Portland State University | College of the Arts Spring 2024 Events

SPRING EVENTS

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Architecture (ARCH)

Music & Theater (M&T)

Community Partner (CP)

Film Art + Design (A+D)

College of the Arts (COTA)

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)

Event continues on multiple dates.

Events may be subject to change. Please check pdx.edu/arts for updates on specific events before attending.

“The first bud of spring sings the other seeds into joining her uprising.” So wrote the poet Amanda Gorman in her poem “The Power of Firsts.”

Our roles as artists, educators, and students have much in common with that little first bud of spring. Like those first tiny hints of spring, we are called upon to inspire, to spark questions, to encourage the seeking of answers and solutions. True to form, the College of the Arts spring calendar is brimming with concerts, lectures, exhibitions, portfolio showcases and more. Our Portland State Opera program’s production of “The Merry Widow” is a wonderful celebration of spring, and it promises to be a visual stunner. Our choirs are busy with triumphant concerts to mark the culmination of their season, our Film and Graphic Design programs will hold their annual showcases of stellar student work, and we offer many more performances and events to mark the season. And I am excited to share the last installment of The Arts at the Vanguard of Change, our year-long discussion series, with a conversation on intersectional communities with some of our most lauded and beloved faculty.

I invite you to join us in celebrating spring by supporting our students at these inspirational events.

All the best,

Leroy E. Bynum, Jr.

Dean, College of the Arts Portland State University

On the cover: PSU School of Film Annual Showcase: The School of Film hosts its annual portfolio show and curated showcase of the best in film writing and production, with reception, screening, and open house on Friday, June 7. Shown here, student Elijah Stegner-Herbest makes adjustments to a test shot in preparation for “Interdimensional Piano,” a short film he and his classmates are creating in a course titled Stop Motion Animation Practice, taught by Dan Ackerman. See page 9.

ONGOING

ONGOING

THU 4

FRI 5 SAT 6

THU 11

Labor of Love—“Labor of Love” is an exhibition featuring eight artists whose work aims to expose and highlight labor practices that have been historically and systemically concealed from the public sphere. Runs through April 27.

JSMA | TIMES VARY | FREE

JSMA AT PSU

Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts Prize Exhibition—This annual exhibition celebrates the work of recipients of the Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts Prize. The 2023 recipients are Ashley Yang-Thompson, Ash Kukuzke, and Mohabbat Khatibnia-Mansouri. Runs through April 27.

A+D | TIMES VARY | FREE

JSMA AT PSU

Show & Tell: Graphic Design Lecture Series—At the PSU Graphic Design program’s lunchtime lecture series, design professionals share wisdom on current topics in design. Held weekly on Thursdays.

A+D | NOON | FREE

ART BUILDING 320 AND VIRTUAL

Northwest Percussion Festival—The Northwest Percussion Festival brings together college percussion studios and ensembles from around the Northwest region for performances by ensembles, guest artist clinics and performances, and a director’s recital on April 6. Runs through April 7.

M&T | TIMES VARY | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL, STUDIO THEATER

Exhibition Tour—Public tour of “Labor of Love” exhibition led by JSMA staff. ASL interpreting provided.

JSMA | 1 P.M. | FREE

JSMA AT PSU

PSU Chamber Choir with the Oregon Symphony: Mozart’s Requiem—The PSU Chamber Choir will perform Mozart’s Requiem with the Oregon Symphony. Additional performances on April 7 and 8.

M&T, CP | TIMES VARY | $25–$132

ARLENE SCHNITZER CONCERT HALL

Noon Concert: Woodwind Area Students—Woodwind students present the colorful sounds and literature of instruments such as oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon.

M&T | NOON | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL AND VIRTUAL

À la Parisienne: Step into an enchanting world of passion, intrigue, secret romance, and irresistible charm with Portland State Opera’s “The Merry Widow.” This effervescent operetta by Franz Lehár has captivated audiences for centuries with its tale of love and second chances, originally set in the opulent world of Belle Epoque Paris. Portland State Opera presents a fresh, youthful, colorful take on this beloved classic–placing the action in the glamorous environs of 1960s Paris. Follow the vivacious widow Hanna Glawari as she navigates a whirlwind of romance, masked intentions, high-society drama, and so much dancing–from the waltz to the can-can to the polonaise. With sumptuous melodies, lavish costumes, and a cast of charismatic and hilarious characters, “The Merry Widow” promises an unforgettable evening of theatrical splendor that turns tradition on its head. Runs April 19–28. See below.

SAT

13

FRI 19 SAT 20

Storytime—Children and their guardians are invited to hear stories celebrating community, culture, and hidden laborers in connection with the current exhibition “Labor of Love.” ASL interpreting provided.

