GV professors address water issues in art exhibit

Paola Leon and Steven Smith, social work faculty at Grand Valley State University, visited El Salvador and Flint, Mich. to document and research each area’s water crisis. El Salvador’s lack of clean water has resulted in skyrocketing water prices and social activism from the citizens to alert politicians. Similarly, the Flint water pipes have undergone severe corrosion that has introduced toxins into the drinking water. The exhibit includes pictures of the water quality and the people it has affected. It is on display until June 21 in the Blue Wall Gallery in the DeVos Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

‘Looking with Intent’ to facilitate art discussion

Following the release of GVSU professors’ sabbatical showcase “Reflect – Revive – Reshape,” a conversation about the artwork will be hosted in the Haas Center for Performing Arts Art Gallery. Known as “Looking with Intent,” the event aims to encourage thoughtful viewing of art. The discussion will be led by Art Gallery Programs Manager Stacey Burns, Work Life Consultant Elisa Salazar and assistant professor Heather Wallace. The sabbatical exhibit features work by Brett Colley, Hoon Lee, Dallas Henke and Anthony Thompson, who reflect on their previous work as a way to improve. “Looking with Intent” will occur on Jan. 23 at 8 a.m. and Jan. 30 at noon. 

Theatre group to perform ‘Sizwe Banzi is Dead’

On Jan. 30, the Arts at Noon series will feature a theatre troupe for the production “Sizwe Banzi is Dead.” The production, originally created for the Shakespeare in Paradise Theatre Festival, is critically acclaimed in the Bahamas. The production deals with a man who must fake his own death. Told through present-tense acting and letters, the play has received high praise since its release and several translations. “Sizwe Banzi is Dead” will take place at noon at the Cook-DeWitt Center.

Arts at Noon to feature Grand Rapids duo

Folias Duo, a husband-and-wife duet, will perform on Feb. 20 as part of the Arts at Noon series. The duet’s flute and guitar pieces have taken them to over eight countries, including Denmark, Italy and Chile. Folias Duo performed a tour throughout the western United States over summer 2018, returning to Michigan for performances in Detroit and Grand Rapids. Critics have praised their ability to alternate between tango rhythms and sensitive melodies. The duo will perform at noon at the Cook DeWitt Center.

GV chorus seeking singers

GVSU’s Arts Chorale has openings for two baritone and two tenor singers for the winter semester. Experienced singers should contact the director, Ellen Poole, at [email protected].