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HIXSON-LIED
COLLEGE OF FINE
AND PERFORMING ARTS
‘Time
and the
River’ project blends Platte Basin
imagery, chamber music
FALL 2019
C O V E R S T O R Y FALL 2019
D E A N ’ S L E T T E R 4 ‘Time and the River’ project blends Platte Basin imagery, chamber music
For Alumni and Friends of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and
F E AT U R E S Performing Arts, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
It’s a historic year for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as we celebrate the 150th anniver- 13 Blue bets on himself for creative career
sary of the university through the year-long N|150 festivities. The arts have been an import- 18 Two Nebraska ceramics alumni selected as 2019 NCECA Emerging Artists Hixson-Lied Endowed Dean
ant part of the university since its founding. In fact, our original charter states: “The object 20 LOVE project unites two art alumnae in Texas Charles O’Connor
of such institution shall be to afford to the inhabitants of this State, the means of acquiring a 24 School of Art, Art History & Design alumna wins major printmaking prize
thorough knowledge of the various branches of literature, science and the arts.” 26 College helps university celebrate 150th anniversary Editor | Kathe C. Andersen
We were pleased to have the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts be 29 Two composition alumni commissioned for new works for Art Director | Ella Durham
an integral part of the N|150 Charter Day Celebration: Music and Milestones on Feb. N|150 celebration Photography | All photos by Justin Mohling unless otherwise noted.
15. Created by Nebraska Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Andy Park and Directed by 30 Korff School faculty, students travel to South Korea
Director of Opera William Shomos, the event featured readings by Marg Helgenberger and 32 Graphic design students, alumni receive awards Cover photo: The Platte River at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary located on
Dick Cavett, as well as Carson School student Karen Richards, along with performances by 34 Carson Film enjoys success on film festival circuit the central Platte near Kearney, Nebraska. These images were captured by a
the UNL Symphony Orchestra, University Singers, Chamber Singers, Varsity Men’s Chorus, 38 Hill takes advantage of opportunities for long film-editing career Platte Basin Timelapse time-lapse camera..
UNL Opera, UNL Dance and the Cornhusker Marching Band. The event also featured com- 42 Love of storytelling propels Raymond in animation
missioned music by alumni David von Kampen and Garrett Hope. 46 Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts opens Special Thanks
See photos from the celebration in this issue of our Hixson-Lied College 49 New faculty begin this fall Hixson-Lied Endowment for assistance with the funding of this publication.
of Fine and Performing Arts magazine. We also have stories on the 53 Carson School students study at Shakespeare’s Globe in London
much-anticipated opening of the Johnny Carson Center for Emerg- How to reach us: Alumni news, story ideas or address changes may be
ing Media Arts, as well as the special “Time and the River” Lin- D E V E L O P M E N T sent in any of the following ways. Via mail: Kathe Andersen, Hixson-Lied
coln Friends of Chamber Music concert last April that featured 57 Donor List College of Fine and Performing Arts Magazine, 113 Woods Art Building,
a commissioned work by alumnus Kurt Knecht and photos 61 Circle Lists Lincoln, NE 68588-0144. Via e-mail: kandersen1@unl.edu.
and video from Michael Forsberg and Michael Farrell’s Platte 64 Korff School purchases 2 harps with support from donor
Basin Timelapse project. 67 Lincoln Collects series opens with extensive glass collection arts.unl.edu
Thank you for your support of the Hixson-Lied College of
facebook.com/HLCFPA
Fine and Performing Arts. D E P A R T M E N T S
twitter.com/UNLArts
2 Dean’s Letter
instagram.com/UNLArts
10 Alumni Notes
linkedin.com/company/unlarts
36 Honors Day Highlights and Award Nominations
#UNLArts
45 In Memoriam
71 Faculty Notes
Chuck O’Connor
Hixson-Lied Endowed Dean
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln does not discriminate based upon
any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination.
twitter.com/charlesoconnor
Photo by Madeline Cass.
2 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 3
‘Time
cience, photography, musical composition and
performance were brought together by Lincoln Jeff Dale installs a Platte Basin Timelapse
Friends of Chamber Music, when they presented time-lapse camera on a tower overlooking
Time and the River on April 27. the Wyoming-Nebraska state line near Henry,
The performance featured nine Glenn Korff Nebraska. Photo by Mike Forsberg.
School of Music faculty, who performed an original work com-
and the
posed by Kurt Knecht (D.M.A. 2009) that was inspired by and
incorporated visual images from the Platte Basin Timelapse
project of conservation photographers Michael Forsberg and
Michael Farrell and their team.
The Platte Basin Timelapse project began in 2011. The proj-
ect tells the stories of the Platte River Basin using innovative,
multimedia content. It currently uses more than 60 time-lapse
camera systems placed throughout the 90,000 square-mile basin,
River’
from its headwaters in the Colorado Rockies to the river’s con-
fluence with the Missouri River on Nebraska’s eastern border.
Like chapters in a book, each camera tells one part of the
story of the water’s roughly 900-mile journey through the heart
of North America.
“Mike [Forsberg] and I were finishing up a documentary
project blends called Great Plains: America’s Lingering Wild, based on his
book,” Farrell said. “We were driving around on one of our last
shoots, and Mike said, ‘You know what would be really cool is
if we could timelapse an entire watershed.’ The idea was that
BY
Platte Basin imagery, we could take that basic way of portraying change over time
and stretch it out both for years, if not a decade or more, and
stretch it out from some specific location to an entire water-
K AT H E C .
ANDERSEN
chamber music shed. That’s pretty unusual.”
Robert Kuzelka, associate professor emeritus of natural
resources and the president of the board of directors for Lincoln
The Platte River at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary Friends of Chamber Music, first came up with the idea to put the
located on the central Platte near Kearney, timelapse project and chamber music together.
Nebraska. These images were captured by a
Platte Basin Timelapse time-lapse camera.
4 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 5
Members of the
Platte Basin
Timelapse team
install a time-
lapse camera at
Lake Agnes in
northern Colo-
rado. Photo by
“We’re trying to
Mike Forsberg.
reach people Knecht said the music reflected
the diversity of the river.
