Arts - Eastern

Theatre Performances Fall 2023 - Spring 2024

Eastern announces 2023-24 season of theatre and performance media

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Communication, Film and Theatre has announced four upcoming productions for the 2023–24 academic year. Season ticket bundles are...

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Marcus Grant

'Call Sol: The Enduring Legacy of Sol LeWitt'

An exhibition opening Aug. 23 at the Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University will examine the influence of artist Sol LeWitt on other artists working in a variety of media.

Posted on August 02, 2023

Rahmanifar exhibits in 2 New York City shows
Interpreting creation and the role of Iranian women

An Eastern Connecticut State University art professor, Afarin Rahmanifar, has works on exhibit at two New York City galleries this month.

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Culinary scholar traces Asian American foodways in Connecticut

A culinary scholar recently hosted a discussion at Eastern Connecticut State University about the impact of Asian American foodways and culture across the state.

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Noel Teter

Music students win prizes at statewide voice auditions

Eastern Connecticut State University music students had a strong showing in statewide student auditions held by the Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

Posted on April 04, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Art Square holds gala for student artists

The student organization Art Square showcased more than a dozen student artists its first gala since before the pandemic on March 10, featuring 20 works spanning a multitude of styles and creative...

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Jack Jones

Eastern's Chamber Singers perform at Escuela de Bellas Artes.

Chamber Singers perform in Puerto Rico

During spring break, many college students like to vacation somewhere warm, and this year, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Chamber Singers were no exception. The performing group...

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Noel Teter

Prison Arts exhibit opens with artwork that ‘transcends’ prison

More than 350 works from 100 artists are being exhibited in the 43rd annual Prison Arts Show at Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery from March 20 to April 22.

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Prison arts show comes to Eastern's Art Gallery

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University will present the 43rd Prison Arts Program from March 20–April 22, featuring new artwork from artists currently or formerly incarcerated...

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern theatre program presents ‘The Nether’ and faculty talk

Last week, Jennifer Haley’s 2012 play “The Nether” opened at Eastern Connecticut State University’s DelMonte Bernstein Studio Theater, directed by Kristen Morgan, professor...

Posted on March 07, 2023 by Noel Teter

Eastern senior takes directing and research skills to TheaterWorks, Hartford

A senior at Eastern Connecticut State University served as assistant director of a recent production at TheaterWorks, Hartford. Rebecca Ristow ’23, a theatre major with concentrations in...

Posted on March 07, 2023 by Noel Teter

Pianists perform ‘Music We Love’ at Piano Gala

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Music Program hosted a Piano Gala concert on Feb. 25, featuring several talented students and faculty pianists performing a wide variety of music that...

Posted on March 02, 2023 by Noel Teter

Eastern hosts Douglass Day 'Transcribe-a-Thon'

Most people are likely to recognize Feb. 14 as Valentine’s Day. However, there is another occasion to be celebrated on this date: the birth of civil rights and anti-slavery activist Frederick...

Posted on February 16, 2023 by Noel Teter

Exhibit tells the story of a Holocaust survivor’s resilience and creativity

“Sidonia’s Thread – Crafting a Life from Holocaust to High Fashion” will be exhibited at the Mandell Jewish Community Center Jan. 2-Feb. 10, 2023, with an opening reception...

Posted on January 04, 2023 by by Lucinda Weiss

Concert Band closes fall semester with ‘revolutionary’ performance

The Eastern Connecticut State University Concert Band’s winter performance on Dec. 7 opened with composer Omar Thomas’s “A Mother of a Revolution!” a piece that inspired the...

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Noel Teter

Perceptions shift quickly in ‘Acting is Believing’

The play/film "Acting is Believing," challenging audience perceptions as it was performed in two mediums, ranged from restoration comedy to contemporary improv in a campus production of...

Posted on December 06, 2022 by by Lucinda Weiss

Thread City Jazz Trio regroups to release new album

A revamped performance ensemble, Thread City Jazz Trio, featuring three music department faculty is set to release a new album this coming January. The self-titled release is an adventurous...

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Noel Teter

'Acting is Believing' to immerse audiences in simultaneous theatre/film shows

Eastern Connecticut State University's Theatre & Performance Media Program will present its second main-stage production of the fall semester, "Acting is Believing," on Dec. 1-4....

