Fort Valley State University’s Baptist Student Union choir invited to Las Vegas
November 7, 2008
Fort Valley State University’s Baptist Student Union Gospel Choir will have a chance to perform on a national television show that draws an international audience. The 70- member choir is invited to sing at the Bobby Jones International Gospel Industry Retreat in Las Vegas Nov. 10. To attend the event, the group must raise $13,000 in a week.
Spelman Summer Arts Colony has success in Panama
July 8, 2008
The Spelman College Summer Art Colony 2008 was a success. Art Colony residents included Spelman College students: Destineé Williams, Racheal Hawthorn and Amber Richardson; as well as alumna Ashley Coleman, C’2006, Ph.D. student in religion at Emory University; Bree Simmons, assistant director, Outing Club, Bowdoin College; and Clyde Bango, Bates College.
This year’s Art Colony residents constructed a sustainable architectural structure at Las Orquídeas Environmental Sculpture Park as well as individual projects such as biodegrable sculptures and installations, paintings, photography and performance art. They participated in an exchange of art and ideas with a group of young Panamanian artists, visited the Panama Canal, The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute at Galeta Point, danced with the Congitos of Portobelo, and conducted research on religious traditions in Colon.
Cheyney University Art Professor Earns Prestigious Recognition
February 22, 2008
Joel Keener, a faculty member at Cheyney University, is this year’s “Art Guest of Honor” at the 16th annual SHEVACON Convention, held in Roanoke VA, on February 22-24th.
SheVaCon stands for Shenandoah Valley Convention, so named because it began in Staunton Virginia — located in the Shenandoah Valley. SheVaCon is a Science Fiction and Fantasy, Horror, Costuming and Gaming Convention. Keener has participated in this event for the past nine years.
This year’s convention will showcase Keener’s many talents, as a published author and artist, photographer, sculptor, and graphic designer. He uses pencil to express his visions and ideas of the world around him. Those “visions” have earned him numerous awards including an international judges choice award and a Chesley nomination.
He earned an MFA in Sculpture from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BS degree in Studio Art from Skidmore College.
(See: http://www.shevacon.org/SheVaConArtistGuestOfHonor.htm)
Morgan State Hosts 7th Annual African Film Festival
February 11, 2008
The Morgan State University Departments of African Studies and Geography and History present the seventh annual African Film Festival on February 12-14, 2008 in room 101 of the University’s New Communications Center.
“This festival is not only contemporary, but empowering,” says Dr. M’bare N’Gom, Director of the African Studies Program. “It serves to educate as well as entertain students of all disciplines and the community about present-day issues in Africa.”
St. Philip’s College Strengthens Ties With World-Class Ballet Company Leader
January 18, 2008
St. Philip’s College threw an unforgettable homecoming party for ballet luminary Edward Morgan Jan 17. The New York-based San Antonio native swept people at the college off their feet when he received them at the Morgan Gallery that is named after his stepmother, Kathryn Morgan.
The celebration was enhanced with exclusive dance instruction for St. Philip’s College students under the eye of the special guest. The events were possible because Morgan was returning to his hometown for the first time as co-director of his company—MorganScott Ballet.
Wilberforce Professor in Dayton Opera Production of Macbeth
January 15, 2008
Tifton Graves, Wilberforce University Professor of Voice, will be performing in Dayton Opera’s premiere of Guiseppe Verdi’s Macbeth. As a member of the lush chorus, Professor Graves will be ringing out as a tenor in the finales of acts I and II, the assassin’s chorus, the refugee chorus, and the victory chorus.
In comments related to his performance in the production, Graves noted, “This is a fantastic experience and it will open more doors for Wilberforce University to be connected with the Dayton arts community. I am pleased to be a part of this renowned cast of musicians and I am highly impressed with The Opera Company’s premiere of Macbeth.” Graves added, “With the story of Shakespeare, the music of Verdi, and a great cast, this will be an event that no one will want to miss!”