JSMA | 11 A.M. | FREE

JSMA AT PSU

PSU Opera: The Merry Widow—Portland State Opera presents Franz Lehár’s delightful operetta, accompanied by the PSU Orchestra. Additional performances on April 21, 27, and 28. See above.

M&T | TIMES VARY | $20–$45

LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

Percussive Arts Society: Percussion Ensemble Competition and Festival—Featuring performances by Oregon and Washington High School percussion ensembles with guest clinicians Garrett Arney and Dr. Terry Longshore.

M&T, CP | 9 A.M. | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL

THU 2

Noon Concert: Music History Presentation—Presentation on Subito, the School of Music & Theater’s journal of music, followed by a presentation on Schoenberg’s work.

M&T | NOON | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL AND VIRTUAL

FRI 3

SAT 4 SUN 5

WED 8

FRI 10

Rising: Rose & Thorn Choir Recital—PSU Rose and Thorn Choir students perform their final concert of the year under the direction of graduate student conductors Kimi Gubler Davis and Molly Kerns-Clapp.

M&T | 7:30 P.M. | $15 GENERAL; $7 STUDENTS AND SENIORS

ST. PHILIP NERI CATHOLIC CHURCH

Be Honest—Graphic Design students show their work at the 14th annual student portfolio showcase. It’s part portfolio show, part party, part open house, part alumni reunion, and all fun.

A+D | 5 P.M. | FREE

WIEDEN + KENNEDY

Portland Piano International: Eric Lu—Eric Lu, pianist, plays Bach, Schubert, Handel, Mendelssohn, and Chopin.

CP | 4 P.M. | $45–$55; $10–$20 WITH PSU ID

LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

Audrey Luna Vocal Recital—International opera star and PSU alumna returns to Portland to give a song recital and master class.

M&T | 6 P.M. | $20

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL

The Innocents—John Lane and Allen Otte present a dramatic soundscape exploring the issues surrounding wrongful imprisonment and exoneration in the American criminal justice system.

M&T | 7:30 P.M. | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL

Master of Architecture Thesis Open House—Gallery-style open house showcasing Master of Architecture thesis projects. See page 5.

ARCH | 10 A.M. | FREE SHATTUCK HALL

PSU Steinway Piano Series Concert: Oxana Yablonskaya Guest pianist Oxana Yablonskaya performs works by C.P.E. Bach, Schubert, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and Franck.

M&T | 7 P.M. | $25 GENERAL; $10 STUDENTS AND SENIORS

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL

PHOTOS FROM 2023 MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE THESIS PRESENTATIONS

SKETCH FROM M.ARCH STUDENT REBECCA SILK’S THESIS, WHICH ENVISIONS A WEAVING CENTER IN DOWNTOWN PORTLAND, INCORPORATING DETAILS OF TRADITIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET TECHNIQUE AND HONORS THE REGION’S HISTORY AS A FORMER WETLAND.

Design thinking: In the School of Architecture, students pursuing the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree engage in a yearlong investigation in which they select a topical issue, develop a body of research both within and outside of the discipline of architecture, and create a complete and detailed architectural design response to the topic. Master of Architecture thesis projects at Portland State range from communityfocused public interest design concepts to explorations of architectural materiality and sustainability, from the poetic to the concrete and everything in between. The thesis program culminates in oral presentations to a panel of invited jurors, followed by the production of commemorative books, each detailing the student’s research, design process, and inspiring results. This year, students will share their designs with the community in a pin-up and gallery-style Master of Architecture Thesis Open House on Friday, May 10. See page 4.

SAT 11 SUN 12 TUE 14 THU 16 SAT 18 TUE 21

The Portland Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Dancers perform John Clifford’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with music by Felix Mendelssohn.

CP | TIMES VARY | PRICE TBD

LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

PSU Steinway Piano Series: Master Class with Oxana Yablonskaya—Pianist Oxana Yablonskaya leads a master class with performances by students in the PSU community.

M&T | 7 P.M. | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL

PSU Steinway Piano Series: Master Class with Susan Chan—Susan Chan, PSU emeritus professor, leads a master class with performances by students in the PSU community.

M&T | 2 P.M. | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL

The Arts at the Vanguard of Change: Intersectional Communities—The final brown-bag conversation in the College of the Arts’ year-long discussion series “The Arts at the Vanguard of Change” features Kate Bingaman-Burt (Art + Design), Anna Goodman (Architecture), and Coty Raven Morris (Music & Theater). Courtney Hermann (Film) facilitates.

COTA | NOON | FREE

LINCOLN HALL 121

Long Story Short: MFA/BFA Showcase Opening

Reception—Public reception for annual exhibition of artwork by students graduating from the School of Art + Design’s BFA in Art Practice, MFA in Art + Social Practice, and MFA in Studio Practice.

