College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Metro’s Art in Transit Program showcases George Mason students' work

Colleen Rich — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:33:02 +0000

Metro’s Art in Transit Program showcases George Mason students' work Colleen Rich Wed, 12/04/2024 - 14:33

Four students in ��AV’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) will have original animations displayed on screens in six Metro stations as part of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Art in Transit Program, beginning the first week of December 2024.

These George Mason student animations will be on rotation in the Metro stations for a full year. Photo by the Art in Transit Program

These animations will be on rotation in the stations for a full year. Additionally, through a new five-year partnership with Metro, CVPA students from the School of Art and Film and Video Studies and Computer Game Design Programs, will have ongoing opportunities to participate in this innovative learning experience.

The process began in fall 2023, when School of Art Professor Gail Scott White, Film and Video Studies Adjunct Rebekah Wingert-Jabi, and Film and Video Studies Program Director Cynthia Fuchs met with Metro’s Art in Transit team to discuss how George Mason students could participate in the WMATA’s digital art initiative.

“From the very first meeting, I was drawn to the Art in Transit Program’s evolving nexus of art, culture, and community,” said White. “It seemed like the perfect experiential learning opportunity for CVPA students to work through the processes of idea generation and concept development, receive individual mentorship, and to create frame-by-frame animations of their own design that would be publicly displayed, reaching Metro viewers from all walks of life.”

In spring 2024, White reached out to current CVPA students—computer game design major Valeria Hunt and art and visual technology majors Taka Hunter, Joseph Cameron Rhodes Murdock, and Jennifer Perez—about joining a pilot program, in which each would create a 20-second animation to be displayed on screens in the Crystal City, Farragut North, NoMa–Gallaudet U, Gallery Place–Chinatown, L'Enfant Plaza, and Metro Center stations. The students began working in earnest on their projects in the summer and early fall of 2024.

Here the CVPA students talk about their work:

Valeria Hunt, Man with the Suitcase

“My stop-motion cut-out animation, Man with the Suitcase, portrays moments from everyday life that many people can relate to. I used watercolors and ink, scissors and glue, found materials, facial expressions, and physical gestures to visually engage and emotionally connect with the viewer. Inspired by personal experiences and observations of social interactions, this short film encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences of human nonverbal communications. Man with the Suitcase is about daily struggles, with a touch of humor to help us get through the day.”

Taka Hunter, Ichi Nichi

“Ichi Nichi (One Day) is a short piece made up of day-to-day moments. Animated in Clip Studio Paint, the work features a set of characters inspired by treasured experiences and people in my life. Through my art I aim to appreciate every person’s pursuit of happiness and the inherent beauty of our mundane lives. I hope that viewers can connect with elements of the work in whatever small way. If there’s anything I want to achieve with Ichi Nichi, it’s to make someone feel seen.”

Joseph Cameron Rhodes Murdock, The Magnificent Pixie Titans and the Workshop Varmint

“In this animation, the Wessel, a small creature who loves shiny objects and getting into mischief, breaks into a magic workshop and wreaks havoc. The Magnificent Pixie Titans use their magic to outfox the Wessel and restore order. My greatest joy is to create inhabitants of worlds, not just creatures that look cool but ones that have purpose. I love weird and kooky creatures, from mythology, fantasy, sci-fi, or just reality. Encouraged by my sci-fi loving mother, I grew up reading global folklore and myths. Every creature in those tales had a narrative purpose and a natural place in the worlds they inhabited—just like the Wessel and the Pixie Titans.”

Jennifer Perez, Stardust Playground

“Stardust Playground is a fantastical, loose reimagining of a childhood memory of a family trip to a swimming pool. In this animation, the pool is outer space while the characters are animals. I am played by a penguin. I chose the other three animals—the acrobatic ferret, a high energy dog, and a cat who is cool and calm—for their exquisite movements and behavioral traits. These free-spirited animal characters joyfully play in zero gravity among the stars.”

The Art in Transit Program enhances the experience of customers, communities, and the Capital region by incorporating visual and performing arts experiences into the Metrorail system and Metro facilities. With Metrorail serving nearly half a million commuters every weekday, on average, the talents of these four CVPA students will reach an exponentially increasing number of people in the region while contributing to the program’s enriching mission.

This new partnership with Metro exemplifies the kinds of connections and opportunities uniquely offered to students as part of their educational experience within CVPA. Other examples include the Murals at Mason program by Mason Exhibitions, which develops and manages contracts for local artists—often CVPA students and alumni—with public art opportunities in the Washington, D.C., area; the Film and Video Studies Program’s traveling showcase of student films each fall—Best of Film at Mason—with free public screenings at various locations, including a recurring fall showcase during the Washington West Film Festival; and the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music’s Mason Music Productions, which manages opportunities for student musicians to be hired for private and public events. Faculty and staff throughout CVPA actively explore and create hand-on experiences for students, from supporting research and scholarly activities to curating showcases of student work in local galleries and museums and hiring students as members of production teams that travel the world.

The Art in Transit Program’s Digital Art Initiative was launched in 2018 to develop partnerships with local arts organizations and institutions to facilitate the presentation of original digital artworks for Metro's digital displays at the following stations—Crystal City, Farragut North, NoMa-Gallaudet U, Gallery Place-Chinatown, L'Enfant Plaza, and Metro Center.