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Molly Boucher

CSCU President Terrence Cheng speaks at Eastern Connecticut State University.

‘What qualifies as American?’
CSCU President Terrence Cheng dissects model minority stereotype in ‘Big Read’ talk

Eastern kicked off its National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) ‘Big Read’ program on Oct. 27 with a talk by Terrence Cheng, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities...

Posted on November 02, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern to kick off ‘Big Read’ with book talk by CSCU President Terrence Cheng
This year's community reading program to explore 'Interior Chinatown'

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of 62 communities nationwide to receive a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant for 2022-23 year. Eastern will host a series of events...

Posted on October 18, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Art Gallery: 'Women at War' brings new perspective on war in Ukraine

In the wake of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a new Art Gallery exhibition at Eastern Connecticut State University offers a fresh perspective on the war. The collection,...

Posted on September 21, 2022 by Noel Teter

Eastern announces 2022-23 theatre season ‘The Awakening’

Eastern Connecticut State University has announced its fall 2022–spring 2023 theatre season with a series titled “The Awakening.” Reflecting changes in the entertainment industry...

Posted on September 13, 2022 by Noel Teter

Fall concert series brings a cappella legends Take 6 and jazz great Arturo Sandoval
Concerts support Kevin Crosbie Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Eastern Connecticut State University will host a fall concert series featuring two world-class acts in support of scholarships for Eastern students. Titled “Great Music Fostering...

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Art Gallery presents ‘Imagined Places, Inhabited Spaces’
Summer exhibition showcases 4 artists

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University will present “Imagined Places, Inhabited Spaces” from June 27 – Sept. 2. The exhibition showcases the work of four artists...

Posted on June 24, 2022

Award-winning illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal discusses journey

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal on April 13. Martinez-Neal gave a book talk on three of her works, shared...

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Art Gallery celebrates Eastern theatre in 'Capturing the Ephemeral'

Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University hosted an opening reception on Jan. 27 for the first exhibition of the spring semester. Titled “Capturing the Ephemeral: Theatre and...

Posted on February 07, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern to host first student film festival

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Performing Arts will celebrate the creativity of its students at the first-ever Eastern Film Festival on Dec. 3 and 4. Films will be...

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Art Gallery welcomes patrons to ‘Our Tears Are Sweet, Our Laughter Venomous’
Exhibition features 14 Iranian-American women artists

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery held an opening reception for “Our Tears are Sweet, Our Laughter Venomous” on Sept. 9. The first exhibition of the fall 2021...

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Art Gallery presents ‘Our Tears Are Sweet, Our Laughter Venomous’
Exhibition features 14 Iranian-American women artists

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University will present “Our Tears Are Sweet, Our Laughter Venomous” from Aug. 23–Oct. 8. The first exhibition of the fall 2021...

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern receives National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant
University to read and celebrate ‘The Best We Could Do’

Eastern Connecticut State University is one of 61 organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2021-22 Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The grant of $20,000 —...

Posted on July 21, 2021

“Turn on the Light” by Karla Pacheco-Sahagun

21st CREATE conference available online
Virtual symposium showcases the best of student research and creativity

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 21st annual CREATE conference is being presented online for the second year in a row. CREATE stands for “Celebrating Research and Creative...

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Patrons visit Art Gallery for ‘Precision’ opening reception

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University held an opening reception for its latest exhibition, “Precision: Illustrative Technique in Art and Science,” on March 22. To...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern Art Gallery presents ‘Precision’
Exhibition marries art with science

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University is presenting “Precision: Illustrative Technique in Art and Science” until April 25. This curation of “cognitive art”...

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

City of New Haven arts director speaks on advancing equity, diversity in the arts

Due to the efforts of Adriane Jefferson, executive director of the Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven, the arts and cultural institutions in that city are becoming more...

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Health sciences professor presents mandala art

Health Sciences Assistant Professor Geeta Thapa presented “Maya Mandala,” an exhibit of dot mandala art from Dec. 19-27 in the Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar in Storrs. The artwork was on...

Posted on January 14, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern musicians persevere through trying semester and changing industry

No industry has adapted to COVID-19 quite like the performing arts. With venues shuttered and musicians quarantined, an experience once universally live and in-person now streams virtually to a...

Posted on December 09, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Biodegradable Art
Students create nature-based installations in campus arboretum

Social distancing wasn’t an issue for students in art professor Robert Greene’s “Installation Art” course, who created nature-based installations in the woodland setting of...