“I believe that the diversity of
in a number of music and moods reflects the incred-
ible diversity and beauty of the Platte
“I’ve known Farrell since he was a filmmak- trying to build that commu-
different ways River,” Knecht said. “I hope that,
combined with the video, the work
will expose a broader audience to the
er at NET, and I’ve known Forsberg almost as
long,” Kuzelka said. “The first time I saw their
nity with us to think about
being neighbors upstream and
to care about tremendous beauty that the Platte
River has to offer.”
timelapse project, I thought this needs to be set
to chamber music.”
Both Farrell and Forsberg were interested.
downstream of everybody else.
We all live in a watershed.
This is one other way to sim-
where our water Once the music was completed,
Mariah Lundgren from the Platte
Basin Timelapse Project, pulled
“We’re trying to reach people in a number
of different ways to care about where our water
ply open a door and reach peo-
ple and get them to appreciate
comes from and “I spent quite a lot of time on the
website of the Platte Basin Timelapse
website, and I jotted down different
images and video from nearly 22TB of
archived material from the project to
comes from and what does it mean to live in a
watershed today,” Forsberg said. “We don’t want
people to think that we are apart from nature, but
it and to see it in a new way.”
Kuzelka found funding
through the Mid-America Arts
what does it ideas that inspired me,” Knecht said.
“I then determined that the best
create the videos for the performance.
“Mariah did an absolutely as-
tounding job of pairing the music
rather we are a part of nature. So in this work, you
can reach some people by showing them a film.
Alliance’s arts innovation grants
program and additional private
mean to live in a The Platte River at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary located on
approach would be to do miniatures
instead of one large piece. Time and
the River is comprised of nine short
You can reach some people by creating a book. You
can reach some people by creating a website. You
can reach some people by live performance. The
support to get the project
funded. He then approached
Knecht, an organist, composer
watershed today.” the central Platte near Kearney, Nebraska. This image was
captured by a Platte Basin Timelapse time-lapse camera.
movements each lasting around three
or four minutes. Once the music
was written, Mariah [Lundgren] and
Platte Basin is a great laboratory of learning and and conductor, to commission
the team over at the Platte River
the chamber work. Kuzelka had one requirement for the project.
Timelapse took inspiration from the
“I do not want this to be a soundtrack for a movie,” he said. “I
music to create the videos. The rela-
want this to be integrated, and they all agreed.”
tionship between the two is dialogi-
Knecht reviewed the project’s website for inspiration for
cal rather than subordinate.”
his piece.
6 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 7
nonet of 1813—which is why we paired Kurt’s piece performances in other places, from mountains to
with the Spohr on our concert,” he said. “Though plains. That would be another really neat con-
the faculty knows Kurt from his time as a DMA nector—and really powerful. Water is the binding
composition student at UNL, this was the first agent that connects all of us together that we can’t
piece by him that I had played. It was fascinating live without. It provides us life, and we should cel-
to hear him start with a simple motive and develop ebrate that rather than fight about it all the time.”
the musical idea with such conviction—each move- For more information on the Platte Basin
ment a miniature characterization.” Timelapse Project, visit http://plattebasintimelapse.
Bailey said it was exactly the kind of project com/. For more information on Lincoln Friends of
that Nebraska can tackle. Chamber Music, visit https://www.lfcm.us/. ■
“This kind of project is rare, because it in-
volves so many facets and so many people: the
composer, the filmographer, the funding (with
grants, etc.), the sponsoring organization (Lincoln
Friends of Cham-
ber Music), the
performers, who
rehearsed and pre-
“It’s exactly the kind of
sented the work,
plus all the techni-
project we are able to
cal expertise—film,
screen, projector,
microphones,” he
take on at UNL.”
A bird’s eye view of the central Platte River in Nebraska taken at sunset. Photo by Mike Forsberg. said. “It’s exactly
The Platte River at Audubon’s Rowe
the kind of project we are able to take on at UNL.
Sanctuary located on the central
It was a blast for the musicians. We look forward
Platte near Kearney, Nebraska. These
with visual images that generally related to the Farrell said he thinks the concert achieved “I was very honored to have the piece played to performing this concert again in Nebraska.”
images were captured by a Platte Basin
titles,” Knecht said. “It was important to me at their goals to educate more people on the project with Mariah there. I was also happy that it was Kuzelka is exploring the possibility of creating
Timelapse time-lapse camera.
this point in the collaboration to give her as much and the watershed. done by the faculty at UNL,” Knecht said. “I hope a DVD of the livestream that NET recorded or
room and freedom for artistic creation as I had “The audience was really engaged with this,” people gained an appreciation for the beauty of the re-recording the performance for a DVD.
taken when writing the music.” he said. river and an appreciation for a slightly different “We also want to do at least two live concerts,
Lundgren has been with the timelapse project The faculty chamber ensemble that performed kind of artistic collaboration.” one in North Platte and one in Omaha,” he said. “I’m
for a long time, first as a student intern and now as Time and the River, along with Louis Spohr’s Grand Bailey, the Richard H. Larson Distinguished working now on the cost and fund-raising for that.”
a full-time employee. Nonetto, op. 31, included John Bailey, flute; William Professor of Flute in the Glenn Korff School of Forsberg would like to see the piece per-
“I really wanted to show people visually what the McMullen, oboe; Diane Barger, clarinet; Jeffrey Music, said the faculty had a great time with formed elsewhere, in the spirit of the community
watershed is and really have them get a sense of not McCray, bassoon; Alan Mattingly, horn; David Knecht’s new piece. around a watershed.
just what’s on the river, but where the water comes Neely, violin; Clark Potter, viola; Karen Becker, cel- “[The piece has] really interesting textures and “What would be really cool is to see this per-
from and what are all the elements that are a part of lo; and Hans Sturm, bass. Professor and Director of colors from the nonet—a chamber ensemble that formance go elsewhere around the watershed,” he
it. So it’s wildlife, it’s people, it’s weather,” she said. Orchestras Tyler White conducted. has a history dating back to Louis Spohr’s famous said. “Wouldn’t that be neat to have a series of live
8 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 9
LO E C K A U D I T I O N S F O R T H E 1958 1998
LO N D O N S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A
Jim Cantrell (B.F.A. Ed.) was one of 15 Kristin Hensley (B.A. Theatre) and Jen
Sam Loeck (B.M. 2014) is a finalist for the Prin- artists to be included in the internation- Smedley, who co-created the popular web
cipal Bass position in The London Symphony al juried exhibition 10th Annual NUDE series I Mom So Hard, have written a book,
Orchestra (LSO), one of the world’s most presti- Exhibition at Manifest Gallery in Cin- “#IMomSoHard,” (Harper Collins Publish-
gious orchestras. cinnati, Ohio. The exhibition ran Aug. ing), which was released this spring.
