American University Arts

AU Gospel Choir will be back for a no-miss campus tradition on Family Weekend! Join us for an uplifting concert and prepare to be moved! Tickets are $5 each (free for AU students). Get them today: https://bit.ly/3B5Zgo9

Family Weekend Countdown: 6️⃣ Days

"'As You Like It' is my favorite Shakespeare play, and I've directed it many times. Shaina Taub is an amazing musical talent and I love her music for this show. We have a great group of collaborators working together, and I think the whole thing should be a rollicking good time for all." - Aaron Posner, director

"As You Like It," a musical adaptation of the Shakespeare play, is coming to the Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre next month! Featuring an original folk-pop score, this delightful production is a hope-filled, musical celebration of love in its many forms. Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind, and niece Celia escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars.

Runs October 17-19. 🎟️: $10-$15, free for AU students with ID: https://bit.ly/3uBF1f2

Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, Music and Lyrics by Shaina Taub

Can artists depict music through visual art? 🤔

"JAMMING: ART & MUSIC," on view now in the Katzen Arts Center Rotunda, explores that very question. From Group 93, this collaborative exhibition features artworks that call to mind sounds, rhythms, and tunes through color, movement, compositional elements, imagery, participation, and even silence. Group 93 includes AU alums and professors emeriti. Come for the reception is this Saturday, September 21, 2-5 p.m. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3S4tqgu

🎨: Marjorie Hirano, "Jupiter + Moon in Conversation." Watercolor, 20 x 26 in.

We're only 2 weeks away from Art All Night at the Katzen Arts Center! On Saturday, September 28 from 6-10 p.m., our Studio Art MFA students will be hosting open studios where you can see their work. Learn more about the evening's full lineup, including exhibitions in the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center and Katzen rotunda, plus theatre and music performances: https://bit.ly/4cJhFEy

Part of Tenleytown Main Street Art All Night.

Charles Jean-Pierre 📷: Ethan Kauffman

Announcing our first visiting artist of the academic year! 📣 Join DC-based artist February James on Thursday, October 3 at 6 p.m. in Katzen 201. James' expressionistic portraits have been exhibited throughout the U.S.

From the AU Studio Art MFA Program. Learn more and RSVP:

Visiting Artists Series: February James AU's Studio Art MFA program presents an artist talk with February James in Katzen 201

Welcome AU's newest theater artists from the class of 2028 with "Overture 2024!" This performance piece features dialogue, music, and movement that explores the passions, fears, trials, and triumphs of this stage of life. "Overture" is conceived and directed by faculty member Nancy Bannon and performed by the student company.

September 27-28 in the Katzen Arts Center Studio Theatre. 🎟️: $10-$15, free for AU students: https://bit.ly/3uBF1f2

“Ukrainian arts leaders face an extraordinarily complex and challenging environment, requiring constant development of new skills and new networks.” - Andrew Taylor, director, AU Arts Management Program 🇺🇦

Last month, American University had the honor of welcoming a group of cultural leaders from Ukraine as a stop on their visit to DC hosted by the US Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program. As they toured the Katzen Arts Center, the group shared approaches to teaching artists and arts managers in an evolving world.

📷: Jeff Watts

American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center

Be the first to see 8️⃣ new exhibitions opening at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center this weekend! These exhibitions span painting, photography, digital art, and more. The free opening reception is Saturday, September 7, 6-9 p.m. Plan your visit and check out the full list of exhibitions and events: https://bit.ly/3uMmvka

🎨: Ralph Steadman, "Self-Poortrait – Don’t Draw Ralph! It’s a Filthy Habit…," 2006. Ink and collage on paper, 23.43 x 14.96 inches. Courtesy of the Ralph Steadman Art Collection.

Art and music have always been fast friends. Our first Katzen Rotunda exhibition of the academic year, "Jamming: Art & Music" from Group 93, features artwork with connections to sounds, rhythms, and tunes through color, movement, compositional elements, imagery, participation, and even silence. Viewers can imagine their own tunes and hear original musical impressions of the works by members of the AU Department of Performing Arts’ Music Program.

Group 93 was formed in 1990 to explore a critique method developed by artist and AU Professor Emeritus Luciano Penay. The artists include professor emeriti and artists with deep connections to AU and DC’s art culture.

