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Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Saint Mary’s Page Series presents acclaimed outdoor production ‘Nature’
HERALDED AS ‘BEST IN TWIN CITIES THEATER,’ UNIQUE WALKING PLAY EXPLORES LIVES OF NATURE ADVOCATES AND PHILOSOPHERS EMERSON AND THOREAU
WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s beautiful woodlands and tree-lined clearings set the scene for the acclaimed outdoor walking play, Nature. With performances Friday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m., this unique theatrical event about the lives of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau is an experience like no other — as an award-winning ensemble of actors and musicians bring audiences into a playful and deeply-moving journey through their natural environment. Nature, a production of TigerLion Arts, is filled with music, song, story and celebration with scenes unfolding around audience members as they follow the ensemble through the grounds.
Heralded by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as “Best in Twin Cities Theater,” Nature is a vibrant look into the 19th century world of Emerson and Thoreau, renowned writers, friends, and nature advocates. Created and performed by Tyson Forbes, a direct descendant of Emerson, Nature shines a spotlight on the relationship between the prominent essayist and the philosopher and naturalist best known for his memoir “Walden,” in which he chronicles a simple and solitary life in the woods. The play will explore a rift that ended their close friendship and a shared belief that nature is a source of spiritual respite and renewal.
Led by director Markell Kiefer (Guthrie Theater, all Tigerlion Arts productions), the professional ensemble features Jason Rojas (Guthrie Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ten Thousand Things) as Thoreau; Tyson Forbes (Guthrie Theater, Ordway, Jungle Theater, and all TigerLion Arts productions) as Emerson; Norah Long (Guthrie Theater, Skylark Opera, Nautilus Music-Theater) as Mother Nature, along with Twin Cities actors Paul de Cordova, Alex Barreto Hathaway, Kimberly Richardson, Chelsie Newhard, Thallis Santesteban, Eric “Pogi” Sumangil, Nathan Gebhard and bagpiper Ryan Behnke, as well as a volunteer community chorus led by Lindsy O’Shea (Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, Saint Mary’s University). Nine-year old Phoebe Goeldner of Alma, Wis., will play the role of Elly, Emerson’s daughter. TigerLion Arts selected Goeldner for the production after an audition of area child actors. Bagpipes, ancient flutes, drums, and rich choral arrangements are intricately woven into the script with compositions by Dick Hensold (Bush Artist Fellow). Choreography is by Kimberly Richardson (McKnight Theatre Artist Fellowship and Sage Award)
“I have always felt honored to be an Emerson descendent,” Forbes said. “I feel an intimate responsibility to his lineage, and for years I have imagined a play that could bring his spirit and teachings, along with that of his friend and fellow author Henry David Thoreau, to a broader audience. When I read their work, I find answers to burning questions on how to live my life more deeply and responsibly in this world. They were both radicals of their time, calling on their peers to think for themselves and be agents of change. I believe their words and ideas are as necessary now as they were then.”
During the performance, the audience will walk short distances between four different locations. Portable lawn chairs or blankets to sit on are suggested, as there are a limited number of chairs for those who need them most. Guests should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Audiences are encouraged to come early to visit the grounds. Picnic meals are welcome and can be enjoyed along with pre-show bagpiping and choral arrangements performed by local community members 30 minutes before the performance begins. The Page Theatre will also offer accessibility accommodations for those with limited mobility; please contact the box office or visit pagetheatre.org/accessibility for more information.
Running time for Nature is 90 minutes, without intermission. Tickets are on sale now and are offered at a suggested price of $15 for the general public and $8 for youth ages 17 and younger. A “pay-what-you-can” option is also available in an effort to make performances accessible to all, thanks to a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council. Tickets may be ordered by calling 507-457-1715 (noon to 6 p.m., weekdays) or visiting pagetheatre.org.
Nature Community Programs
Connect with the outdoors through the theater with the cast of Nature. Professional actors will offer a workshop titled “I Went for a Walk Today” for families on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The workshop will include through walks, theatrical play, and reflective journaling. Each workshop attendee will receive a Nature field journal to take home. The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required and is available at pagetheatre.org.
The Page Series, in partnership with the Winona County Historical Society, will also offer a Page in History event on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Winona County History Center (160 Johnson St.). This free event will include information about local ties to Ralph Waldo Emerson, a screening of the Twin Cities Public Television short documentary Nature: Walking with Emerson and Thoreau, and Q & A with members of the production.
In addition to these programs, a post-show discussion with the company will follow the Sunday, Sept. 8 performance.
About the Page Series
Now entering its 33rd annual season, the Page Series offers performances workshops, classes, and more that inspire, uplift, educate, and invite community members to discover the relevance of the arts in their daily lives. Featuring professional performing artists from around the globe in events at the Joseph Page Theatre on the campus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, as well as at locations throughout the Winona community, the Page Series strives to bring artists and community together through imaginative programming, unique collaborations, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service. www.pagetheatre.org.
