Dr. Samuel Gore began plans for the Aven Fine Arts Building with a concept in the early 1950s, and his design led to construction on the corner of Jefferson and College Streets. Fundrasing issues, halted constrion, but the build was completed in 1959. The Aven Fine Arts Building has always been a part of the Mississippi College Art Department, and today, the four-story building is home to the Graphic Design Department and Interior Design Department, housing industry-standard computer labs, photography studios, lighting studios, and darkrooms.
Aven Hall has been the home to the Department of Art since its construction in 1955. The Department grew and flourished in this space until its move to the Gore Arts Complex. Fortunately, the Department was able to retain part of the space to house the Interior Design and Graphic Design programs. In addition, the space on the top floor of Aven now houses photograpy which features a new darkroom, lighting lab, and photography lecture room. The Aven space will prove essential to the growth and development of all art programs as it continues to grow”
— Randy Miley
Art Department Chair
