SPPS And Ordway Center Showcases 300 Student Artists At Honors Concert 4/21

On Tuesday, April 21, Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts will showcase the artistic talents of more than 300 students in the 18th annual Honors Concert and Art Exhibit. The centerpiece of the event is the Honors Concert, which begins at 7pm on the Ordway Main Stage. The concert will feature instrumental and vocal performance as well as performance art, and a projection of visual artwork.

This year, SPPS and the Ordway are working with the College of Visual Arts (CVA) on a collaboration which will host an exhibit of student artwork in their gallery from May 22 - 30. The exhibit opening, which includes a short program and recognition of exhibiting students, occurs Thursday, May 21, from 6 to 8pm at the CVA Gallery.

"The Ordway is pleased to participate in this important event that provides an opportunity for Saint Paul Public Schools students to showcase their talents," says Patricia Mitchell, President and CEO of Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. "It's a wonderful way to celebrate young talent and experience the joy that the visual and performing arts bring to our lives."

"The Honors Concert and Exhibit is a chance for everyone to share in our students' appreciation, dedication and commitment to the arts," said Saint Paul Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen. "The event is a testament to the contributions that the arts make to our students' full academic experience."

Over the course of its 18-year history, the annual Honors Concert and Art Exhibit has showcased the musical and artistic talent of more than 6,500 Saint Paul students through vocal and instrumental performances and a visual art exhibit. Each year, students submit original paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and other works of art, or participate in rigorous band, choral, and orchestral auditions. The works of visual art, selected this year by teachers based on a criteria rubric, are featured in the Honors digital exhibit and at the CVA Gallery. The music students have a rare opportunity to perform on stage in one of Minnesota's premiere concert halls. A new addition to the Ordway performance is the inclusion of students who will present Performance Art, original spoken word pieces created in response to the visual artwork.

"The College of Visual Arts is honored to showcase the art work of students from the Saint Paul Public Schools in partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts," says Ann Ledy, President and Chief Academic Officer of the College of Visual Arts. "CVA is committed to excellence in art and design education and is proud to recognize this young talent."

The Saint Paul Public Schools offer a world of opportunities for a multicultural population of more than 38,000 students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A commitment to developing each student's individual potential has driven SPPS to become a national pioneer in school choice, special education, English language learner programs and small learning communities. Learn more at www.spps.org.

The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading not-for-profit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Main Hall and McKnight Theatre stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions encompassing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, jazz, and vocal performance. In addition, each year the Ordway presents the Flint Hills International Children's Festival and serves over 50,000 children and adults through its Ordway Education programs. The Ordway is also proud to sponsor the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists in the areas of instrumental and vocal music, theater and dance.

The College of Visual Arts is a private, accredited, four-year college of art and design offering Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in graphic design, illustration, photography, fashion design, and fine art with concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Founded in 1924, the college is located in the thriving urban residential areas of historic Summit Hill and Ramsey Hill in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

18th Annual Honors Concert, Performing Arts and Art Exhibit
Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts - Main Hall
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102

Artist Reception: 5:15-6:15pm
World Party: 6:15-6:45pm
Concert and Performance Art: 7pm
Tickets: $5 General admission
Box Office: 651-224-4222
TDD (Hearing Impaired): 651-282-3100
www.ordway.org

Saint Paul Public Schools Honors Art Exhibit at College of Visual Arts
Opening Reception:Thursday, May 21, 6-8pm
Exhibit: Friday, May 22 through Saturday, May 30.

Gallery hours: Wed. and Fri. noon-6pm; Thurs. noon-8pm; Saturday noon-4pm

College of Visual Arts Gallery
173 Western Avenue at Selby
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651.757.4080
gallery@cva.edu

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