Check out the College of Visual and Performing Arts

Join the Mason Nation

Topics

Students

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Mason Korea launches Korea Serious Game Institute

Colleen Rich — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:46:23 +0000

Mason Korea launches Korea Serious Game Institute Colleen Rich Mon, 12/02/2024 - 09:46

Mason Korea recently hosted the opening ceremony for its Korea Serious Game Institute (KSGI), marking the global expansion of ��AV’s Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. KSGI is set to lead innovation in Korea's gaming industry while advancing the use of serious games in education, therapy, and social awareness.

A panel discussion following the event focused on the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in shaping the gaming industry and propelling the development of serious games. Participating were (l-r) James Casey, Associate Professor of Computer Game Design and Co-Director of VSGI; Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts; Sang Nam, Computer Game Design program director and do-director of VSGI; Jinsoo Jeon, former CEO of Superlabs; and Sun Kyun Moon, Education Lead at Microsoft Korea. Photo by Mason Korea

Professor Sang Nam, director of George Mason's Computer Game Design Program and codirector of VSGI, has been appointed as KSGI’s inaugural director. The institute will work closely with Mason Korea’s Industry-University Collaboration Foundation to drive its mission forward.

More than 120 distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo of the National Assembly; Yun Won-seok, commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA); Park Byung-geun, CEO of the IGC Foundation; Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts; Professor Kim Mi-kyung from Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Lim Ji-hyun, former vice president of Kakao Games.

“Serious games go beyond entertainment to unlock possibilities in education, rehabilitation, and raising social awareness,” said Ahn, who is a medical doctor, businessperson, and software entrepreneur. “KSGI will play a pivotal role in driving this transformation.”

College of Visual and Performing Arts dean Rick Davis spoke at the opening ceremony. Photo by Mason Korea

Ahn expressed hope that KSGI would contribute significantly to Korea’s gaming industry while advancing education and health initiatives. He also emphasized the need for collaboration to fully realize the potential of serious games in Korea.

IFEZA Commissioner Yun Won-seok said the institute would be a new growth engine for Korea’s gaming industry. “This initiative continues the MOU for promoting industry-academia collaboration. I hope KSGI leverages resources from the U.S. campus to enhance local business competitiveness and achieve greater vision.”

Other speakers, including Don Marinelli, co-founder of Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, expressed optimism about KSGI’s potential to drive innovation in both South Korea and the global gaming community.

Following the ceremony, Professor Kim Mi-kyung and her students from Seoul National University’s Department of Forensic Medicine held discussions on practical applications of serious games in forensic science. Kim highlighted the potential of serious games to revolutionize forensic education and research, underscoring KSGI’s capacity to develop effective tools for training and field investigations. The institute is actively exploring how real-world scenario-based learning through serious games can enhance field-response capabilities.

A panel discussion on “Next-Generation Games: Emerging Technologies and Global Trends” was a key highlight of the event. Moderated by Nam, the panel featured Davis; James Casey, associate professor of computer game design and codirector of VSGI; Jeon Jinsoo, former CEO of Superlabs; and Sun Kyun Moon, education lead at Microsoft Korea. The discussion focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in shaping the gaming industry and propelling the development of serious games.

“KSGI will serve as a vital platform connecting Korea and the world by tackling educational challenges and addressing social issues through serious games,” said Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park. “Mason Korea is committed to supporting the development of serious games in Korea, enabling them to create meaningful social impact across diverse domains."

The Latest from Mason Korea

Topics

Mason Korea

Campus News

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Virginia Serious Game Institute

Korea Serious Game Institute

Strategic Direction

Annual benefit ARTS by George! raises more than $250,000 in support of Mason Arts

Kirstin Franko — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 22:26:37 +0000

Annual benefit ARTS by George! raises more than $250,000 in support of Mason Arts Kirstin Franko Wed, 10/02/2024 - 18:26

CVPA Dean Rick Davis raises a toast with Lea Salonga following her performance. Credit: Risdon Photography

��AV’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) celebrated another joy-filled and well-attended ARTS by George! benefit event on September 28. Headlined by Tony and Olivier Award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga, the evening’s festivities raised more than $250,000 to support student scholarships in visual arts, dance, music, theater, game design, film, and arts management, as well as for the Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. This year’s generous donations and sponsorships bring the total of funds raised through ARTS by George! since its inception in 2006 to nearly $4.4 million.

Gregory Washington, President of ��AV, was in attendance at the benefit event. “We’re proud that George Mason is the cultural hub of our region. The arts is one of the front doors to attract visitors of all ages and backgrounds to our campuses. We’re pleased that so many of you have found your way through our door to become involved with CVPA, and to be here with us this evening,” he said.

Students from ��AV’s School of Dance performed rotating showcases in front of audiences. Credit: Risdon Photography

ARTS by George! began at 5 p.m. on September 28 with more than 225 CVPA students and faculty joining to present 18 performances and exhibits for guests to enjoy. The entire freshman class of George Mason’s School of Dance launched the dance showcases, while an immersive screening room drew guests in to watch student films from the Film and Video Studies program. The School of Theater gave guests a preview of its upcoming fall musical production, the School of Art created an interactive photo booth installation, and Computer Game Design students and faculty brought guests into a new world with virtual reality demonstrations. Alumni from the Arts Management program joyfully reconnected with friends and faculty alike, posing for photos throughout the event, while vocalists and musicians from the Dewberry School of Music delighted guests with a variety of performances ranging from opera to jazz.