Loeck performed in a set of concerts with the 16-Sept. 14, 2018.
London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican in
March, as well as a set in August at BBC Proms and 2 000
on tour to Hungary and Latvia. He is also scheduled 1 979
Gregory Peters (B.A. Theatre) wrote Mün-
to rejoin them for additional weeks later this year.
Ronald Geibert (M.F.A. Art) recently sterspiel for The Plagiarists theater group in
Loeck is currently principal double bass for the
had a retrospective exhibition at Wright Chicago, which was directed by Jack Du-
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in Canada, which he
State University in Dayton, Ohio, where gan Carpenter (B.A. Theatre 2005). The
joined in 2016. He received his Master of Music degree
he taught from 1981-2007. Commonly art- piece was featured in Rolling Stone’s “Real
from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
ists work with a particular theme, prob- Life Rock Top 10” column in February. The
Loeck has performed at the Aspen Music Festi-
lem or issue for long periods, which is cast included Amy Johnson (M.F.A. 2000)
val; the Moritzburg Festival in Dresden, Germany;
the case for Geibert. For 20 years he was and lighting design by John Jacobsen.
and the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan. He
a color documentarian, followed by 20
has also served as a substitute bassist with the Chica-
years as an experimental installation and
go Symphony Orchestra and the Oregon Symphony.
multi-media artist focused on Orwellian 2002
“Sam was a truly exceptional student, one of the Iren Tete, untitled. Courtesy photo.
issues of deception and the oversatura-
rarest who excels at the highest levels in all the in- Sarah Berkeley (B.F.A. Art) received a
tion of stimuli. Recently, Geibert returned
gredients for success necessary in any field: talent, $1,000 Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF)
to the camera, then an iPhone, and then
intelligence, work ethic and attitude,” said Hixson- from the Nebraska Arts Council. The IAF CERAMICS GRADUATE HAD TWO WORKS ACCEPTED
onto obsolete software to modify previ-
Lied Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies program recognizes exemplary work by FOR NCECA JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION
ously made works.
Hans Sturm. “He was originally planning to major Nebraska artists. It supports originating
Iren Tete, who received her Master of Fine Arts in ceramics in
in math at college, but after attending a summer at artists in their respective fields by providing
May from the School of Art, Art History & Design, had two of
a music festival on the recommendation of his local public recognition and monetary awards.
1982 her works accepted into the 2019 National Council on Educa-
bass teacher in Lincoln, Mike Swartz, he changed
tion for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Juried Student Exhibition,
his mind. I would describe him as thoughtful, quiet, Anne Hamersky (B.F.A. Art) has been
in conjunction with the NCECA annual conference in Minne-
funny, inquisitive, challenging and relentless. A developing for the past three years a large, 2007
apolis, Minnesota, last spring.
voracious musician, he devoured advanced rep- public installation that will hang for 10
Wendy Jane Bantam (M.F.A. Art) is the Only 34 pieces by 32 artists were selected for the exhibition,
ertoire at a frenetic pace and yet, performed at a years under the eaves of the historic Ferry
fourth artist-in-residence at the Lincoln out of more than 530 works that were entered.
highly refined level with a sense of ease and grace Building on San Francisco’s Embarcade-
Cornhusker Marriott Hotel. She began “Of course I was surprised,” Tete said of her reaction to
that belied his years. While at UNL, he is the only ro. Her photographs grace the project,
her year-long residency on April 1. The learning that two of her pieces were selected. “I was really
bassist to have won the Play with the Chiara Cham- comprising 16 8’ x 8’ square murals. The
artist-in-residence program allows artists happy and excited to represent UNL at the student show. We’re
ber Competition and the Undergraduate Concerto project showcases leaders within the
to share their work and interact with a great program, so I want us to be out there and for people to
Competition, competing against his peers across sustainable agriculture world of Northern
Sam Loeck. Photo courtesy of the guests on hotel property in the studio know that we are in the top 10 of ceramics programs.”
the School of Music student population.” California. For more information on the
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. space for one year. During this year of res-
project, visit go.unl.edu/r5w2.
10 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 11
2015
idency, Bantam will spend 30 hours per
week in the on-site studio creating pieces, Scott Rieker (M.M.) received his Doctor of
hosting gallery nights and networking Music Arts degree in choral music Summa
with guests to create a truly enriching Cum Laude from the University of Southern
experience for travelers. By the end of the California. He has been appointed Director
year, a legacy piece will be created and of Choral Activities and Choral Music Edu-
permanently displayed in the hotel. cation at Frostburg State University in Mary-
land, where he inaugurated the first-annual
Blue bets on
Tenor-Bass Sing Invitational Choral Festival
2 01 0 for high school and middle school tenor and
bass singers and founded the Troubadours
Bradley Peters (B.A. Art) and Ella
Tenor-Bass Chorus at Frostburg State. He
Weber (B.F.A. Art) each received $3,000
also had his original composition, La Can-
Individual Artist Fellowships (IAF) from
himself for
ción del Caminante, published with Santa
the Nebraska Arts Council.
Barbara Music Publishing.
2 01 1
2 01 7
creative career
Anthony Blue (B.F.A. Art) returned to
Michael Villarreal (M.F.A. Art) received
campus in March as this year’s Masters
a $4,000 Individual Artist Fellowship
Week candidate from the Hixson-Lied
(IAF) from the Nebraska Arts Council.
College of Fine and Performing Arts. Blue
is an avid photographer, animator and DJ.
2 01 8
2 01 3 Colleen Carney (B.M.) and her duo piano By Kathe C. Andersen
Colleen Carney (left, B.M. 2018) and her duo piano partner Melissa
partner, Melissa Terrall, won first place at
Mallory Prucha (M.F.A. Theatre Arts) Terrall won first place at the National Federation of Music Clubs’
the National Federation of Music Clubs’
was hired as an assistant professor of Ellis Competition for Duo Pianists. Courtesy photo.
biennial Ellis Competition for Duo Pianists came here as a student athlete with dreams of playing in the NFL. That
costume design at Texas Tech University.
in March with a cash prize of $20,000. didn’t really work out. I kind of fell in love with the art department and the
She has also been inducted into United
They also received the Abild American art staff and was able to find things that showed me my passion, showed
Scenic Artists, Local 829, IATSE, and was
Music Award (for best performance of me a direction. Once I made it to New York, I moved with the Nebraska
appointed USITT Vice Commissioner for
an American piece) with a cash prize of foundation behind me. It’s been an incredible experience. . . . Nebraska is
Hair and Make-Up.
