According to John Elliott, Dean of the Zicklin School of Business, the arts are a vital component of a strong business education. This philosophy is also embraced by many of Baruch’s Executives On Campus (EOC). Recently an EOC mentor told one of our graduate business students that, to become a well-rounded professional, he needed to “experience the arts”.

Before you think you don’t have time for this, just look around you. Empower yourself by experiencing “the arts” right here on our campus.

Visit Baruch’s very own Mishkin Gallery located on the ground floor of Baruch College’s Administrative Center at 135 E. 22nd Street. The Gallery is directed by Dr. Sandra Kraskin, who notes the Gallery's permanent collection consists of over 300 artworks from the 20th century, featuring modern and contemporary paintings, sculpture, prints, and photographs. Baruch’s collection was gathered over the years from various channels, mostly donations from generous alumni and friends. As you walk around the campus, take a minute to look at the walls in Baruch’s buildings where many of the pieces are displayed.

The Gallery’s current feature is a Cuban art exhibit titled: Cosas Ocultas: The Work of Rocia Garcia & Alberto Casado which opened on April 29, 2011. The exhibition grants its viewers a deeper look into Cuban culture through visual art. In conjunction with this exhibit a free panel discussion entitled, Hidden Realities: A Discussion with Rocío García and Corina Matamoros was held on May 6th, in The Oak Room at Baruch 137 East 22nd Street building. Prior to that, the Spirit Rock, Sacred Mountain: A Chinese View of Nature, was reviewed by the Wall Street Journal.

Or – visit BPAC, the Baruch Performing Arts Center, which has a full calendar of performances throughout the year in both the Rose Nagelberg Theatre and The Engelman Recital Hall. BPAC is the home of The National Yiddish Theatre, and many of their performances are featured here. “The Adventures of Hershele Ostropoyler” will be returning with performances starting in mid-May 2011. According to House Manager Robert Bronstein, this show was such a success last spring they are returning to Baruch College. BPAC also houses the Alexander String Quartet which celebrated its 25th Anniversary here in April.

Mr. Bronstein provided me with an impressive behind-the-scenes walking tour of The Rose Nagelberg Theatre and The Engelman Recital Hall, and I came away with an in- depth understanding and appreciation for the operations of the Center and the expansive array of the productions held.

Now, the next time you have a half hour free on campus, what will you do?