SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
"The Fine and Performing Arts are central to the tradition of a liberal arts education, which is the cornerstone of our Virginia Wesleyan mission." VWU President Scott D. Miller
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INFECTING FAITH AND ART
An exploration of the influence on faith and the arts by plagues, pandemics, and periods of isolation is the subject of the Wesleyan Sacred Music Institute's Sound & Symbol Lecture Series for the fall semester.
Registration is available for this free Zoom series.
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The Black Plague: Infecting 14th-Century Faith and Art
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
12:00 p.m.
Dr. Joyce Howell, VWU Professor of Art History, and VWU alumna Mary Charlotte Elia, pastor of Holmes Presbyterian and scholar of the earliest centuries of Christianity, explore changes in theology and practice in the Christian Church, and the relevance of earthly events to medieval art with a focus on 14th century Italian works.
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Exploring Laughter and Music in Times of Tragedy and Loss
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
12:00 p.m.
Dr. Terry Lindvall, C.S. Lewis Chair of Communication and Christian Thought and Professor of Communication at VWU, joins Doug Brown, music director and organist at Ginter Park Presbyterian (Richmond VA) to explore laughter and music in times of tragedy and loss.
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Music of the Mayflower
Thursday, November 12, 2020
12:00 p.m.
Dr. Bianca Hall, lecturer in early music, will present "Music of the Mayflower" in a study of communal music in times of isolation. She will be joined by several singing friends in a virtual performance of sacred and secular music brought to America by the Pilgrims.
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MARLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL - October 2 - 4, 2020
The Arts@VWU joins the Homecoming/Family Weekend celebration, October 2 - 4, with an explosion of creative energy by students, alumni, and faculty, and showcases campus art galleries and performance spaces in this weekend extravaganza. We may not hear the applause or enjoy the crush of crowded venues, but on this campus, not even a pandemic can stop the Arts!
All events may be viewed via the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network at the times listed. The virtual tours of the Britton and Sheaks galleries are available continuously throughout the weekend.
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A SEMESTER REIMAGINED
Last spring the semester took an abrupt turn in March when the Commonwealth of Virginia banned gatherings of 10 or more and discouraged travel outside the home to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty and students were suddenly forced to reimagine and recreate the last half of the semester.
The hopes and dreams of Virginia Wesleyan students at the mid-semester point crashed around them. Students who had looked forward to senior recitals and art exhibitions, finely tuned concerts by jazz and orchestral ensembles, the University choirs’ preparation for the premiere of a new work, and theatre students completing community internships and perfecting the study of set design and monologue delivery faced the stark realization that the future would in no way resemble anything that had come before.
When the semester ended in May, much had been learned beyond standard course goals. With the dedicated efforts of faculty who transitioned to online platforms and developed new skills with screen discussions and applied lessons, and the students’ willingness to re-think their studies and develop greater independence and self-motivation, most would consider it a very successful semester; just not one that anyone wants to repeat!
Read the stories of their adaptation to an entirely new way of teaching and learning below.
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Artwork pictured above from "Storm on the Water" by Tina Stafford '20, featured as part of the
VWU senior art exhibition "Artistic Vision."
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The VWU Art Department recognized graduating seniors with a virtual Senior Art Exhibition as the final element of an advanced studio course which also included a research project and exhibition of each senior’s body of work. Historically, their results have been displayed in the Neil Britton Gallery with an opening reception and the accolades of family, friends, and peers, as well as a chance to see how patrons interact with their art. This year’s virtual exhibition was posted on the University’s website. There may not have been refreshments, but seniors showcased their work to a much wider audience.
“Working with this year’s senior art majors, I’ve seen huge creative growth, a willingness to be honest, and to communicate something important,” said Professor Sharon Swift, chair of VWU’s Art Department. “They haven’t settled for just making ‘pretty things,’ but tapped into something really personal and were open to sharing it. That takes courage. I could not be prouder.”
The 2020 Senior Art Exhibition, "Artistic Vision," features sculpture, videos with original music, photography, drawing, painting, and digitally produced artworks based on the individual senior’s interests, ideas, and talents, and can be viewed here.
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JENNIFER EVANS '20, Portsmouth, VA
Developing a research project and body of work often results in knowledge beyond the expectations of the course objectives. Senior Jennifer Evans, (Portsmouth, VA), developed her lifelong interest in pinecones into an abstract exploration in acrylics using bold colors and deep values. The flower paintings of Georgia O’Keefe served as inspiration.
“While creating my body of work, I discovered that the process of creating is more important than the finished product. I also learned to release my perfectionism because that kept me from achieving my goals as an artist, and I learned how to handle criticism from both professors and peers,” said Jennifer. “But I also learned how to stand up for myself and my artistic license. Although on the other hand, I also learned to how compromise.”
After a short break, Jennifer will continue in VWU's Master of Arts Education degree program to earn licensure in secondary (6-12) or preK-12 endorsement areas.
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ZACHARY BURKHART '20, Fox Chapel, PA
Using the virtual drawing app Tilt-Brush, Zachary Burkhart designed “Lost Paradise” to immerse the viewer in four virtual environments of a jungle which changes due to the actions of mankind. Beginning with a black, empty space, Zach used different brushes and special effects to indicate the damage of deforestation, wildfires, and changing climate.
When the campus closure caused Zach’s return to home in Fox Chapel, PA (near Pittsburgh), he immediately began helping out in his family’s deli while keeping up with his studies. He hoped to complete the project with his own virtual reality headset but the files were much too large. He was forced to modify the entire project. He used three previously recorded videos and combined them into one using Apple iMovie. Rather than an immersion into an alternate reality through the Art Department’s virtual reality studio, the presentation can be viewed as part of the virtual gallery.
Zach will return to VWU in the fall and continue his studies in the Master of Arts in Education degree program which leads to initial licensure in secondary (6-12) or preK-12 endorsement areas.
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SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING
To continue progress in Ceramics after students transitioned to online learning, Professor of Art Philip Guilfoyle developed an online video series to demonstrate techniques. Student Kenzie Branum shared a photo of her attempt from home at crafting a head of clay based on one of Guilfoyle’s demonstrations (pictured on Kensie's laptop screen.)
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Music Department seniors looked forward to demonstrating their achievements through senior recitals, but those were also curtailed by the pandemic. |
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CORY FRANKLIN '20, Suffolk, VA
Cory Franklin (Suffolk, VA) earned his music degree with the saxophone as his principal instrument. Reflecting on his time at VWU, he said, “I’m excited for graduation, but disappointed that I didn’t get to show how much I worked to my family and friends, but I’ll always have VWU in my heart. This has been a major achievement for me and I’m grateful to all my professors, especially Dr. Jason Squinobal, Associate Professor of Music and Director of VWU Instrumental Music, and George Stone, Applied Music Instructor-piano and accompanist, who both took the time to share their knowledge and experience.”
Cory began his formal education after retirement from the United States Marine Corps using the Yellow Ribbon GI Bill which provides matching funds to scholarships provided by the school. Balancing family life and three small children, active participation in his church’s music program, and the daily commute from Suffolk, he was a star player in the VWU Jazz Band, and last fall performed the role of church choir director in the Theatre Department’s production of Lucas Hnath’s “The Christians.”
As part of his curriculum he also cross-registered at Old Dominion University, a member school of the Tidewater Consortium, for further study in brass, woodwinds, and string instruments in preparation for his start in ODU’s master’s program. Cory’s long-term goal is to teach at the collegiate level.
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CORA WILSON '20, Powhatan, VA
Cora Wilson (Powhatan, VA) began her VWU life as a freshman on crutches. She had already undergone several medical procedures when in 201,7 she endured another hip replacement. An infection set in and she faced treatments and an additional surgery in 2018 to repair nerve damage. Subsequent medical appointments, numerous smaller procedures and countless treatments required routine trips to Richmond for care. She worked continuously with specialists in pain management and physical therapy, and suffered two serious falls, both of which resulted in concussions. As a flute player there were many times when Cora performed in student recitals balancing without her crutches, and yet she still managed to cross register at Old Dominion University for additional coursework to gain large ensemble experience, and she successfully completed the required coursework at VWU to earn the Center for Sacred Music’s Church Music Certificate.
Along with the physical heartbreaks, Cora’s father died midway through her degree program, followed closely by the death of her grandfather. Her grit and determination, plus supportive personnel at both VWU and ODU, helped her still achieve her academic goals on time.
Cora credits two people as very important to her success: Crit Muniz, Assistant Director of VWU’s Learning Center and Disabilities Services Specialist, and Rachel Ordaz, a member of the VWU Performing Artist faculty and Applied Music Instructor in flute, and a member of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
“Luckily, Crit helped me with classroom accommodations so I could work around the migraines and memory and focus issues that have come with it,” said Cora, “and Rachel was a huge part of my college career. Even when I was going through rough times, she was there for me. She pushed me to be better, focus better, and play better. I’ve learned so much from her.”
