Welcome to the 2022-23 Fine Arts Series.

Two years ago at this time, despite plans that had been made — and our sincerest hopes — the in-person activities were scratched, replaced with virtual programming. Last year, we were all keeping our fingers crossed, holding our breath, and asking constantly “What if… ?” What if infection rates spike? What if a cast member gets sick? What if audiences won’t follow our protocols? What if we have to return to virtual performances or teaching?

Welcome to the season of “We can… !”

We learned is that we can get the job done and that we can have performances. We can listen to authorities who help us ensure that our campus remains healthy. We can survive. We can create. And, most importantly, we can flourish!

This season, we can watch our students’ imaginations and inspirations percolate in DANCE/Hartwell and the BFA Thesis Art Exhibition. We can hear the folk and bluegrass sounds of the heart of America with the Brothers Blue. We can honor the BIPOC members of the community with a concert by Representation Matters and a production of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Sweat. We can welcome back such audience favorites as the Festival of Ten, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and Sankofa.

We look forward to welcoming you back to our performances and exhibits. Because we can.

Thank you,
Jose Maliekal
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences