Unity College will be showcasing the full range of artistic talent within its community on Saturday, November 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m at the Unity College Center for the Performing Arts.  Admission is free and open to the general public, and light refreshments will be served.

“The gallery will feature displays for the visual arts including sculpture, painting, photography, and short writing pieces,” said Rebecca Zerlin’14, a Wildlife and Ecology major from New Orleans, Louisiana.  “Live performances will begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.”

Performances in the auditorium will include pieces by the Unity College Chorus, poetry readings, and skits/monologues by the Unity College Drama Troupe.

The first time event evolved from what was originally conceived as a performance by the chorus, but expanded when Zerlin realized the full scope of artistic talent within the student body.  She was encouraged to organize a larger, community-wide showcase for artistic talent by Janet Preston, Instructor and Faculty Advisor to the Unity College Chorus.

Unity College is an environmental college with a first in the nation focus on sustainability science, the leading edge of transdisciplinary (collaborative) environmental problem solving. The College also encourages student creativity and the arts at all levels.

“Music and other forms of artistic expression are essential components of a well-rounded educational experience,” said Preston.  She says that often, employers prize college graduates who have the ability to communicate effectively.  “The arts give students the opportunity to develop their communications skills,” Preston said.

Beyond the educational aspects of participating in an arts showcase lies an added benefit.

“Pursuing arts is a lot of fun,” noted Zerlin.  “Participating allows us to interact with different individuals from across the campus community.  You get to know students who you might not have met otherwise.”