$1,000. This biennial competition is for such a welcoming place, a beautiful place. I’ll always find home here.”
pianists between the ages of 18 and 38. With those words, Anthony Blue (B.F.A. 2011) accepted recognition as the Anthony Blue at the Cadillac House
All repertoire, including a concerto, was Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts honoree for Alumni Masters during New York Fashion Week, 2017.
required to be performed by memory The Week at the Medallion Dinner on March 8 at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Courtesy photo.
Portland, Oregon-based Carney-Terrall
Duo has performed together since 2014.
12 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 13
Each year, a selected group of exceptional school I love and the place I love, is just crazy. It’s
alumni return to campus to share their experiences an unreal experience.”
and knowledge with the University of Nebras- While on campus in March, Blue met with stu-
ka–Lincoln community through Masters Week. dents and faculty in the School of Art, Art History
Known as Alumni Masters, these individuals are & Design; gave a lecture with information on his
proven trailblazers in their respective fields. career and advice for being creative; and met with
Blue arrived on campus in 2007 as a highly touted a select group of students at Sheldon Museum of
football recruit, but knee injuries kept him off the field Art to view and discuss a selection of works pulled
in 2008 and 2010 and eventually ended his football from Sheldon’s permanent collection by prominent
career. That’s when he refocused his energy on art. African-American artists.
“This honor means so much. Coming here my “I remember being in their shoes not knowing
vision was just kind of sports oriented,” Blue said. much about the world, so to come and share my
“So to be able to shift gears toward the arts and experiences from graduating in 2011 until now, to
be recognized for the work that I’ve done be able to share the information back to the univer-
after leaving here is amazing. Even within sity, that’s just been my favorite part—to connect
the art world, you never really know with people that are possibly the future of what’s
what your work is doing or who is to come,” Blue said.
viewing it, so to be honored Associate Professor of Art Sandra Williams nom-
noticed and pointed out sculptures and paintings I had never really noticed
by a prestigious univer- inated Blue for Masters Week after having him in
before. On days off I always let students know what I am doing in case they
sity like this, in the her London and Paris education abroad class in 2011.
are interested—and I completely understand when they are not. Anthony was
“I didn’t know him before he enrolled in my
always happy to hang out and curious about new experiences. I also remem-
London and Paris class in 2011,” Williams said. “He
ber how quickly he picked up French and how completely at ease he was in
was great, such a fun student to have in class. Even
Paris. Most students struggle with culture shock, but he never did. It doesn’t
then he was so completely passionate about art. He
surprise me that he moved to New York and is a world traveler.”
Blue travels the world as an avid photographer, animator and DJ. He has
hosted numerous residencies in New York City while also playing various
venues globally.
Anthony Blue reviews his career and tips for being a He has also shot for Milan Fashion Week and has become a favorite among
successful creative in a lecture to students and faculty in Influencers for his easy-going approach and keen eye. His resume spans a
the School of Art, Art History & Design.
14 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 15
range of clients including Nike,
Revlon, B.E.T. and Zegna to
“To start freelancing on my own and just bet-
name a few. He has also DJ’d
ting on myself, that’s the highlight,” Blue said. “One
parties with many popular artists
of the first lessons I learned was how to invest
including Migos, Virgil Abloh,
in myself and put myself out there more and just
Soulection, Big Boi, and more.
take control over my life versus being an employee
Originally from Dallas, Texas,
somewhere and waiting for them to give me roles
Blue said he got his first camera
or give me assignments. And I guess from there,
around eighth grade, though he
as gigs started to grow, there was that moment of
was initially more interested in
wow, I can charge more because this company just
creating videos than photography.
gave me a bigger price than the last one. I think
“It was more video, at first,
just realizing that the stuff you are truly interest-
because I could watch it back
ed in, if you stay at it and consistently at it, it just
or film stuff at school or film my
turns into your life, and it works for you. It’s just
friends,” he said. “It was kind of
been a blessing overall.”
just creating these moments. My
In 2018, he photographed Solange Knowles, a
mom always had photo albums,
singer-songwriter and Beyoncé’s younger sister, as
and I just always thought it’s
she prepped for the Met Gala, a fundraising benefit
interesting that you can look
for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Described by
at these moments in time—like
Vogue magazine as “fashion’s biggest night out,”
wow, you can really just freeze
Solange Knowles by Anthony Blue, Jr. the event welcomes celebrities, young creatives
a moment. I was just kind of
and industry stars.
addicted to that.”
This year, Blue is focusing on his music. He and
He came to Nebraska for col-
a friend formed a record company called “Believe
lege because it was the biggest
in Yourself, Do it Yourself.”
football program that offered
“This year I’m mostly focusing on trying to
him a scholarship.
travel and grow my music because it’s such a good
“It just blew me away as a Anthony Blue (center) reviews pieces by prominent African-American artists from the Sheldon Museum of Art’s collection with
feeling for my soul,” Blue said.
recruit,” he said. “I was here as a students in the School of Art, Art History & Design in March.
The Masters Week honor meant a lot to Blue.
recruit and signing autographs. I
“I’ve been cherishing the whole week because
was like, wow, this is the life for me. I’m not even here “I was just kind of filling that void of not being creating those moments for my friends to put on
these types of opportunities don’t really come that
yet, and people know who I am, so it’s just super en- able to do anything with my energy and just being Facebook and Twitter at the time.”
often for people who look like me,” Blue said. “I’m
ticing as an athlete in Texas coming to a place where productive in the downtime,” Blue said. “Being After graduating from Nebraska, Blue got
just happy to be able to represent and show people
there’s no NFL team. You’re the cream of the crop on the sidelines hurt, but I was able to take pic- an internship in New York that eventually
that this is possible. The idea that they’re honoring
when you’re a Nebraska player.” tures and get different angles that the camera guys turned in to a full-time job. But he eventually
me for things that I’m making just from following
When injuries ended his playing career, he couldn’t get on the sideline. They couldn’t get as became a freelancer, which he said is the high-
my heart—it’s just so powerful.” ■
refocused on art. close. So I was in the huddle taking pictures. Just light of his career. Photos for BIYDIY Records (Believe in Yourself, Do
It Yourself) by Anthony Blue, Jr.