“ARTS by George! kicked off with dozens of showcases featuring gifted visual and performing arts students. For those of you lucky enough to experience it, I hope you were impressed not only with their immense talent, but also with the breadth and depth of what Mason Arts has to offer,” remarked Rick Davis, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Ashlyn Rock, a graduate of ��AV’s Dewberry School of Music, sings for the Center for the Arts audience prior to Lea Salonga's performance. Credit: Risdon Photography

At 8 p.m., guests transitioned to the Center for the Arts for a live Fund-A-Student appeal that contributed more than $28,000 towards the total amount raised at the event. In a beloved annual tradition, a distinguished Mason Arts graduate returned to the stage to perform before the evening’s headlining concert. This year, Dewberry School of Music alumna Ashlyn Rock offered a soaring rendition of “Sempre libera” from Verdi's La Traviata, receiving a standing ovation.

An Evening with Lea Salonga followed at 8:30 p.m., where the celebrated performer presented a concert of popular songs from her roles on Broadway and in animated films. The evening’s program concluded with an onstage champagne toast, during which Salonga and Davis mingled with CVPA students and faculty as well as ARTS by George! guests and supporters.

For complete information about ARTS by George!, including scholarship stories, a schedule of student showcases, previous ARTS by George! images, and more visit the event website. The Premier Sponsor for ARTS by George! was Dominion Energy and the Presenting Sponsor was Sandy Spring Bank. The event chair was Annie Bolger.

Lea Salonga (center) with ��AV President Gregory Washington (right) and his wife Nicole Washington (left), following the performance backstage. Credit: Risdon Photography

In This Story

Rick Davis

Gregory Washington

View Images from 2024 ARTS by George!

Donate to the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Topics

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Mason Artist-in-Residence Ballet Hispánico Returns to Center for the Arts, Leads Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Laura Mertens — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 19:35:55 +0000

Mason Artist-in-Residence Ballet Hispánico Returns to Center for the Arts, Leads Hispanic Heritage Month Events Laura Mertens Fri, 09/27/2024 - 15:35

��AV’s Center for the Arts presents a full residency, culminating in a Great Performances at Mason program, featuring Mason Artist-in-Residence Ballet Hispánico this October. During Hispanic Heritage Month, the company will visit Northern Virginia for four days to offer a range of educational and interactive dance programs, leading up to its mainstage performance at the Center for the Arts on October 5.

“We’re excited to have Ballet Hispánico back in our community to help us celebrate Latino culture through dance and cultural enrichment activities. We will certainly feel the presence of this dynamic and fun group across campus, and I’m delighted to have them engage with so many different community stakeholders,” said Victor Adebusola, programming and engagement manager at the Center for the Arts at George Mason.

Recognized as one of America’s cultural treasures, Ballet Hispánico celebrates the ever-growing and multifaceted Hispanic diasporas through vibrant contemporary dance. The company was founded in New York City by dance luminary Tina Ramirez in 1970, on the principle that everyone deserves dance, quality dance training, and innovative performances. Since becoming its artistic director and CEO in 2009, Eduardo Vilaro has further built Ballet Hispánico to uplift the intersection of Hispanic cultures, pioneeringly breaking down boundaries and stereotypes.

The October 5 program at the Center for the Arts features: Sombrerísimo by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, inspired by the surrealist world of Belgian painter René Magritte; Buscando a Juan by Eduardo Vilaro, inspired by the life of Juan de Pareja, the Afro-Hispanic painter who was enslaved in Spanish painter Diego Velázquez’s studio for over two decades before becoming an artist in his own right; and Club Havana by Pedro Ruiz, which transports audiences through classic Cuban culture with the intoxicating rhythms of conga, rumba, mambo, and cha-cha-chá.

As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Ballet Hispánico will engage George Mason students and the local community through a variety of classes, talks, and interactive workshops in the days ahead of the company’s performance. Details about these events are listed in the schedule below.

Launched during the 2019–20 season through George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Mason Artist-in-Residence Program connects artists appearing at the Center for the Arts and its sister-venue the Hylton Performing Arts Center with on- and off-campus communities.

Open-to-the-Public Residency Events:

Field Trip: Ballet Hispánico

Friday, October 4, at 11 a.m.
Center for the Arts at ��AV (4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030)
FREE, registration required

In conjunction with the Great Performances at Mason series, the Center makes it easy for your class or group to attend field trips, which are all offered in person. From their seats, students will be introduced to dance, theater, and music from around the world.

Artists in Conversation: Latin Social Dance Workshop with Ballet Hispánico

Friday, October 4, at 7 p.m.
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, VA 22030)
FREE, registration required

This Hispanic Heritage Month event celebrates the ever growing and multifaceted Hispanic diasporas, featuring an interactive social dance workshop led by the “smashingly theatrical” dance company (Chicago Sun-Times) Ballet Hispánico. Move to the rhythms of salsa, merengue, cha chá, and more!

Co-presented by the City of Fairfax and the Center for the Arts at ��AV

Residency Activities for George Mason and Local Communities:

The events listed below are not open to the general public.

Tuesday, October 1, at 9 a.m.

Ballet Hispánico and Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro will virtually visit the class “Survey of Latin American History,” taught by Associate Professor Joan Bristol from George Mason’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Vilaro will present to the students on topics that include the history of Ballet Hispánico and how the need for visibility for a community spurned rich innovation based on the intersection of Latin diasporas; colonization, the cross-Atlantic slave trade, and the legacy of movement throughout our history; and the history of Latin dance in modern dance and culture in the United States. There will also be a Q&A for the students.

