Edward Albee, Ken Burns, and Sidney Poitier.
The Bryan Series is presenting these three well-known speakers during the fall as part of what has become “The Year of Arts.” All year long, Guilford will spotlight the arts through use of its gallery, student performances, and exhibits along with the Bryan Series speakers.
The Bryan Series will present “Arts and the Human Expression” with lectures from Albee, Burns, and Poitier along with the Opening Convocation speaker, Dr. Sherwin Nuland, discussing the art of medicine. So that the community can better appreciate their work, films will be shown before the arrival of the speakers.
This year’s theme came about during the end of last semester. After contracting the Bryan speakers in January, the Guilford College magazine was also underway emphasizing the arts.
For Ty Buckner, Director of College Relations, the theme seemed “awfully appropriate with our speakers.” Buckner explained that this year’s theme did not start off intentionally, but instead it progressed naturally, building on the Bryan Series with programs Guilford has already. “It’s a good theme to start with,” says Buckner, “because of our strong programs in the arts.”
Jack Zerbe, Professor of Theatre Studies, notes that Adele Wayman, among other art faculty, noticed the theme’s possibility and jumped on it. “In a time of transition in the college with a new president, we wanted to keep ourselves visible. The Bryan Series gave us the opportunity to highlight the arts and then each other’s academic department.”
Zerbe explains that the following theme years will rotate through other academic departments. Though he says, “since we came up with the idea, we get to go first.”
Zerbe’s Plays and Meaning course will also receive special attention from Albee when the playwright visits the class this fall.
Sophomore Theatre Studies major Sasha Spoerri said that he was excited, but also says that since the class has just started, “we haven’t really gotten into it yet. It’s too early to tell, but Jack’s scared us already about asking thought-provoking questions.”
Theatre won’t be the only part of the arts spotlighted this year. Focus on the fine arts will be given to the art faculty this fall with an exhibit in the Guilford College Art Gallery.
Student Activities has also placed a high priority on having art in Founders Hall by hiring Sophomore art major Tara Alan as a curator. Dance and Music will also present the best of their best this year.
It’s a time for Guilford arts to be celebrated. The whole year will focus on what the arts have to offer.