SMU presents Rockwell Kent prints Feb. 6-27

Saint Mary’s University will partner with several local organizations to celebrate the 100th anniversary of artist Rockwell Kent’s stay in Winona. The week-long festival will take place Feb. 6-10 and feature exhibits of his works and other activities that illustrate his importance as an international artist.

A selection of Rockwell’s graphic works will be presented at Saint Mary’s University from Feb. 6-27. “Rockwell Kent Prints: Selections from the Ralf Nemec Collection” will be on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Kent lived in Winona in 1912 while overseeing work on Briarcombe Farms, the historic Prentiss/Bell homes. The exhibit includes many of Kent’s best-known fine art prints including wood engravings, etchings and lithographs. Kent’s often-symbolic use of the figure is highlighted. The selection of prints in the Saint Mary’s exhibit is complemented by the concurrent Winona State University exhibition, also drawn from the Nemec Collection, as well as the Minnesota Marine Art Museum exhibition and the Rockwell Kent Centennial festival in February. Prints are on loan from the private collection of New York collector Ralf Nemec.

The opening reception will be from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, and is part of Winona’s Progressive Reception and Opening Ceremony of the Rockwell Kent Festival. The reception and exhibition are free and open to the public.

The festival is sponsored by the City of Winona, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona County Historical Society, WSU, Saint Mary’s University and Theatre du Mississippi.

For more information on the festival and events, email info@rockwellkentwinona.org or to go www.rockwellkentwinona.org.

Myers to direct play about Rockwell Kent

Judy Myers, associate professor and chair of the  Department of Theatre and Dance, is serving as the director of “Angels in the Trees: Rockwell Kent in Winona,” a locally written and produced play about Rockwell Kent.

Theatre du Mississippi will present “Angels in the Trees” Feb. 8-10 at the Historic Masonic Theatre as part of Winona’s Rockwell Kent Centennial Celebration.

Kent came to Winona in 1912 as a liaison for a New York architect designing the Prentiss and Bell Briarcombe mansions.  An internationally known artist and illustrator, Kent is perhaps best known for his illustrations for “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” and “Moby Dick.”

Myers has worked with Theatre du Mississippi on numerous projects, and she has worked with developing playwrights in Chicago. “I really like working on new pieces; you have to take a new approach,” she said. She began collaborating with the play’s author, Lynn Nankivil, early in the writing process.

“Angels in the Trees,” Myers said, has a unique storyline because Kent was such a character. An adventurer and a philanderer, the artist’s time in Winona made for an interesting tale.

Myers said other highlights include old photos of Winona, which have been incorporated into the production, and stories about the other people in Winona who crossed paths with Kent.

The cast of 14 includes Vickie Cada’s (Development) son Colin (as a young Rockwell Kent), SMU student Keara Hannon as Kent’s wife Kathleen and Steve Bachler (Business Department) as Old Andrew. Additionally, Nancy Edstrom Bachler is serving as the music director.

“The best part has been getting to know these community actors and musicians and the collaboration that has occurred to tell Rockwell Kent’s interesting story,” Myers said.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9, and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. More information can be found at http://rockwellkentwinona.org/events/play.html. Tickets are $15, $7 for students and are available at brownpapertickets.com.

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 9

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Williams’ life was changed in October 2012, when an accident claimed the life of her stepfather and left her mother seriously injured. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The cost to plunge is $15, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” towel. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee with support from Student Life, Chartwells and Winona County Dive and Rescue.

Registration (cash or checks only) begins at 10 on-site. Participants are also encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2013. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Campus Box #21.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available. Teams and costumes are encouraged.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at rfisher@smumn.edu or Ext. 6658.

Saint Mary’s exhibit honors Russian artist

A new exhibit of 20 works — commemorating the 120th anniversary of Aleksander Rodchenko’s birth — will be on display through Feb. 24.

Rodchenko, a Russian constructivist artist, worked during some of the most turbulent eras of the early 20th century in Russia. His groundbreaking philosophy and methodology in painting, photography and graphic design make him one of the most innovative artists of the early modern avant-garde.

Twenty contemporary Russian graphic designers created these posters as an homage to Rodchenko’s work and life. The vast range of styles exhibited is a testament to Rodchenko’s ability to break open new vistas for artists and designers who came after him.

This exhibit — located in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries — is one of several worldwide dedicated to the memory of Rodchenko’s life. Thirty cities across the globe including New York, Chicago, Paris, Prague, Mexico City, Melbourne, Taipei and Kiev are included in this poster exhibition.

The public is invited to view the exhibition free of charge during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Students participate in ‘Power in Diversity’ conference

Saint Mary’s students participated in the Power in Diversity Leadership Conference “We are the Change: Where do we go from here?” at St. Cloud State University Jan. 24-27.

Students had the opportunity to actively engage in workshops, listen to keynote speakers and expand ideas for learning and leading through the asset of diverse people and experiences. Concepts of racism, empowerment, identity and embodying change were but a few of the topics highlighted through addresses from civil rights activist C.T. Vivian; human rights campaign leader Cheryl Jacques; author, professor and social critic Dr. Tricia Rose; and broadcaster and author Tavis Smiley.

For those interested in learning about the experiences of attendees, please join students at the Diversity Coffee Hour on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m. in the Cardinal Club.