Wednesday, October 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Ballet Hispánico will offer a masterclass on modern repertoire to students in George Mason’s School of Dance.

Wednesday, October 2 at 1 p.m.

Ballet Hispánico will offer a masterclass on modern repertoire to local high school students in the Fairfax Academy.

Thursday, October 3 at 1:30 p.m.

Ballet Hispánico Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro will join the virtual class “Introduction to Arts Management,” taught by Professor Sam Sinagra from George Mason’s Arts Management Program. Vilaro will present the history of Ballet Hispánico and how the company centers its mission when creating programs and initiatives. There will also be a Q&A for the students.

Thursday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Ballet Hispánico will lead a Latin Social Dance Workshop and Community Party, hosted by the Latin Student Association and Mason Dining at Southside Dining Hall. This event is open to George Mason students, faculty, and staff.

Friday, October 4 at 1 p.m.

Ballet Hispánico will offer a dance workshop to a limited number of participants from the school time matinee.

Center for the Arts Public Performance Information:

Mason Artist-in-Residence
Ballet Hispánico
Saturday, October 5 at 8 p.m.
$55, $47, $33; half-price for youth through Grade 12

Tickets for Center for the Arts performances are on sale to the general public and available for purchase in person at the Center for the Arts Ticket Office (open Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and two hours prior to ticketed events in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall), by calling 703-993-2787, or through the Center for the Arts website (cfa.gmu.edu).

A pre-performance discussion with Ballet Hispánico’s Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, moderated by George Mason School of Dance Professor Lawrence Jackson, will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Center for the Arts Lobby, 45 minutes prior to curtain.

The Mason Artist-in-Residence program is supported in part by the Wendy Frieman and David Johnson Fund.

About Ballet Hispánico
Ballet Hispánico was born from a bold vision to transform the world through the power of dance and reimagine how Latinx culture is celebrated on the global stage. Since its founding in 1970 by the trailblazing Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispánico has been breaking barriers and reshaping expectations, using dance as a dynamic force for cultural expression, empowerment, and meaningful change.

Today, Ballet Hispánico proudly stands as the largest Latino cultural organization in the United States and an acclaimed "America’s Cultural Treasure." Through our three core pillars—the professional Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships—we lead with purpose, uplifting the vibrant, diverse voices of the Hispanic diaspora. Our Company brings the work of visionary Latinx choreographers to life, delivering groundbreaking performances that ignite cultural dialogue and challenge artistic boundaries.

Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, who began his journey with Ballet Hispánico as a dancer in 1985, the company continues to chart new paths forward. Building on Tina Ramirez’s legacy, Vilaro has expanded the company’s impact, amplifying the intersectional stories of Latinx identities. Programs like Instituto Coreográfico, the Latinx Leaders Summit, and Diálogos foster innovation and leadership, nurturing the next generation of Hispanic artists and cultural leaders.

A true trailblazer in the world of dance, Ballet Hispánico has performed for more than 2.5 million people across three continents. As we look to the future, our unwavering commitment is to empower communities, inspire through the beauty of dance, and continue elevating Latinx voices on the world stage.www.ballethispanico.org.

About Eduardo Vilaro
Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico since 2009, has revitalized the company with his vision of dance as a reflection of America’s diverse cultural tapestry. Born in Cuba and raised in New York, Vilaro’s choreography explores the Latin American experience and its intersections with other cultures. He previously founded Luna Negra Dance Theater in Chicago, promoting Latinx artistry. Vilaro’s work has earned him numerous awards, including an honorary Doctorate from Adelphi University, recognizing his leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.

About the Center for the Arts
A Mason Arts venue, the Center for the Arts is the centerpiece of performing arts on ��AV’s Fairfax campus. Each year, the Center welcomes hundreds of thousands of community members into its nearly 2,000-seat Concert Hall. The Center presents an annual season of national and international professional artists through its Great Performances at Mason and Family Series—offering the best of classical music, opera, jazz, global music, dance, theater, and more. Managed by George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Center hosts many student and faculty performances presented by the Schools of Music, Theater, and Dance and supports the events of the School of Art, Film and Video Studies, Computer Game Design, and Arts Management programs. The Center brings distinguished visiting artists as Mason Artists-in-Residence for extended engagements designed to engage and inspire diverse audiences both on and off campus. The Center for the Arts serves as a performance home for many community arts organizations in the greater Washington, D.C. area. cfa.gmu.edu.

About ��AV
��AV, Virginia’s largest public research university, is located near Washington, D.C., and enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. www.gmu.edu.

For more information, please visit:
��AV’s Center for the Arts

In This Story

Victor Adebusola

Get tickets for the October 5 Ballet Hispánico performance

Learn more about the Mason Artist-in-Residence program

Topics

Mason Artists-in-Residence

College of Visual and Performing Arts

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance

Campus News

On the Heels of Previewing Her Debut EP, A CVPA Alum Brings a Crown to George Mason

Emily Schneider — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:19:08 +0000

On the Heels of Previewing Her Debut EP, A CVPA Alum Brings a Crown to George Mason Emily Schneider Tue, 07/16/2024 - 11:19

In This Story

Carlehr Swanson

Prof. James Carroll

Dr. Darden Purcell

It’s safe to say that this is a banner year for ��AV College of Visual and Performing Arts alumna Carlehr Swanson. On February 24, 2024, Swanson returned to George Mason’s Fairfax Campus to perform an album preview concert for her upcoming EP, “Growing Pains.” Then, on June 29, Swanson was officially crowned Miss Virginia 2024.

