Fall in love with arts, culture at these TU events

Discover a variety of creative events this term

By Phaedran Linger ’22 on September 26, 2022

Gallery exhibition
"EX-tend EX-cess: Metamorphosis in Clay," TU's first contemporary ceramics exhibition, is on view in the Center for the Arts Gallery through Dec. 10. (Caleb Spencer / Towson University)

A new season is roaring in and with it comes a lineup of on-campus arts and culture events. Experience a diverse assortment of artistic mediums including theater, music, dance, ceramics and cultural arts this term.

Below, we highlight some of the many events and exhibitions this fall. For more, check out the master events calendar. The events extend from now through December, so be sure to mark your calendar.

Art Exhibitions

EX-tend EX-cess: Metamorphosis in Clay

through Dec. 10 (closed Nov. 23–27)
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Center for the Arts Gallery, CA 3040

Curated by J. Susan Isaacs, TU, and Sagi Refael, this exhibition of contemporary process-based sculpture and installation concentrates on abstraction as an extension of the artist's physical actions. EX-tend EX-cess makes challenging work accessible and offers dialog around issues of equity in terms of materials and culture.

Arts & Culture Lectures

Thursdays at 6:30pm
Art Lecture Hall, CA 2032

Oct. 13: Sculptor and Multimedia Artist Anthony Sonnenberg

Nov. 10: Sculptor Gabriella Vainsencher

Dec. 1: Sculptor Zemer Peled

Gallery room with ceramic art installed
"Fortune: Folly" from artist Kelli Rae Adams is on view through Oct. 8 in the Holtzman MFA Gallery. (Caleb Spencer / Towson University)

Exhibition | Fortune: Folly

THrough Oct. 8 (closed Nov. 23–27)
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Holtzman MFA Gallery, CA 2040

Bringing together objects and gestures relating to luck and fortune, Kelli Rae Adams juxtaposes the aspirational ideology of American culture with the increasingly stark economic realities of life in 21st-century America.

MFA Candidate Exhibitions

Oct. 21–Dec. 10
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Holtzman MFA Gallery, CA 3040

David Calkins: Enough About Me. Lets Talk About You. What Do You Think of Me?
Calkins examines how individuals curate and fluidly present versions of our identity. Using the self-portrait the considers self perception and how others perceive us. 

Sara Hutton: Amorphous
Hutton brings to life biomorphic organisms that depict different abstracted characteristics
of organic matter. In a series of sculptures, she creates ambiguous bodies which are familiar
yet foreign, allowing one to become acquainted with the idea of “the other.”

Andrew Thorp: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
Thorp praises the infinite beauty caught in private, liminal spaces through the expression of
painting. Through POV scenes of hallways, medians and windows this series
follows a path of self-reflection and personal discovery that culminates in a profound
appreciation for life.

Asian Arts & Culture Center

Exhibition | Creative Confluence: South Asian Community Reflections, Connections, and Dialogue

THrough Dec. 17 (closed Nov. 23–27)
Asian Arts Gallery, Center for the Arts

The “Creative Confluence” exhibition will showcase the rich array of creativity, cultures, traditions and networks within the Greater Baltimore and Washington, DC area South Asian communities. It is meant to celebrate, educate and enlighten audiences about connections and distinctions across a community that is frequently viewed as homogeneous. The exhibition will highlight intergenerational dialogue, and reflections on heritage.

Author Talk with Q&A | American Muslim: An Immigrant’s Story by Saima Sitwat 

Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
University Union, UU 324

Join author Saima Sitwat for a conversation about the major themes of her book, "American Muslim: An Immigrant’s Story." Hear excerpts from Sitwat’s memoir and explore questions about being a minority, Muslim, immigrant, and a woman in 21st century America. This event is co-sponsored by TU Center for Student Diversity. This event also offers tickets.

Event | Bamboo Lotus Illumination

Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.
Asian Arts Gallery, CA 2037

Celebrate and learn about Diwali, the Festival of Light celebrated by Hindus around the world. Join artist, Adrianna Morgan in the illumination of her site-specific installation honoring the Indo-Caribbean “bamboo bending” tradition of creating decorative forms to display sacred South Asian oil lamps (diyas). Learn about this practice and the art installation from Morgan and her production team, to explore Diwali customs with artist, Shanthi Chandrasekar. Grab your tickets while you can.

Theatre Arts

Silent Sky

Oct. 14–16, 19–21 at 7:30 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre, CA 3043

In a performance written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Peter Wray, experience the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. May contain material recommended for mature audiences. Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation.

A Monster Calls

Dec. 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 4 & 9 at 2 p.m.
Studio Theatre, CA 3060

A "Monster Calls" is a young adult fantasy play based on the novel by Patrick Ness and directed by Tavia La Follette. The show covers topics of terminal illness, death, anger and the grieving process through the eyes of a child. May contain material recommended for mature audiences. Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation.

Music

Alumni Concert: 25th Anniversary of the Ruth and Arno Drucker Fund for Vocal Performance

Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Recital Hall, CA 3066

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Ruth and Arno Drucker Fund for Vocal Performance, the Department of Music welcomes several distinguished alumni performers for an evening of art, song and operatic performances. Tickets are offered for in-person and through streaming.

Children’s Opera: Mystery on the Docks

Nov. 12 at 11 a.m.
Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042

Opera Outreach Ensemble presents: “Mystery On The Docks” by Edwards Barnes,
based on the popular children's book by Thacher Hurd. In this story, two rats slink
into a diner. Before the night is over, the villainous rats kidnap the owner and a world-famous opera star. Come experience this family fun adventure live at TU. All ages welcome. Tickets are available for this event now.

TU Alumni Wind Symphony Inaugural Concert

Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.
Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042

Experience the TU Alumni Wind Symphony as they perform contemporary and classical wind band repertoire. Tickets are offered for this event for in-person and streaming.

Band and Orchestra Showcase Concert

Oct. 19 at 8 P.M.
Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, CA 3042

A full evening of music performed by the Towson University Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. Be sure to grab your tickets to attend in-person, or watch the live stream.

Two dancers in studio portrait
(Lauren Castellana / Towson University)

Dance

Legacy: Celebrating 50 years of Dance at Towson University

Nov. 14–19 At 7 p.m.; Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.
Stephens Hall Theatre, ST 217

Towson University Dance Company members take the stage in celebration of a 50-year legacy. Since the 1972 founding by Helene Breazeale, the TU Dance Company and its alumni have continued to grow and soar to new heights. The anniversary program features a new collaboration of faculty members and guest artists. 

Pottery mugs on shelf

49th Annual Holiday Pottery and Art Sale

Dec. 9 & 10
Ceramics Studio, CA 3012

This biannual sale is a popular on-campus event. Art students, faculty and staff sell their one-of-a-kind ceramics, prints, photography, jewelry and more just in time for the winter holidays. Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation and participating artists.

For more information and events, visit the master events calendar.