Andrews University is preparing to host its 14th annual Creative Arts Festival, to be held February 24-March 1, 2008. This year the Festival is going "green." In addition to the traditional artistic demonstrations and displays, the planning committee is using some of the events to explore ecology, our impact on our environment, and global responsibility. A variety of activities celebrating the arts is scheduled for each day. All events are free and open to the public.
One unique feature of this year's events will be a Ten Thousand Villages shop temporarily set up in Nethery Hall. A Fair Trade Organization, Ten Thousand Villages enables artisans from more than 30 countries to sell handmade items in small shops throughout the U.S. The shop will be set up in the Nethery Hall Lobby, Monday-Thursday, 12-5:30 pm and Friday, 10 am-1 pm.
Throughout the week, be sure not to miss the art installations in and around Nethery Hall by BFA students James Lyons and Wendy Mann—the plastic bag "prayer flags" and "how much do you chuck?" sculpture. Also, be sure to stop by and have a hot drink at the "Fair Trade Cafe," operating in Nethery Hall Monday to Thursday from 1-5:30 p.m. The cafe will be serving fair-trade decaffeinated coffee, packaged by Equal Exchange, and green tea. Donations appreciated.
Sunday, February 24, 3-5 p.m., come see "Blessed are the Peacemakers," videos created by Berrien Springs High School students for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arts Exposition. in the James White Library lobby. A repeat showing will be held on Monday, February 25, 7-9 p.m.
On Tuesday, February 26, events begin with "The Story of Stuff" in the Physics Amphitheater, Science Complex, 10:30-11:30 a.m. This illuminating and creative video discusses the origin of our “stuff,” and the negative effects that production and waste have on the environment and society. Opportunity to discuss the video will follow. Co-curricular credit will be offered.
Also on Tuesday, 10:30-11:20 a.m. , attend a presentation with Susan Nelson, coordinator of the Goshen Ten Thousand Villages store, "Fair Trade begins with 10,000 Villages" in Chan Shun Hall, Room 208. Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair Trade Organization, enables artisans to earn a fair wage and provides the opportunity for a better quality of life. They work with over 100 artisan groups in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to bring you fair trade home decor, gifts and more. Co-curricular credit available.
From noon-1 pm on Tuesday, bring your brown bag lunch to Nethery Hall for an encore presentation of "Fair Trade begins with Ten Thousand Villages."
An art demonstration will take place in the James White Library from 4-5 pm. Lea Williams, Christelle Miot and Rebekah Helsius, three art students, will demonstrate drawing and painting.
"The Art of Bread Baking" will be presented on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Nutrition Lab on the second floor of Marsh Hall. Deby Andvik demonstrates baking techniques and various recipes with organic whole grains. And, yes, there will be taste testing!
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 3-5 p.m., watch another showing of "Blessed are the Peacemakers" videos created by Berrien Springs High School students for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Exposition, in the James White Library lobby.
From 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Stan Beikmann, horticulture professor, will provide a presentation on the art of "Rain Gardening" in Nethery Hall, Room 120. It will include tips on how to collect and use rainwater in your garden and suggestions on what to plant at the end of the drain spout.
Later in the evening at 6:30-8 p.m., The Nu Sigma English Honors Society is hosting "Earth Jazz and Poetry," a recital of original poetry. Open to everyone who wishes to share. Refreshments will be served and jazz music provided at the Ogden Fellowship Room, Forsyth Honors House.
At 7:00 p.m., Tom Goodwin, professor of biology, will host an Environmental Book Club discussion in Nethery Hall 214. Books that will be discussed include: Bill McKibben’s The Comforting Whirlwind: God, Job, and the Scale of Creation, Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, Matthew Sleeth’s Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action, and Edward Wilson’s The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth.
Thursday, February 28 events include a calligraphy demonstration with Angie West from 1-2 p.m. in the James White Library Lobby. West is from the Michiana Calligraphy Guild.
From 2-3 p.m., attend a presentation on Photoshop with Andrews multimedia major, Brad Austin, in the Distance Learning and Instructional Technology Lab on the top floor of the James White Library. The presentation is titled, "Creative Faces and Useful Tools in Photoshop."
At 6 p.m. come to the lobby of the James White Library to hear "Nostalgia Broadcasting Company" by community member Paul Nolte. This is a variety show in the old-time radio style featuring nostalgic vocal and instrumental music and radio drama. Nolte plays harmonica, autoharp, trombone, various percussion instruments, and sings in a "one-man quartet" with the help of modern technology. Local musicians are invited to join him as special guests.
On Friday, Feb. 29, be sure to stop by the Ten Thousand Villages shop from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for your last chance to buy these unique, fair trade items.
From noon to 1 p.m., there will be another opportunity to view "The Story of Stuff" in Nethery Hall, Room 201. A moderated discussion will follow the video presentation.
At 7 p.m., enjoy a vespers concert with the Andrews University Wind Symphony under the direction of Alan Mitchell, in the Howard Performing Arts Center.
Saturday, March 1, 4 p.m., there will be an AU Music Festival Concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center showcasing choral and orchestra students from 17 North American Christian high schools.
Art exhibits in the James White Library will include the following:
"Blessed are the Peacemakers" Martin Luther King Jr. Art Expo
Main Floor Gallery and Top Floor Display Cases
Artwork, posters and poetry created by Berrien Springs school children and the Blossomland young adult program.
Photographs by students of Sharon Prest and Dave Sherwin
Periodicals Room, Lower Floor
Paintings by students of Brian Manley
Main Floor Gallery and Lobby
Art exhibit in Chan Shun Hall (School of Business Administration)
Watercolors by David Knauft (community)
Student Lounge, 2nd Floor