Swanson poses for an official portrait after being crowned Miss Virginia 2024 on June 29.

Speaking to a reporter from WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia, the day after her crowning as Miss Virginia, Swanson shared that she’s been a participant in the pageant organization for 10 years. Remarking that she found the company of the other participants and their community service commitments to be truly inspiring and one of her favorite parts of the Miss Virginia organization, Swanson discussed her own community service initiative, which began in eighth grade.

After an injury, Swanson’s beloved grandmother was recovering in a rehabilitation center, where Swanson would visit and perform to help lift her grandmother’s spirits. As more and more patients from the center began to gather for these impromptu concerts, Swanson began inviting friends and classmates to join her for these events, to provide an even more engaging experience for the residents. Inspired by the power of music to build community, express deep emotions, and support healing, Swanson founded “Music is Unity” an organization dedicated to spreading musical joy through free performances at schools and nursing homes.

“Music has always been something really close to my heart, and I found that during hard times in my life, music had been that positive outlet for me,” said Swanson. As part of her coming year of Miss Virginia responsibilities, Swanson hopes to start new “Music Is Unity” clubs and initiatives in schools across Virginia, empowering students to share the transformative power of music, creating connections, and supporting their communities.

Now a third year PhD student at the University of Virginia, Swanson’s time at George Mason helped to set the stage for her continued growth and success as a performer, speaker, and entrepreneur. As a student of Darden Purcell, the director of Jazz Studies in the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, Swanson explored advanced vocal techniques and built upon her already impressive talents, performing with the talented student ensembles led by Dr. Purcell.

Even after Swanson graduated from George Mason, she maintained close ties with her alma mater. Her new EP was partly funded by her win of the 2023 Young Alumni Creative Development Award from the Young Alumni Commissioning Project, an initiative of George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. Recipients of certain awards from the project are afforded a fully produced event in a George Mason venue to launch their work, in addition to funding to support their project.

Jim Carroll (L) led the pre-show conversation with Swanson prior to her concert in Harris Theater in February 2024. Photo by Emily Schneider

At Swanson’s concert in February, composer, performer, and George Mason professor Jim Carroll led a pre-show conversation with the artist. Swanson shared that one of the many valuable elements of her education at George Mason was the hands-on practice of preparing for performances. Learning how to make sure that charts were ready and could be easily read by other musicians during performances helped strengthen Swanson’s ability to approach events and gigs with other musicians with a higher level of confidence and ease.

As an intern with the Jazz Studies Program in the Dewberry School of Music, Swanson learned about the nuances of promotion and marketing, helping to prepare materials and social media content that would catch the eye and drive ticket sales for various concerts. These experiences supported Swanson as she pursued her graduate education, allowing her to promote and manage her performances more successfully and teaching her peers these essential skills as they built their careers.

With her yearlong reign as Miss Virginia 2024 just beginning, Swanson will continue to share her signature kindness, positivity, and determination with communities throughout the state. See more of her journey on Instagram @car.lee.ah

Topics

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Dewberry School of Music

Jazz Studies

Miss Virginia 2024

Alumni

Frenn awarded Fulbright to pursue arts-based research in India

Colleen Rich — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 12:49:54 +0000

Frenn awarded Fulbright to pursue arts-based research in India Colleen Rich Mon, 07/01/2024 - 08:49

��AV professor Chawky Frenn, a painter and an associate professor in the School of Art, has received a Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Award for research and teaching for the 2024-25 academic year. As a Fulbright U.S. Scholar, he will conduct international research while teaching at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, in the fall.

Chawky Frenn. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“My research will evolve around the role of art as a bridge between cultures, religions, and classes,” said Frenn. “In my teaching proposal, I emphasized the potential of art to cultivate connections between diverse cultures and communities. I will teach studio art and guide students in creating artwork addressing pressing societal issues of their choosing.” At the end of the semester, Frenn will curate an exhibition of student work at Banaras Hindu University.

While abroad, Frenn will focus on creating his own art, documenting his research and travels, collaborating with Banaras Hindu University’s faculty on art projects, and putting together an exhibition of his work before returning to the United States.

This is Frenn’s second Fulbright. His first was in 2017 when he pursued his international research in New Delhi, India. “During my 2017 Fulbright, I connected with people from various walks of life,” he said. “I am excited to be given another opportunity to establish new relationships, collaborate with new international partners in art and education, and build another body of work informed by my experiences and travels.”

He added, “[During 2017] I forged many meaningful connections with artists and academics who, upon learning about my upcoming Fulbright, have already invited me to visit their universities.”

Frenn was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States in 1981. He has a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and an MFA from Temple University. His work has been featured in solo and group exhibits in galleries and museums across the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Paraguay, and India.

In 2009, Frenn received George Maso’s Teaching Excellence Award. He was a finalist for the same award in 2002 and 2006 and was also nominated for the award again in 2021.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

School of Art

Fulbright

Research

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

George Mason joins arts research alliance

Colleen Rich — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:38:14 +0000

George Mason joins arts research alliance Colleen Rich Mon, 06/24/2024 - 09:38

��AV has joined the Alliance of Art Research Universities (a2ru) as an institutional member through a concerted effort by multiple colleges and the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact (ORIEI). This action uniquely positions George Mason among other R1 institutions to support an emerging research culture in the arts.