A+D | 5 P.M. | FREE

JSMA AT PSU

Long Story Short: 2024 MFA/BFA Showcase—An exhibition of work from the 2024 graduates of the BFA in Art Practice and MFA in Contemporary Art Practice programs of the PSU School of Art + Design. Runs through June 8.

A+D | TIMES VARY | FREE

JSMA AT PSU

Oregon Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society: Jazz Girls Day—Female-identifying middle- and high-school students are invited to a fun-filled day of learning, playing, and performing jazz. Students of all levels are welcome.

M&T, CP | 9 A.M. | FREE

LINCOLN HALL

Gallery Talks: Art Practice BFA Students—Graduating BFA students in the Art Practice program will give artist talks in the galleries of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in connection with their thesis work. Additional talks on May 23, 28, and 30.

A+D | 2 P.M. | FREE

JSMA AT PSU

THU 23

TUE 28

PSU Theater: The Wolves—PSU Theater presents “The Wolves,” a sporty coming-of-age story about a high school girls’ indoor soccer team, by Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah DeLappe. Additional performances through June 1.

M&T | TIMES VARY | $6–$15; FREE FOR PSU STUDENTS WITH ID BOILER ROOM STUDIO

An Evening of Song—Join tenor Katherine Goforth and pianist Chuck Dillard, PSU faculty member and founder of Queer Opera, in an evening of art songs and arias. Goforth is the recipient of the inaugural True Voice Award, created to increase the visibility of transgender and non-binary opera singers.

M&T | 7:30 P.M. | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL

University Band Concert—University Band students present their spring performance.

M&T | 7 P.M. | $7–$10

LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

Jazz Combo Nights—Jazz area student combos present a variety of jazz and contemporary music arranged or composed for their ensemble peers. Additional performance on May 29.

M&T | TIME TBD | FREE STUDIO THEATER

WED 29

PSU Percussion Ensemble—Contemporary chamber percussion works from the PSU Percussion Ensemble, and performances by members of the PSU Percussion Studio.

M&T | 7:30 P.M. | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL

THU 30

FRI 31

Lost in Translation: Misread Arabic and Other Misadventures in the Modern Histories of Medieval Silk Claire Dillon, Ph.D. candidate in Islamic Art History at Columbia University, discusses medieval silk textiles and the obstacles scholars have navigated when researching them. RSVP online.

A+D | 5 P.M. | FREE VIRTUAL

PSU Choirs: Into the Light—The last concert in the PSU Choirs’ year-long season “From Dust to Dawn,” this event features performances by PSU’s University Choirs, combined Rose and Thorn Choirs, and guest artists.

M&T | 7:30 P.M. | SUGGESTED DONATION

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The roots of difference: In her lecture titled “Demons and Pygmies: Determining Humanness from the Ancients to Today,” Vanderbilt University professor Lynn Ramey, Ph.D., explores the changing perceptions of what defines humanness. Dr. Ramey’s research investigates the movements of medieval travelers, who sought the edges of the known world in order to discover other races and encountered pygmies and other groups. These historical explorations led to the formation of ideas about the relative humanness of people perceived as different, which may have become the basis of the racism that is so prevalent in Western society today. Earlier the same day, Prof. Ramey, widely known for her work in the digital humanities, will offer a workshop on medieval storytelling for PSU students on Twine, an open-source digital tool that allows users to create interactive narratives in the “choose your own adventure” style. This talk is offered through the generous support of the M.A. Tooze Endowed Visiting Professor of Islamic and Ancient Art fund. The lecture takes place Friday, June 7. See page 9.

RIGHT: IMAGE OF MEDIEVAL ANTHROPOMORPHIC DEMON, DETAIL OF A STAINED GLASS WINDOW FROM NOTRE DAME DE PARIS.

MON 3

THURS 6

PSU Jazz with Johnaye Kendrick—Grammy Award winning vocalist Johnaye Kendrick performs with the PSU Vocal Collective and PSU Jazz Band. This collaborative concert, led and directed by PSU faculty Sherry Alves and George Colligan, includes arrangements created especially to feature jazz students and Kendrick.

M&T | 7:30 P.M. | $12–$20; FREE WITH PSU ID LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

Noon Concert: Music Education—Music Education majors and their efforts to learn secondary instruments are celebrated in this joyful performance that will also invite audience participation.

M&T | NOON | FREE

LINCOLN RECITAL HALL AND VIRTUAL

PSU Wind Symphony Concert: “Renewal”—Spring concert featuring the PSU Wind Symphony and the Cleveland High School Wind Ensemble.

M&T | 7 P.M. | $7–$10 LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

ReWire: Songwriting Showcase—An evening of live original songs by Sonic Arts and Music Production students, in collaboration with lighting design students in the Theater program.

