Comic book drawings, iPod crochet covers, erotic digital photographs...this is a university art gallery? The Averill and Bernard Leviton Art + Design Department Gallery, more familiarly known as the A + D Gallery, aims to capture the increasingly divergent set of art forms explored by Columbia College artists and embraced by mass media. Programming is as diverse as the department's disciplines; promotional posters may be on display one moment, a new fashion line the next.

The unpretentious 1,800 square-foot storefront looks like an afterthought next to its broad-shouldered neighbor, the 10-story multipurpose Campus Building. But A + D's worth a second look. The six exhibitions mounted annually embody the best of both worlds: stimulating, cutting-edge art and design by professionals often accompanied by the drafts, sketches and notes contributing to the final work.

Ideas and final product matter equally. Curators and sponsors are selected through an open proposal process where artwork is judged on merit and contemporary relevance and, once selected, an artistic team is expected to take ownership of the exhibit and related public programming. Bonus points go to ideas that are particularly timely, like a 2007 collection of African HIV/AIDS posters, or forward-thinking, as in 2003's "soundSCAPES and interACTORS" exhibit of multi-sensory New Media forms.

Naturally, the Columbia College community gets special treatment. Work by graduating seniors is front and center at the annual MayFest showcase. The late summer Faculty Exhibition welcomes new and returning students, helping to set the tone for the year ahead. Space rental for parties, receptions and social events is available exclusively to the school's students, faculty and associates.

Centerstage Reviewer: Justin Sondak