SPRING 2025
“Color is all. When color is right, form is right. Color is everything, color is vibration like music; everything is vibration.”
— Marc Chagall
by
Photo
Kyle Soule
Boundless: A Creative Showcase
ARTIST OPEN HOUSE AND RECEPTION
Wednesday, January 29, 5:00 P.M.
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
EXHIBIT ON VIEW
January 29–March 14, M-F 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. (EST)
Hollister Gallery
BabsonARTS is fortunate to know first-hand the abundance of talented students on campus, some of whom identify as artists and others who may not. This exhibit showcases a sample of artwork that is often only seen inside a residence hall and hopes to inspire the Babson community to look around to see the art that is in more corners of our community than some may know. Sometimes it is up on a wall in an open gallery, and sometimes you only need look a little bit deeper to discover the richness of creativity we see every day.
Photo by Nile Hawver
The Adaptions Staged Reading
By Aran Glynn
DIRECTED BY BETH WYNSTRA
Thursday, February 6, 7:00 P.M.
Sorenson Black Box
FREE. Due to limited seating registration is encouraged.
A student in the final year of his elite graduate playwriting program attempts to adapt David Belasco’s one-act play Madame Butterfly: A Tragedy of Japan for his thesis. And he fails. Again. And again. And again? Tragic.
Aran Glynn, class of 2025, has been working on his first full-length play while a student at Babson College, receiving two Student Arts Grants over three years in support of the play. After a successful table read in the fall semester to hear actors reading the roles in-person for the first time, BabsonARTS and the The Empty Space Theater are proud to present this staged, script-in-hand reading as the next step in the play’s development.
Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Day
Dr. Régine Jean-Charles
Wednesday, February 12, 5:00 P.M. (EST)
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE. Registration required at babsonarts.org
The Babson community remembers, reflects upon, and celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. This annual event continues conversations around Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and peace in our own community and in the world at large.
This year’s theme is Light, Love & Liberation with keynote speaker Dr. Régine Jean-Charles, Dean’s Professor of Culture and Social Justice as well as Director of Africana Studies at Northeastern University. A Black feminist literary scholar who works at the intersections of race, gender and justice from a global perspective, she has authored over 30 publications and is a regular contributor to media outlets like Ms. Magazine, The Boston Globe, WGBH, America Magazine, and Cognoscenti on WBUR. Dr. Jean-Charles’s activist work has been with A Long Walk Home, Inc., a non-profit organization that uses art to educate, inspire, and mobilize young people to end violence against girls and women. Scan the QR code to visit the MLK Legacy Day website for more information.
A CASE FOR LOVE
Where have you witnessed unselfish love?
Where have you seen its absence? BabsonARTS and the Office of Belonging and Inclusion present this documentary to open conversations about the societal and political divide facing the world and how it is impacting us individually and collectively. Come experience A Case for Love, followed by a short talk back. Events the following day provide opportunities to learn more about Grace Based Films’ unique business model and delve into the topics from the film that resonated with the audience.
A Case for Love Screening
Thursday, February 20, 7:00 P.M.
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Inspired by the teaching and writings of Bishop Michael Curry, most well-known for his passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, this feature-length documentary examines the question of whether love, specifically –unselfish – love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the world. The film team traveled the U.S. searching for people living their lives selflessly and how that way of living affects others and themselves. Random people on the street to well-known figures including Pete Buttigieg, Sam Waterston, Al Roker, and Becca Stevens share their thoughts on the topic, and finally Bishop Michael Curry places it all into context.
See the trailer at gracebasedfilms.org
Hope Listening Tour
Friday, February 20, 12:30 P.M. Sorenson Black Box
Open only to current BOW students. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Grace Based Films is in pre-production on their next project, a feature-length narrative film, focusing on the challenges of young people who have entered school or launched a career amid a pandemic and turbulent economy. This story is for young people and the filmmakers invite students to share their views, insights and experiences as part of the listening tour seeking out an array of voices and asking difficult questions.
More information available at gracebasedfilms.org/hope
Creating a Movement: A Conversation with Brian Ide
Friday, February 21, 11:00 A.M. Sorenson Upper Lobby
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Grace Based Films is a revolutionary film production company based in Hollywood. They tell universal stories that reveal the complexity of living a life in hope and faith. They have reenvisioned the typical film business model by funding their films through donors rather than investors, allowing them to put people to work and profits to go toward future stories and philanthropy, rather than investors and filmmakers. Brian Ide, Co-Founder and Director of Grace Based Films hosts this open conversation that will follow wherever the audience wants to take the conversation, from their response to A Case for Love to questions about building a film company around creating a movement, and anything in between.
