The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is entering the second half of the 2024-25 academic year art events. These events showcase student’s artistic abilities while offering many exciting opportunities.
Dean and professor of UW-W College of Arts & Comm/Music, Michael Dugan, stated his enthusiasm for this upcoming semester of events.
“I’m excited about the incredible lineup of performances in the College of Arts and Communication this spring. No matter your interests, there’s a wide variety of exciting events this season that offer something for everyone to enjoy. These events allow our students, faculty, and staff to show off their talents while bringing our community together to celebrate the arts,” Dugan expressed.
These events begin with art exhibits such as “Neighbors,” which is showcased from Jan. 27 to March 3 at Roberta’s Art Gallery, located in the University Center at the heart of campus. Followed by and also located in Roberta’s Art Gallery is “Upcycled,” which is from March 10 through April 29. More exhibits such as “Embodied Connections: Figurative Ceramics and Cultural Narratives” will be featured on the other side of campus in Crossman Gallery from Feb. 17 through March 20.
The Department of Theatre/Dance has a few anticipated events up and coming. Starting with two short operas performed back to back as a single evening. “Dido and Aeneas,” a short English opera by Henry Purcell. The second is “The Maid Turned Mistress” (or, La Serva Padrona), a comic opera by Giovanni Pergolesi. These operas will be showcased Feb. 20th and run until March 1. They are directed by Bruce Cohen, with music direction by Robert Gehrenbeck.
Another highly spoken-of event is the annual Dancescapes concert, Dancescape ’25. Featuring a variety of dance pieces choreographed by faculty, students, and guest artist, internationally acclaimed performance artist Joseph Ravens. However, unlike previous dancescapes, times have come to an end and this will be the final Dancescapes concert with Barbara Grubel as artistic director due to her retirement in June 2025. The concert opens on April 1 and runs until April 6.
Chair of the Department of Theatre/Dance and Associate Professor of Scenic and Lighting Design Eric Appleton explained UW-W’s finale for spring semester events.
“Our final production is French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre’s classic existentialist play ‘No Exit.’ This play concerns three people in the afterlife, learning just what their heinous sins have earned them. This is directed by new faculty member Robyn Accetta. It opens April 24 and runs through May 3,” said Appleton.
All in all, UW-W has events for all areas of art to tickle anyone from students to townsfolk interest. Be sure to check out UW-W’s official events site for more information.
