Let them chew gum: A week of the arts
The word is out, and students around the university can participate. Utah State’s first “Celebration of the Arts” week is in full swing. A flood of events is scheduled all week to celebrate the new Caine College of the Arts, including concerts, exhibitions, public art participation and galas.
In addition to singular events and performances, there will be opportunities open to the community. Such opportunities include the Paint by Gum Wall mural and the Evening of One Acts.
Painting by Gum was an idea conceived by graduate student Brian Cook. Cook has adapted his own version of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Wheatfield with Cypresses” and will complete the piece by using a chewing gum facade in place of paint. Tuesday marked the beginning of the project as CCA’s dean, Craig Jessop, put the first piece of gum on the wall at 8 a.m.
“I think it’s going to be a unique and fun way to bring the college together,” said Claire Burnett, a junior in music performance. “We’re going to create a piece of art that allows us to be a part of something bigger, that will outlast us as students at this university.”
Anyone interested in participating is invited to come to Rock Lobby in the Chase Fine Arts Center, all week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gum can be your own, but pieces will also be provided by the CCA.
The Evening of One Acts is a student-produced, designed, directed and acted production. It serves as the final project for theatre students enrolled in Advanced Directing, a smaller class of seven individuals, who each select a one-act play to direct, cast and produce.
The directors work alongside a faculty advisor, this year the assistant department head Adrianne Moore, and advance design students to create a collaborative project of theatre.
“For me, directing is straightforward,” said Liz Gabbitas, advanced directing student, who is directing “Zoo Story.” “I read a script, it captures my imagination, it comes alive in my head, and I decide to make the vision a reality. From that point, it’s just a matter of communication between myself, the actors, the designers, the stage manager, and everyone else involved in the production.”
Once the shows are cast, directors rehearse and put the show through its paces until opening night, which was. Four short shows were performed: “Zoo Story,” “WASP,” “Walkin’ Backwards” and “Sailor’s Song.” Those same four shows will be performed through Wednesday, at which point a new set of shows will take the Black Box stage. “Self Torture,” “Strenuous Exercise,” “Laundry and Bourbon” and “No Exit” will perform Jan. 20 through Jan. 22.
“The experience is really worth it,” said Jared Rounds, student director of “Sailor’s Song.” “It’s like seeing your child grow up and become a functioning, responsible adult. My favorite part is seeing it all coming together in the end and having a show I can be proud of.”
“It’s a wonderful feeling to see your vision in its completion and to share it with your audience.” said Gabbitas. “Even when your audience is only a class of 20, it’s always worth it.”
“I would absolutely recommend seeing the other shows.” Rounds said. “There are a great variety of shows to see this year and they’re all very well done.”
– jess.wallace@aggiemail.usu.edu
THE CAINE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS began Arts Week with two events running all week long. Students can stop and participate in the Paint By Gum wall mural