M&T | 8 P.M. | FREE STUDIO THEATER

FRI 7

Assembly: Art + Social Practice—PSU Art + Social Practice students present an annual conference featuring student-led events and workshops. Runs through June 9.

A+D | TIMES VARY | FREE LLOYD CENTER

The School of Film Annual Showcase—The School of Film hosts an annual portfolio event and film showcase, both in person and online. See page 1.

FILM | 3:30 P.M. | FREE

LINCOLN HALL ROOM 121, 115, AND LOBBY

Demons and Pygmies: Determining Humanness from the Ancients to Today—Professor Lynn Ramey of Vanderbilt University discusses medieval art history. See page 8.

A+D | 5 P.M. | FREE ART BUILDING 200

SAT 8

PSU Orchestra: Unfinished Business—Ken Selden conducts the PSU Orchestra with music of Franz Schubert and William Grant Still.

M&T | 7:30 P.M. | PRICE TBD MISSION THEATER

SUN 9 FRI 14 FRI 21

SUN 30

NW Dance Project: Student Artist Showcase—This annual showcase features performances in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and more from NW Dance Project’s Youth Dance Program students.

CP | TIMES VARY | PRICE TBD

LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

Kyogen: Trickery, Laughter, and Love—PSU students perform comic Japanese Kyogen plays and dance pieces.

CP | TIME TBD | PRICE TBD

LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

Recharged: New Works by Shaun Keylock Company Shaun Keylock Company presents a triple bill featuring Tere Mathern’s “Evidence of Division,” a world premiere by Jessica Hightower, and Keely McIntyre’s “Drift.” Additional performances through June 23.

CP | TIMES VARY | $20–$50

LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

Sonic Evolution: Mendelssohn, Bernstein & Neikrug Chamber Music Northwest presents David Shifrin, Bella Hristova, Alessio Bax, and Frank Rosenwein, plus a new oboe quartet by composer Marc Neikrug and Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio.

CP | 4 P.M. | $10–$67.50

LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL

GIVE TODAY

YOUR GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

SUPPORT THE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

“This scholarship has allowed me to pursue my dual musical passions without undue financial burden and to keep my primary focus on my studies and my music. I am incredibly, eternally grateful.”

—2023–2024 scholarship recipient, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Composition, College of the Arts, Class of 2024

Thanks to the generosity of friends like you, our students and faculty in the College of the Arts (COTA) are able to turn their aspirations into reality, developing the skills and portfolio of work to be creative leaders in an ever-evolving world. Your gift to COTA scholarships, faculty research and initiatives, and programs will ensure PSU continues to develop the next generation of artists and offer a vibrant creative community.

Contact Kailin Mooney, Director of Development for PSU Arts, at mooneyk@psuf.org or 503.725.5031 for more information.

To make a gift, visit giving.psuf.org/give-cota

COTY RAVEN MORRIS CONDUCTS THE ROSE AND THORN CHOIRS. SEE PAGES 2, 4 AND 7 FOR CONCERTS BY THE AWARD-WINNING PSU CHOIRS.

CAMPUS VENUES

1

Lincoln Hall

1620 SW Park Avenue

Boiler Room Theater—Room 55

Performance Hall—Room 175

Recital Hall—Room 75

Studio Theater—Room 115

Park/Green Space

PSU Building

Portland Street Car

Max Line

2 Fariborz Maseeh Hall (FMH)

1855 SW Broadway

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU—Ground Floor

3 Shattuck Hall

1914 SW Park Avenue

SW 10th Ave

SW Park Ave

SW Market St

SW Harrison St

SW Hall St

SW Mill St

SW Broadway

Smith Memorial Student Union

1

PS1

2

3

PS3

PS2

4 Art Building 2000 SW 5th Avenue

TICKETS, PARKING & SAFETY

Tickets—Purchase tickets through the University Box Office at pdx.edu/boxoffice or 503.725.3305.

Parking at Lincoln Hall—The nearest parking is in PSU Parking Structure 2 (SW Broadway and Mill)

Parking Rates

SW Mill St

SW 5th Ave

SW Market St

SW College St

SW 4th Ave SW6thAve

SW Lincoln

Mon–Sat—$5 after 5 p.m. Sat—$7 all day

Sun—$5 all day

Metered street parking is also available.

Health and Safety—Events at Portland State University follow health and safety protocol as set by local, state and federal health officials. Please check pdx.edu/arts for updates on specific events before attending.

OFFCAMPUS VENUES

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall 1037 SW Broadway

Portland First United Methodist Church 1838 SW Jefferson Street

Lloyd Center 2201 Lloyd Center

Mission Theater 1624 NW Glisan Street

St. Philip Neri Catholic Church 2408 SE 16th Avenue

Wieden + Kennedy 224 NW 13th Avenue

P.O. BOX 751

PORTLAND, OR 97207-0751

PDX.EDU/ARTS