16 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 17
Two Nebraska
an international audience during NCECA’s Joseph is interested in using ancient
annual conference. The intent of the award is processes in a contemporary context. By
to recognize, cultivate and amplify vital, new combining clay, bronze, wood and found
ceramics
voices of creative endeavor in ceramics. objects, he makes mixed media sculptures that
Jurors for this year’s competition were School push against the limits of material hierarchies.
of Art, Art History & Design Professor of Art Working intuitively, he creates order and
Eddie Dominguez, along with Linda Sikora, of meaning from the fluid nature of the creative
alumni selected
Alfred University (New York), and Julia Galloway, thought process.
of the University of Montana in Missoula. To see his work, visit www.qwistjosph.com.
“What’s interesting is that Sean was here Scott earned his B.F.A. from Ohio University and
as 2019 NCECA
14 years ago, and Qwist was a recent grad, so an M.F.A. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
it’s exciting to see our students doing so well,” Since then, he has operated Pomme de Terre Pottery
Qwist Joseph, “Dowsing for Before”
Dominguez said. “Sean represents the functional near Battle Lake, Minnesota. He exhibits his work
(exhibition view), site-specific instal-
pottery realm, and Qwist was picked because nationally and teaches workshops.
Emerging
lation in a swimming pool, Riverside,
he’s doing really innovative, sculptural mixed “The NCECA Emerging Artist award is
California, 2018.
media art. It’s nice to know that within our humbling,” Scott said. “It has made me feel
program, we are supporting a real, traditional, a deeper appreciation for NCECA and the
Artists
utility, pottery makers and also moving toward community they foster around the ceramic arts.
A teapot by Sean Scott. more conceptually based, contemporary thinking. It has also validated my own creative process of
That’s a nice stretch to have, and we must be being an artist and the commitment and trust it
pretty good at it since two people got presented. takes to persevere. I feel indebted to my family,
But it’s not about us, it’s them. They’re the ones teachers and supporters. This recognition may
doing all the work. We’re just lucky to work with be in my name, but it is dependent on a larger
people who are that ambitious and that talented.” network of people who care. I hope they feel
Joseph received his B.F.A. from Colorado that this is their award, too.”
State University, and his M.F.A. from the To see his work, visit www.seanscottclay.com.
wo ceramics alumni from the
University of Nebraska–Lincoln. In 2016 he Dominguez said the Emerging Artist
University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s
was selected as an emerging artist by Ceramics program is one of the most exciting parts of the
School of Art, Art History &
Monthly and awarded a summer residency at the NCECA Annual Conference.
Design were selected as 2019
Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. “They’re the stars of the new generation.
National Council on Education
He has shown nationally and internationally It’s a good honor,” he said. “Everyone is curious
for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Emerging Artists.
and is currently a resident artist at the Roswell who is next.” ■
Qwist Joseph (M.F.A. 2016) and Sean Scott
Artist-in-Residence Program in New Mexico.
(MF.A. 2005) were among six artists nationally
“I’m honored to be recognized by NCECA,
selected for the honor. NCECA’s Emerging
and I am thrilled to have such a fantastic
Artists program recognizes exceptional
platform to present my work,” Joseph said.
early career artists highlighting them to
18 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 19S
ix years ago, the Dallas LOVE Project,
organized by 29 Pieces and School of
Art, Art History & Design alumna Karen
Blessen (B.F.A. 1973), was unveiled. The 29
Pieces organization partnered with more than 120
community partners and 20,000 artists (from ages 5
to 86) to create 10,000 pieces of unconditional love
art that was displayed throughout the city in tribute
to President John F. Kennedy’s legacy.
Blessen is the executive artistic director and
founder of 29 Pieces, which was established in
2005 to develop and deliver arts programs to the
Dallas-area community. It uses art to awaken,
uplift and give voice to the creative human spirit to
make genuine, positive social change. But 29 Pieces hasn’t actively pitched it to other
“The LOVE Project was the biggest city-wide school districts. One person who learned about it,
public art exhibit in Dallas history, and it was a though, was Judy Stone-Nunneley (M.F.A. 2002),
response to the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy who is the Grand Prairie Independent School
assassination, after which Dallas was labeled a District (ISD) Artist-in-Residence and Visual Arts
city of hate,” Blessen said. “So we, in 29 Pieces, Coordinator, where she has been since 2011.
proposed to some of our colleagues that we do Stone-Nunneley first met Blessen when she
a big city-wide project of art about love and that was pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree
we use quotes from great poets, peacemakers, in the School of Art, Art History & Design from
visionaries and musicians about agape, about this 2000-2002. She was the gallery manager for
bigger kind of love for all humanity.” the newly opened Eisentrager-Howard Gallery,
The works were displayed in 67 Dallas following the renovation of Richards Hall. More than 1,500 students and 50 visual art
locations. They were primarily exhibited along the “Karen was one of the first artists to have a teachers participated in the Grand Prairie
Kennedy motorcade route, from Dallas Love Field, retrospective of her work in the new gallery,” LOVE Project last year. Courtesy photos.
Judy Stone-Nunneley (left) and
where he landed that day, to Parkland Hospital, Stone-Nunneley said. “And that’s how I met her
Karen Blessen. Courtesy photo.
where he died. because she came to the opening reception. The
“The artworks were displayed in banks and show was amazing.”
LOVE Project unites two
business windows, including the Sixth Floor Fast forward to 2013, and Stone-Nunneley
Museum in Dallas for two months during the time then heard about the Dallas LOVE Project.
of the anniversary of the assassination,” Blessen “The publicity was everywhere,” Stone-
said. “That was a big deal in Dallas. We received Nunneley said. “There was an all-day symposium
art alumnae in Texas
tremendous press—around 185 million press in downtown Dallas for remembering that day of
impressions. It was the right project at the right the Kennedy assassination. All the writers and
time. And in doing it, we developed a really clear the Secret Service, journalists, newscasters—
methodology for not only training people how to everybody who had a link to that day were there.
do the art, but also how to install it, how to take it It was amazing.”