George Mason's Center for Live Interactive Virtual Education uses the Window Wall™ system to connect leading artists with students from multiple institutions. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Justin Sutters, assistant dean of research and assessment in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), is taking the lead on the membership and has already attended one of the alliance’s conferences.

Sutters sees participation in the alliance as generative in that it provides insight into other research universities and some of the challenges that they're encountering. “I think this also gives us a framework to share best practices to see how other colleges are navigating the current fiscal and political climate,” he said.

In this role, Sutters will also be working to elevate the research and collaborations already taking place in CVPA with a longer-term goal of “a vibrant and rigorous supported arts-based research structure at George Mason.”

“I think a lot of the arts-based research isn't fully visible across the university,” Sutters said. “And there are a lot of researchers in our university who are seeking interdisciplinary opportunities with units such as CVPA.”

CVPA Dean Rick Davis was one of the George Mason administrators championing this move. “Joining a2ru represents a pivotal moment for George Mason's profile as a major participant in the national conversation,” he said. “We've already both benefited from and contributed to the dialogue around the fast-changing world of research and creative production in the arts.”

Among the other universities participating in the a2ru are Dartmouth, Stanford and Georgia Tech. Other alliance members in Virginia are Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University.

In This Story

Justin Sutters

Learn more about CVPA

Topics

Research

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

A $5 million gift from the Peterson Family Foundation will support the Center for the Arts transformation

Colleen Rich — Fri, 24 May 2024 16:32:11 +0000

A $5 million gift from the Peterson Family Foundation will support the Center for the Arts transformation Colleen Rich Fri, 05/24/2024 - 12:32

This is the college’s second principal gift toward the university’s one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible

The Peterson Family Foundation and ��AV’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) announce a transformational gift toward the reimagining of the Center for the Arts on the university’s Fairfax Campus. The $5 million gift will support the modernization and the renaming of the Concert Hall auditorium.

College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Rick Davis, George Mason Board of Visitors member Jon Peterson, Carolyn Peterson, George Mason Board of Visitors Rector Horace Blackman, George Mason Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations Trishana E. Bowden. Photo by Sean Kelley PHotography

“The Peterson Family has stood behind so much of our success in building an exceptional community of artists—students, faculty, and distinguished visiting professionals—at George Mason,” President Gregory Washington said. “This latest expression of visionary generosity makes possible a much-needed reimagination of our beloved Concert Hall, magnifying ��AV’s standing as the artistic and cultural hub of Northern Virginia.”

This gift bolsters the forthcoming capital initiative for the Center for the Arts, which aims to improve and enhance the venue’s ability to support the needs of artists, audiences, and the students and faculty of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The gift also contributes to Mason Now: Power the Possible—the university’s first one-billion-dollar comprehensive fundraising campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship.

Jon and Carolyn Peterson announced their gift during a special event in Carolyn's home in support of the college’s upcoming annual benefit ARTS by George!.

“Our family’s commitment to this project is a testament to our steadfast support of Mason Arts programs from the earliest days of the Center for the Arts right up to the present,” said Carolyn Peterson. “This gift is significant because we know it will provide our excellent students, world-class visiting artists, and the community of art lovers with a stellar Center for the Arts auditorium in which to share and experience the arts. We are honored to help move this initiative forward.”

Pianist GaYoung Lee and vocal performance student Samira Plummer-Brown. Photo by Sean Kelley Photography

“The Petersons’ gift is a demonstration of their belief in the distinction of Mason Arts and the contributions that CVPA makes in our region,” Dean Rick Davis said. “Their generosity will have an incredible impact on the arts community, elevating the possibilities for our student musicians, dramatic artists, dancers, and vocalists—as well as for those who work behind the scenes to learn and understand the business of creating powerful performances. We are beyond grateful, now and forever.”

Built in 1990, the venue has supported the early work of George Mason students whose careers led them to Broadway, and has hosted GRAMMY, Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning artists—and U.S. Presidents.

“Carolyn’s love and dedication to the vocal arts at Mason are legendary,” added Director of Vocal Studies Patricia Miller. “We are deeply grateful of the Peterson Family Foundation for their long history of scholarship support. Now, with this exciting new gift to help renovate our Concert Hall, they will be part of making a major impact that will inspire audiences and help prepare the coming generations of student artists.”

Milt and Carolyn Peterson, together with their family, established the Peterson Family Foundation in 1997 out of a fundamental belief that to be successful, they must be fair, honest, and always strive to support the community in which they live and do business. Through their generosity and commitment to giving back, they have directly contributed to and helped to raise millions of dollars for a diverse list of organizations including Northern Virginia Family Service, Gleaning For the World, Life With Cancer, and Teach For America, among others.

The Petersons’ philanthropic leadership follows Barry Dewberry and Arlene Evans’s $10 million gift to rename the Center for the Arts, upon completion of its future renovation. The Dewberry Evans gift was shared with the Mason community as part of the university’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on April 7, 2022.

Information about the initiative to fund the Center for the Arts renovation, including project costs and timeline, will be announced at a later date.

