Fall 2024: The Arts Wrapped

We kicked off the semester by welcoming over 470 new students to the College of the Arts, each contributing their unique perspective to our arts community at Kent State. Over 35 of these students joined our Living Learning Community, Living in the Arts (LITA). LITA hosted a variety of events including sewing workshops, clothing swaps and creative hours, to bring together College of the Arts students.

Focusing on our commitment to connect education with real-world opportunities, the College of the Arts hosted its annual Art Without Limits event on Oct. 9, which brought together nearly 1,100 people. Current students and community members heard from art entrepreneurs and networked with professionals in arts. This event also brought over 600 prospective students to campus, where they received hands-on experience in the arts.

To further enrich educational opportunities, The School of Art welcomed their second annual fellow, Stephanie J. Woods, as part of the Curlee Raven Holton & Raven Fine Art Editions Distinguished Art Fellowship. While on campus, Woods visited graduate students in their studios, gave an artist talk about her exhibition "Stephanie J. Woods: The Genius of Play" and worked with printmaking students on a collaborative print.

The School of Art Galleries and Collections showcased diverse artistic perspectives with their exhibits this semester. Exhibitions included, “Continuum: The Painting of Charles Basham,” “Traveling Stanzas,” “Aggregate II: The Revenge of the Rock” and “Stephanie J. Woods: The Genius of Play.” As part of the Friday Lecture Series, The School of Art also hosted guest lecturers this semester. Speakers included textiles artist Elnaz Javani, visual artist Nayda Collazo-Llorens and textile artist and art historian Tyrell Tapaha. The lectures provided valuable insights into the creative processes and perspectives of accomplished artists.

Additionally, School of Art student organizations hosted several art sales this fall. Students, faculty, staff and community members got a chance to purchase work such as mugs, jewelry prints and apparel. This initiative allows students to showcase their talents while gaining entrepreneurial experience.

The School of Fashion continued to provide unique opportunities for students. The School of Fashion’s New York Studio hosted IFA x Paris for their third annual fashion show, “Scene Makers.” Students at the Kent Campus had the opportunity to produce a fashion show in partnership with Porsche North Olmsted. The show, featuring designs from Kent State alumni, faculty and current students, was held to celebrate the launch of the new all-electric Porsche Macan. The School of Fashion also hosted the 2024 Merchandising Symposium: Beyond Clothing. Guest speakers explored what the business of fashion looks like outside of clothing. Closing the semester, students had the chance to produce a fashion show in collaboration with Cleveland Ballet and Lilly Pulitzer. These events showcased the talent of Kent State's top-ranking School of Fashion in the community while providing invaluable experiences for students.

Unveiling a new look at the beginning of the semester, The Glauser School of Music aimed to promote collaboration and community in the remodeled spaces. This remodel is part of a larger project to help improve the facilities for our students. The music-filled school held over 55 concerts and recitals this semester. Other notable events include the Jazz Master Class Series with Paul Tynan and Sean Jones, Saxophone Day and The Glauser School of Music Open House for prospective students and The Kent Keyboard Series featuring guest artists, Conrad Tao and Kenny Werner.

The Marching Golden Flashes got their first look at the newly renovated Kent State Ice Arena. The renovations transformed part of the ice arena into a dedicated facility for the marching band. Over the past five years, the band has grown by an incredible 155%. These exciting developments and events reflect the Glauser School of Music’s continued commitment to growth in their educational and extracurricular programs.

Throughout the semester, the School of Theatre and Dance produced three outstanding productions for students to showcase their skills and creativity, “The Crucible,” “Pride & Prejudice-The Musical” and “Belonging” Fall Faculty Dance Concert. Each production demonstrated our students’ collective and individual talents.

A timeless masterpiece, “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, invited our students to understand the history of the piece and its connection to their current experience. Students had the unique opportunity to premiere a new musical by Lawrence Rush, “Pride & Prejudice-The Musical.” This musical, based on Jane Austen’s namesake novel, offered the challenge of bringing a new piece to life. The final production, “Belonging” Fall Faculty Dance Concert, focuses on the concept of “belonging;” a common struggle during these uncommon times. Faculty members in collaboration with guest choreographers, Kim Sulek and Michael Uthoff, weaved together several new pieces with the restaging of a contemporary musical theatre dance piece. Through their performances, students brought their interpretations of “belonging” to life. These productions highlighted our students' incredible talent, as well as the transformative power of theatre and dance.

New Kent State University Museum Director, Sarah Spinner Liska, Ph.D., J.D, brought new energy and programming to the museum this fall. The museum sponsored the visit of award-winning Hollywood costume designer, Isis Mussenden who led a workshop for students in the Design Innovation Hub, discussing the process of costume design. Mussenden also hosted a design workshop for students in the School of Fashion and a public lecture. In partnership with the National First Ladies Library & Museum, the museum held an Election Day Program highlighting Elizabeth Keckley, who purchased her own freedom from slavery and became a successful entrepreneur and personal dressmaker to first lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Other events included Donuts with the Director and Fabric Pantry, Timeless Elegance Fashion Show, KSU Fitz Boho Masquerade, The Creator Collective Fashion Show, Quilting with the Community and more. The museum will continue to host student-centered programs throughout the spring semester. 

Current exhibitions include “Nancy Crow: On My Mind Constructions / Riffs/ Drawings/ Monoprints,” “The Hepburn Style: Katharine and Her Designers” and “Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman: Dazzling Day and Night.”

As the semester ends, we reflect on the power that the arts have in our lives. From music concerts and productions to educational lectures and workshops, these events prepare our students for careers beyond Kent State, while fostering a sense of community. We look forward to welcoming you back in the spring for even more extraordinary experiences from the College of the Arts.

Upcoming College of the Arts Events