By Kathe C. Andersen
down, how to publicize it.”
20 21whole project when I saw it in Dallas in person recreation center and fine arts center and gallery. of them became very mixed media, and some of and slowing the viewer down to read it, to look at
in 2013.” Stone-Nunneley said each piece in their LOVE them cut out letters, some of them used rubber it and to open up their heart just a little bit. Love
Stone-Nunneley applied for and received Project is square, either six, 12 or 18 inches, so they stamps. There’s just incredible variety.” really is a disruption on this pervasive negativity
a $10,000 grant from Southern Poverty Law fit together during installation. Stone-Nunneley hopes students learned about and division that we’re surrounded by right now.
Center’s Teaching Tolerance, a national anti-bias The student and teacher artists began by the importance of art through the project. I think this is a beautiful interruption of our
organization to develop the Grand Prairie LOVE selecting a quote about love. “I hope that they had some joy during this, thoughts right now.”
Project with 29 Pieces. She then contacted Blessen “Karen had come up with a list of quotes by and I hope it reminds them how important art Stone-Nunneley recommends the project for
last summer to begin adapting the LOVE Project peacemakers, poets, spiritual teachers and leaders, is,” she said. “Art can change communities. We other teachers and districts.
for the Grand Prairie ISD. musicians, artists and writers,” Stone-Nunneley talked about how artists have been at the forefront “Go for it. It’s worth all the extra hours, and the
“We updated it to what our kids are going said. “And then I expanded on that to include of social justice change throughout history. This process is surprising,” she said. “Karen and I have
through in this political climate and in our kind of art activism had some fun stories about how things you thought
community,” Stone-Nunneley said. “Our students is so necessary, and would happen didn’t or something you thought
“This kind of art
are experiencing many challenges, in addition it seems so timely would go this way went a different way. We’ve had
to their schoolwork—poverty, homelessness, right now. I hope, so many different responses from the community
deportation of undocumented family members, through looking at that I never thought we would hear from, so it’s been
activism is so
DACA, school violence and bullying. We wanted to others’ art, that they really cool. And something like this where we’re not
ask the question: ‘How can a variety of voices work see how a variety of in a gallery or a museum is different. Just having it be
together to build a compassionate community?’ We voices are what makes accessible, I think people are really loving that.”
necessary, and it
wanted something for our teachers that would be up a community, It’s been an enriching project for both of these
an enrichment as well.” so hopefully they Nebraska alumnae.
After some initial meetings and Blessen helping will get more tools “I just think it’s fantastic that Karen and I
seems so timely
to train more than 50 art teachers, Blessen said in their toolbox ended up working together on this and hav-
Stone-Nunneley took the project from there. about compassion ing our Nebraska connection is wonderful,”
“They’ve been creating art ever since school and empathy and Stone-Nunneley said. ■
right now.”
started last September, and then had their opening storytelling and
reception in March for their exhibits, which are listening.” To see more artwork from the Grand Prairie ISD
all over Grand Prairie,” Blessen said. “Judy led the Blessen hopes Love Project, visit their Facebook page at go.unl.edu/
charge, and her teachers have just done a beautiful the students and the grandprairie. To learn more about the Dallas Love
job with it. It’s really like the LOVE Project again.” viewers of the art take Project and 29 Pieces, visit http://29pieces.org/.
Grand Prairie is a city with a population time to consider the
One of the artworks from the Grand Praire LOVE Project. Courtesy photo.
of more than 175,000 located between Dallas other spiritual traditions and other poets. We first words of these leaders featured on this artwork.
and Fort Worth. The Grand Prairie ISD serves did this in February for Black History Month, so I “Just as with the Dallas LOVE Project, I hope
The LOVE Project was on display at the event herself to Blessen. more than 29,000 students on 41 campuses, found more quotes by African-American authors, that the Grand Prairie artists who participate in
center where this symposium took place. “She remembered me,” Stone-Nunneley said. including elementary schools, middle schools poets and musicians.” it have this moment in time to really consider
“I just looked for Karen all day,” Stone- “When you have a show with somebody, you spend a and high schools. And nearly all of the campuses They worked from the concept of illuminated the words of these great leaders and visionaries,”
Nunneley said. “I knew she was there somewhere.” lot of time getting to know each other pretty good.” participated in the Grand Prairie LOVE Project. manuscripts. Blessen said. “I hope the students have this
Then, as she was waiting for a panel discussion Last year, Blessen did a presentation about the The project, featuring more than 3,000 pieces “The idea of ‘word as image’ is to show how a disruption in their lives to really think about love
to begin, Blessen and her husband, Kelly Nash, project at the Texas Art Education Association of art, was on display this spring at each school, word can be decorative and how it carries part of and put their hands, heart and mind to creating a
walked in and happened to sit beside her. state conference. as well as other buildings in the district, Grand the meaning,” Stone-Nunneley said. “The students piece of art that’s about love, and that they know
“I just looked over and said, ‘Well, it’s meant “There was a lot of buzz about it,” Stone- Prairie Main Library, local churches, community and the teachers were able to interpret their quote that their art has purpose. And then it goes out
to be,’” Stone-Nunneley said and re-introduced Nunneley said. “And I was so impressed with the centers and The Epic, a state-of-the-art family with images or just with patterns or textures. Some there and has the possibility of stopping a viewer
22 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 23Emma Nishimura, “Collected Stories: Harold Miwa,” 2017,
Her work explores notions of memory and how
etching and hand painting on gampi with wax, 17” x 22”. Im-
School of Art, Art History &
history is interpreted and renegotiated, through
age is composed of text from Harold Miwa, 2015, interview by
a varied use of traditional and contemporary
artist on Oct. 29 and Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of the artist.
printmaking techniques. From miniscule hand-
etched texts used in the topographic contours
Design alumna wins major
Nishimura traveled to London to accept the award. on maps, to photogravure on paper successfully
molded three-dimensionally, she incorporates
“It was incredible,” she said. “The
traces of history and individual stories exploring
award ceremony was at the Royal
printmaking prize
spatial and temporal realities.
