Arts - Eastern

Art exhibition ponders a world of 'no maps and no borders’
Big Read-inspired show explores nature’s resilience

The Art Gallery at Eastern held a reception for the exhibition “When There Were No Maps and No Borders: The Grandeur of Nature” on Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. The exhibition will be on display...

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

Students direct military-themed play, 'The Last American Jackrabbit'

On Nov. 1, Eastern Connecticut State University held two showings of “The Last American Jackrabbit,” an original play directed and written by students Xsyanni Jackson and Kane Waggoner....

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Kyle Berson

‘Diasporican’ art exhibition celebrates Puerto Rican culture and identity

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University, in partnership with the National Puerto Rican Diaspora Museum (NPRDM), debuted the exhibition “Diasporican: From Dispersion to...

Posted on October 29, 2024 by Darlene Orozco B.

‘Opera for All’: Eastern partnerships bring opera to local children

Eastern Connecticut State University’s opera program has found new inspiration in bringing opera to audiences outside the University, including local children. The 2023-24 academic...

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Noel Teter

'Lights, camera, action!'
Behind the scenes of Eastern stage productions

Many have heard the phrase “lights, camera, action” regarding the performing arts, but few think about the action behind the lights and camera. Students, faculty and staff of the...

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Collage exhibition showcases the ‘art of curation’

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery has partnered with the National Collage Society (NCS) to display their 2024 Juried Small Collage Exhibition. Supplementing the...

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Blithe Spirit conjures up macabre mischief

Eastern’s Department of Communication, Film and Theatre and its Drama Society hypnotized audiences with “Blithe Spirit,” which concluded its run of performances in early March.

Posted on March 06, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Student art installed in 'Nooks and Crannies' of fine arts center

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) was recently filled from the lobby to the top floor with mixed-media installation art. The dispersed exhibition,...

Posted on March 01, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern announces spring 2024 music events

The Eastern Connecticut State University Department of Music has announced its schedule of music events for the remainder of the spring 2024 semester. Events will include performances and guest...

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Noel Teter

‘Blithe Spirit’ to kick off spring theatre season

The Communication, Film and Theatre Department and the Drama Society at Eastern Connecticut State University will present “Blithe Spirit” as their first stage production of the spring...

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern Opera Theatre presents Sondheim tribute

Opera-theatre students and alumni of Eastern Connecticut State University will celebrate the career of iconic musical theatre composer Stephen Sondheim on Feb. 9 with a special one-night...

Posted on January 11, 2024

Circe casts a spell on Eastern’s Art Gallery

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University recently installed its newest exhibition, “Circe: A Goddess of Our Time.” The exhibition, named after the New York Times...

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Faculty artists exhibit in galleries off campus

Two art professors at Eastern Connecticut State University have recently exhibited their work at galleries in Connecticut. Paul Michael’s work at Pegasus Gallery in Middletown is an...

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

‘Carrie: The Musical’ disturbs and delights audiences

Theatregoers packed a makeshift high school gymnasium at Eastern Connecticut State University to see a musical take on a classic horror. Based on Stephen King’s 1974 novel, “Carrie: The...

Posted on December 06, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

No two alike: Student’s research finds LeWitt drawing inspires varied versions

Tiffany Henry's research into a Sol LeWitt drawing that was part of a recent exhibition at the Art Gallery found that versions of drawing #797 vary around the world, even though installers...

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

If you can make it there …
Music student Evan Wood breaks into New York City jazz scene

For jazz musicians worldwide, New York City is one of the most desired places to build a name. A young jazz drummer and music major at Eastern Connecticut State University is wasting no time...

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Noel Teter

‘Carrie: The Musical’ to bewitch audiences this November

“Carrie: The Musical” will present at Eastern Connecticut State University from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3. The musical is the second main stage production of Eastern's fall theatre season.

Posted on November 07, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Student artists succeed in juried art show

Twenty-one Eastern students had the opportunity to display their art for more than 80 attendees at Hope Lodge in Moosup, CT. A total of 43 student artworks were curated by Eastern faculty to be...

Posted on November 06, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Music made a difference: Bruce John’s life of service in song

Local music legend Bruce John performs at University Hour

Bruce John has lived in the Eagleville section of Mansfield, CT, for more than 70 years, building both a career and community through his love of performing and music. Earning the nickname...

Posted on November 06, 2023 by Marcus Grant

‘Big Read’ begins with discussion on translation and adaptation

Eastern students and local community members came together on Oct. 26 for a discussion of Madeline Miller’s novel “Circe.” To kick off Eastern's Big Read program--of which...

Posted on November 06, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Student designs usher in fall holidays in Willimantic

Fall holidays will get a bright boost in Willimantic with digital billboard images designed by Eastern Connecticut State University graphic design students.

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

'Blood on a Cat’s Neck' takes audiences out of this world

“Blood on a Cat’s Neck,” Eastern's first theatre production of the fall 2023 semester, followed Phoebe Zeitgeist, an alien sent on an intergalactic mission to observe human...

