Ant Farm Art Building Creative Preservation Initiative (AFAAB)
The Antioch College Art Building circa 1972 (left) and 2020 (right).
AFAAB is a collaborative multi-disciplinary project to preserve both the physical structure and the spirit of the Antioch Art Building, designed by radical architects and Ant Farmers Doug Michels and Tom Morey and built in 1971 out of local off-the-shelf components.
More than just a historic preservation initiative, the goal of this group is to engage fans of radical 70s architecture, alternative pedagogy, and experimental art makers as well as Antioch College students, faculty, staff and alumni in intergenerational creative production, using the building as a focal point.
The building’s metal cladding, concrete floors, and utilitarian details resemble the vernacular Ohio architecture factory or warehouse. However, the look and feel of the building is more like a vibrant, bright, Neo-Bauhaus workshop, with huge a huge gallery space, print studio, painting studio, and ceramic space surmounted by classrooms, screening rooms, and a fourth floor of lofted open individual studios.
Ant Farm went on to produce some of the most provocative media art, architecture, public sculpture, and performance of the 70s — ranging from Media Burn to Cadillac Ranch. The Art Building at Antioch college is one of their most utilitarian creations. Beloved by decades of students and faculty, it stands as a testament to Antioch’s experimental spirit and willingness to invest in bold new ideas from untested young minds.
Follow the group on Facebook, Instagram, or email us at antfarmantiochartbuilding@gmail.com.