Cultural Calendar
SPRINGFIELD--Theater productions, a poetry slam and several art exhibits are just some of the events on the 2008-2009 cultural calendar at American International College. The series will also feature a presentation by Yale historian Paul Kennedy, an evening with Shakespearean actor Kevin Coleman and and a tribute to Springfield's internationally-known artist Alvin Paige.
All events are free and open to the public
"China: Exploring the Interior 1903-1904"
China's political climate was unstable in 1903 as R. Harvey Sargent, a topographer with the U.S. Geological Survey, joined a Carnegie Institute research mission that took him 1,800 miles across the vast interior of China. Along the way, Sargent documented his observations with photographs of the land and the peasants from which the Chinese Revolution was to come. The traveling exhibit is produced in association with the Chinese Room of the Newport (RI) Public Library and the Maine Humanities Council.
September 1 to 25
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Monster.com The Ultimate Road Trip: Campus2Career"
The Ultimate Road Trip is an energetic and interactive presentation about choices students make during college---choices that can turn potential into success and help make the most of the college experience. This is a high energy, interactive program including corporate sponsor giveaways.
September 11, 7 p.m.
Griswold Theatre, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Models of Life"
The American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure present "Models of Life", a multimedia exhibit celebrating breast cancer survivors from Western Massachusetts. The exhibit includes photography, portraits, music, sculpture and poetry. An opening reception will be held on Friday, October 3, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m.
October 1 to 31
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Intercollegiate Poetry Slam 2008"
The American International College Department of English plays host to literary teams from cooperating colleges of Greater Springfield in lively, entertaining and cooperative poetry competition. For the fourth time, area intercollegiate poets will perform original poetry and receive ratings from an Olympic-style panel of non-affiliated judges.
October 15, 6:30 to 11 p.m.
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Jim Mathews - Beer, Booze and Books: A Sober Look at Higher Education"
American International College offices of Student Government, Department of Athletics and The 1st Year Experience present a dynamic non-judgmental approach to confronting high-risk alcohol consumption on college campuses. ”Beer, Booze and Books”—a campus favorite—provides clear, accurate, applicable information and is effectively enhanced by computer generated, multi-media graphics and video. The program includes door prizes, book sales and book signing time with the speaker.
October 28, 7 p.m.
Griswold Theatre, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"City Thinks" presents: "Reflections on China with Paul Kennedy"
Distinguished author and Yale historian Paul Kennedy is featured speaker for "City Thinks 2008: Considering China", a collaboration of the Springfield Public Forum, City Libraries and the American International College Honors program. Dr. Kennedy is internationally known for his writings and commentaries on global political, economic, and strategic issues. His views on the rise of China will serve as the kick off to two weeks of educational programming on China, which culminate in a lecture with National Public Radio Bureau Chief and China expert Rob Gifford on November 13 at Springfield Symphony Hall. For more information on City Thinks and Gifford's lecture, please visit www.springfieldpublicforum.org.
October 30, 7 p.m.
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Alvin Paige: Remembering a Life"
American International College is pleased to present a retrospective look at the work of Alvin Paige, retired Director of the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center and Artist in Residence. "Alvin Paige: Remembering a Life" includes a documentary on the artist and several important works from a career spanning over 55 years.
November 7, 7 p.m.
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Developing Cultural Competencies"
Naomi White-Innis, American International College Director of Multicultural Affairs, delivers an interactive presentation exploring cultural differences. Ms. White-Innis engages her audience through the use of visual tools to increase understanding, enhance communication and encourage respect among diverse groups.
November 18, 7 p.m.
Griswold Theatre, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Our Town"
The AIC Garrett Players, directed by Fred Sokol, present “Our Town”, a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Thornton Wilder. The three-act play, performed on a bare stage devoid of props and set pieces, speaks of friendship, family, and community during the early portion of the twentieth century in a tiny fictional small town in New Hampshire. Often performed, the play is philosophical, poetic, thoughtful and beautiful.
November 21 and 22, 7 p.m.
Griswold Theatre, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Fall Student Art Exhibition"
American International College students display their work in the Second Annual Fall Student Art Show. The exhibit includes the work of students enrolled in Appreciation of Art through Painting and Aesthetic Experience through Contemporary Art.
December 1 to 22
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Student Photography Exhibition"
January 14 to 30
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Black History Month Art Exhibit"
February 1 to 28
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Spring Student Art Exhibition"
American International College Students enrolled in Craft and Design and Painting courses will display a collection of drawings, paintings and collages.
March 1 to 30
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"An Evening with Kevin Coleman"
Kevin Coleman, a founding member of Shakespeare & Company since its inception in 1978, selects this topic for presentation: "Stop Teaching Shakespeare: Approaching Material That Was Meant To Be Performed." An actor, director, and instructor, Coleman teaches text analysis, acting, scene study, stage combat, clown, and directing. AIC acting students will join with Coleman for this interactive evening.
March 4, 7 p.m.
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Puddn'head Wilson"
The American International College Garrett Players, directed by Fred Sokol, present "Puddn'head Wilson", a play by Charles Smith adapted from the novel by Mark Twain. Set in pre-civil war Dawson’s Landing, Missouri, the play features courtroom drama, suspense and comedy. It is a powerful exploration of race, slavery and prejudice in America both then and now.
April 3 and 4, 7 p.m.
Griswold Theatre, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
"Academic Artists Association Annual Exhibit"
AIC is proud to host The 58th Annual Exhibit of the Academic Artists Association, a group of over 300 members across the nation. The American art community respects and recognizes the high standard of excellence presented in this juried competition of professional and emerging artists. The exhibit includes, oils, watercolors, pastels, graphics and sculpture.
April 10 to May 18
West Wing Gallery, Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
