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Photo of the Week

The much-anticipated opening of the OSU Urban Arts Space in downtown Columbus kicked off with a media preview (above) on Monday, Feb 4. Karen Bell (Dean) addressed reporters and granted several interviews while Lesley Ferris (below) led an informal tour. The space and its two inaugural exhibitions officially open to the public Tuesday, Feb 5, with a grand opening reception Friday, Feb 8, from 5:30 to 8 pm. All are invited to the reception; simply call 292-5171 to attend. The festivities will celebrate the space and opening of Midnight Robbers: The Artists of Notting Hill Carnival, exploring the artistry of the London Carnival (left), and Linking the Past to the Future, a look at the Lazarus building through the years. The evening event will include remarks from Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, OSU President Gordon Gee and Dean Bell, along with informal tours, refreshments and entertainment by student percussionists and costumed stilt walkers. For more, go to the web.
Notable News

Speaking of the OSU Urban Arts Space, it's already garnering a bunch of attention from local newspapers and magazines, incuding this story in The Other Paper.

Feeling patriotic? The popular New Sousa Band headed by Keith Brion (below) will present a concert Wednesday, Feb 6, at 8 pm in Weigel Auditorium. The national band commemorates the life and times of John Philip Sousa and is a fast-moving replica of Sousa concerts of the past. The concert is a tribute to Westerville author Paul Bierley, who penned a biography of Sousa. The 43-member band includes faculty members Katherine Borst Jones and Susan Powell and former faculty Chris Weait; they will be joined in the concert by 75 members of the spectacular OSU Marching Band and OSU Flute Troupe. A wide range of tunes will be presented, from The Star Spangled Banner and The Invincible Eagle to a George Cohan sing-along, Irish reels and the moving Parade of the Services. Tickets at the door or by calling 292-2295.

One-of-a-kind gifts -- just in time for Valentine's Day -- will be for sale at the Valentine's Day Glass Sale during the day Feb 7 and 8 in Hopkins Hall lobby. All work is unique and made by students in the glass program in Art. Items include hand-blown vases, hand-made jewelry, paperweights and more.

Pat Stuhr (Art Education) has been awarded the June McFee Award by the National Art Education Women's Caucus. The award is given annually to honor a person who has made distinguished contributions to the profession of art education.

Michael Szczesniak (Music alumnus), who sings under the name Michele Angelini, had a favorable review by music critic Robert Thomas regarding his debut performance with Los Angeles Opera in Judas Maccabeus. Thomas said, "What made the evening really worthwhile was discovering tenor Michele Angelini, making his company debut singing the title role. . . Angelini is a real find; LAO General Director Placido Domingo should sign him for future seasons before the word gets out."

Save the Date! This April 4-6 several very funny OSU alums return for a Theatre scholarship benefit performance. The troupe, now called Just for Laughs, reprises music satire and comedy sketches in a madcap comedy revue. The group started as a 1963 experimental theatre production, The Esoterics at Large, resulting in standing-room-only crowds. They evolved into The Esoterics and toured nationally. Today, original cast members and alumni Denis Freeh and Richard Farshler are part of the troupe, along with six others who create 86 wacky characters on stage. Performances will be April 4 and 5 at 7:30 pm and April 6 at 3 pm in Roy Bowen Theatre, Drake Performance Center. Tickets $25; proceeds will fund OSU Theatre scholarships. To order, call 292-2295.