Arts briefs

“Tumultuous” opening reception

The senior thesis exhibition project of 12 student photographers called “Tumultuous” will hold its opening reception on Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The photographers will be there to present and discuss their work, which explores the relationship between nature and human bodies. The exhibit will run through Dec. 12, when a special viewing will be held.

“Tumultuous” is free to visit and is housed in the Art Gallery in the Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/artgallery.

Sinterklaas: a Dutch holiday celebration

On Dec. 5, the Dutch celebrate the birthday of Sinterklaas, who is similar to the American Santa in that he brings children presents. The story of Sinterklaas and his helpers is one that is well-known to the Dutch people, and one that GVSU Dutch, a cultural club, wants to bring to the students of GVSU. On Friday, GVSU Dutch is holding an event in Kirkhof Center Room 1142 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. to showcase activities surrounding the holiday and teach students about it. Students will be able to participate and try some of the candy that is famous on the holiday.

Pliés for Rays

Grand Valley’s Dance Troupe is hosting a recital this Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Allendale High School to collect donations for Rays of Hope.

Rays of Hope is an international nonprofit organization that is focused on providing clean drinking water for those unable to get it. They do so by purchasing bio-sand water filters. For every $150 donated, one filter can be provided for 10 people for 10 years.

Tickets for Pliés for Rays are $5 at the door or at the 20/20 Desk in the Kirkhof Center. There will be new and old Dance Troupe apparel and swag sold at the event as part of the fundraiser.

For more information about Rays of Hope, visit www.raysoh.org. For more information about the event, go to www.gvsu.edu/events.

Fall Dance Concert

This Saturday and Sunday, GVSU’s Dance Company and Freshman Dance Company will host their bi-annual dance concert in the Louis Armstrong Theatre in the Performing Arts Center. The dancers will perform many dance works, new and old, featuring choreography from guest artists and classic ballet. There will be familiar excerpts from the “Nutcracker” ballet. The guest artists featured in this show are Amy Rose, Mina Estrada and Joshua Manculich, the winner of the 2015 Princess Grace Award for Choreography.

The dance concert is open to the public. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/music.

Ugly Sweater Concert

Grand Valley State University’s co-ed a cappella group GrooVe! has put a unique twist on the run-of-the-mill holiday concert with ugly sweaters. The group is encouraging students to don their ugliest holiday apparel and enjoy their concert on Dec. 5. The group will be joined by CMU’s all-girl a cappella group, On The Rox. The concert will double as a non-perishable food drive with all donations going toward GVSU’s ReStore, the on-campus food pantry that provides food and personal care items to students.

The concert is free and will take place in the Grand River Room in the Kirkhof Center. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/events.