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The Arts at Appalachian

The Russian National Ballet on the stage of the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: Troy Tuttle

Art for Life: All across our campus, Appalachian presents diverse and vibrant arts programs that enrich the cultural and intellectual climate of the campus and region.

Arts Events & Venues

Join us for an event or exhibition — you can find one nearly every day of the year, for nearly every age level and interest.

Arts as Curriculum

The arts offer innovative ways to learn about the world. Appalachian's academic arts programs are varied and diverse, and students have many opportunities to experience, interpret, understand, record and shape culture through the arts at Appalachian.

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Arts Calendar

Find out about upcoming arts and cultural events at Appalachian.

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Tier 2000
by Ann Melanie
From the Rosen Outdoor Scuplture Exhibition

Find your Art at the Turchin Center

Bale Folclorico comes to App and watch what happens!

Arts Calendar

Jun
6
to
29
Summer Dance Series 2017
June 6 - 29, 2017
Appalachian's Department of Theatre and Dance presents four weeks of summer dance and body work classes throughout the month of June. Classes are open to dancers and dance enthusiasts of all ages from campus and the local communities. The dance classes will be mixed beginning/intermediate levels with rotating teachers and dance styles for each class. No fees or registration needed.
Jun
26
to
30
Cre8tive Drama Day Camp
June 26 - 30, 2017
The Department of Theatre and Dance and Cre8tive Drama once again will present Cre8tive Drama Day Camp, a weeklong summer day camp filled with theatre activities for students 6-16 years of age.
Jun
28
Weicholz Global Film Series: The Innocents (2016)
June 28, 2017
7:00 pm
Based on a true story, The Innocents tells the story of a French Red Cross doctor, Mathilde Beaulieu, who is treating the last of the French survivors of a German prison camp in a clinic outside of Warsaw. There will be a pre-film talk with Dr. John Pfeifer.
Jun
30
Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
June 30, 2017
8:00 pm
Every summer, violinist Gil Morgenstern, Artistic Director of the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble and its international Reflections Series, assembles several of the nation’s most exciting and acclaimed chamber musicians for an exquisite concert series embracing a diverse repertoire of chamber music works.
Jul
5
Circles of Influence: Art Talk
July 5, 2017
12:00 pm
Circles of Influence highlights Barbara Hardy and Bob Ray, artists who have been living and working together for over twenty-five years, sharing a deeply rewarding intimate, creative and artistic bond.
Jul
5
Circles of Influence: Art Walk and Demonstration
July 5, 2017
4:00 pm
Presented in conjunction with the Turchin Center exhibition Circles of Influence: Barbara Hardy & Bob Ray. Barbara Hardy and Bob Ray are inspired by found objects, patterns and designs discovered in nature. They have created a diverse body of work entitled Circles of Influence which will be exhibited in the Main Gallery of the Turchin Center.
Jul
5
Weicholz Global Film Series: Worlds Apart (2015)
July 5, 2017
7:00 pm
Set in modern day Greece, Worlds Apart is comprised of three distinct love stories between a foreigner and a Greek citizen. Each story represents a different generation falling in love during a time of socioeconomic turmoil, globalization and forced immigration. There will be a pre-film talk with Dr. John Pfeifer.
Jul
6
to
7
TCVA Workshop: Trash to Treasure
July 6 - 7, 2017
Presented in conjunction with the Turchin Center exhibition Circles of Influence: Barbara Hardy & Bob Ray. Though all materials are provided, participants may wish to bring their own found objects to incorporate into their pieces. Upcycle materials through the process of community art making.
Jul
7
TCVA exhibition opens: Summertime in the Mountains
July 7, 2017
Throughout the course of An Appalachian Summer Festival, we invite the public to enjoy work by several talented local artists in the lobby of the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.
Jul
7
TCVA exhibition opens: Images of Social Justice from the Segura Arts Studio
July 7, 2017
Images of Social Justice from the Segura Arts Studio illustrates the history of Segura Art Studio by describing its mission of working with underrepresented artists through their published artwork.
Jul
7
TCVA exhibition opens: Circles of Influence: Barbara Hardy Ray & Bob Ray
July 7, 2017
Circles of Influence highlights Barbara Hardy Ray and Bob Ray, artists who have been living and working together for over twenty-five years sharing a deeply rewarding intimate, creative and artistic bond.
Jul
7
TCVA exhibition opens: In One: Siping Zhang
July 7, 2017
Siping Zhang, a visiting artist/scholar in the Department of Art at Appalachian State University during the 2016-17 academic year, will show new work made during her residency as well as a selection of small works made in China.
Jul
7
TCVA Exhibition Celebration
July 7, 2017
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
An opportunity for art lovers to meet the artists, have some food and enjoy a cocktail while wandering one of the the most exciting venues in town.
