November 17th: Performing & Visual Arts Day at Coker College

The Coker College office of admissions will hold a free Performing and Visual Arts Day from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 17.

“Prospective students who attend this event will get an inside look at the program they are considering as well as an opportunity to showcase the talents they can bring to the college,” said Wes Atkinson, Coker College admissions counselor.

“Not only is it important for talented students to see the campus and meet faculty and current students in the arts, but attending this particular event will help participants sharpen their skills. Students will receive valuable instruction they can apply immediately to improving their work,” Atkinson said.

The schedule begins with a student panel composed of performing and visual arts majors. The day will include informal performances, workshops for the prospective students, a campus tour and lunch.  After lunch, students will be invited to audition or have their art portfolios reviewed for scholarship consideration.

Finally, participants will receive free VIP tickets to attend Friday or Saturday’s production by the Coker College theater program of the “The Laramie Project,” a widely acclaimed docudrama based on the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard.

“When prospective students visit, tour the studios and see other students’ work, they can see themselves as part of this creative community, and they can get a feel for what the art program at Coker is,” said Jean Grosser, Coker College professor of art and chair of the department of art.

This year Coker’s programs in visual and performing arts have enjoyed growth in a number of areas.  Last month, for example, the music program celebrated the college’s All-Steinway Initiative, a commitment to using Steinway-designed instruments in classrooms, practice studios and in performance spaces campus-wide and to engaging a Steinway Artist on the faculty. Less than one percent of colleges and universities worldwide are designated as All-Steinway Institutions.  In conjunction with the initiative, Assistant Professor of Music Jun Matsuo successfully completed the requirements to become designated as a Steinway Artist.  Matsuo is one of only five Steinway Artists in South Carolina.

Because space is limited, students are asked to register in advance at www.coker.edu.  For more information, contact Wes Atkinson at 843-857-4124 or watkinson@coker.edu.