Fine Arts Celebration runs through May 1
There will be something for everyone at the twelfth annual Fine Arts Celebration, being held through May 1 at Southwest Minnesota State University. Vocal and instrumental concerts, theatre productions, readings, art displays, costume making and more are on the schedule.
“This is a way to highlight the fine work of our talented students and faculty,” said event coordinator Dr. Pat Brace. “The majority of the events are free to the public, and we invite people to check the schedule and come to campus for some of the events.”
Special events related to the SMSU 50th celebration have been added to this year’s schedule. Theatre will host an All-Alumni Weekend April 21-22.
A banquet and program, “SMSU’s 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of Southwest Stories,” will be held April 23. SMSU English Professor Judy Wilson and Nick White will have a duo reading of their work April 5. Contributors to the literary journal Perceptions will read April 18.
In addition, English Professor Susan McLean will read her work April 25. A number of concerts are planned, including: Southwest Minnesota Orchestra Annual Children’s Concert, April 10; Men’s Glee Club & Bella Voce, April 12; SMSU Chorale, April 17; SMSU/Community Concert Band, April 19; and Southwest Minnesota Orchestra, May 1. “The Awesome ’80s Prom” will be performed April 12-14 and April 19-22. The Drama Club will host its 11th annual Playwriting Festival April 25.
The Directing Class Scene Showcase will be April 27. Students play a big part in the Fine Arts Celebration and will be featured throughout.
Videofest and the Forensics Showcase will be April 3; student recitals will be held on April 4, 7, 11, 14, 15, 18 and 25; Communication Studies senior project presentations will be April 16; student Academy Awards will be April 18; senior art reviews will be April 20 and 27; a reception for Art and Graphic Design students showing their work in the Whipple Gallery will be April 21; students will create theatre costumes during the Fashion Runway competition April 23, and creative writing students will give presentations along with English Professor Marianne Zarzana April 24.
“Learning the Sociological Perspectives through Song and Art” will be April 5.
“SMSU Mustang Ovations: A Salute to Academic Success, Distinctiveness, and Meaningful Engagement,” will honor students at a dinner reception on April 26.
The reception honoring the Whipple Scholarship winner will be held on Monday, April 16. A variety of disciplines will host events in conjunction with National Library Week, including: Theatre, April 10; Forensics, April 11; and Music, April 12. An Art Faculty Exhibition will be on display in the William Whipple Gallery from April 2-13, with a reception April 4. SMSU senior Art & Graphic Design students will display their work from April 16-30 in the Whipple Gallery.
The Fine Arts Celebration is sponsored by the Department of Fine Arts and Communication, the Creative Writing Program and the English Department.
All events are free and open to the public unless noted. For more information, call the Fine Arts and Communication Department at 507-537-7103, or email Diana.Holmes@smsu.edu.