Jul
8
An Evening with Sutton Foster
July 8, 2017
8:00 pm
Two-time Tony Award-winning actress, singer and dancer Sutton Foster makes her debut on the Schaefer Center stage for a high-spirited and dazzling evening of song.
Jul
9
Eastern Festival Orchestra featuring Midori
July 9, 2017
4:00 pm
Under the direction of Maestro Gerard Schwarz, the Eastern Festival Orchestra returns to the festival for an afternoon of memorable symphonic music featuring internationally renowned violinist Midori, and Hunter Bockes, first-prize winner of the 2016 Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists.
Jul
11
Young People's Global Film Series: Virginia's Run (2002)
July 11, 2017
1:00 pm
In the tradition of such timeless stories as My Friend Flicka, Black Beauty, and The Black Stallion comes this touching tale of friendship between a young girl devastated by the loss of her mother, and the young colt who gives her hope when all seems lost.
Jul
12
Turchin Center Lunch & Learn: Jackie Alexander
July 12, 2017
12:00 pm
NC Black Repertory Company Artistic Director Jackie Alexander will lead a discussion about the National Black Theatre Festival and its production of Maid’s Door.
Jul
12
Weicholz Global Film Series: Rams (2015)
July 12, 2017
7:00 pm
In a secluded valley in Iceland, Gummi and Kiddi live side by side, tending to their sheep. Although they share the land and a way of life, Gummi and Kiddi have not spoken to each other in four decades. There will be a pre-film talk with Dr. John Pfeifer.
Jul
13
The National Black Theatre Festival Presents: Maid's Door
July 13, 2017
8:00 pm
A family is pushed to the breaking point as they struggle to save their beloved matriarch from being robbed of a glorious present by ghosts from her past. A journey through the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s Disease, Maid’s Door is “poignant without being manipulative, and thought-provoking without being preachy… a memorable evening at the theatre,” writes Susan Gilmor of Relish.
Jul
14
The National Black Theatre Festival Presents: Maid's Door
July 14, 2017
8:00 pm
A family is pushed to the breaking point as they struggle to save their beloved matriarch from being robbed of a glorious present by ghosts from her past. A journey through the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s Disease, Maid’s Door is “poignant without being manipulative, and thought-provoking without being preachy… a memorable evening at the theatre,” writes Susan Gilmor of Relish.
Jul
15
Jennifer Nettles
July 15, 2017
8:00 pm
Grammy Award-winning Country superstar Jennifer Nettles has become one of the most admired singer-songwriters in music today. Since exploding onto the music scene in 2004 as lead vocalist for international duo Sugarland, Nettles has recently released her debut album "Playing With Fire.”
Jul
16
Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
July 16, 2017
4:00 pm
Every summer, violinist Gil Morgenstern, Artistic Director of the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble and its international Reflections Series, assembles several of the nation’s most exciting and acclaimed chamber musicians for an exquisite concert series embracing a diverse repertoire of chamber music works.
Jul
18
Young People's Global Film Series: Duma (2005)
July 18, 2017
1:00 pm
An orphaned cheetah becomes the best friend of a young boy and his family living in rural South Africa. When the boy’s father dies, mother and son are forced to leave the farm and move to the city. The boy decides to run away to the mountains with his pet cheetah.
Jul
19
Turchin Center Lunch & Learn: Mary Anne Redding
July 19, 2017
12:00 pm
Turchin Center Curator and Assistant Director Mary Anne Redding will provide an overview and curator’s perspective on the center’s featured summer exhibitions.
Jul
19
Weicholz Global Film Series: I, Daniel Blake (2016)
July 19, 2017
7:00 pm
Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, the latest from legendary director Ken Loach is a gripping, human tale about the impact one man can make. There will be a pre-film talk with Dr. John Pfeifer.
Jul
21
MOMIX: Opus Cactus
July 21, 2017
8:00 pm
Known internationally for presenting work of exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty, MOMIX is a company of dancer-illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton. After a ten-year rest period, “Opus Cactus” is back again with a new look, fresh energy, and fun surprises!
Jul
22
Rosen Sculpture Walk with Juror and Reception
July 22, 2017
10:00 am
A highlight of every summer festival season, the annual Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition sculpture walk offers participants a fascinating journey into the world of contemporary sculpture, through the eyes of the juror. Learn more about each sculpture and hear the announcement of the competition’s top awards.
Jul
22
Chris Botti
July 22, 2017
8:00 pm
For over two decades, multi Grammy Award-winning master trumpeter and composer Chris Botti has amassed a spectacular variety of honors, including multiple Gold and Platinum albums, to become the nation’s largest selling instrumental artist.
Jul
23
Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
July 23, 2017
4:00 pm
Every summer, violinist Gil Morgenstern, Artistic Director of the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble and its international Reflections Series, assembles several of the nation’s most exciting and acclaimed chamber musicians for an exquisite concert series embracing a diverse repertoire of chamber music works.
Jul
25
Young People's Global Film Series: Secrets of War (2014)
July 25, 2017
1:00 pm
Tuur and Lambert are best friends in a Nazi-occupied Dutch village who pass their days playing soldiers and exploring local caves, mimicking a war that seems far removed from their everyday life. Ultimately, the realities of war find even them - putting them both in danger and forcing the boys to keep secrets which threaten to tear their friendship apart.
Jul
25
Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
July 25, 2017
8:00 pm
Every summer, violinist Gil Morgenstern, Artistic Director of the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble and its international Reflections Series, assembles several of the nation’s most exciting and acclaimed chamber musicians for an exquisite concert series embracing a diverse repertoire of chamber music works.
Jul
26
Turchin Center Lunch & Learn: Maryrose Carroll
July 26, 2017
12:00 pm
For nearly 30 years, Maryrose Carroll has been a central figure in the world of contemporary sculpture.
Jul
26
Weicholz Global Film Series: Glory (2016)
July 26, 2017
7:00 pm
Tsanko Petrov, a railroad worker, finds millions in cash on the train tracks. He decides to turn the money over to the police, for which the state rewards him with a new wristwatch that soon stops working. There will be a pre-film talk with Dr. John Pfeifer.
Jul
27
Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers
July 27, 2017
8:00 pm
Bruce Hornsby has built one of the most diverse, collaborative and adventurous careers in contemporary music. Drawing from a vast wellspring of American musical traditions, the singer/pianist/composer/bandleader has created a large and accomplished body of work and employed a vast array of stylistic approaches.
Jul
29
Charlotte Ballet
July 29, 2017
8:00 pm
Founded in 1970, Charlotte Ballet is known for its strong dancers and versatile repertoire, ranging from classical ballet to bold, contemporary works. Featuring an all-star lineup of choreographers, this exciting performance will leave audiences feeling uplifted, energized and in awe.
Jul
30
Rosen-Schaffel Competition
July 30, 2017
1:00 pm
The festival, in partnership with the Hayes School of Music, proudly presents the seventh season of the highly acclaimed Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young & Emerging Artists. During the spring of 2017, contestants submitted recordings of their work and a panel of judges selected eight finalists to compete in a public performance.
Aug
1
Young People's Global Film Series: Theeb (2016)
August 1, 2017
1:00 pm
Theeb, nominated for the 2016 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, is set in the land of Lawrence of Arabia as war rages throughout the Ottoman Empire in 1916. Hussein raises his younger brother Theeb in a traditional Bedouin community that is isolated by the vast, unforgiving desert.
Aug
2
Turchin Center Lunch & Learn: Suzi Mills
August 2, 2017
12:00 pm
Susan W. Mills is Professor and Director of Music Education in the Hayes School of Music. Her teaching focuses on development of accessible music education that is relevant, balanced, and inclusive of both classical and folk music traditions.
Aug
2
Weicholz Global Film Series: Tanna (2016)
August 2, 2017
7:00 pm
Based on a true story and performed by the people of Yakel in Vanuatu, Tanna is a Romeo and Juliet story set in the South Pacific. There will be a pre-film talk with Dr. John Pfeifer.
Aug
3
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: Legally Blonde
August 3, 2017
12:30 pm
An Appalachian Summer Festival is hitting the road and setting its sights for Banner Elk! Join us for a matinee performance of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde.

News

Appalachian students bring home honors in international lighting design competition
June 12, 2017
Technology graduate student Hazel Chang’s design, “Sonata Music Classical Skybox,” was recognized as the winning entry at LIGHTFAIR® International, the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference. Two other Appalachian students were awarded honorable mentions at the competition as well.
James Douthit named dean of Appalachian’s Hayes School of Music
May 26, 2017
Dr. James Douthit, pianist, teacher and an administrator at Nazareth College in suburban Rochester, New York, will be the next dean of the Hayes School of Music (HSOM) at Appalachian State University.
$100K grant from National Endowment for the Humanities provides funds to explore war and its effects through art
May 23, 2017
Part of the NEH’s “Dialogues on the Experience of War” program, this grant project was developed by Dr. Valerie Wieskamp, Department of Communication; Dr. Lynn Searfoss, Department of English; and Dr. Clark Maddux, Watauga Residential College.
Team of Appalachian students wins international Phoenix Challenge competition
May 16, 2017
To best the competition, the team of five students from the Thomas W. Reese Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology (GAIT) program designed a custom-packaging solution and other marketing materials for Moosepacks™, a local, student-owned business.