The Littauer Series Poverty, by America: Matthew Desmond
Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 P.M.
Carling-Sorenson Theater
Event is limited to Babson Students, Faculty and Staff.
Priority to Spring 2025 FCI classes. Registration required.
MacArthur “Genius” Matthew Desmond was launched onto the national stage as an expert on contemporary American poverty with the publication of his Pulitzer Prize winning bestseller Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Desmond’s latest book, Poverty, by America, investigates why the United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. Why does this land of plenty allow one in every eight of its children to go without basic necessities, permit scores of its citizens to live and die on the streets, and authorize its corporations to pay poverty wages?
Desmond is the Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology and the founder and principal investigator of the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. He is a Contributing Writer for The New York Times Magazine, and his writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the New Yorker, and The Chicago Tribune
Presented by the Littauer Committee, jointly housed in the Arts & Humanities and History & Society Divisions, with additional support provided by the Foundations of Critical Inquiry (FCI) Program and the Associate Deans of the Undergraduate School.
Photo by Barron Bixler
Global Film: The Persian Version
Directed by Maryam Keshavarz
Tuesday, March 4, 7:00 P.M. (EST)
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE. Registration required at babsonarts.org
Winning both the Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, this film by writer-director-producer Maryam Keshavarz delivers a universal and timely story of the Iranian and Iranian American experience with this crowd-pleasing comedy. With a family that straddles two conflicting cultures, Iranian American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures while boldly challenging the labels society is so quick to project upon her. When her family reunites in New York City for her father’s heart transplant, Leila keeps her family members at arm’s length to avoid lectures and judgement about her lifestyle. But as time goes by, Leila begins to see the distinct parallels between her life and that of her mother, Shireen (Niousha Noor). Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comedy, and vibrant dance numbers, The Persian Version delivers an honest portrayal of a woman who remains unapologetically herself, blended seamlessly into a heartfelt story about family, belonging, and the undeniable influence of pop music.
Post-film discussion will be held immediately following the screening.
Co-presented by the Global Film Series and the Arts and Humanities Division.
Children of War: New Work by Bayda Asbridge
ARTIST OPEN HOUSE AND RECEPTION
Thursday, March 27, 5:00 P.M.
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
EXHIBIT ON VIEW
March 27 – May 18, M-F 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (EST)
Hollister Gallery
This exhibit carries the voice of children trapped in war and displacement. A series of sculptures in the shape of umbrellas (a symbol of protection) hang from the ceiling or sit on the floor upside down collecting drops of rain. The sculptures are made with round reeds, and copper wires woven with colorful yarn. Water is symbolic throughout the project, each umbrella highlighting different challenges for the children: A child that drowned while escaping in a dingy from one land to another, another who is forced to live in a tent flooded with sea water in the cold months of winter, another who has gone days with no water to drink at all. The vibrant primary colors and overall whimsy of the piece further highlights the children it represents.
Bayda is a Syrian American multi-disciplinary artist, who works in a wide range of mediums. Bayda was trained as an Asian Brush painter and taught that art form at Worcester Art Museum. She has vast knowledge in painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, Japanese weaving (Saori), mixed media, sculpture, installation, and basketry. Bayda was awarded the Frances Kinnicutt Travel & Study Award (2011) from Worcester Art Museum, a Mass Cultural Traditional Arts Award in Arabic Calligraphy (2021), and an individual artist grant from Mass Culture (2023).
Artist website: www.baydasart.com
Sorenson Arts Scholars Spotlight
Friday, March 28, 5:00 P.M. (EST)
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
This year’s scholars: Gabi Garozzo, Julian Ivarra, Brigid Kelly, Leah Paragano, Rosie Ruben, Izzy Russo, Nora Ryan, Ben Yaeger, Jenny Zheng.
The Sorenson Arts Scholarship supports student artists while pursuing their Babson College education. Each scholar focuses on an annual project, starting with their primary medium, to explore their artistic identity and to feed their creative development. The Spotlight features our cohort of nine scholars presenting their project for this year, followed by a reception to meet these talented artists and entrepreneurs. Join this celebration of their ongoing journey.
Photo by Nile Hawver from Spotlight 2024
Thompson Poet Reading Series: Victoria Chang
Wednesday, April 2, 5:00 P.M.
Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Victoria Chang’s most recent book of poems is With My Back to the World, published in 2024 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. It received the Forward Prize in Poetry for Best Collection. OBIT (Copper Canyon Press, 2020) received the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in Poetry, and the PEN/Voelcker Award. It was also a finalist for the Griffin International Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as longlisted for the National Book Award. Other recent books include The Trees Witness Everything (Copper Canyon Press, 2022) and her nonfiction book, Dear Memory (Milkweed Editions, 2021). She has received a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Chowdhury International Prize in Literature. She is the Bourne Chair in Poetry at Georgia Tech and Director of Poetry@Tech.
Artist’s Website: victoriachangpoet.com
Series made possible in part by the Charles D. and Marjorie J. Thompson Visiting Poet Fund.
Photo by Pat Cray
LIVE AT THE BLACK BOX
Thursday, April 3, 7:00 P.M.
Sorenson Black Box
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Live at the Black Box features student performers, and the lineup may include anything from a solo singer to a band to a stand-up comedian. These performers are showcased in short sets in an intimate and relaxing club style environment with refreshments. Stop in for a particular act or stay for the duration of the event. Run time approximately 60 minutes.
Students interested in applying to perform should contact the BabsonARTS office at babsonarts@ babson.edu for application materials and guidelines. We encourage all performers to apply!
Photo by Kyle Soule
Waterline Reading Series Showcase
Tuesday, April 8, 5:00 P.M. Hollister Gallery
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Waterline features a fast-paced hour of literary works from Babson College faculty and staff fiction writers, poets, and essayists. The selection is always intriguing and often includes works in progress not yet in publication. Recently featured authors: Steve Bauer, Mary O’Donoghue, Wes Miller, Mary Pinard, Asiel Sepulveda and David Youtz.
Co-presented with the Arts and Humanities Division.
Photo by Kyle Soule
Photo by Kyle Soule
Babson Music Collective Concert
Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 P.M. Carling-Sorenson Theater
FREE and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
The Babson Music Collective is rooted in the jazz traditions of improvisation and creative expression. The group finds inspiration in a range of musical styles, from pop and afrobeat to classic jazz standards. Drawing on each member’s personal playing style and experiences, the Collective creates unique arrangements for all the music it plays. The Babson Music Collective strives to foster a community of Babson’s many student musicians and listeners.
Photo by Nile Hawver
Visual Arts Workshops
Come explore your creativity! Workshops are in-person and open to current Babson, Olin, and Wellesley students, faculty, and staff. Materials and instruction are provided; no prior experience needed. Registration is required and will open two weeks prior to each workshop at babsonarts.org. Workshops fill quickly. If sold out, email babsonarts@babson.edu to inquire about a wait list.
Ceramics Glazing
Thursday, January 30, 5:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
Ceramics Studio (Trim 221)
FREE. Registration opens January 16.
Embark on a journey of creativity and expression as you learn the art of painting on bisqueware pottery. Discover the secrets of layering, blending, and decorating with vibrant glazes to add depth and character to your pieces. This workshop provides the perfect opportunity to explore new techniques and experiment with colors. Join us and experience the joy of transforming ordinary bisqueware into extraordinary works of art that reflect your unique style and vision.
Linocut Printing
Thursday, March 6, 5:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
2D/3D Studio (Trim 215)
FREE. Registration opens February 20.
Unleash your creativity in this hands-on linocut printing workshop! Learn the basics of carving designs into linoleum blocks and printing your unique creations on paper. This workshop will guide you through the entire process—from selecting tools to mastering inking and printing techniques. Take an inspiring dive into this timeless printmaking form and leave with your own hand-carved block and prints, ready to showcase or gift. Printing can be messy, please dress accordingly.
Dot Mandala Painting
Thursday, April 10, 5:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
2D/3D Studio (Trim 215)
FREE. Registration opens March 27.
Discover the captivating and therapeutic rhythm of the ancient art of dot mandala painting when you create intricate patterns, designs, and motifs inspired by traditional mandalas. Unleash your inner artist and explore the meditative process of layering colorful dots to craft stunning compositions on unique surfaces. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned painter, come delve into the beauty of dot mandala art and leave with your own masterpiece, infused with positive energy and personal expression.
ARTScapades
The ARTScapades program is an opportunity for current students, staff, and faculty to attend amazing local professional performances. Sponsored by BabsonARTS, members of the Babson community can purchase substantially discounted tickets to theatre, museums, music, dance and more in the Greater Boston area (transportation to events is not provided).
