John A. Day Gallery hosts closing reception for student-curated exhibition

The USD John A. Day Gallery in the Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts building hosted the closing reception for its current exhibition, “Reframing the Collection: Emerging Curators at USD,” on Nov. 19. Lauren Freese, assistant professor of art history at USD, teaches the course “Art Museums: History and Practice.” Freese said the main […]

3 mins read

90th year of the Fine Arts program calls for a Celebration of Excellence

The first Celebration of Excellence honored 10 people in categories including outstanding alumni, friends and educators, as well as a special recognition award to Oscar Howe. Bruce Kelley, Dean of Fine Arts, was one of the organizers of the Celebration of Excellence.   “So we have three general categories: outstanding educators, outstanding friends and outstanding alumni. […]

6 mins read

Fine Arts looks forward, prepares for “normal” semester

The Fine Arts building has seen many changes during the last year due to COVID-19 — changes such as smaller ensembles, livestreamed performances and limited audiences.   Before COVID-19, Bruce Kelley, dean of the College of Fine Arts, said the building was lively and had frequent performances. Although the departments have tried to continue with performances, Kelley said […]

3 mins read

She Kills Monsters brings empowerment and fantasy to the stage

The upcoming USD production of She Kills Monsters empowers women through adventure and growth. Premiering via livestream at the Knutson Theatre April 22-25, She Kills Monsters brings strong, complex LGBTQ+ characters to the stage.  Senior theatre studies major and acting, stage management and technical directing emphasis, LD Dowell plays Tilly in She Kills Monsters.  Dowell […]

2 mins read

Make Your Voice Heard: Open Mic Night hosted by the Fine Arts department

The Fine Arts department hosted the Make Your Voice Heard: Open Mic Night in the MUC pit March 26. The goal was to promote works of fine arts students, but it wasn’t just for fine arts students to enjoy.  Third-year MFA directing candidate in the department of theater, Oliver Mayes, said the event was an opportunity […]

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Faculty recital continues through setbacks

The yearly faculty recital is put on by a group of volunteer staff members who wish to perform for students, faculty and the community. Despite experiencing small setbacks such as social distancing, the recital was able to be performed almost exactly like prior years. Assistant Professor of Horn, Amy Laursen, performed at the yearly staff recital on Jan. 25. Laursen […]

3 mins read

The Sound of USD marches on with season without football

Though football has been cancelled for the 2020 season, the Sound of USD is still marching through their season. Marching bands and football games go hand in hand, but this year, USD’s marching band is looking forward to a season of new opportunities.  Todd Cranson, director for the Sound of USD, said that the marching […]

3 mins read

‘I have not been coping with this very well’: Students prepare for online learning in hands-on majors

USD President Sheila Gestring announced on Tuesday that USD and all South Dakota public institutions will finish the spring semester online.  While universities across South Dakota and the nation make the switch to online learning, students in a variety of majors find themselves questioning how their studies would fit an online format.  “We know it […]

7 mins read

The FA needs more funding

The Fine Arts building is a place that supports the minds of many creative people, however, there are many flaws that tend to draw away from that creativity. This is ultimately why the FA needs to increase its funding, to improve the conditions of the building and increase the ease of being imaginative and creative. […]

5 mins read