Transylvania University’s New Frontiers series returns to the downtown Lexington campus with six feature events this academic year. From winners of Tony and Grammy awards to one of the nation’s most celebrated poets, New Frontiers invites the public to go beyond the familiar and explore ideas, art and music. The 2019-20 season focuses on the university’s yearlong campus theme — Resilience — and how art and artists adapt in our ever-changing world.
“Our season has something for everyone and spans the traditional to the contemporary,” said Megan Moloney, vice president for marketing and communications. “New Frontiers embraces multiple disciplines, backgrounds and perspectives to challenge, entertain and, ultimately, transform participants.”
From exhibitions to performances to discussions, most events in the New Frontiers series are free and open to the public. Featured events include:
The Art of Kentucky Literature: 45 Years of Larkspur Press
In a special collaborative exhibition, Morlan Gallery and the Transylvania University Library present “The Art of Kentucky Literature: 45 Years of Larkspur Press,” a celebration of Larkspur’s 45th anniversary. Located on the main floor of the library, “The Art of Kentucky” explores the significant influence Gray Zeitz’s Larkspur Press has had on printing and literature in Kentucky and beyond. The exhibit runs Sept. 3-Nov. 1, 2019, in the J. Douglas Gay Jr./Frances Carrick Thomas Library. Special events include a panel discussion with Zeitz on Oct. 2 and the Delcamp Visiting Writers’ Series on Oct. 9 with readings from authors published by Larkspur Press, featuring Mary Ann Taylor-Hall, Bobbie Ann Mason and Wendell Berry.
Studio 300: Digital Art and Music Festival
The Studio 300 Festival explores creative manifestations of technology through concerts and exhibitions of digital art and music. This year’s festival will feature concerts in Haggin Auditorium, multimedia gallery exhibits in the Morlan Gallery, and the online Studio 300 BYTE Gallery. The festival is Oct. 3-4, 2019, throughout the Mitchell Fine Arts Center. More information is available at studio300.transy.edu.
Resilience 101 – Work by Public Service Artists and Friends
Public Service Artists (PSA) and invited friends create an exhibition expressing societal, physical, generational and environmental resilience at Transylvania’s Morlan Gallery
The exhibit runs Jan. 14-Feb. 21, 2020, and will be open for the LexArts HOP on Jan. 17 from 5-8 p.m. On Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m., the Morlan Gallery hosts a public lecture with the artists.
Kronos Quartet
For 45 years, San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet has pursued a singular artistic vision, combining a spirit of fearless exploration with a commitment to continually reimagine the string quartet experience. The quartet returns to Transylvania on Jan. 28 for the 2020 Smith Concert after kicking off the yearly series in 2007. Tickets are free, but reservations will be required for the 7 p.m. performance in Haggin Auditorium.
Joy Harjo, U.S. Poet Laureate
In 2019, Joy Harjo was appointed the 23rd United States poet laureate. Harjo, the first Native American to hold the position, is an internationally known, award-winning poet, writer, performer and saxophone player of the Mvskoke/Creek Nation. She is the author of nine books of poetry and a memoir. She’ll speak on “Resilience” as the 2020 Kenan lecturer on March 18, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in Haggin Auditorium. Reservations will be required for the free lecture.
Fun Home
Directed by Tosha Fowler with musical direction by Regan MacNay, “Fun Home” won the Tony Award for best musical in 2015. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. “Fun Home” is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. Transylvania’s theater and music departments collaborate for the performance, which runs May 13-16, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.; and May 17 at 2 p.m. in the Lucille C. Little Theater.
A full schedule of the 2019-20 New Frontiers season is available at transy.edu/events.