On view September 16–October 17, reception: September 21, 2-5 p.m. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3S4tqgu

🎨: Joan Birnbaum, "Untitled"

Join the American University Gospel Choir for a special concert on Saturday, September 28 at 5 p.m.! Director Sylstea Sledge celebrates his 25th anniversary as director of the Gospel Choir at this uplifting concert featuring different styles within the genre of gospel music. The AU Gospel Choir encourages and empowers students, alumni, and the community through singing and by sharing the ministry of gospel music. Students: bring your families along during Family Weekend!

In the Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall. 🎟️: FREE for AU students or $5: https://bit.ly/3MqUqoc

Mark your calendars for Art All Night at the Katzen Arts Center, from Tenleytown Main Street! 🌔 Saturday, September 28 from 5-10 p.m. Events are free unless otherwise noted. AU students: bring your visiting families for Family Weekend!

✨ Gospel Choir Concert - 5 p.m. (free for AU students or $5)
✨ Exhibitions in the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center and Katzen Rotunda - 6-10 p.m.
✨ Studio Art MFA Open Studios - 6-10 p.m.
✨ Student acapella group On a Sensual Note performs in the AU Museum - 7:30 p.m.
✨ OVERTURE 2024, new student performance from AU theatre - 8PM (free for AU students or $10-$15)

Then, head into Tenleytown for more art until midnight! Learn more about all events: https://bit.ly/4cJhFEy

📷: Elena Zimmerman

“We’re trying to provide some extra energy to the crowd in key moments.” - Matthew Van Hoose ⚾

Van Hoose, American University musician in residence and all-star organist for the Washington Nationals, has been delighting baseball fans for the past 14 years. Perched high above home plate in a custom jersey bearing his name and No. 88 (corresponding to the number of keys on a piano), Van Hoose has provided the soundtrack to more than 1,000 DC ballgames, including tonight's AU Day.

Read the story and get your tickets to AU Day at Nats Stadium: https://bit.ly/3MsJypu

📷: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club.

Just dropped: our fall performing arts lineup! 🙌

Get your tickets to performances from the American University Dance, Music, and Theatre/Musical Theatre Programs. Performances include a special concert by AU's Gospel Choir, a musical Shakespeare adaptation, original dance choreography, and more. Tickets are FREE for AU students with ID, or $10-$15 unless otherwise noted.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4g0ngcu

📷: "The Herstory of Henri IV, pt. 1," photo: Ethan Kauffman

Happy first day of classes, students! 🎉 We can't wait to see what you create this year.

Stay tuned for exciting announcements about performances, exhibitions, and events this fall.

ATTN: students! 🚨 Looking to get involved in theater, music, and dance this year? Check out our guide to participating in the performing arts for information on open houses and auditions so you can take the stage this year: https://bit.ly/3Yl1cmu

📷: Elena Zimmerman

ATTN: American University students—ready to take the stage this year?

Our guide to participating in the performing arts includes audition information for dance, music, and theatre/musical theatre productions and ensembles. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Yl1cmu

📷: The American University Dance Company in "On the Crossing." Choreography by Rose Xinran Qi, 2024. Photo: Jeff Watts.

Call for artists! 📣

Art All Night is returning to Tenleytown on Saturday, September 28, and Tenleytown Main Street is seeking artists who are looking to perform or display their work. 🌘 Expressions of interest from artists of all backgrounds, experiences, ages, and creative genres are welcome.

Apply by July 8: https://bit.ly/3VM6mFe

Art All Night 2023 📷: Elena Zimmerman

Stay cool this weekend, Eagles! 🌞 Wherever you are, we hope you see some beautiful art.

Elyn Zimmerman, "Sudama." 📷: Jeff Watts

"I am interested in paintings that cannot be explained by words." - Jack Boul 🖼️

A new exhibition of paintings American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center by DC artist Jack Boul tells the story of his prolific career as an artist and his legacy as a generous and beloved teacher. Boul’s paintings rely on momentary glimpses of everyday life, capturing the essence of a subject. Boul has close ties to AU as a student and professor in the Department of Art. His solo exhibition, "Perceptual Painting," will open at the AU Museum on Saturday, June 15 and run through August 11. Following the exhibition, a gift of Boul’s artwork will enhance the AU Museum's permanent collection.

Read the story: https://bit.ly/3RqSvme

🎨✨ New Exhibitions at AU Museum! ✨🎨
https://bit.ly/3yw8ZD4

Mark your calendars for June 15! The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center is unveiling four exciting new exhibitions, with a special fifth exhibit, The Human Flood, on climate change-induced migration, continuing its run.

