2008 Woodie Awards
Graffiti at the grate
Sometimes conversational, always controversial, art at the grate encompasses a full range of aerosol art, graffiti, tagging, stenciling and brushwork.
By: David Seitz, Opinion Editor
Issue date: 11/22/07 Section: Magazine Fall 2007
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On any given weekend night-or any night, really-Macalester's social hub in many circles can be tracked to a predictable location.
"Where'd they go?"
"Oh, they're at the grate."
To many, the grate, a partially underground utility staircase leading to a heating vent and the basement of Doty Hall, is simultaneously party room and ash tray, the site of nicotine-enhanced flirtations, intellectual discussions and friendly banter. Like no other on campus, the physical space is conducive to socializing for the "let's step outside for a minute" set.
"There are grates all over campus," says grate regular Jeff Bennett '10. "But why is this [Doty] grate the grate? Because it's big, and you can go there when it's cold. You don't really have any other enclosed space where you can keep warm for the five or six cold months of the year."
To many others, it is a nuisance. Situated in the center of a common area bordered by five first-year and sophomore residence halls, noise produced at the grate can reach all 600 students, roughly one-third of the Macalester student body.
But its familiarity and centrality to campus social life, particularly among first-year and sophomore students, is undeniable. Call it the "Cheers" for a much younger, edgier crowd.
Of course, this cast is by no means solely comprised of people. It also includes (or has included) a robot, an elephant, a hookah, and of course, several disembodied penises.
Synonymous with cigarette smoking culture on campus, the grate is also a focal point for public art. Sometimes conversational, always controversial, art at the grate encompasses a full range of aerosol art, graffiti, tagging, stenciling and brushwork.
Many regulars have contributed pieces of their own and grown attached to particular pieces. "It seems like there used to be a code of honor," Bennett said, citing a litany of iconic grate artworks. "Certain things were left alone.
"Around midway through last year, the sacred nature came under fire. A piece wouldn't be replaced by another work of art. It didn't seem to have any meaning other than covering up what was already there."
"Where'd they go?"
"Oh, they're at the grate."
To many, the grate, a partially underground utility staircase leading to a heating vent and the basement of Doty Hall, is simultaneously party room and ash tray, the site of nicotine-enhanced flirtations, intellectual discussions and friendly banter. Like no other on campus, the physical space is conducive to socializing for the "let's step outside for a minute" set.
"There are grates all over campus," says grate regular Jeff Bennett '10. "But why is this [Doty] grate the grate? Because it's big, and you can go there when it's cold. You don't really have any other enclosed space where you can keep warm for the five or six cold months of the year."
To many others, it is a nuisance. Situated in the center of a common area bordered by five first-year and sophomore residence halls, noise produced at the grate can reach all 600 students, roughly one-third of the Macalester student body.
But its familiarity and centrality to campus social life, particularly among first-year and sophomore students, is undeniable. Call it the "Cheers" for a much younger, edgier crowd.
Of course, this cast is by no means solely comprised of people. It also includes (or has included) a robot, an elephant, a hookah, and of course, several disembodied penises.
Synonymous with cigarette smoking culture on campus, the grate is also a focal point for public art. Sometimes conversational, always controversial, art at the grate encompasses a full range of aerosol art, graffiti, tagging, stenciling and brushwork.
Many regulars have contributed pieces of their own and grown attached to particular pieces. "It seems like there used to be a code of honor," Bennett said, citing a litany of iconic grate artworks. "Certain things were left alone.
"Around midway through last year, the sacred nature came under fire. A piece wouldn't be replaced by another work of art. It didn't seem to have any meaning other than covering up what was already there."
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