Academy of Arts. It was a beautiful
E
presentation of Norwegian arts and Her current body of work explores how the
culture.” memories associated with the Japanese Canadian
mma Nishimura (M.F.A. 2013) won
internment have been quietly stored and packed
the Queen Sonja Print Award. The “Right from the beginning of her time
away. Drawing inspiration from a traditional form
award carries a $50,000 prize, here at Nebraska, Emma proved to be
of Japanese packaging known as “furoshiki,”
along with a week-long residency in an extremely dedicated and intelli-
family stories have been layered into the folds of
Sweden. Nishimura received the award Nov. 8, gent artist with a great deal of artistic
a wrapping meant to carry or protect. Memories
2018, at a ceremony at the Royal Academy of potential,” said School of Art, Art
have been captured, recorded and archived.
Arts in London. History & Design Director Francisco
Souto. “Emma’s strengths are found “She is special in the intangible areas that define
“It’s all feeling very surreal still,” Nishimura said
in all the aspects of art making. Her a good artist: curiosity, inventiveness, patience,
of winning the award. “I was thinking it was just
character is perfectly suited to ac- discipline and problem solving,” Souto said.
an incredible honor to be nominated. And then
complish goals that challenge herself “Emma has been one of the greatest students
I found out I won, and I think I’m still speechless
beyond her own limits of technical I have had the great pleasure and opportunity
trying to talk about that.”
and conceptual comfort. Both her to work with. I am extremely proud of her and
With its focus on international graphic art in all meticulous attention to detail and her her accolades speak volumes about the great
its expressions and techniques, the Queen Sonja calmness provide perfect background program we have here at Nebraska.”
Print Award, established in 2011, is one of the to execute delicate and powerful
Nishimura is grateful for this recognition of her
most prestigious prizes for printmaking. The Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway (right) presents the Queen Son- work. Her very intense concentration
work.
award is presented every other year. ja Print Award 2018 to Emma Nishimura on Nov. 8, 2018. Photo: Nina and rigorous attention to intricate
Rangøy/NTB scanpix. details are rather remarkable.” “It’s such a deep honor to have received this
Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, a recently
award, and it’s incredibly generous,” she said.
trained and avid printmaker, created the award Nishimura lives and works near Toronto, Canada, where
“And it’s a real launching pad for me in terms
to generate interest in printmaking and to she teaches at the University of Guelph. Her work
of getting international recognition and to
encourage young artists to develop their craft. ranges from traditional etchings, archival pigment prints,
encourage people to see my work and hear the
drawings and audio pieces to art installations. Her work is
Only 42 artists were nominated for the 2018 stories behind the work. My work is very much
in public and private collections and has been exhibited
Award by curators, museum directors and fellow about Japanese Canadian history, but also just
nationally and internationally.
artists from all over the world. Nishimura was about how we deal with past traumas and how
nominated by 2016 nominee Joscelyn E. Gardner. we carry stories forward.”
Emma Nishimura. Photo by Anna Gaby-Trotz.
“I’ve always revered and admired her and her To see more of her work, visit her website at
Emma Nishimura, “An Archive of Rememory,” detail, 2018,
career, so it was such an honor to be nominated www.emmanishimura.com. ■
Open Studio in Toronto, Ontario. Photo courtesy of the artist.
by her,” Nishimura said.
24 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019College helps
university
celebrate 150th
anniversary
R
ed burned bright Feb. 15 as the Univer- branches of literature, science and the arts.”
sity of Nebraska–Lincoln concluded a Music and Milestones on Feb. 15 at the Lied
Charter Week celebration with music Center featured live performances and multi-
and reflection on the Lied Center for media entertainment and was presented by the
Performing Arts stage, followed by fireworks over Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing
Pound Hall and Love Library. Arts, Lied Center for Performing Arts and Office
Events during the week (Feb. 11-15) honored of the Chancellor.
the Feb. 15, 1869, passage of the legislative act that “The Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Per-
formed the university’s charter as a land-grant in- forming Arts was thrilled to showcase our stu-
stitution. The original charter states, “Be it enacted dents, faculty, alumni and friends in this special
by the Legislature of the State of Nebraska that Music and Milestones event,” said Hixson-Lied
there shall be established in this State an institu- College of Fine and Performing Arts Endowed
tion under the name and style of ‘The University Dean Chuck O’Connor. “My thanks to creator Andy
of Nebraska.’ The object of such institution shall Park and Director William Shomos and all of the
Professor and Director of Orchestras Tyler White conducts the UNL
be to afford the inhabitants of this State, the means faculty, students, alumni and friends who partici-
Symphony during the N|150 Music and Milestones celebration. Photo
of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the various pated in this monumental event.”
by Craig Chandler, University Communication.
26 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 FALL 2019 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS 27More than 300 artists united to perform,
including the UNL Symphony Orchestra, UNL
Opera, UNL Dance, Chamber Singers, Universi-
ty Singers, Varsity Singers and the Cornhusker
Marching Band. Two composition alumni
commissioned for new
Actress and Hixson-Lied Board Member Marg
Helgenberger read selections from Willa Cather’s
O Pioneers! Dick Cavett, in a video, read So This Is
Nebraska, a poem by Ted Kooser. Carson School of
Theatre and Film senior Karen Richards read from
Dress Like a Woman by Roxane Gay.
works for N|150 celebration
Alumnus Jeff Zeleny, senior White House cor-
T
respondent for CNN, was the evening’s emcee.
wo alumni from the Glenn Korff trusting what a resource our young people are, so
The event also featured the premiere of two
School of Music’s composition pro- that’s where it started.”
new commissioned new works by Nebraska alums
gram were commissioned to write new Hope composed a four-minute piece titled
and Glenn Korff School of Music faculty members David von Kampen
works for A Celebration of Music and Redlands to accompany a dance choreographed by
David von Kampen and Garrett Hope.
Milestone, N|150 on Feb. 15 at the Lied Center for Associate Professor of Dance Susan Ourada.
