A touch of art can add something bright to any campus building.

University Museums recently installed a historic painting for the Intensive English and Orientation Program in the Landscape Architecture building. The large painting used to hang in the presidential conference room in Beardshear Hall.

The painting, “Three Legong Dancers,” was created by Indonesian artist Srihadi Soedarsono and was originally a gift to Iowa State from Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Group, the largest poultry-feed producer in Indonesia. The painting depicts three women dancing in an expressionist style.

The Landscape Architecture building, which was constructed in 1901, was originally a horse barn and now houses the Intensive English and Orientation Program along with some parts of the English department.

“It really was a matter of luck,” said Betty Baker, program assistant for the Intensive English and Orientation Program. “We were looking for art.”

Baker said the program had wanted to make the building look a little better so, when the painting needed a new home, Baker said the program would make good use of it.

“The international theme makes it appropriate,” said Jacque Pohl, communication specialist for the program. 

Pohl said the international theme and painter made it a great fit for the building, which houses students from many different countries.

While another building was interested in having the painting, requirements for it included a multicultural environment and visibility, which the Intensive English and Orientation Program possessed.

The program teaches English as a second language to students who want to enroll at Iowa State but need to enhance their English skills.

Landscape Architecture has just finished a big renovation process that included a new roof, a new interior paint job and a new floor.

The Intensive English and Orientation Program’s 50th anniversary will arrive in 2016 and include an open house April 20. 

“[The painting] certainly brightens up that space,” Baker said. “The faculty and staff do appreciate it.”