simpson fine arts series

Springfield College
William Simpson Fine Arts Series

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is a private, coeducational institution distinguished by its unique humanics philosophy: education of the whole person— spirit, mind and body— for leadership in service to humanity. It is internationally renowned for preparing leaders in the allied health sciences, human and social services, sports and movement activities, and the arts and sciences.


Jan. 23 – Feb. 29
Art Exhibition: SPIRITUS II

The Springfield College Art Department’s talented faculty will exhibit their work in a variety of media.

William Blizard Gallery*
Reception: Thurs., Feb. 14, 4 – 6 p.m.


March 3
Film Event: Olympia, Part I: The Festival of the People

By: Leni Riefenstahl

The acclaimed and controversial documentary of the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games celebrates the athlete’s body in its poetry of motion and the excitement of Olympic competition. In Riefenstahl’s effort “to shoot the Olympics more closely, more dramatically than sports had ever been captured on celluloid” with a glorification of physical perfection that has often been considered a Fascist attribute, her stunning photography sometimes blurs the lines between advocacy and art. Highlights include a majestic opening linking the games to their ancient Greek origins, lighting the Olympic flame, the parade of athletes, astonishing close-ups of Adolph Hitler’s reactions to the successes and failures of German athletes, and the astounding artistry of American Jesse Owens’ gold medal-winning sprints. The evening is an event in the Humanics Series “Our Great Adventure in Education: The Whole Story,” originated by 2007-08 Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics Mimi Murray.
Introductions by:
Professor Mimi Murray, “The Nazi Olympics and Springfield College”
Professor Carol Mitchell, “Insights into Riefenstahl’s Cinematic Achievement”

Appleton Auditorium, Fuller Arts Center, 7 p.m.


March 3 - April 4
Art Exhibition: Intro•spect

By: Kerry St. Laurent

Kerry's paintings explore her relationship with her life experience and surroundings. Her twelve-inch square panels, feature layers organic and fluid watercolor washes, paint, ink, and pencil that represent her ingrained influences. She references maps, photographs, scientific texts, cathedral imagery, and her own memory as she searches for balance among color and form, abstraction and realism, and control and chaos.

W illiam Blizard Gallery*
Reception: March 6, 5 – 7 p.m.


March 5
Concert: The Langston Hughes Project - Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz

By: Ron McCurdy, music director

Experience the mood of the Harlem Renaissance through a multimedia production involving a live quartet, spoken poems, and a large-as-life screen presentation of kaleidoscopic images from African American artists and photographers. This masterwork recreates Langston Hughes’ vision of the global struggle for freedom in the early 1960s.

Appleton Auditorium, Fuller Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.


April 3 - 6
Theatre Presentation: Black Comedy

By: Peter Shaffer
Guest Director: Jeannine Haas

From the author of “Equus” and “Amadeus”, this ingenious farce borrows a clever stage device from the Japanese Noh theater. As a struggling and philandering young artist and his pretentious fiancé plan a party for important guests, the audience hears a conversation between her bombastic colonel father and a millionaire art dealer, but the stage remains dark. When a fuse blows, the audience suddenly sees the characters in the blazing stage light as they stumble about in what is, for them, pitch darkness! Unexpected visitors, including a prudish neighbor, the finicky friend whose expensive furnishings our hero has “borrowed,” and a wickedly mischievous ex-girlfriend all show up to complicate the chaotic bumblings in the dark. A surprise complimentary piece will accompany this short play.

“. . . almost foolproof comically . . .offers a novel occasion for the eternal gymnastics of elemental farce . . also, in showing twittish characters trying to maintain their customary social rituals in a world deprived of visual cues, coaxes the latent absurdity out of those rituals . . .” —Ben Brantley, The New York Times

Black Box Theatre, Woods Hall
Thur., Fri., Sat. 8:00 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
Suggested donation $5, students and seniors $2


April 10
Concert: Mambo for All!

By: Brass Roots

In a highly energetic performance, this electrifying Latin dance fusion in horns and percussion features blazing improvisations over tight-knit ensemble rhythms. You will want to move! Special performance by SC music instructor Anne Marie Messbauer.

Marsh Memorial Chapel, 8 p.m.


April 14 – 25
Art Exhibition: Graduating Senior Student Show

Painting, ceramics and digital imagery reflect learning over four years in computer graphics, studio art, or art education.

William Blizard Gallery*
Reception: April 17, 4 - 6 p.m.


April 25
Concert: CCGS Choral Festival

A perennial favorite, SC Singers join five local college choirs for an evening of vocal music.

Host: Westfield State College, 7:30 p.m.


April 28 - May16
Art Exhibition: Graduate Art Therapy Show

Painting, ceramics and digital imagery reflect learning over four years in art therapy.

William Blizard Gallery*
Reception: May 8, 4 – 6 p.m.

May 1
Concert: SC Singers and Band Annual Spring Concert

By: The SC Singers, SC Jazz Ensemble, SC Chamber Players, and Special Guest Performer

This perennial favorite features performances by talented Springfield College students and staff, followed by refreshments.

Marsh Memorial Chapel, 7:30 p.m.