42 Arts And Culture Events To Attend This Spring At Towson University

From Towson University:

By Rebecca Kirkman on January 14, 2020

This year, Towson University’s College of Fine Arts and Communications will continue its 2019 – 2020 theme Arts Without Boundaries.

Participants in this spring’s events are asked to think and plan outside the typical
boundaries of their specific art form—or even beyond “art” in general—to findcommon threads that unite and connect rather than divide and limit.

Here are 42 of TU’s spring creative events that you won’t want to miss:

Exhibition | Stacy Levy: Collected Watershed

Fri., Jan. 31–Sat., Apr. 25 (Closed Mar. 15–22)Gallery Hours: Tues.– Sat., 11 a.m.– 8 p.m.Opening Reception: Thurs., Jan. 30, following Lecture Center for the Arts Gallery, CA 3040Free

This lyrical installation by nationally renowned environmental artist Stacy Levy will
make visual the interconnectedness of local watersheds, mapping them onto the floor
of the gallery by filling thousands of recycled glass jars with water from the corresponding
streams and tributaries. Hear a lecture from Levy before the opening reception at
6:30 p.m. in the Art Lecture Hall. From the Department of Art + Design, Art History,
Art Education.

MFA Exhibitions

Fri., Jan. 31 – Sat., Apr. 18 (Closed Mar. 15–22)Gallery Hours: Tues. –  Sat., 11 a.m. –  8 p.m.Center for the Arts, Holtzman MFA Gallery, CA 2040Free

In Y?, Edelweiss Calcagno explores abstraction through a variety of media to shed light
on abuse survivors. Multiple perspectives and layering represent the changes in those
who experience abuse, ADHD, PTSD, dyslexia and other disabilities that are a normalconsequence of trauma.

In Limits of Empathy, Italo De Dea composes warm, monochromatic ink drawing installations of landscapes,
urban areas, fauna, flora and figures, contrasting the socioeconomics of the norther n
and southeastern regions of Brazil from historic books, utilizing various media and
field research to create an open narrative.

In Entanglement, Rachel Horner explores the interconnection and complexity of our climate crisis,
employing saturated hues and abstracted imagery to investigate nature’s immense resilience
and simultaneous fragility. Entanglement conveys the delicate entanglement we share
with the flora and fauna of our biosphere. From the Department of Art + Design, Art
History, Art Education.

Empty Bowls Workshops

Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. | Feb. 1 and 8Center for the Arts, Ceramics Studio, CA 3012

Anyone regardless of their experience with ceramics is invited to join TU students
and faculty in creating a bowl after a demonstration on hand-building. TU ceramic
students will glaze-fire the bowls and deliver them to the St. Vincent de Paul’s Empty
Bowls event in March. Proceeds help Maryland’s homeless and hungry. From the Department
of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education.

Faculty Recital | Trio Montage: Lullabies, Sketches and Blues

Sun., Feb. 2, 3 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Ticketed

Trio Montage (Phillip Collister, baritone; Marguerite Levin, clarinet; R. Timothy
McReynolds, piano) presents works by contemporary composers Armando Bayolo and Valencio
Jackson and arrangements of art songs by Phillip Collister, as well as jazz-inspired
works for piano, voice and clarinet. From the Department of Music.

12th Annual Bridges to the World International Film Festival

Fridays at 7 p.m. | Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 / Mar. 6Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, VB 204Free

For the 12th season films from Finland, Lebanon, Indonesia, Chile and Rwanda will
be presented in six venues across Maryland, including at TU. Each film has been chosen
and sponsored by an embassy and will be introduced by a professional in the field.
A post-screening discussion follows. May contain material recommended for mature audiences.
From the Department of Electronic Media & Film.

Faculty Recital | Songs of Youth, Love, and Loss

Sat., Feb. 8, 7 p.m.Center for the Arts, Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042Ticketed

Soprano Lori Hultgren and pianist Kanyoung Yoo will perform pieces by Schubert, Strauss,
Berg, Korngold, Heggie, Gordon and Kahane. The program will highlight rarely heard
pieces that are from the early compositional output of these beloved composers. From
the Department of Music.