Posted on December 07, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Multidisciplinary artist David Antonio Cruz poses in front og his art piece titled, "ITSNOTHATSERIOUSITSJUSTONEOFYOURLITTLEPRINCESSES"

Artist David Antonio Cruz presents as a part of Eastern’s ‘Future is LATINX’ exhibit

On Oct. 8, the Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University held an artist talk featuring multidisciplinary artist David Antonio Cruz, as part of their current exhibition titled the...

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

Recent New Media Studies graduate Wasan Hayajneh pursues degree in fine arts

Recent Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Wasan Hayajneh ’20 is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Posted on October 09, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

Art Gallery Opens LatinX Exhibit

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University is continuing its fall exhibition by highlighting Latinx art with the “Future is Latinx.” The exhibition is on display from Oct....

Posted on October 09, 2020 by Ed Osborn

Wife of Professor Jones, Deborah Grant Jones (second to right), alongside associate professor of Art and Art History Afarin Ahmanifar (far right), professor of Art Qimin Liu (Center back), their daughter Lydia Jones Hall (far left) and her husband, Matthew Hall (second to left).

Faculty art exhibition honors late Painting Professor Andy Jones

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition to honor the memory of art professor Andy Jones, who passed earlier this year on Jan. 25. The exhibition titled,...

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Bobbi Brown

Painting by late Eastern professor Andy Jones

Eastern Art Gallery opens fall 2020 with ‘Painting and Drawing Faculty Exhibition’

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University is kicking off its fall 2020 season with an exhibition showcasing the university’s painting and drawing faculty. Running until Oct. 1...

Posted on August 27, 2020 by Molly Boucher

Eastern Art Gallery presents ‘Racism: An American Pandemic’

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University is presenting the virtual exhibition “Racism: An American Pandemic” on its website from July 15–Sept. 8.

Posted on July 15, 2020

Eastern wins NEA grant to host Big Read in Windham

Eastern Connecticut State University has been named a recipient of a $15,000 grant to host the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read in Windham. The University is one of 84 nonprofit...

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Students Showcase COVID-19 in Digital Art Form

Eastern Connecticut State University students in the Graphic Design History class have created digital artwork to spread awareness about how to stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Posted on April 07, 2020 by Molly Boucher

Bishakh Som Explores Gender, Sexuality, Memory and Urbanism

New York-based artist and writer Bishakh Som visited Eastern Connecticut State University on March 5 to read from her upcoming comic book “Apsara Engine,” which is set to go on sale on...

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Vania Galicia

‘The Brothers Size,’ a Louisiana Tale of Family and Freedom

A heartfelt tale of two brothers navigating the murky waters of race and freedom is being performed at Eastern Connecticut State University through March 8. “The Brothers Size,” written...

Posted on March 05, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Afarin Rhaminfar's exhibition “Women of Shahnameh” at Towson University’s Asian Arts and Culture Center Gallery

Afarin Rahmanifar Solo Exhibits at Towson University

Afarin Rahmanifar, professor of art and art history at Eastern Connecticut State University, is exhibiting her solo exhibition “Women of Shahnameh” at Towson University’s Asian...

Posted on March 04, 2020 by Molly Boucher

Music Program Showcases Student, Faculty Talent

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Music Department recently held a series of events to showcase the talents of students, professors and visiting artists, ranging from multimodal...

Posted on March 03, 2020 by Vania Galicia

A picture of a steel sculpture in the shape of a head.

Art Gallery Presents 'Creating Dangerously,' Haiti Tribute

From Jan. 1–March 12, the Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University is presenting “Creating Dangerously: Art & Revolution,” an exhibition that features six Haitian...

Posted on February 04, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Music Program to Present 4 January, February Concerts

The Music Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will present a variety of musical performances this January and February, ranging from an interactive historical performance to an...

Posted on January 22, 2020 by Vania Galicia

Students Create Oceanic Posters for Windham Hospital Gala

Digital art & design students in Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art 335: Graphic Design course collaborated with Windham Hospital’s Auxiliary to enhance the theme of the...

Posted on December 05, 2019 by Vania Galica

Eastern to Present 4 December Music Events

Eastern Connecticut State University will present a number of musical events in December, ranging from jazz performances to holiday productions. All events will be held in the Concert Hall in the...

