Langley-based Trinity Western University (TWU) is chock-full of reasons to visit with a variety of programs being presented through the school of the arts, media and culture.
The Verge conference explores the theory and practice of the arts, works of master printmaker Li Guijin are on display, and the inaugural Faculty + Friends Recital Series begins.
On the Verge
This year marks the eighth annual Verge conference at TWU. Running both today (Sept. 25) and tomorrow, the conference is open to anyone interested in exploring arts of all kinds from novels and poetry to film and the human form.
This year’s conference, entitled Arts and Re/Search is based on the exploration and discussion of the arts, what lies beneath the practice, and what this discovery means to both artists and the community as a whole in terms of research.
Individual sessions are based on topics like: story, social change, and parallel creative process.
Today’s keynote speaker is William Catling MFA, chair and professor of art and design at Azusa Pacific University and tomorrow’s is Lynn Fels, associate professor of arts education at Simon Fraser University.
Dr. David Squires, dean of the TWU school of the arts, media, and culture said, “Arts is often not considered robust research. But when I was working on my Ph.D. as a composer, I was grappling with ideas through my music, essentially researching as I went along—hence the degree name doctor of philosophy.â€
All sessions of Verge will be held in the TWU music building starting at 9 a.m. both days. Flexible registration options are available at www.twu.ca/academics/samc/interdisciplinary/conferences/default.html.
Artist visiting from China
Visitors to the President’s Gallery at TWU will have seen a range of prints and drawings on display since early September. The work of master printmaker, Li Guijin will be exhibited until Oct. 3.
Guijin, visiting from Tianjin, China, is a professor at Tianjin Normal University, and is known for expertise in etching, woodcut, lithograph, and silk screen.
As part of the relationship TWU shares with Tianjin University, Guijin came to TWU to share his expertise as well as to learn.
“I hope to show students how traditional Chinese art forms and Western critical theory, structure and colour can interface,†he said. “By communicating, both teachers and students can learn and grow.â€
Guijin combines Western art influences in his work recognizing the exposure to other artists and cultures makes for a positive experience to grow.
“Art has no boundaries,†Guijin said. “Because of this, it speaks to different cultures and backgrounds.â€
Music series kicks off
TWU music instructor, Alison Nystrom is the featured soprano soloist for the inaugural Faculty + Friends Recital created and presented by TWU’s school of the arts, media, and culture.
The Trio Zimrah, consisting of Vancouver’s Connie Gitlin on clarinet, Laura Chenail Hough on violin, and Suzanne Klukas on piano will deliver an evening of chamber music with Nystom lending her voice to Vivaldi’s “Domine Deus†and Schubert’s “Shepherd on the Rock.â€
The program will also include works by Milhaud, Khatchaturian, and a Klezmer Wedding by Canadian composer Srul Irving Glick.
Klukas is also a faculty member at TWU and teaches piano.
TWU describes the recital series as a gift to the local community and an accessible way to enjoy world-class performances on a local stage.
The first concert of the series is on Oct. 5 at Langley Mennonite Fellowship at 2:30 p.m. The second concert is scheduled for January 2015.
Ticket are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $30 for a family of two adults and children under 18.