First Celebration of the Arts planned for April 19

The Division of Communication and the Arts will highlight students in its interdisciplinary arts and writing majors during a Celebration of the Arts from 5 to 8 p.m. April 19 in Blaisdell Hall.

The event will serve as the opening reception for two art exhibitions, New Genres and Advanced Student Work in the KOA Art Gallery and “Ekphrastic: Blending of Painting and Poetry” by Cindy Nowacki, a senior interdisciplinary arts major from Warren, in the Helen Hume Art Gallery.

From 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., Christina Brunecz, a senior biology and interdisciplinary arts major from Bear Lake, will give a performance, “From the Ashes,” in Room 146.

At 6:20 p.m., an open mic night will begin in the KOA Speer Electronics Lobby. Capstone and directed study students will read from their works as part of the event.

Readings will include “White Powder,” stories by Jayden Pire, a senior writing major from Oswayo; “The Fallen,” a fantasy novel by Colin Almeida, a junior writing major from North Wales; “Jeraldine Feranda: All Packed Up and Ready to Go,” a novel by Tricia Wright, a senior writing major from Meadville; “The Fox Doctor,” a fantasy novel by Stephanie McFall, a senior writing major from Smethport; and “The Thunder from Down Under: Two May Enter, One May Leave,” a true story by Shaun Stack, a senior psychology major from Jacksonville, Florida, and Tyler Elias, a writing student from Plymouth.

Writers, actors, singers, dancers, musicians and artists of all kinds are also invited to participate in the open mic.

The public is welcome at all events and receptions.

For disability needs related to the celebration, contact the office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu.