McDaniel College has prepared a program of events for the fall semester that includes a mixture of musical performances, a variety of cultural experiences and several art exhibits. The first event on the list, an art exhibit by Baltimore artist Rene Trevino, is set to begin Aug. 28.
Titled "Kepler-186F," the exhibit is named after a recently discovered planetary body 500 light years away from Earth. The show will feature a collection of paintings and drawings that contain both historical and galactic qualities in one form or another, but with a twist, Trevino said.
"When you think about the galaxy, and the cosmos, you think about stars, and the same goes for patriotism," Trevino said. "I try to complicate the history involved or the way viewers associate my art with history, or I add a different possible interpretation [of history]."
Trevino said he wants to challenge traditional views of both race and sexual orientation, as well. All of these themes work together to illuminate the negativity, racism and discrimination that often accompany moments in Earth's history. To Trevino, Kepler-186F is a potential utopia, unsullied by human hands, but it also represents what Earth and its inhabitants could become.
"[Kepler-186F] acts as a metaphor; it is a blank slate for new ideas and ideologies, a place where we might get things right this time," Trevino said in a press release.
The exhibit runs through Sept. 19 at Rice Gallery in Peterson Hall on campus and is free to visit.
There are four art exhibits this fall, including one for faculty members to show off their work, said Steve Pearson, associate professor who schedules and organizes the exhibits. The three professional artist exhibits highlight different media, styles and approaches, Pearson said, and can be a boon to aspiring artists, students and the community.
"[Students]…see what they are doing in the classroom is similar to what artists are doing in the real world," he said. "The public can see that there is a wide range of art and it exposes them to something new and different."
Cheryl Knauer, director of media relations at McDaniel, said with the exception of theater performances, the events scheduled this fall will be free for students, faculty and the surrounding community.
"Being able to have the community feel they can use the college as a resource is important," Knauer said. "They can be a part of the campus."
Knauer also said a great importance has been placed on exposing the college's students and the community to a variety of cultures. Since Roger Casey took over as president of McDaniel in 2010, the school has refocused its efforts on encouraging students to study abroad. The college is the only American university with a European campus in Hungary, Knauer said.
"It's important to be able to offer a variety of cultural events for our students, to have that exposure and to allow them to attend on campus," she said. "Hosting these events is also a great way to include the community."
The college will be having its French film series for the seventh time, Knauer said, and an assortment of musical performances, lectures and other events that deal with many cultures, including Hispanic, Native American, Senegalese, Middle Eastern, African and others.
The exhibits, cultural programs, theatrical performances and concerts begin in August and last the duration of the semester.
Trevino said the purpose of his art, just like the faculty at the college, is to enlighten, to encourage people to rethink and reevaluate traditional beliefs and concepts they may not fully appreciate or understand.
"I try to teach as much as possible," Trevino said. "The second you learn one thing you realize how much you don't know."
Reach staff writer Wiley Hayes at 410-857-3315 or wiley.hayes@carrollcountytimes.com.
If You Go
What: Kepler-186F Paintings by Rene Trevino
Where: McDaniel College, Rice Gallery in Peterson Hall, 2 College Hill, Westminster
When: Opening reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. Exhibit open through Sept. 19.
Cost: Free
More Information: For a full list of events, visit McDaniel College's website athttp://www.mcdaniel.edu/undergraduate/the-mcdaniel-plan/special-opportunities/global-initiatives.
•For information regarding exhibits, including gallery hours, and art lectures call 410-857-2595.
•For information regarding concerts and recitals, call 410-857-2599.
•For questions regarding theatrical performances and ticket prices, call 410-857-2448.
•For French film presentation times and questions, call 410-857-2460.