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Wintner awarded Fulbright-Nehru fellowship to teach in India

Julia Wintner, director of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery, was recently awarded a Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Fellowship to teach in Bangalore, South India....

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Eastern’s fall concerts traverse a range of genres and eras

The Department of Music at Eastern Connecticut State University will treat audiences to a wide range of music from around the world and across time in its fall 2023 music season. All events occur...

Posted on October 02, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Cochran discusses new book on music in film

A faculty researcher at Eastern Connecticut State University recently celebrated the release of his book about the various functions of music in film. “Musical Sincerity and Transcendence in...

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Noel Teter

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

Madeline Miller’s ‘Circe’ selected for Eastern’s 2023 ‘Big Read’ program

As part of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read program, Eastern Connecticut State University students will have the opportunity to read Madeline Miller’s novel...

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Eastern documentary on Tulsa Race Massacre well received at film festivals

A documentary film directed by Eastern Connecticut State University’s theatre Professor Brian Day about the Tulsa race massacre of 1921 captured attention at several film festivals this past...

Posted on September 08, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

'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

Musical ‘spelling bee’ calls audience to the stage

Eastern’s Theatre & Performance Media Program debuted its final show and first musical of the 2022-23 school year during a two-week run this April. The former Broadway musical “The...

Posted on May 02, 2023 by Molly Boucher

Students present in Wisconsin at National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Eastern Connecticut State University sent eight students to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire on April 13 to present their research findings at the National Conference for Undergraduate...

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Jack Jones

Eastern film 'Greenwood: A Dreamland Destroyed' screens at film festivals

A film about the Tulsa Race Massacre produced by faculty at Eastern Connecticut State University will screen April 22 at 11 a.m. at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival and April 26 at 9 p.m. at...

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Ed Osborn and Michael Rouleau

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

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

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

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

Wall quilts around campus show artists' creativity with face masks

Masks, ubiquitous during the height of the COVID pandemic, have all but disappeared from faces, but an art installation on the Eastern Connecticut State University campus brings them into view as...

Posted on February 06, 2023 by by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern Art Gallery opens ‘Chinatown Chronicles’ exhibit

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery is debuting its first exhibit of the semester, “Chinatown Chronicles,” in collaboration with Eastern’s 2023 NEA Big Read...

Posted on February 02, 2023 by Molly Boucher

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

Art exhibit highlights faculty ceramics and sculpture

Three dramatically different artistic interpretations of the human experience and how we rebound from setbacks are expressed in the faculty Sculpture and Ceramic Exhibit on view in the Art Gallery...

Posted on November 21, 2022 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

'Stepping into the Shade': A civil rights story about Connecticut tobacco farmers

A new documentary series about tobacco farm workers in Connecticut and their impact on civil rights is being produced by Eastern Theatre Professors Brian Day and Kristen Morgan. Hosted by...

Posted on November 07, 2022 by Noel Teter

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

Ancient tragedy ‘Oedipus the King’ reimagined with modern twist

The Theatre and Performance Media program performed a current events-inspired version of Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King” from Oct. 11–16. Over seven performances, hundreds of...

Posted on October 24, 2022 by Jack Jones

Maiyah Gamble-Rivers and Luciana Quagliato McClure.

Art Gallery panel discusses women’s experience with political violence

The Art Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University hosted a panel discussion on Oct. 12 as part of its “Women at War” exhibition. The discussion was facilitated by Maiyah...

Posted on October 18, 2022 by Noel Teter

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

Theatre: ‘Oedipus the King’ reimagined as Jan. 6- and pandemic-inspired true-crime podcast
Eastern opens fall theatre season with modernized ancient tragedy

The Theatre and Performance Media Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will kick off its fall theatre season with Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King” from Oct. 11–16 in...

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Noel Teter

Eastern’s Communication, Film and Theatre Department presents 'Oedipus the King'

The Communication, Film and Theatre Department at Eastern Connecticut State University is set to present “Oedipus the King,” a play written by Sophocles, translated by Brian Doerries,...

Posted on September 27, 2022 by Noel Teter

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

Traveling Ukrainian art exhibition ‘Women at War’ to make first stop at Eastern

Eastern Connecticut State University is the first stop of a traveling art exhibition titled “Women at War,” showcasing a leading selection of women artists working in Ukraine. Presented...

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Student Amanda Ouk receives Honors Thesis award

Art major Amanda Ouk ’22 received the Phillip Elliot Award for writing an exceptional thesis for the University Honors Program. Ouk’s thesis demonstrated a higher order of thinking and...

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Noel Teter

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

Art major wins Eastern’s Library Research Award

Isabel Butterick ’21, of Willimantic, who majored in Art with a Studio Art concentration and a minor in Art History, has been named the recipient of this year’s annual J. Eugene Smith...