Exhibition | The Women of Shahnameh, The Women of Afarin Rahmanifar

Thurs., Feb. 13–Sat., May 16(Closed Mar. 15–22)Gallery Hours: Mon.–Sat., 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.Opening Reception: Thurs., Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Asian Arts Gallery, CA 2037Free

Savor Afarin Rahmanifar’s arresting, large-scale mixed media paintings that showcase
the compassionate, brave, loyal and sensuous female characters of the Shahnameh, the Persian Book of Kings. During the opening reception listen to a talk by the
artist. Born in Tehran, Afarin Rahmanifar’s artworks have been featured in galleries
and university museums across the United States. From the Asian Arts & Culture Center.

Lecture | Susan Gresens and Sarah Haines

Thurs., Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Art Lecture Hall, CA 2032Free

In conjunction with the exhibition Collected Watershed, TU biology faculty will present.
Gresens explores the local watershed and its response to urbanization. Haines uses
“citizen science” to discuss how water quality and sampling techniques get teachers
interested in the health of that local watershed. From the Department of Art + Design,
Art History, Art Education with the Department of Biology.

Faculty Recital | The Giver of Stars: Music of Richard Hundley, Part II

Fri., Feb. 14, 6 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Ticketed

Join Leneida Crawford, mezzo soprano, and Susan Ricci, piano, as they explore and
perform the life and music of American composer Richard Hundley (1930–2018). Letters,
recollections, photos and manuscripts from Hundley’s private collection at the New
York Public Library will be discussed. From the Department of Music.

Faculty Chamber Concert | Arts without Boundaries

Sun., Feb. 16, 3 p.m. (Special Gallery Hours: Sun., Feb. 16, 2–6 p.m.)Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Ticketed

In conjunction with the exhibition Collected Watershed, this concert explores music
inspired by water. Performers include violinist Emmanuel Browosky, cellist Frances
Borowsky, pianist Daniel Weiser, saxophonist John Thomas and members of the quinTUs
faculty vocal quintet. From the Department of Music with the Department of Art + Design,
Art History, Art Education.

Dance Majors Performance Project

Thurs., Feb. 20–Fri., Feb. 21, 7 p.m.Sat., Feb. 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.Center for the Arts, Dance Studio Theatre, CA 1003Ticketed

A thrilling and creative celebration of student choreography and performance that
includes a variety of movement styles and music. Dance majors evolve their works to
the next level in this performance with guidance from faculty mentors and peers. From
the Department of Dance.

Master Class | Lawrence Brownlee, tenor

Sat., Feb. 22, 4 p.m.Center for the Arts, Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042Free

Lawrence Brownlee, one of the preeminent operatic tenors of our generation, presents
this public masterclass with vocal students from the Department of Music. This masterclass
is supported by the Ruth and Arno Drucker Fund for Vocal Performance and is offered
in memory of Arno Drucker (1934–2019). Supported by the Ruth and Arno Drucker Fund
via the TU Foundation. Donations welcome. From the Department of Music.

Faculty Recital | Dave Ballou: Another Leap

Sat., Feb. 29, 7 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Ticketed

TU music faculty Dave Ballou performs with pianist Angelica Sanchez and others in
a concert celebrating the oddity that is Leap Day. Compositions created especially
for this concert will provide the groundwork for the group’s sonic explorations. Come
check out their discoveries! From the Department of Music.

Faculty Recital | TU Jazz Faculty Ensemble

Sun., Mar. 1, 3 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Ticketed

Members of the TU Jazz Faculty Ensemble—Dave Ballou, Jim McFalls, Jason Rigby, Jeff
Reed, John Lee and Frank Russo—present an afternoon of improvisations and original
compositions inspired by the intersectionality of the uniquely American art form.
From the Department of Music.

Lecture | Tom Pelton

Thurs., Mar. 5, 6:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Art Lecture Hall, CA 2032Free

Pelton, an award-winning environmental journalist, Chesapeake Bay author and host
of “The Environment in Focus” on WYPR, will lecture on the environmental well-being
of the Chesapeake Bay region. Presented in conjunction with Stacy Levy: Collected
Watershed on view through Apr. 25. From the Department of Art + Design, Art History,
Art Education.

Lasso of Truth by Carson Kreitzer | Directed by Steven J. Satta

Thurs., Mar. 5, 7:30 p.m. / Fri., Mar. 6–Sat., Mar. 7, 8 p.m.Sun., Mar. 8, 2 p.m. / Tues., Mar. 10–Thurs., Mar. 12, 7:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Studio Theatre, CA 3060Ticketed

Under the direction of Steven J. Satta, Carson Kreitzer’s funny, insightful play reveals
the feminist origins of superhero Wonder Woman and traces the character’s rocky journey
from America’s cultural margins to her current mythic status. Lasso of Truth is presented
by arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois. May contain
material recommended for mature audiences. Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation. From
the Department of Theatre Arts.

PRISM: A Musical Collage

Sat., Mar. 7, 7:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042Ticketed

The TU Department of Music showcases many of its best student ensembles, chamber music
groups, jazz combos, solo performers and student composers in this annual fast-paced
and multi-genre concert enhanced with theatrical lighting. From the Department of
Music.

Wildlife Conservation Film Festival

Thurs., Mar. 26, 7:30 p.m.Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, VB 204Free

A screening of three award-winning short films provided by New York’s Wildlife Conservation
Film Festival. The filmmakers will be on hand to present their films and discuss the
importance of wildlife conservation. From the Department of Electronic Media & Film.

Family Arts Day

Sat., Mar. 28, Noon – 4 p.m.Center for the Arts, AtriumFree

Experience the joy of being an artist at TU Community Art Center’s Family Arts Day.
Drop in for a day of interactive art activities, dance workshops and gallery tours
inspired by the current art exhibitions. All ages welcome.

Faculty Chamber Concert | Celebrate Beethoven!

Sun., Mar. 29, 3 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Ticketed

The Baltimore Trio and guests celebrate the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s
birth with a lively concert of works. Highlights of the program include the famous
Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1, “Ghost” and the Cello Sonata in A Major Op.
69. From the Department of Music.

Bill and Helen Murray Jazz Residency Concerts | Ellery Eskelin ’81

Wed., Apr. 1, 8 p.m. / Fri., Apr. 3, 8 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066 Ticketed

Saxophonist and composer Ellery Eskelin ’81 returns as guest artist for the Bill and
Helen Murray Jazz Residency. First Eskelin reunites in concert with local jazz artists
Bob Butta (piano), James Kin (bass) and Eric Kennedy (drums). The second concert features
Eskelin and TU music students in the culmination of his week-long residency. Proceeds
benefit the TU Foundation. From the Department of Music.

Unshielded

Fri., Apr. 3, 7 p.m. / Sat., Apr. 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.Preview: Thurs., Apr. 2, 7 p.m.Center for the Arts, Dance Studio Theatre, CA 1003 Ticketed

Dance majors present their senior concert in the culmination of their capstone course
experience. Nothing comes from nothing… The exposition of our vulnerabilities in various
studies and forms through past years have shown us how our differences have united
us. Through our work, you will see our perseverance in overcoming our artistic challenges
and how we are now is a reflection of our collaborative efforts. Although we prepare
to move on, we stand firm in our collective creative voices. We are unstoppable… We
are unforgettable… We are unapologetic… We are Unshielded. From the Department of
Dance.

Advocating Change: Public Discourse in Turbulent Times

Thurs., Apr. 9, 9 a.m.Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, VB 204Free

The TU Communication Studies 2020 Symposium contributes to conversationsabout what it means to advocate change in a diverse society. It emphasizes the central
role of communication in public life, especially during politically turbulent times.
Keynote address to be given by Eric King Watts. From the Department of Communication
Studies.

The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan

Directed by Courtney Kalbacker | Conducted by Chris CicconiFri., Apr. 17, 7:30 p.m.Sat., Apr. 18, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.Sun., Apr. 19, 2 p.m.Stephens Hall Theatre, ST 217Ticketed

Enjoy this rollicking farce filled with sentimental pirates, sassy sisters, bumbling
policemen, two young lovers and an eccentric major-general. Presented by students
of the TU Music for the Stage Ensemble and TU Symphony Orchestra. From the Department
of Music.

