STEVENS POINT — The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has a host of events coming up during the next several weeks.
Faculty and staff members at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point are displaying their talents and research at the university’s Edna Carlsten Art Gallery through Dec. 1.
“Think + Make + Show” is an exhibit of eclectic works by art faculty and staff from the Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau campuses.
The show includes bronze sculptures, reimagined comics in watercolors, graphic design on yoga mats, nature prints, multi-media political pieces, glass and enamel panels, drawings, sculptures with accompanying videos and a huge metal three-dimensional piece.
The gallery is in the Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point, and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call the gallery at 715-346-4797 or visit uwsp.edu/art-design/Pages/Exhibitions/carlsten.aspx.
This December, learn how favorite holiday traditions, such as kissing under the mistletoe and gift giving, originate throughout the world at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.
Two free programs, “Winter Wonders” and “Season of Light,” will be shown on Dec. 2, 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. respectively.
“Winter Wonders” looks at Christian and Jewish religious events during the winter season as well as rituals of cultures that originate from solstice observances. The program also explores the customs of Native Americans, Inuit, Incans and the people of central Africa and China.
“Season of Light” traces the development of many well-known holiday customs, including burning of yule logs, hanging Christmas lights and lighting the Menorah and luminaries. The program also explores holiday customs from other cultures and parts of the world.
On Monday evenings, the “Night Sky” program is offered at 8 p.m. in the planetarium to look in detail at objects in the current night sky.
Planetarium seating is first come, first served for up to 55 people. Groups of 15 or more may schedule a special showing of any planetarium program by calling 715-346-2208 or completing an online request form at uwsp.edu/physastr/plan_obs. There is a cost of $25 per group for these presentations.
The Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory telescope is open for free viewings from 8:30-10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday evenings if the skies are clear and the temperature is above 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The planetarium and observatory are located on the second and fourth floor of the UW-Stevens Point Science Building at the corner of Reserve Street and Fourth Avenue. Parking is available in Lot D behind the building and is free in all university lots after 7 p.m. and on weekends.
Santa Claus is coming to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The university’s popular Breakfast with Santa event is the first of several held on campus in December.
Unless otherwise noted, the following events will be held in The Encore at the Dreyfus University Center (DUC), 1015 Reserve St., Stevens Point. They are free with a UW-Stevens Point or Mid-State Technical College student ID or $5 for community members.
- Dec. 1 –Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m.-noon, Dreyfus University Center Laird Room. This special event includes meeting Santa, cookie decorating and crafts. Tickets are $3 with UW-Stevens Point ID or $6 for community members. At the door, tickets are $6 with UW-Stevens Point ID or $9 without. Children ages 4 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased at the UW-Stevens Point Information and Tickets Office in the Dreyfus University Center concourse or by calling 715-346-4100.
- Dec. 12 –Comedian Jon Rineman, 9 p.m.
- Dec. 13 –Aileeah Colgan, country concert, 8:30 p.m.
Discover the natural beauty winter has to offer during free programs at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve.
Taught by UW-Stevens Point students, these programs meet at the reserve’s Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, unless otherwise noted. Dress for the weather, as some programs are outdoors.
December programs include:
· The Hidden Lives Among Us, Dec. 4, 6-7 p.m. Follow the clues and find the unseen critters hiding in the reserve.
· Alien Invaders, Dec. 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join the battle against invasive species that threaten native plants and animals, and help save the reserve.
· Ancient Animals, Dec. 9, 1-2 p.m. Walk into the past on an interactive winter hike and learn about the ancient animals that roamed during the Ice Age, including giant beavers and mammoths.
· Snowflake Science, Dec. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Investigate the science behind these miniature works of art, then build your own snowflake and go on a snowflake safari.
For more information, call 715-346-4992.
NEW! The Campus Band and Campus Orchestra at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point join in concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in Michelsen Hall at the Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point. The Campus Orchestra is directed by Steve Bjella, professor of music and artist teacher of violin. Patrick Lawrence, associate professor of low brass and instrumental music education, directs the Campus Band.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $5 for UW-Stevens Point students, faculty and youth and free the day of the concert for students with a UW-Stevens Point I.D. if not sold out. Tickets are available at the University Information and Tickets Office in the Dreyfus University Center, by calling 715-346-4100 or 800-838-3378 or at tickets.uwsp.edu. Tickets may be purchased at the door if available. Proceeds benefit student scholarships.
NEW! The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform in concert at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Michelsen Hall at the Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point, under the direction of Michael Butler, assistant professor of music and director of bands.
The Wind Symphony will perform “Pageant” by Vincent Persichetti, conducted by senior music education major Jesse Frozene. “Angels in the Architecture,” by Frank Ticheli, will feature soprano soloist and senior music major Valerie Evans as well as ethereal sounds created by percussion items such as tuned crystal glasses.
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform pieces that fuse classical and jazz elements. The first is a premier of a new concerto for two percussionists and wind ensemble by Adam Silverman. This will feature Brian Baldauff, UW-Stevens Point assistant professor of percussion, and guest percussionist Justin Alexander, an assistant professor of music at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $5 for UW-Stevens Point students, faculty and youth and free the day of the concert for students with a UW-Stevens Point I.D. if not sold out. Tickets are available at the University Information and Tickets Office in the Dreyfus University Center, by calling 715-346-4100 or 800-838-3378 or at tickets.uwsp.edu. Tickets may be purchased at the door if available. Proceeds benefit student scholarships.
NEW! Students will showcase their creativity in dance and choreography at the upcoming annual Afterimages dance concert at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
“Afterimages 2018” will be performed in Jenkins Theatre in the Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 9. Students direct their own cast of dancers and work with student costume and lighting designers to bring their vision to life, said Michael Estanich, professor of dance.
Find sneak peek videos and choreographer interviews at afterimages2018.blogspot.com or on Facebook at uwsptheatredance.
Tickets are $24 for adults and $14 for age 17 and younger. Discounts are available for UW-Stevens Point faculty, staff and students. Tickets are available at the UW-Stevens Point Information and Tickets Office, located in the Dreyfus University Center concourse, by calling 715-346-4100 or at tickets.uwsp.edu.
Part Irish pub band and part rock band, Gaelic Storm will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 13 in the Laird Room of the Dreyfus University Center. General admission tickets cost $25 plus service fees. Tickets will be $30 the day of the show.
Purchase tickets at the University Information and Tickets in the Dreyfus University Center concourse, at 800-838-3378 or online at tickets.uwsp.edu.
The band has topped the Billboard World Chart six times and makes regular appearances at music and Irish festivals across the country, including Milwaukee’s Irish Fest. The group’s latest album, “Go Climb a Tree,” was released in 2017.
Gaelic Storm includes Patrick Murphy on vocals, piano, harmonica, accordion and spoons, Steve Twigger on vocals, guitar, mandolin and bouzouki, Ryan Lacy on drums and world percussion, Pete Purvis on pipes and Katie Grennan on fiddle.
Photos courtesy UWSP.
