By Jac St. Jean
@jacsaintj
The 2020-2021 COVID year at Springfield College put a huge damper on many aspects within the hub of the Springfield College community. Yet, the single aspect that appears to be immune to all viruses, illnesses, natural disasters and calamity that weathered the storm that was last year was the arts.
Despite all setbacks, the William Simpson Fine Arts Series lived to see another year at Springfield College and it’s coming back again this semester.
Unfortunately, William Simpson Fine Arts Series’ committee member Martin Shell is on sabbatical this semester, so there will not be any live, in-person, theater this fall. However, the rest of the series is sure to make the Springfield College community ecstatic and intrigued with its events. Here’s what’s in store for ‘The Birthplace’ this fall:
From September 20 to October 29, the William Blizard Gallery will present All-In, advertised as “an all-inclusive art exhibit of 10×10-inch artwork.”
This exhibit will be accepting artwork from members of the Springfield College community that’s 10×10 inches, and can be hung on a wall. Not only that, but this exhibit will also be accepting art throughout its duration, and there is even a part of the gallery that invites its viewers to create their own piece.
The closing reception for All-In will take place on Oct. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. For information on how to submit artwork, contact Dr. Jessica Poser, gallery director, at jposer@springfield.edu.
Associate English Professor and award-winning fiction writer Justine Dymond will be reading from her collection of short stories The Emigrant and Other Stories on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
The event will take place at The Forum in the Harold C. Smith Learning Commons. Dymond’s acclaimed and award-winning anthology ranges broadly in setting and era, from France in World War II, to 18th century Maine and modern Tennessee. The event will also include a question and answer session with the author and professor.
Another reading is happening in the Learning Commons on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m.. Haudenosaunee writer, professor, adventurer, and storyteller Angelique Stevens will be visiting Springfield to read passages from her award-winning creative nonfiction essays.
Some of Stevens’ work includes details of her experience growing up in upstate New York as Six Nations Native American, and even dealing with her sister’s addiction and suicide. There will be a question and answer session with Stevens following the event.
On Nov. 4, at 7 p.m, Judd Gymnasia will host “Kalos”, a trio music group consisting of Ryan McKasson playing fiddle, Eric McDonald on guitar and Jeremiah Lane playing accordion. Kalos is a Celtic-roots music group which plays on tradition, but also stretches their perception of it. Carving their own musical path, Kalos is sure to be an event to see this fall.
The William Blizard Gallery will present their Student Art Exhibit from Nov. 15 to Dec. 17, with the reception happening on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m.. Gallery one will present art from graduating master’s students in the art therapy program. Gallery two will showcase the artwork made from students in the visual and performing arts studio courses, including drawing, painting, ceramics, photography and more.
Springfield College Dancers and guest artists will be featured in the CommUnity Dance Concert, taking place Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.
The concert will include guest artist work from the likes of Darrell Grand Moultrie, Tatiana Desardouin and Alan Franco. A question and answer session with the choreographers and dancers will be held after Saturday evening’s concert.
Last but not least, the annual Winter Concert and Student Showcase will conclude the fall 2021 William Simpson Fine Arts Series on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Marsh Memorial Chapel. This event will feature the Springfield College Community Chorus, the Springfield College Band and a few soloists. This annual concert is always a hit, especially in-person, so it is exciting that the plan, as of now, is to hold it in Marsh.
For more information and updates on the fall 2021 William Simpson Fine Arts Series, head to www.springfield.edu/simpson.