By Bryan Sullivan


Students entering the library can now learn something before opening a textbook.

In April, Butler Library will host “Soviet Political Artifacts,” an exhibit with work from 1932-1989.

Clairissa Breen, a masters degree program student in criminal justice, used everything from her personal collection in the exhibit. Breen had in the items in storage before having them displayed.

Breen feels the art gives students an interesting look at the history of Russia.

“I’ve had the materials for a while,” Breen said. “I just wanted to share it with other people.”

Associate Librarian Barbara Vaughan determines which exhibits go in the library. She thought viewers would enjoy the subject matter.

“I think the subject of the exhibit is fascinating.”

“There is work from a quite few different periods,” Breen said. “Everything from propaganda of the 1960’s to reprints of anti-nuclear work.”

The posters along the first-floor wall feature drawings of Lenin and members of communist party. One photograph features Lenin meeting H.G. Wells.

Breen spent five months touring Russia in 1991, when the Soviet Union broke into several independent states. She remembers how she had to scrounge for art.

“Whatever I acquired I brought home,” Breen said. “Everything I have in the exhibit is acquired, bartered, or was found in trash cans.”

The oldest piece in the display is a Pioneer Political Party pin from 1932. Party membership forms and folk song lyrics join the pin in the display case closest to the library door.

The exhibit features a wide variety of pieces looking at the history of the Russian military.

A navy uniform, air force uniform, and boots from World War II line the middle case. Also, a mat case from the Vietnam War and Korean War pistol holister are featured in the middle case.

According to Breen, military artifacts and other art do not last long in Russia because the government either destroys it or throws it out.

“In the former Soviet Union you could find little art work because it was destroyed,” Breen said. “If I didn’t put this work out there, no one would see it, it would be gone.”

The exhibit will be on display until April 30 in the entrance of the Butler Library.