Shomos said he enjoyed working with Park
Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film senior Performing Arts. “It is for two cellos, two double basses, two
on the event.
performance major Karen Richards read Dress Like Garrett Hope (D.M.A. 2011) and David von marimbas and a vibraphone,” Hope said. “Susan
“I had a lot of fun working with Andy Park,
a Woman by Nebraska English alumna Roxane Gay. Kampen (B.M. 2010; M.M. 2011) were each com- and I wanted to do this post-minimalistic, looping
witnessing his creative vision for the production
Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication. missioned for a new work for the event. work so it’s a piece of music that takes small ideas
unfold, while learning so much about the history of
Von Kampen composed Welcome Pioneers, and repeats them with small changes during the
the university along the way,” he said. “For the per-
which was performed by the University Singers repetitions to make it interesting and also to create
formance itself, I loved being in the audience where
and UNL Symphony Orchestra. something that has some natural and open kind of
I could just revel in the wonderful contributions of
“We wanted something that was capturing the qualities of sound to represent the prairie land-
my orchestra, choral, dance, composition and band
tone or the spirit of the event,” von Kampen said. scape with a sense of emerging and then a setting,
colleagues, as they led our students in such fine
Park was pleased to be a part of the historic event. “We wanted to find a text that would capture the as if you’re going through a day.”
performances, showcasing the marvelous work that
“It was a very rewarding experience,” he said. feeling of Nebraska—what this place feels like and Ourada’s dance was titled Sea of Red and
goes on in the Glenn Korff School of Music.”
“It was also, at times, very overwhelming, but it was the people here.” featured performers from her professional dance
To view more photos from the event, visit
a humongous cast. It was a challenge to coordinate Becky Boesen, a local playwright, lyricist, company, sloDance, which includes five dance
go.unl.edu/idbz.
this and to work with so many aspects of the uni- director, actor and teaching artist and adjunct alumni (Bree Gibbs, Katie Heckman, Beth Jensen,
A video of the event, recorded by NET, is avail-
versity to pull this off, but it was also incredible.” theatre faculty member at Doane University, wrote Jordan Patt and Kathryn Hibbard Voight) and one
able on YouTube: go.unl.edu/milestones.
He also felt a duty to pull it off. the poem for the piece. former faculty member, Noelle Bohaty.
The event was made possible with support
“I just honestly feel that those of us who are “The spark for the poem, Welcome Pioneers Hope says there are many connections to the
from Christina M. Hixson and the Hixson-Lied
lucky enough to be around at the time of a major came when I read a quote by Chancellor Green, university with his involvement in this celebration.
Endowment. Additional support for the Univer-
milestone, it’s our job to make it a big deal,” he said. where he spoke about the future of the Univer- “I am proud to be both a graduate and to be on
sity’s N|150 Celebration was provided by Rhonda
“It’s our rituals, our celebration. It really was an sity in relation to our students, as being in ‘good the faculty here,” he said. “It’s an honor to be asked
Seacrest and Earl and Patricia Scudder. ■
Elaina Matthews as Laurie in UNL honor to be at this time and place and be one of the hands,’” Boesen said. “I liked that. I like the idea of to be part of the celebration.” ■
Garrett Hope
Opera’s The Tender Land by Aaron people in charge of honoring this extremely import-
Copland. Photo by Craig Chandler, ant milestone. 150 years is amazing.”
University Communication.
28 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 29“I think that creating worldwide relationships in scope offers artists
the opportunity to share similar and different ideas, experiences, and
cultural practices,” Hwang said. “Such sharing will not only inspire their
own creativity, but it will also help the artists think collectively about their
role as an artist in society at the global scale. I hope that our performance
Left to right: Karen Becker,
will contribute to developing an international professional and educational
Seung-Kyung Baek, Kelli Bower,
network (between the U.S. and South Korea).
Gayle Rocz and Hye-Won
Becker echoed many of Hwang’s thoughts.
Hwang. Courtesy photo.
“Our trip to South Korea allowed us to share our work with the students
and faculty at both schools where we were presenting and will hopefully open
the door for further collaboration,” she said. “I hope to learn about special
collaborative projects that might be going on with the Korean students and
look forward to having an open
dialogue with them regarding
music and the arts.…Perhaps in the
not-too-distant future there can be
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln delegation with representatives from Hansei
a collaborative performance with
I
University. Courtesy photo.
Korff School
students from Seoul and Lincoln.
That would be amazing!” ■
nterdisciplinary and globally impactful collaborations collaboration with dance and music students, a local visual artist, and taiji
can change mindsets, which brings understanding practitioners at the Sheldon Museum of Art last October. We wanted to
Karen Becker rehearses for a
faculty, students
and creativity to audiences throughout the world. continue to do this kind of interdisciplinary collaboration while including
performance at Hansei University.
What started as a partnership with the University our dance and music students in a professional performing arts concert.”
Courtesy photo.
of Nebraska–Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music Seung-Kyung Baek, a doctoral piano student at GKSOM, was interested
(GKSOM) faculty members Karen Becker (cello) and Hye-Won in the grant and asked if Becker and Hwang would be faculty sponsors of her
travel to
Hwang (dance) was taken to another level as they embarked application. Baek then won a grant awarded by GKSOM and the Hixson-Lied
with GKSOM students to South Korea in May. College of Fine and Performing Arts. With the grant support, five music and
The travel was made possible through a new grant, titled dance faculty and students—Becker, Hwang, Baek, Kelli Bower ( junior dance
“Student Interdisciplinary Creative Activity Grant,” initiated in student) and Gayle Rocz ( junior dance student)—traveled to South Korea and
South Korea
the Fall of 2018 by Glenn Korff School of Music Director Sergio performed five dance-music collaboration pieces at Gyeonggi Arts High School
H. Ruiz. The grant is offered to GKSOM students to present and Hansei University in May. In addition, both Becker and Hwang offered
interdisciplinary work at international institutions in order to master classes to Korean music and performing arts students at these institutions.
create relationships with music institutions at the international level and “It has meaning to me because this project has motivated me to continue
global visibility for the GKSOM and the university. to create music-dance collaborative pieces with my music colleague, Karen
“Karen and I conceived a collaboration that can promote peace and Becker, as well as dance and music students,” Hwang said. “Working with
BY BRIAN REETZ,
respect in the Lincoln community among people of diverse backgrounds people from different disciplines is all exciting and meaningful to learn the
G L E N N KO R F F S C H O O L O F M U S I C
sometime early last year,” said Hwang, who is assistant professor of practice unique approach that each person can bring to our collaborative creation.”
in dance. “We co-directed a project titled ‘Rhythm of Peace-Movement The travel was a chance to connect the two countries and make our world
for Change’ and made several interdisciplinary collaborative pieces in even more close-knit. Left to right: Karen Becker, Seung-Kyung Baek, Kelli Bower, Gayle Rocz and Hye-Won
Hwang following their performance at Hansei University. Courtesy photo.
30 HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS | FALL 2019 31You can also read