SMU 10K ski race set for Feb. 17

The public is invited to a Feb. 17 SMU 10K cross-country ski race at SMU. The classic-style citizens’ ski event begins at 10 a.m.; the skate race will begin at 1 p.m. Participants can register in competitive or recreational classes.

The race winds through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. The cost to participate is $10.

Registration, the starting line and the finish line will be near Saint Yon’s Hall, located on the back east portion of campus.

For more information, call Gary Borash at Ext. 8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu. A registration form can be found online at www.saintmaryssports.com.

Get your ‘super bowl’ of chili today

In what has become one of the hottest competitions at Saint Mary's, the annual SMU Chili Cookoff is scheduled for today, Friday, Feb. 1. Just in time for the Super Bowl, the SMU community is invited to enjoy a super bowl of chili.

No beans about it, the Volunteer Committee believes this is a great fundraiser.

Everyone is invited to eat chili between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to compete to enjoy. Toppings, sides and desserts will also be provided by the Cabinet.

Proceeds will benefit Christ the Teacher Institute for Education in Nairobi. Donations are accepted.

Fireside is Feb. 8-9

The Fireside student music show is scheduled for 7 and 10 pm. Feb. 8-9 in the Common Room. Tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the door. Get an early ticket by e-mailing Katy Kosiek at kakosi10@smumn.edu. Tickets will also be sold that week over lunch and dinner hours in the Toner Student Center.

Cineclub announces Feb. 11 film

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages announces the next film for the Cineclub. All showings are Mondays at 6 p.m. in Room 200 of Saint Mary’s Hall.

February 11 — “Amador” (Spain, 2010). Director: Fernando León de Aranoa.

This drama is centered on a young woman who takes a summer job caring for a bed-ridden older man, and the intimate secrets they begin to share with one another. It stars Magaly Solier and Celso Bugallo and has English subtitles.

Cineclub provides an opportunity for the Saint Mary’s and Winona communities to enjoy films from Spain and Latin America that may not typically be shown in local theaters.

In addition to viewing the films, participants are invited to exchange ideas related to film and other forms of cultural expression. Also, the films may serve as an additional opportunity or resource for students of the Hispanic language, literature, and culture.

Contact Dr. Kyle Black at kblack@smumn.edu for more information.

MCA announces auditions for Summer Dance Intensive

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Summer Dance Intensive offers comprehensive dance training for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 11 to 22. Auditions are required for acceptance. Boarding and non-boarding camp options are available.

Summer Dance Intensive students participate in technique and theory courses as well as a final showcase performance. The auditions will include a full ballet class. Students with pointe experience should bring pointe shoes to the audition class. Following the ballet class students may choose to show a prepared jazz, modern, tap, or character dance center combination of at least 64 counts or 16 bars. Showing a prepared piece is optional.

Audition information:
• Allegro School of Dance and Music, 2342 Superior Drive Northwest, Rochester, Minn.; (507) 288-0125; Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 to 4 p.m.
• La Crosse Dance Centre, 2716 Commerce St., La Crosse, Wis.; (608) 783-5155; Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to noon
• Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, 1164 W. 10th Street, Winona; (507) 453-5501; Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Talent-based scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. For a brochure, registration form, and more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 453-5500.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for children (age 3) through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Business Office offers Valentine’s Day cards as fundraiser

Starting next week the Business Office will sell homemade Valentine’s Day cards for $2 each. Some will be tailored for kids if people want to purchase cards for their children’s classes or individually. Don’t forget to pick up some sweets for your sweetie. Special valentine treats will also be available. Proceeds will be used for the Business Office’s “Feed My Starving Children” team.

Chat, Chow & Web 2.0

The next Chat, Show & Web 2.0, hosted by the Fitzgerald Library, Information Technology, and Instructional Technology, will be held noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6. Meet in the main lounge of the McEnery Center. Lunch will be provided and RSVPs are appreciated to jspartz@smumn.edu.

The title of the presentation will be “Just Flip It, Flip It.” Weary of your sage on the stage role? Struggling to keep wired students engaged? Maybe you’re ready to flip the classroom.  Dr. Janelle Schultz and Dr. Kristen Selke from the Mathematics Department have done just that, and they will describe their experiment in this session and provide you with ideas for flipping your classes. 

Page Series to host Feb. 14 jazz with The Hornheads, Paulson Big Band

Heat up your Valentine’s Day with some hot jazz as the Saint Mary’s University Page Series hosts The Hornheads Thursday, Feb. 14. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

The Hornheads, an extraordinarily talented group of horn players, has been gathering international acclaim from artists and critics alike since 1991. On tour with Prince and the New Power Generation from 1991-1994, the Hornheads have performed for over 2 million concert-goers in 20 countries.

The Hornheads have recorded with national and international artists such as Prince, Chaka Kahn, The Jonas Brothers, Mavis Staples, Mandy Moore, Carmen Electra and many more.

Opening this special evening of jazz will be John Paulson’s Big Band project. Comprised of some of the area’s best jazz musician-educators and outstanding Twin Cities soloists, the group will perform blues-based contemporary jazz works composed and arranged by John Paulson, leader and tenor saxophonist.

A long-time SMU music professor (now retired but still working part-time), Paulson has been doing big band jazz arrangements for student groups for over 20 years, and the goal of this concert is to perform these works with the best players in the area.

Tickets are $18, $15 for students and seniors. Call the SMU Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (507) 457-1715, or go to www.pagetheatre.org.