Annual Public Speaking Competition

Thurs., Apr. 23, 6:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Free

Presented by the TU Public Communication Center, this annual competition is open to
any TU undergraduate student. Competitors must present a 5- to 8-minute speech that
addresses the intersections of diversity and advocacy. Cash prizes awarded to the
top three winners. From the Department of Communication Studies with the TU Public
Communication Center.

Lecture | Mr. Trash Wheel and the Baltimore Inner Harbor

Thurs., Apr. 23, 6:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Art Lecture Hall, CA 2032Free

Mr. Trash Wheel, part of the Waterfront Partnership’s “Healthy Harbor Plan,” is a
beloved Baltimore icon and star of Twitter. The googly-eyed trash inceptor removes
debris from the Jones Falls as it empties into the Inner Harbor. In the last five
years, it has removed over 1,200 tons of garbage. From the Department of Art + Design,
Art History, Art Education.

Master Class and Recital | Development of Korean Art Songs

Fri., Apr. 24, 6 p.m., Master Class / Sat., Apr. 25, 3 p.m., RecitalCenter for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Free

Guest artist You Seong Kim, Ph.D. is an associate professor of music and head of the
voice area at North Park University in Chicago. She is an author of Korean Art Songs:
An Anthology and Guide for Performance and Study. Kim, soprano, will be joined by
faculty member Min Jin, tenor. Supported by the Ruth and Arno Drucker Fund via the
TU Foundation. Donations welcome. From the Department of Music.

TU Percussion Ensemble | Art Without Boundaries

Mon., Apr. 27, 8 p.m.Center for the Arts, Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042Ticketed

The word “boundaries” is seldom applied to the field of percussion; to be a percussionist
is to be boundary averse. There is no other way to thrive in our ever-changing field.
In this program TU students embrace the experimental, unruly and diverse world of
percussion repertoire in all its weirdness and glory. From the Department of Music.

Panel Discussion and Screening | The Mayor of Graterford (2018)

Tues., Apr. 28, 7 p.m.Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, VB 204Free

Panelists include Tyrone Werts, the star of “Mayor of Graterford,” Stephen McWilliams
of Villanova University, who is the film’s producer, and Elyshia Aseltine, director
of the TU Fair Chance Program. Produced by Villanova’s Social Justice Documentary
course, the film examines life without parole through the experiences of current and
former inmates. From the Department of Communication Studies.

Master Class | Composer Steven Bryant

Wed., Apr. 29, 2 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Free

Join award-winning composer Steven Bryant for a composition masterclass and discussion
on contemporary compositional techniques and trends. From the Department of Music
with the New Music Ensemble at TU.

Towson University Symphonic Band

Thurs., Apr. 30, Lecture 7 p.m., Concert 8 p.m.Center for the Arts,Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042Ticketed

Join the TU Symphonic Band and award-winning composer Steven Bryant for an evening
of cutting-edge wind band music. A preconcert lecture will be followed by a performance
of Bryant’s very own “Ecstatic Waters.” From the Department of Music with the New
Music Ensemble at TU.

Sweat by Lynn Nottage | Directed by Peter Wray

Fri., May 1–Sat., May 2, 8 p.m. / Sun., May 3, 2 p.m.Thurs., May 7, 7:30 p.m. / Fri., May 8–Sat., May 9, 8 p.m.Preview: Thurs., Apr. 30, 7:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Mainstage Theatre, CA 3043Ticketed

A group of down-and-out factory workers in Reading, Pennsylvania, struggles to keep
their lives in balance in this 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning play presented by TU students
under the direction of Peter Wray. Sweat is presented by special arrangement with
Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. May contain material recommended for mature
audiences. Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation. From the Department of Theatre Arts.