Posted on November 19, 2019

7 Students Present at COPLAC Conference in New Hampshire

Seven Eastern Connecticut State University students presented research projects at the Northeast regional conference for the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) on Nov. 8-9 at Keene...

Posted on November 12, 2019

WUMALA dances at the 5x5 dance festival.

Eastern’s WUMALA Club Performs at 5x5 Dance Festival

Eastern Connecticut State University’s “WUMALA” dance group performed at the University of Saint Joseph’s 5x5 Dance Festival on Nov. 2. The dance festival was created to...

Posted on November 05, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Eastern Art Gallery Presents ‘Happiness Curriculum’

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University is showing its second exhibition of the year, “The Happiness Curriculum: Art from the South Asian Diaspora,” from Oct. 17-Dec....

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Molly Boucher

STEP/CAP Students Perform Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls”

Eastern Connecticut State University STEP/CAP students performed a staged reading of Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls” on Aug. 9 in the Fine Arts Instructional Center’s...

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Senior Exhibition Spotlights Graduating Student Artists

The versatile talents of more than 30 Eastern Connecticut State University art majors were featured in the 2019 Senior Art Exhibition. The exhibition ran from May 10–21 in the Art Gallery of...

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Jordan Corey

Students of the jazz combo “3 O’clock Band” perform in Eastern’s Concert Hall.

Eastern Music Program to Present Series of Year-End Concerts

The Music Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will host a variety of performances in May to mark the end of the spring semester. All concerts and recitals will be performed in the Fine...

Posted on April 30, 2019

Hanna Marcus, daughter of dres maker Sidonia Perlstein presents

Daughter of Historic Dress Maker Explains ‘Sidonia’s Thread’ Exhibition

Author and social worker Hanna Pearlstein Marcus came to Eastern Connecticut State University on Feb. 13, to promote the exhibition “Sidonia’s Thread: Crafting a Life from Holocaust to...

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Bobbi Brown

Faculty Exhibition Opens Eastern’s Fall Art Gallery Season

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery will host its first exhibition of the fall 2018 semester from Aug. 30 to Oct. 11. The exhibition will feature nine Eastern faculty artists...

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern’s Rahmanifar Exhibits in NYC

From Nov. 17 to Dec. 22, Brooklyn’s SOHO20 Gallery will present “Women of Shahnameh, The Memories Between,” an exhibition by Afarin Rahmanifar, art professor at Eastern...

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Casey Collins

Eastern Students Present Art Work

Students in Eastern Connecticut State University’s “Museums and Exhibitions” course will host two art shows this December. “Spectrum,” an emotional exhibition about...

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

See/Hear ‘Mars’ Sound Art at Eastern

While no “little green Martians” in flying saucers will be on display, guests are still in for a surprise when Eastern Connecticut State University hosts contemporary artist Sean...

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Casey Collins

A gallery visitor gazes upward at another light painting

‘Elemental Light’ Illuminates Eastern’s Art Gallery Until Feb. 23

The transformational power of light is on display in the Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University in an exhibition titled “Elemental Light.” Running from Jan. 12 to Feb. 23,...

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

The Sculptors Speak, ‘Resonance’ on Display until Oct. 13

The three artists featured in “Resonance,” Eastern Connecticut State University’s opening exhibition for the 2016-17 academic year, spoke of their work on Sept. 8 during the...

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Opera Singer AnnaMaria Cardinalli Comes to Eastern

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Intercultural Center opened Hispanic Heritage Month this school year with world class opera singer, guitarist and recording artist AnnaMaria Cardinalli,...

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Jolene Potter

Terry Lennox Portrait Wins Slater Memorial Museum Award

“Portrait of Jacqueline,” a work completed by Terry Lennox, associate professor of art at Eastern Connecticut State University, won the 2015 Prize for Pastel at Slater Memorial...

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Dwight Bachman

Experimental Theatre Performance at Eastern

A group of experimental theatre students at Eastern Connecticut State University presented “Prime Numbers: The Greatest Hits” on Feb. 27 as a preview of the Theatre Department’s...

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Kelsey Tuller

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – An Eastern Theatrical Production

"When presented with the task of performing children’s theater, Alice is an obvious choice,” said Theatre Lecturer Lenore Grunko of Eastern Connecticut State University, who...

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Katryn Shpak