Explore the diverse and captivating works of:

Indigenous American artists in the traveling exhibit GROUNDED
Paintings by Jack Boul
Washington Color School-inspired artist Renee Butler
Whimsical sculptures by architect Dickson Carroll

Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, June 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. Exhibits will be on display through August 13.

Don't miss out on this incredible showcase of talent and creativity! 🖼️🌟

📅 Save the date! 📍 Katzen Arts Center

It's your last weekend to see "SURFACE TENSION | The Visible and The Hidden" at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center! See the final explorations of our Studio Art MFA graduates, whose works vary by media and style but are connected by their shared experiences in the program. Join us for a gallery talk with the artists on Sunday, May 19, 2-3 PM before the exhibition closes.

Register for the gallery talk: https://bit.ly/3JSQrPJ

📷: Greg Staley. Installation view of works by Charles Jean-Pierre (front) and Genie Ghim (back).

Our next favorite moment in the arts was last fall's Chamber Singers' concert "Choral Abstractions," which brought the visual and performing arts together at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center. Inspired by painter Steven Cushner's retrospective "CUSHNER," the Chamber Singers explored musical abstraction in the gallery space.

📷: Noah Puzzo

Next up in our end-of-year recap: The 2023 Feminist Art History Conference! From Art History at American University. This biannual conference was held in the fall and brought worldwide audiences to the Katzen Arts Center, both virtually and in-person with presentations, live Zoom Q&A sessions, and two keynote speeches. The 73 sessions spanned art history from ancient to contemporary, addressing feminist topics and integrating other disciplines including curatorial practice, museum studies, education, history, and activism.

📷: Noah Puzzo

Congratulations to Studio Art Professor Naoco Wowsugi for being named AU’s Green Teacher of the Year! 🍃 One faculty member is awarded every year for going above and beyond the requirements for a Green Teaching Certification. Wowsugi's practice links community and the environment, and she encourages the use of eco-friendly materials in the classroom.

Read The Eagle article by Sydney Hemmer: https://bit.ly/3yejL0J

📷: Jeff Watts

Congratulations to our graduating Studio Art and Photography majors! 👏 👏 👏

Their group exhibition "FINALE" was on view in the Katzen Arts Center rotunda last month. Learn about the artists, their work, and their time at AU: https://bit.ly/3wsEaOW

FINALE Graduating Studio Art and Photography BAs Present Capstone Exhibition

And that's a wrap! Thank you to all of our artists, performers, audiences, and those working behind the scenes, for an extraordinary year for the arts at AU. 💫

We're sharing some of our top moments in the arts from this year. First up is "OVERTURE 2023," which brought our newest performers from the class of 2027 to the stage with original scenes and songs.

📷: Elena Zimmerman

AU Symphony Orchestra + AU Chorus = musical perfection! 💫

See our two largest ensembles together on the Katzen Recital Hall stage this weekend, performing Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's ”Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast." The program also includes Saint-Saëns' Symphony no. 2 in A minor, the world premiere of “January Sunrise” by AU student composer Matthew Lipka, and soloist Madeleine Corrigan, AU student and winner of the annual Concerto and Aria competition, playing the first and second movements of Shostakovich's Cello Concerto no. 1.

Saturday, April 27 at 7:30PM and Sunday, April 28 at 3PM. 🎟️: $10-$15, free for AU students with ID: https://bit.ly/411nU2b Hurry—tickets are selling fast!

📷: AU Symphony Orchestra; AU Chorus, photo: Kate Zuckerman.

Congratulations to our Photography and New Media and Studio Art BAs on their senior capstone exhibition, "FINALE!" 👏 On view in the Katzen Arts Center rotunda through May 1. Reception: Friday, April 26, 5-7PM.

Carolina Cohen's project is based on researching Panama's everyday life through art, "revealing beauty in overlooked moments," says Cohen. "Inspired by personal experiences and cultural heritage, this project offers a fresh perspective on seeing life and other people, inviting audiences to discover the extraordinary within the ordinary."

It's your last chance to see DANCEWORKS 2024! Tonight at 7:30PM at Greenberg Theatre. 💫

Guest artist Rose Xinran Qi's work "On the Crossing" is an exploration of the space between life and death. Qi’s choreography merges styles of dance, from classical Chinese to contemporary and postmodern. “I carry different energies,” she says. "I have a different style and I’m mushing them together into my own.

🎟️: $10-$15, free for AU students: https://bit.ly/43GAp4J

📷: Jeff Watts