About TigerLion Arts
TigerLion Arts, founded and led by Markell Kiefer and Tyson Forbes, is a Minneapolis-based production company with a mission to celebrate human wisdom and the spirit of nature through creative works that awaken, inform, and delight. Since 2009, TigerLion Arts has touched thousands nationwide with four original productions: The Buddha Prince (2009), a walking play about the life of the Dalai Lama performed in New York City’s Central Park; Nature (2010 production); KIPO! (2011), a circus of spirit, song and dance from Tibet, which was the official arts component of the Dalai Lama’s 2011 Minnesota visit, and The Dragons are Singing Tonight (2012), a musical based on the book of children’s poetry by Jack Prelutsky, created in collaboration with Circus Juventas and Minnesota Boychoir. TigerLion Arts won a 2018 regional Emmy®Award for their documentary “Nature: Walking with Emerson & Thoreau”. Learn more at tigerlion.com.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Page Series Community Programs are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Xcel Energy Foundation.
Area musicians invited to join Saint Mary’s Concert Band
WINONA, Minn. — Experienced area instrumentalists are invited to join the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band this fall. This season’s first rehearsal will take place on Monday, Aug. 26, at 6:45 p.m. in Saint Yon’s Hall, rehearsal room 158, on the Winona Campus of Saint Mary’s.
The Concert Band has been a college-community partnership since 1990 and is directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, professor of music and music education. The band rehearses 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays while classes are in session, late August through early May.
Talented high school musicians and experienced adult community players are invited to join the collegiate instrumentalists for an exciting new season of great music. There are also opportunities for those interested in chamber music ensembles. Trumpet players are especially needed this year, but all experienced wind, brass, and percussion players are welcome to join the 65-member Concert Band.
Placement auditions are individually scheduled between Aug. 29 and Sept. 3; audition repertoire (provided musical excerpts and scales) will be available at the Aug. 26 and 28 rehearsals.
The band performs four times during the 2019-20 academic year:
- Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. — the fall Family Weekend concert that will feature music composed by John Williams.
- Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. — the annual Christmas Concert.
- Sunday, March 15, at 3 p.m. — a concert featuring band classics, both old and new.
- Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m. — commencement.
Performances are also held off campus at the Watkins Manor Great Hall, Sugarloaf Senior Housing, or similar locations.
To reserve your spot, contact Heukeshoven at 507-457-1675 or jheukesh@smumn.edu. Please include which instrument you play and your full name.
About the Music Department
The Saint Mary’s University Music Department serves students from all academic areas through its many ensembles (both instrumental and vocal) and courses open to students both within the Music Department and those wishing to increase their musical knowledge while pursuing a different major. Each year, incoming student musicians audition for music scholarships which are based on musical performance and open to all Saint Mary’s students. Students wishing to major in music have five options: B.A. in Music, Music Performance, Music Education, Music Industry, and the five-year M.A. in Music Education. Visit smumn.edu/music for more information.
MCA hosts watercolor exhibit throughout August
WINONA, Minn. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) invites community members to the Ways of Watercolor exhibit at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. Howard St., throughout August.
The exhibit features artwork created by adults ages 55 and older who participated in an eight-session workshop to learn more about the ways of watercolor paint, thanks to a generous grant from Aroha Philanthropies.
Visitors will see a variety of techniques represented in the artwork, from wet-on-wet to still-life paintings.
The exhibit will be on display throughout August. Guests can visit at no cost during regular business hours: Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
Vitality Arts programs inspire and enable older adults to learn, make, and share the arts in ways that are novel, complex, and socially engaging. The work is driven by teaching artists whose creative process and understanding of older adults bring joy, connection, improved health and well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose to older adults in community and residential settings.
MCA was selected as one of only 15 nonprofit organizations throughout Minnesota to receive a grant from Aroha Philanthropies through its new statewide initiative Seeding Vitality Arts MN.
About Vitality Arts
The broad field of creative aging encompasses many things: arts education, arts in health care, creativity for those with dementia, and more. Arts education programs — those that inspire and enable older adults to learn, make and share the arts in ways that are novel, complex and socially engaging — make up a subset of the creative aging field. Often referred to as artful aging programs, they are led by teaching artists whose creative process and understanding of older adults bring connection, improved health and well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose to older adults in community and residential settings.
At Aroha Philanthropies, we’ve come to view these programs as even more than artful aging. With the term “Vitality Arts,” we aim to champion arts programs that keep us vital, joyful, and engaged by unleashing the transformative power of creativity in those 55 and older. More information is available at vitalityarts.org.