TU Choirs | Music of Our World

Sun., May 3, 3 p.m.Center for the Arts, Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042Ticketed

The TU Choirs, under the co-direction of professors Diana V. Sáez and Stephen Holmes,
will perform choral music that celebrates the individual and cultural diversity of
our world. From the Department of Music.

Mood

Wed., May 6–Sat., May 9, 7 p.m. / Sun., May 10, 2 p.m.Stephens Hall Theatre, ST 217Ticketed

The human condition is complex; multilayered through circumstance and emotion. Under
the artistic direction of Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, the Towson University Dance
Company students will explore these concepts with a body of works by Ray Mercer, Caitlin
McAfee, Runqiao Du, Malcolm Shute and Vincent E. Thomas. From the Department of Dance.

TU Classical Guitar Ensembles and Soloists Showcase

Wed., May 6, 8 p.m.Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, CA 3066Free

The TU Classical Guitar Ensemble and select student soloists, under the direction
of Troy King, welcome you to an evening filled with the evocative sounds of the classical
guitar. The program will feature works by Federico Moreno Torroba and Mario Castelnuovo
Tedesco. From the Department of Music.

Lecture | Artist and Educator Schroeder Cherry

Thurs., May 7, 6:30 p.m.Center for the Arts, Art Lecture Hall, CA 2032Free

The juror for the 2019 Juried Undergraduate Exhibition, Cherry received a doctorate
in museum education from Columbia and has worked in museum education for over 30 years.
In his own work, he uses acrylic paint and mixed media on wood, found objects and
text to construct open-ended stories. From the Department of Art + Design, Art History,
Art Education.

47th Annual Spring Pottery & Art Sale

Fri., May 8, 3–9 p.m.Sat., May 9, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.Preview: Thurs., May 7, 7–9 p.m.Center for the Arts, Ceramics Studio, CA 3012Free

Support TU’s community of artists and take home a unique piece of art to treasure
in this spring pottery and art sale. Students and faculty present a vast selection
of handmade pottery, sculpture, jewelry, glass and more. Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation
and contributing artists. From the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education.

Dance for the Camera Final Screening

Fri., May 8, 7 p.m.Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, VB 204Free

The projects for this screening were created by dance and EMF students during the
spring semester. In an interdisciplinary course that combined Composition V and Dance
for the Camera, choreographers and videographers collaborated to craft uniquemovement pieces for the screen. None of these works could be presented “live” on a
proscenium stage; each screen dance integrates digital video and dance into a mediatized
performance exploring time and space. May contain material recommended for mature
audiences. From the Department of Electronic Media & Film with the Department of Dance.

TU Choral Society | Carmina Burana

Sat., May 9, 7 p.m.Center for the Arts, Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042Tickets: $6–$16

Composed by Carl Orff, this cantata based on a collection of medieval poems is one
of the most popular choral works of the 20th century. Joined by Courtney Kalbacker,
soprano, and the TU Percussion Ensemble students, TU Choral Society will perform in
a version for choir, two pianos and percussion. From the Department of Music.

End of Semester Screenings

Fri., May 15, 4 p.m. Film 2 and 7 p.m. Film 3 / Sat., May 16, 11 a.m.Audio 1 and 1 p.m. Audio 2, Sound in Media, Sound Creation & Design /Sun., May 17, 4 p.m. Film 1Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, VB 204Free

Watch and listen to final film projects, created by students in EMF’s narrative filmmaking
and audio classes, up on the big screen. May contain material recommended for mature
audiences. From the Department of Electronic Media & Film.

TU Media Arts Festival

Sat., May 16, 7 p.m.Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, VB 204Free

Student works are celebrated and screened at this splashy annual event, featuring
award winners in categories like Feature Narratives, Animation, Music Videos and Documentaries,
among others. May contain material recommended for mature audiences. From the Department
of Electronic Media & Film.

Spring Showcase | Arts Without Boundaries

Sun., May 31, 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.Center for the Arts, Mainstage Theatre, CA 3043Tickets: $10–$15

TU Community Dance students share the stage in a collection of choreography from the
center’s faculty. From the Community Dance Center.

MORE EVENTS

Master Events Calendar

For a full list of events happening at TU, check out the Master Events Calendar.

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.