Topics

Campus News

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Mason Now campaign

Center for the Arts

About Mason Arts

Mason Arts encompasses the seven academic programs of George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, six community arts programs, seven galleries, the Center for the Arts, the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the digital venue Mason Arts Amplified. The college prepares students for careers as creators, performers, teachers, scholars, arts leaders, and arts entrepreneurs, and provides them opportunities to perform, create, and exhibit their work in the wide variety of Mason Arts venues. Learn more at cvpa.gmu.edu.

George Mason's Green Machine Ensembles Bring the Rock, the White House Provides the Roll

Emily Schneider — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:25:43 +0000

George Mason's Green Machine Ensembles Bring the Rock, the White House Provides the Roll Emily Schneider Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:25

Students, faculty, and staff of the Green Machine Ensembles pose together in front of the White House at the annual Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

Being invited to perform at the White House is an exciting honor for any ensemble, but for ��AV’s Green Machine Ensembles, it’s an environment where they are quickly becoming comfortable. Following their inaugural performance at the White House Easter Egg Roll in 2023, the ensembles were invited back for the beloved annual event on April 1, 2024. Despite gloomy weather, the Green Machine Ensembles showed delighted crowds how the rain can’t keep them down with a high-energy performance that kept guests mesmerized.

“Our students are engaged, enthusiastic, and dedicated,“ said Matthew Dievendorf, assistant director of academics, research, and audio production, Green Machine Ensembles. "This performance, however, required another level of preparation, not only in a musical sense but in a professional sense. Our students demonstrated admirably that they were ready to perform in a venue that required punctuality, poise, and responsibility."

“Both years this has been a really fun performance, and what makes it really special is the amount of different people we see that we don’t usually get to perform for,” said Kenny Yi, who will graduate with a BS in finance in May. ”It’s a really amazing way to get to have fun and perform for such a diverse audience. The coolest part for me this year was getting to talk to a Secret Service agent, and he told me he was excited when he heard we were coming back because he loved the variety and diversity of music we play, which is what I believe is truly one of the cornerstones of the Green Machine: celebrating diversity and inclusivity through our music.”

Guests at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll pause in front of the Green Machine Ensembles as they perform. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

In the vibrant world of the Green Machine, individuals with diverse skill sets and varying levels of experience come together to create something extraordinary. Comprising musicians, dancers, actors, artists, and more, this remarkable university ensemble celebrates the beauty of individuality while fostering a sense of unity. The initial invitation to perform at the White House Easter Egg Roll came from the ensembles’ previous performance for the Department of Education's Special Projects Division. The students' enthusiasm, talent, and infectious energy made them the perfect choice for this annual family-friendly event on the iconic White House South Lawn.

“It was a really great opportunity to perform at such a prestigious event two years in a row,” said Taye Folk, who is working on an MA in international security. “It was so cool to see how many people were surprised and excited to be welcomed to the White House by our energetic group, and it was really awesome to get to have our picture taken on the White House Lawn! Getting to perform alongside Jonesboro High School was electric and really exciting to see such talented young musicians having such a blast performing.”

Members of the Green Machine Ensembles dance as they play during their performance at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

Members of the Green Machine Ensembles cheer for the Jonesboro High School Marching Band performing at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

Guests gather in front of The White House on April 1 for the annual Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

The theme for the White House Easter Egg Roll for the last three years was “Eggucation,” making this event an even more perfect fit for the Green Machine, whose ensembles are dedicated to learning as a community. Since its creation in 2006, inspired by the Men's Basketball team's epic NCAA Final Four run, the Green Machine has become a vital part of the Mason community. Made up of musicians, dancers, actors, artists, and more, this group creates unforgettable experiences that reflect the values and essence of Mason. The Green Machine has a clear and impactful mission: to deliver diverse and innovative performances for various events and venues. Captivating audiences with its electric energy and unmatched creativity, from exciting sports games to important university ceremonies, lively student recruitment events, and prestigious competitions.

Performers with the Green Machine Ensembles add a little snap to their performance at the White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

Students performing with the Green Machine Ensembles can't hide their joy at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

Wet weather at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll can't stop the music of the Green Machine Ensembles. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

“It was an amazing experience to get to perform at the White House!” exclaimed psychology major Bianca Natal. “Seeing so many people stop and listen to us, dance with us, and cheer with us all while we were at such a prestigious venue was a truly unique and exciting experience.”

Jeremy Freer, associate director of the Green Machine Ensembles, said, “We’ve striven to keep the Green Machine as inclusive as humanly possible for over 17 years now. No matter what instrument you play, audio engineering experience you want to have, or level of commitment, we make a space for you. The result of this policy is a group that has shaped itself over a decade and a half, bringing in amazing human beings and expanding our instrumentation with strings, harp, guitar, keyboard, mallet percussion, auxiliary percussion, vocalists, rappers, and scratch DJ's.”

Green Machine Ensemble performers get into their groove at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

Members of the Green Machine Ensembles can't stop smiling as they put on an incredible performance for the crowds at the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

Their commitment to inclusivity and celebrating individuality makes the Green Machine so unique. No matter your skill level or level of commitment, this fantastic group welcomes anyone with a passion for making music and who wants to be part of something truly extraordinary. In the true spirit of "All Together Different," the Green Machine celebrates the communities’ students are already part of, as well as the ones they form while at George Mason, providing a judgment-free space where students can explore their musical talents, form lifelong friendships, and express themselves artistically.