About Aroha Philanthropies
Aroha Philanthropies is devoted to the transformative power of the arts and creativity, inspiring vitality in those over 55, joy in children and youth, and humanity in adults with mental illness. We believe that learning, making, and sharing art enriches everyone throughout their lifetime. Aroha Philanthropies works to improve the quality of life of people 55 and older by encouraging the funding, development, and proliferation of arts programs designed to enhance longer lives, and by advancing the development of professional teaching artists working with those in their encore years. More information is available at arohaphilanthropies.org.
About MCA
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA), an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, is a nonprofit community arts school offering programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for students of all ages from birth through older adults at the Valéncia Arts Center. For more information about MCA or Galleria Valéncia, visit mca.smumn.edu, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.
Photo caption: Artist Linda Speltz practices watercolor painting.
MCA to hold Fall Open House Aug. 24
WINONA, Minn. — As summer winds down, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) invites the public to attend its Fall Open House on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.
The open house will feature a full schedule of events:
- 10 a.m. to noon — Meet MCA faculty, tour the new class piano lab, get fitted for shoes, register for classes, play an 8-foot floor piano, join the coloring contest, stroll through Galleria Valencia’s Watercolor Exhibit, win prizes, and enjoy treats.
- 10:30 to 11 a.m. — New Class Free Trial: Dance Adventures for ages 4-6 (free, but pre-registration is recommended).
- 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. — What to Expect in Ballet I Class: Parents and children ages 7 and up are invited to enjoy this demo and participation class to help those new to ballet know what to expect (free, but pre-registration is recommended).
- 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. — Newly Restructured Class Free Trial: Boys Sampler for boys ages 7-12 (free, but pre-registration is recommended).
The open house is an excellent opportunity for parents and students to meet instructors and administration, ask questions, tour the facility, and register for classes. Families will have the opportunity to win MCA swag and various prizes from local businesses.
Register online at mca.smumn.edu or in-person at MCA for the free open house classes and for fall classes.
About MCA
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA), an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, is a nonprofit community arts school offering programming in dance, music, visual art, and theater. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for students of all ages from birth through older adults at the Valéncia Arts Center. For more information about MCA or Galleria Valéncia, visit mca.smumn.edu, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.
Photo caption: Mollie Kieffer practices ballet.
Student success with X Games continues
Saint Mary’s junior Isabel Bettag (second from left) won the Overall #IMPACT Award at the 2019 Summer X Games. This was Bettag’s second year participating in the X Games Student Work Program. She joined five other Saint Mary’s students in the experience Aug. 1-4 in Minneapolis. Bettag said her favorite part was interacting with the kids at the Marvel Ninja Course, where she was the lead worker. X Games Event Development #IMPACT Awards are overall awards based upon the workers’ performance levels throughout the week. An Overall #IMPACT Award, as well as Daily #IMPACT Awards, are conferred. This is the second year in a row a Saint Mary’s student won the Overall #IMPACT Award. Last year Heidi Ledermann ’19 received the honor.
Check out how our students are benefitting from working with X Games:
MCA to hold Main reACTion Troupe 2019-20 school year auditions
WINONA, Minn. — Ready to take your improv skills to the next level? If so, Main reACTion is for you!
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is seeking creative quick thinkers to form the Main reACTion Improv Troupe for the 2019-20 school year. Main reACTion’s school year troupe will perform at one or two locations and events per month. Performances will take place during the second annual Shutdown Third Street, the November Second Saturday at the MN Marine Art Museum, and more. Auditions will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 6-8 p.m. in the Academy Theatre at MCA’s home, the Valencia Arts Center (1164 W. 10th Street).
During auditions, actors and actresses can expect to participate in a variety of improv games. Those auditioning should also bring a calendar with any vacation, known school year activities, or end of summer activities to note conflicts on the audition form. Ten to 15 troupe members will be selected based on their ability to think on their stage presence, variety of ideas, ability to think on their feet and make quick decisions, and ability to work with others. There is no fee to audition, but troupe members will be asked to pay $110 to participate for Aug. 2019 through May 2020, which covers all instruction for monthly rehearsals and a T-shirt.
Main ReACTion was established in June 2019 as part of Artists on Main Street, a partnership between Winona Main Street, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and Springboard for the Arts, with support from the Bush Foundation. Thanks to the interest and success of the troupe, it will continue to provide a creative outlet to area youth and entertain community members of all ages.
About MCA
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA), an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, is a nonprofit community arts school offering programming in dance, music, visual art, and theater. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for students of all ages from birth through older adults at the Valéncia Arts Center. For more information about MCA or Galleria Valéncia, visit mca.smumn.edu, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.
Making a difference is the Lasallian tradition
They admit that celebrating Bastille Day in Paris with fireworks at the Eiffel Tower was pretty spectacular.
