitled “Back from Rio.” The mobile is covered by a prickly undergrowth to discourage students from spinning this priceless work of art.

5. Crum Creek

Crum Creek is the famed site of the Crum Regatta, during which students equipped with paddles and their own makeshift and rarely seaworthy “boats” tough out the chilly waters in a harrowing 500-meter race. With its shallow waters and gentle rapids, Crum Creek is also a favorite place for a refreshing paddle or a late night swim with friends.

6. Hicks

Venture to the third floor to view the murals painted by James Egleson ’29. The panels depict themes of racial solidarity, technological progress and perhaps, as an outraged College donor once protested, a healthy dose of Communist propaganda.

7. Kitao Gallery

This intimate art gallery is run entirely by students and features student art, as well as themed events such as a Recycled Runway fashion show.

8. Lang Music Building

This venue provides a gorgeous view of the Crum to complement its a cappella concerts, music recitals, and the all-important screening of “The Graduate.” Grab a private practice room and make some of your own music.

9. Lang Performing Arts Center

LPAC is the arts epicenter of Swarthmore. Student thespians, musical acts like The Roots and even high-profile celebrities like Margaret Cho have all graced the stage.

10. List Gallery

The List Gallery’s stark white walls feature exhibits ranging from John Dubrow’s contemporary oil paintings to Brian Meunier’s whimsical clay pieces. This year, look forward to Sonya Clark’s hair comb sculptures and Bill Scott’s abstract paintings.

11. McCabe Exhibits

A procrastinator’s paradise, these exhibits have featured everything from Banned Books to lithographs by Andy Warhol.

12. Old Tarble

Olde Tarble is primarily used as Art Department studio space. Even if you aren’t taking art classes, make sure to stop by and admire fellow students’ artwork-in-progress.

13. Olde Club

Olde Club’s very structure, thanks in part to its art-splattered stairwell, seems to breathe art. The venue frequently hosts indie musicians ranging from the ranks of Broken Social Scene to Jay Reatard and is also the site of the annual Battle of the Bands and student open mic nights.

14. Rose Garden

Since 1898, the Dean Bond Rose Garden has perfumed the campus with the fragrance of its 660 roses. The garden, encircled by intricately wrought iron gates known as Josephine’s Gates, features over 213 types of roses.

15. Science Center

Who says art and science can’t coexist? Comedy shows, plays and movie screenings all take place here.

16. Upper Tarble

Clamber up the stairs to Upper Tarble to partake in contra dancing, swing dancing or even a round of capoeira.

17. Whispering Bench

Take a walk towards the President’s House to the whispering bench with a friend and sit at opposite ends of the arch. Talk to each other by whispering, and those whispers will travel along the curve and come out loud and clear at their respective opposite ends. It’s a pretty neat trick, and quite a scenic spot too.

18. WSRN

Tune in to WSRN, Swarthmore’s student-run radio station broadcasted out of Parrish (91.5 FM on the dial or www.wsrnfm.org on the web), for a mix of rock, jazz, folk, electronica, hip-hop, blues and world music. Become a DJ yourself and contol the airwaves for two hours a week.

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