The Green Machine ensembles are all smiles after their second spectacular performance at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo by Joshua Cruse & Nathaniel Henry / Green Machine Ensembles

In This Story

Prof. Jeremy Freer

Learn more about the Green Machine

Topics

Green Machine

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

White House

White House Easter Egg Roll

student performers

Campus News

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) School of Music

Dewberry School of Music

Mason Artist-in-Residence Small Island Big Song Leads Events Across Campus and Community

Zoe Harr — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:41:10 +0000

Mason Artist-in-Residence Small Island Big Song Leads Events Across Campus and Community Zoe Harr Fri, 03/29/2024 - 16:41

In This Story

Buy Tickets

Learn About Mason's Artist-in-Residence Program

Mason Artist-in-Residence Small Island Big Song will perform at the Center on April 20. Photo taken by Gelée Lai, Tony Tsai, Samra Teague, and Kimmi Cranes.

Right before Earth Day, Small Island Big Song presents a "jaw-dropping" (Billboard) concert experience at the Center for the Arts on April 20, combining music, spoken word, and stunning projections to showcase unique oceanic grooves and soulful island ballads, while shining a light on the devastating effects of climate crisis on our world’s oceans. Indigenous artists from Pacific and Indian Ocean island nations mix their diverse styles to establish a contemporary musical dialogue between cultures as far afield as Madagascar, Taiwan, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, and Indonesia.

Co-Founder BaoBao Chen joins Small Island Big Song at the Center on April 20.

“For us, the goal of Small Island Big Song is to bring the audiences to some places that we might not have the courage of going alone, to celebrate, to confront, to inspire, to mourn, to feel hopeful. Our performance goes to all these emotions and shares the stories of ‘Our Island’, but ultimately, ‘Our Island’ is the one we all share,” notes BaoBao Chen, co-founder of Small Island Big Song.

Want to learn more about Small Island Big Song? Read more on the official website.

As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Small Island Big Song will also deeply engage with the community through a series of education and engagement programs, detailed below:

Open-to-the-Public Residency Events

Climate Change: Our Response as Artivists on April 18 will explore ways in which artists can use their voices to expand global conversation on political, economic, social, and cultural questions at the root of the climate crisis. This event is co-presented with the Inclusive Collaborative Arts at Mason (ICAM) project with panelists BaoBao Chen, Co-Founder and Producer of Small Island Big Song; Mark Cooley, Associate Professor and Director of New Media Arts, Mason School of Art; founder of Green Studio; Moderated by Edward Maibach, distinguished professor at ��AV and director of Mason’s Center for Climate Change Communication; and is a part of the Artist-Activist Speaker Series, an initiative of the Inclusive Collaborative Arts at Mason (ICAM) project. This event is free, but registration is required.
Small Island Big Song artist Sammy from Madagascar hosts "Trash to Music" on April 20.
On April 19, Small Island Big Song invites local students to experience a schooltime performance that includes participatory dance and rhythmic activities, as well as an open Q&A with students. This performance is free, but registration is required.
Also on April 19 and in collaboration with Mason Dining, Small Island Big Song artists will introduce Mason community members to a traditional island dish, fish curry. Led by Emlyn from Mauritius, the Cooking a Traditional Meal with Local Twists workshop will include food samples and musical accompaniment. The event is free to Mason students, faculty, and staff, but registration is required.
Led by Small Island Big Song artist Sammy and hosted by UpCycle Creative Reuse Center, Trash to Music on April 20 is an inspiring hands-on workshop demonstrating how to make musical instruments from trash, commonly recycled, and/or reused materials. Participants will be making a Malagasy-style berimbau and shaker. Recommended for ages 10 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult. Limit of 20 participants with waitlist to notify if spots become available.

Additional Residency Activities for Mason and Local Community

Co-presented by the City of Fairfax and Center for the Arts, Small Island Big Song hosted a Friends of the Center for the Arts Artists in Conversation event, Our Shared Seafaring Heritage, Alive in Rhythm and Song, on April 2 at the Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, VA. This lecture-demonstration provided geographical and historical background about the great oceanic migrations that affected the featured island nations of Small Island Big Song, and included musical demonstrations and an interactive Q&A.
Small Island Big Song artists Sammy, Yuma, Mathieu, and Small Island Big Song Co-Founder Tim Cole will visit Mason’s Dewberry School of Music program’s “Music History in Society III” course taught by Professor Greg Robinson.
In this Dancing Mauritian Sega workshop, approximately 100 second grade students from Hunters Woods Elementary School are invited to learn the Sega dance from Mauritius, led by Mathieu Joseph (Mauritius) with support from Sam Roem (West Papua).
Small Island Big Song artists and co-founders BaoBao Chen and Tim Cole will lead a discussion on the topic of “Artivism in Action - Managing Cultural Initiatives” with students of Mason’s Arts Management and Folklore programs’ “Folklore and Festival Management” course.

In addition to these special residency events, a pre-performance discussion with Small Island Big Song Co-Founders BaoBao Chen and Tim Cole will take place in Monson Grand Tier prior to the performance on April 20. The discussion will be moderated by Center for the Arts Programming and Engagement Manager Vic Adebusola.

Buy tickets to Small Island Big Song on April 20 and be transported to the musical islands that are just around the corner.

This engagement of Small Island Big Song is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Mason Artist-in-Residence program is supported in part by the Wendy Frieman and David Johnson Fund.

The Small Island Big Song residency is supported in part by Eloise Stinger.

Thank you to the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Everybody Plays Grant program for making free tickets possible for the schooltime matinee program. This grant was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).