A campus landmark since the 1980s, the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum has a permanent exhibit of more than 200 of Fredericks’ works as well as two temporary galeries where other artists can display their pieces.

It also offers a sculpture garden just outside the museum.

Despite these attractions, voluntary student attendance remains low, and that’s where new RSO Students for Marshall Fredericks is getting involved.

It was founded last month by Ashley Farrier, an elementary education sixth year and the only student member of the museum board.

“I started working there two or three years ago and really fell in love with it,” Farrier said. “Marilyn Wheaton (the museum director) approached me about becoming a board member and it just snowballed from there.”

The concept of the RSO is to find ways to show fellow students that the museum can be fun and exciting.

One of the ways members plan to do this is to host a program or event every month.

For November, the group teamed up with the Spanish honorary society Sigma Delta Pi to celebrate the Spanish holiday el Día de los Muertos.

The group provided the room and part of the funding, while Sigma Delta Pi provided food and the presentation.

The event saw 70 in attendance.

According to Farrier, she wants students who come to the events to feel laid back and to have a good time.

“We’re all stressed enough so having a fun group is the whole idea,” she said.  “How much fun is it to just come and color for a while?”

They are also hoping to host a board game and cookie party in the sculpture exhibit early December and would like to open next semester with a Q&A on the group’s Facebook page.

The idea would be to ask an art-related question and whoever guesses correctly can come to the museum for a small prize.

“It’s to get students in the door,” Farrier said.  “And then, hopefully, they’ll stay.”

The group isn’t just for art majors or artists though.  They want to get every student involved in the museum.

It is there for everyone to enjoy and that’s what they want people to know.

“We can twist to fit any focus or major,” Farrier said.  “Our goal is that by the time you graduate, you’ve come to the museum at least once on your own accord.”

Students can check this RSO out on Facebook: Students for Marshall M. Fredericks Museum.

Members meet at 4 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of the month in the classroom right outside the museum and are open to anyone who wants to visit.

“Just ask the museum and they’ll tell you where it is,” Farrier said.

She encourages students to bring a friend and is excited to see more people get involved in this group.