Cora was looking forward to sharing the proof of her achievements in her senior recital, but now looks to the fall when she will begin ODU’s post-baccalaureate program and Master of Instrumental Music Education degree together, as suggested by Dr. Douglas Owens, Graduate Program Director.
“Dr. Owens also arranged for me to have an assistantship with the athletic bands program so I’m really excited to learn more!”
Nothing stops Cora.
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SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING
Dr. Todd Holcomb, a member of the VWU Performing Artist faculty and Applied Instructor in classical guitar, practiced social distancing during a lesson with student Hunter Lloyd. All applied lessons successfully transitioned to online instruction after the quarantine period began.
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DARION CARR '20, Suffolk, VA
Zeider’s American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach focuses on presenting the work of new writers, composers, and artists to encourage individuals to embrace their dreams. It certainly worked for senior theatre major Darion Carr (Suffolk, VA) who was drawn to their wide variety of events and friendly staff. The variety of film, comedy and magic shows, and concerts were most appealing to him.
“I hadn’t attended any events at Zeider’s beforehand, but the variety they offer drew me in and offered the best overall experience.”
A native of Suffolk, VA, Darion has performed in numerous plays on the VWU stage but found that working the "other side" of the stage was quite different.
“I was so nervous at first, but my bosses and co-workers were all so friendly and always willing to help me out. It made my experience much easier.”
While the COVID-19 virus closed the theater, Darion was still able to do some online work. He hopes to secure a job in local theatre and help out with VWU productions as his schedule allows, and next spring has plans with several friends to head to California to follow his dreams of acting in television and movies.
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JENNI VEGA '21 Chesapeake, VA
Junior theatre major Jenni Vega (Chesapeake, VA) made quite an impression on Dr. Sally Shedd, Professor of Theatre, in last semester’s "Advanced Acting" class. One of the course assignments was to prepare and deliver a monologue several minutes in length. While most choose something from a prepared work, Jenni wrote hers.
“I’ve always enjoyed reading and once I’d inhaled every book I could get my hands on, writing came next. When I started doing theatre, writing my own plays and monologues seemed like the next logical step. I think of all the stories there are to tell that haven’t been told yet; I suppose it’s my hope to try to keep adding to them.”
Last fall, Jenni enrolled in a "Theatre Practicum" and wrote a political horror one-act play. It was presented as part of a theatre festival hosted by the campus chapter of the national theatre honor society Alpha Psi Omega.
“For this assignment, we were given the option to write something about the pandemic. I thought it would be fun to write about something silly and not as terrifying as what we keep seeing on the news. Hopefully, I can write a story that makes people laugh, even if we’re all a bit scared.”
Jenni plans to expand this semester’s work into a full-length play for her senior capstone experience. “The whole piece will be about a young couple quarantined together during this pandemic. One of them wants to break up with the other but can’t do it until their two-week quarantine is over.”
It sounds like a hit!
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SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING
Dr. Travis Malone, Professor of Theatre and Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, reviews a student’s online set design as part of the "Technical Theatre" class. Students designed sets and costumes based on their analysis of Jean Paul Sartre’s No Exit. The first half of the course included skill-building and tools for the developmental process. The remainder, which dovetailed with the COVID-19 transition to online work, offered the opportunity to work independently with Malone’s assistance via remote instruction.
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Wesleyan Sacred Music Institute |
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VWU’s Wesleyan Sacred Music Institute annually presents a full range of summer events with three Summer SING! massed choir events at area churches and a nationally recognized Sacred Music-Worship-Arts Summer Conference each July. In the summer of 2019, more than 370 persons took part in SINGs and over 200 persons from throughout the nation attended on-campus workshops and lectures as part of the summer conference, with some 1,300 persons attending evening worship, a hymn festival, and a choral concert in area churches.
With concern for the health of conference participants and guest clinicians, the University canceled the 2020 SINGS and conference. Guest clinicians scheduled for 2020 will all be on hand to lead the 2021 conference set for July 27-31.
In lieu of the usual summer gatherings, the Institute presented two online webinars on subjects of interest to church musicians dealing with the effects of COVID-19: “Tender Loving Care for Corona-Time Church Choirs” and "Long-Distance Musical Collaborations" with a total of 2,146 views. Both are still available on WSMI's Facebook page.
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