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Campus Briefs
River Walk | Neville Brown | Silent Film

Physical education students trek through Mount Hope River; Art major wins Eastern’s Library Research Award; Music students create sound for classic silent film; Senior Art Exhibition...

Posted on May 17, 2022

Theatre collaboration 'The Greenwood Project' memorializes Tulsa Race Massacre

In remembrance of an oft-forgotten historical atrocity, the Theatre Program at Eastern Connecticut State University presented “The Greenwood Project: Against Erasure” from April 28-May...

Posted on May 04, 2022 by Molly Boucher

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

Campus Briefs
Miss Little Poland | STEM Gap | Sunrise CT

Student Olivia Wronka crowned Miss Little Poland; Eastern shrinks the STEM gap; Sunrise CT calls for students to be climate activists; CSCU president visits campus; Social work students partner...

Posted on April 20, 2022

Campus Briefs

CCE hosts ‘Big Brothers Big Sisters’; Biology major receives travel award; ‘Eye-Mind-Body’ presents drawing in action; Vasillopulos and Rezai author new books; and more.

Posted on March 08, 2022

'Eye-Mind-Body' presents drawing in action

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery has opened a new exhibit for the months of March and April. “Eye-Mind-Body: Drawing as Action Exhibition” is open to the public...

Posted on March 07, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Shot taken from Eastern's production of "Sweet Flag."

'Sweet Flag' takes theatregoers to the Nebraska frontier

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre Program opened the spring 2022 semester with “Sweet Flag” from March 1-6. Written and directed by Theatre Professor J.J. Cobb, the...

Posted on March 04, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Professional concerts, free admission
Eastern presents 3 faculty recitals this March

Faculty musicians from Eastern Connecticut State University will take the stage this March for the University’s Faculty Recital Series. The series will present three performances that span...

Posted on February 24, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Music students perform at Opera America in NYC

Ten students from Eastern Connecticut State University’s Music Program performed “Romance and Revenge: Love at the Opera” on Feb. 12 at the National Opera Center in New York City....

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Erica Christofferson ’22 who plays the saxophone, Aaliyah Jones ’24 who plays percussion, Lucas Mariotti ’22 who plays the saxophone and Christiana Montalbano ’22 who plays percussion.

4 music students selected for CBDNA intercollegiate band

Four students from Eastern Connecticut State University’s Music Program recently performed in the 2022 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Eastern Division Intercollegiate...

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

'An Evening with Wally Lamb'
Best-selling author to speak at Eastern

Connecticut icon and best-selling author Wally Lamb will visit Eastern Connecticut State University on March 9 for a lecture titled "Connecticut on My Mind," as well as a reception and...

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Ed Osborn

Theatre: ‘Sweet Flag’ opens spring with a story in the western frontier

“Sweet Flag” will open Eastern Connecticut State University’s spring theatre season from March 1–6 in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Proscenium Theater. Written...

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Molly Boucher

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

Art Gallery: 'Capturing the Ephemeral' opens spring 2022 semester

The Eastern Connecticut State University Art Gallery is kicking off the spring 2022 semester with a new exhibition, “Capturing the Ephemeral: Celebrating Theatre & Performance Media at...

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Eastern senior wins design challenge to help brand Connecticut arts nonprofit
Anayeli Arroyo’s banner designs to grace the EC-CHAP in Willington

In the coming months, Eastern Connecticut State University senior Anayeli Arroyo’s jewel-toned geometric designs will flap in the winter winds outside a century-old former mill in Willington,...

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Amanda Irwin

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

Thi Bui and her book, "The Best We Could Do."

Thi Bui speaks about ‘The Best We Could Do’
Graphic memoir is Eastern’s 2021 Big Read selection

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted Thi Bui, author of “The Best We Could Do,” on Nov. 11 as part of the University’s “Big Read” program. Eastern is one of 61...

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Campus Briefs
5x5, Folktales, Halloween

Eastern dancers perform at annual 5x5 Dance Festival; Prospanica CT awards Walter Diaz for education leadership; Mama gives international presentation on folktales; DeVivo and Johnson speak on...

Posted on November 10, 2021

Art Gallery showcases prison artwork
'The Artist as Witness' runs until February

On Oct. 18, Eastern’s Art Gallery, in collaboration with the Connecticut Prison Arts program, opened the exhibition, “The Artist as Witness.” The exhibition runs through Feb. 1,...

Posted on October 26, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

‘Big Read’ program kicks off with ‘The Artist as Witness’
Art exhibition is visual companion to graphic novel ‘The Best We Could Do’

Eastern Connecticut State University will kick off its National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read program with the exhibition “The Artist as Witness” from Oct. 18 – Feb. 01,...

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Theatre presents 'The Place That Made You'

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Theatre program is premiering its first production of the 2021-22 school year. “The Place That Made You,” written and directed by Eastern...

Posted on October 01, 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