But for Patrick Laughlin ’20 and Crystal Chavez ’21 a more meaningful highlight of attending the Lasallian Leadership Summer Program this past July in France was learning what it means to be Lasallian — and feeling empowered to make a difference.
Inspired by Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers and the patron saint of educators, Laughlin and Chavez were motivated to truly change the world, just as he did over 300 years ago.
“One of the key phrases we heard was ‘together by association’,” Laughlin said. “We can each make our own little corners of the world a better place, and together we can have a widespread effect on a global scale.”
Chavez and Laughlin said they felt empowered after learning that Saint Mary’s is part of a much bigger Lasallian network, and enjoyed meeting other students from Lasallian schools from throughout the world.
“I didn’t realize how deep the roots were and how widespread the Lasallian community is,” Laughlin said. “I didn’t realize the impact and influence the community has globally.”
Chavez said her hope is that moving forward there can be more interactions between these schools to help the Lasallian identity grow even stronger.
The event is sponsored annually by the International Association for Lasallian Universities. On the 300th anniversary year of De La Salle’s death, this year’s leadership program, held July 7-20, brought under 100 Lasallian students together to learn of this revolutionary teacher, the sacrifices he made, and his vision to educate the poor. Chavez and Laughlin literally walked in the footsteps of the educational pioneer.
Chavez, an elementary education major with a Spanish endorsement, was particularly moved by de La Salle’s work to ensure education was accessible to all, not just the rich and elite. “Education is something all students should have,” she said. “It’s difficult for me to think of a world where that isn’t possible.”
How do they now define being Lasallian?
For Chavez, it’s about finding ways to make things better. “It’s about doing something instead of just talking about it,” she said. “It’s about being more aware of what’s going on in your community and acting to help. It’s also about seeing community everywhere, not just where you live or where you’re from.”
For Laughlin, triple majoring in entrepreneurship, business analytics, and finance, it’s about three words: awareness, relationships, and action.
“I would say being Lasallian is about having an awareness of other people’s needs and perspectives and taking action,” he said. “Being lasallian is about putting yourself in other people’s shoes, and being a transformational leader through relationships. (De La Salle) gave up everything. He had a good life, an important position. He didn’t need to sell everything and become one with the poor but he did. He was able to make a difference.”
As the incoming president of student senate, Laughlin plans to carry the idea of being aware of others forward. “I want to make sure everyone’s voice is heard,” he said. “All different perspectives need to be heard when we’re making decisions.”
Saint Mary’s to participate in Phillips West Neighborhood National Night Out
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — As a proud partner in the Phillips West Neighborhood, Saint Mary’s University is helping to sponsor the neighborhood’s 23rd annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. The free event will take place at the American Swedish Institute parking lot at 2600 Park Ave. and on 27th Street from Park to Oakland Ave.
The event features:
- Free food
- Clowns, familiar characters, and mascots (including the Saint Mary’s Cardinal mascot, Big Red)
- A bounce house and giant inflatable slide
- Face tattoos
- MN Adult & Teen Challenge choir
- Rene Studio salsa dancers
- Mi Tierra Mariachi band
- Balloon animals
- Minneapolis Mad Dads rap and dance contest (including gift card prizes for the top three winners)
- Information tables with community resources and free giveaways (stop by to see Saint Mary’s faculty and staff)
- And more!
National Night Out is an annual event that encourages residents to hold block parties and get to know their neighbors as a way to build community and encourage crime prevention. It’s also a way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family.
As part of its mission, Saint Mary’s is committed to serving diverse populations and fostering relationships that promote community change and improvement. Saint Mary’s has been offering graduate and professional programs from its Twin Cities Campus in Minneapolis since 1984.
Photo caption: Saint Mary’s mascot, Big Red the Cardinal, danced with Twin Cities community members at National Night Out last year.
CASE recognizes Saint Mary’s with Educational Fundraising Award
WINONA, Minn. — The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has announced the names of more than 100 U.S. educational institutions that are being recognized with 2019 Educational Fundraising Awards.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is one of 19 institutions which received “Sustained Excellence Awards” — awards which recognize institutions that have demonstrated consistent fundraising success over a five-year period. Institutions that have been recognized with an overall performance, overall improvement, or award for excellence in three out of the past five years also receive this award designation.
“These institutions have not only demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and best practice in their fundraising efforts, they have contributed to the betterment of educational advancement worldwide by serving as a model to which others can aspire,” said Sue Cunningham, CASE President and CEO.
Saint Mary’s has been recognized by CASE for the past four years. In 2016 and 2017, the university was recognized for “Overall Improvement.” In 2018, Saint Mary’s received both “Overall Performance” as well as “Sustained Excellence” honors.
For the full list, go to www.case.org/awards/2019/2019-educational-fundraising-award-winners-0.
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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