Students sampled the University of Wisconsin’s arts opportunities at the Arts Night Out event Saturday.
The events took place all over campus, from the Elvehjem Museum of Art to the Gallery of Design in the School of Human Ecology.
Each location provided a display of artwork, dance or music. These included an African dance instruction by the UW dance program, a string-quartet performance and a night video projection performed in the Humanities building.
The university stages more than 1,500 performing arts events each year. Arts Night Out allows the Madison community to see a showcase of the arts on campus.
“[Arts Night Out] is a chance for students and the public that usually do not come to the museum to see what the Elvehjem has to offer,” said Kathy Paul, development specialist at the Elvehjem.
The Elvehjem offered a café-style atmosphere and exhibited the work of American printmaker Blanche Lazzell, as well as a presentation of European prints. Throughout the year, the Elvehjem showcases exhibits and permanent collections on display and holds receptions open to the public when new exhibits are opened.
The Gallery of Design presented models created by Bruce Severson of Madison. The exhibit included models of the UW campus as well as plans for the Monona Terrace and the Madison Overture project.
In Lathrop Hall, the UW dance program held demonstrations of the dances performed by different cultures. Those in attendance were given the opportunity to see, learn and practice swing, Latin and African dance.
“It is nice to be given a variety of opportunities, like getting to see and actually participate in dancing from other cultures, especially the African dance,” said student Emalee Olson.
Many arts events on campus were free, and other events provided discounts to UW students. Students were able to purchase tickets to see the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company perform with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at the Wisconsin Union Theater. The groups performed a fusion of dance and music to Beethoven, Kurtag and Shostakovich.
Also available was “The Passion of Dracula,” an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel, at Hemsley Theater.
Arts Night Out ended the evening with a “nocturnal art circus,” which included art, performance, light and video projection.
DJs and turntablists were also on hand to display their own form of art. The music and art was presented throughout the Humanities building and drew out the nightlife of the UW campus.
Students said the evening’s activities provided them a rare glimpse into the university’s often-unnoticed arts community.
“Tonight’s event gave me the opportunity to see the various arts available on campus,” said student Anita Singh.