Current Events

Creative Process in France Applications due

The Creative Process Course at the Abbey of Pontlevoy, France for four weeks spring semester. Work with students from across campus to explore creative problem solving through hands-on activities. This program is led by faculty from the School of Art & Design; the School of Music, Theatre & Dance; the Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning; and the College of Engineering. Mid-day colloquia, readings, and discussions will supplement studio projects. Dates of the program are May 16 – June 12, 2010. For more information check out the International Programs page hosted by Engineering or contact the Associate Dean of Art & Design, Mary Schmidt at maryanna@umich.edu

First Tuesdays

Presenter: Thylias Moss

University of Michigan Professor of English and Art & Design Thylias Moss talks about how she uses her iPhone to create art.

ANGIKA: Sculpture and the Dancing Body

This performance explores the connections between centuries old traditions of performing and visual arts in India. It is performed in the Odissi style by the acclaimed dancer, Sreyashi Dey and dancers from Srishti, narrated by actor-director Martin Walsh and scripted by poet Zilka Joseph. This style of classical dance is derived directly from temple sculptures, similar to the ones in UMMA's collection, creating an intimate connection between the live dancing body and the visual representation of the body in art forms such as sculpture and paintings. A multi-media presentation will add another dimension to the performance.

The Green Opera: Mozart's “Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)”

In one of Mozart's most famous operas, Tamino sets out on a quest from the Queen of the Night to rescue her beautiful daughter, Parmina, from the clutches of her supposedly evil father with only the aid of a magic flute and bells. However, he soon learns that he cannot always trust what another says.

Working with collaborators from several different departments at the University of Michigan, (Music, Theater, and Dance, Engineering, Computer and Environmental Science, Digital Media) the green aspect of the presentation is focused on minimizing the production’s carbon footprint and using recyclable materials in the construction of set and costumes. The carbon footprint is being calculated for all activity related to the opera, with the goal of either eliminating or reducing elements that can lead to the greatest savings of energy in the process. Energy efficient LED lights are being used in Stamps Auditorium, and several different types of alternative energy generation are being considered to power them.

Festifools

The annual Arts on Earth co-sponsored FestiFools parade of giant papier-mache puppets takes place on April 11th on Main Street in Ann Arbor. This joyful display of public foolishness is not to be missed!

Creative Process Gallery

Students from the Winter 2010 Creative Process course display their final projects for the course, detailing what these students have learned about the creative process.  These projects are sure to open up one’s mind to the process of teaching creativity, as well as being entertaining and enlightening.  Opening Reception: TBA.