Ain’t No Mo’
By Joran E. Cooper, Directed by Dawn M. Simmons
A Front Porch Arts Collective & Speakeasy Stage Co-Production
February 1, 7:30 P.M.
Roberts Studio Theater, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston
2023 Tony Nominee for Best Play! A blisteringly funny satire, a series of sharp comic vignettes about Black American life, history, and identity.
Tickets for students are $10 for all events and go on sale two weeks prior to each event. Faculty/Staff tickets range from $15-20 and go on sale one week prior to each event.
Cash only, limit 2 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Alex Brand in Trim 216 or email abrand@babson.edu.
Swan Lake
Boston Ballet
March 5, 7:30 P.M.
Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston
Swan Lake is a timeless story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice set to a masterful score by P.I. Tchaikovsky that enthralls audiences as one of the world’s most iconic and beloved classical ballets
Student Arts Clubs
Babson is filled with talented and passionate student artists. These are the student-led groups that work most often with BabsonARTS as they perform and create on campus, but there are new groups and more creator events than we can list. Students who want to learn about all the student clubs and organizations on campus can find more information at belong.babson.edu.
AMAN
AMAN exists to increase awareness surrounding the countries comprising South Asia through unification of the diverse people, culture, and languages. Performance: April 10, 8:00 P.M.
@amanbabson @amanbabson
Babson Asian Pacific Student Association
BAPSA is an Asian cultural student organization for undergraduates. All students are welcome to find a tightknit community, connect based on Asian heritage, or to simply learn more about various Asian cultures. Annual Night Market in April, check belong.babson for specifics.
@BabsonAsianPacificStudentAssociation
@babsonbapsa
Babson Dance Ensemble
BDE is the largest student-run organization on campus and produces show-stopping performances each semester that showcase the talented dancers and choreographers of Babson. Performances: April 25 and 26, 8:00 P.M.
@babsondance
@babsondanceensemble
The Babson Players
The Babson Players produce, perform, promote, and create a space for unity in the living arts for members of the Babson community and surrounding public primarily through the production of professional, high-quality theater including plays, musicals, and other theatrical projects. Performances: April 17, 18 and 19 7:00 P.M.
@BabsonPlayers @babsonPlayers
Babson Rocket Pitches
The Babson Rocket Pitches a cappella group is a co-ed group of undergraduate students who share a passion for vocal music and performance. Performance: April 27, 6:00 P.M.
@babsonrocketpitches @rocketpitches
Babson Sound
Babson College Radio provides community members media and live entertainment via talk shows, podcasts, music streams, open mics, and concerts. They provide a platform and support for students to create content and events. Find events throughout the semester on belong. babson.
@babson.sound
CREATE
CREATE aspires to enrich the Babson community by encouraging all Babson students to create. The group is a collective of students who enjoy making things together and regularly host events embracing all forms of artistic mediums and expressions.
@createinthestudio @createinthestudio
Students Against Gravity
SAG specializes in short form improv games and have weekly practices open to all levels of experience in addition to monthly shows, providing laughter and entertainment to all students whether they participate or observe. Performances the first Friday of each month, time and location available on belong.babson.
@SAGBabson @sagbabson
Threads and Friends
Threads and Friends aims to create a vibrant and inclusive community for individuals who share a passion for fiber arts. The club’s goal is to foster creativity, skill-sharing, and meaningful connections among members who appreciate the artistry and joy that come from working with threads, fabrics, and related materials. Everyone at every level is welcome, whether a beginning or an expert.
@threads.and.friends
The Babson Campus
BabsonARTS events take place on the picturesque campus of Babson College located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Babson is a recognized leader in entrepreneurial education whose purpose is to empower learners anywhere to create lasting economic and social value for themselves, their communities, and the world.
The Sorenson Center for the Arts is located at 19 Babson College Drive. Free parking is available in the Trim Parking Lot, a short walk from the theater.
Support for BabsonARTS programs is made possible through the ongoing generosity of Richard W. Sorenson M ’68, P ’97, ’00, and Sandra L. Sorenson P ’98, ’00, and donations from alumni and patrons.
#8 Event Parking
#26 Sorenson Center for the Arts Carling-Sorenson Theater
#9 Hollister Hall Gallery Space
#27 Glavin Family Chapel
#7 Trim Grille Room
#7 Sorenson Center for the Arts Administrative Office at Trim
#7 Sorenson Family Visual Arts Center - at Trim
Reynolds’ Lawn
Cover: Photo by Nile Hawver