Arts and Architecture

Upcoming event offers chance to create, share and celebrate the arts

artsUP 'create and share' cards both encourage creativity and help to promote the Sept. 20 event. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

On one of the unassuming white cards found throughout College of Arts and Architecture buildings and on social media, one person incorporated the card’s red circle into a sketch of Rudolph.

Another turned the card's green circle into the pit of an avocado. Other creative folks made the cards’ brightly colored dots into fish, balloons, pumpkins — even a waffle.

So what’s up with these little cards? They are part of a “create and share” campaign for artsUP, a public, family-friendly celebration of the arts to take place noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 20, in the Arts District on the University Park campus.

Everyone is encouraged to grab a card, draw a little something — artistic ability not required — and share on social media with the hashtag #artsUP. The “create and share” campaign was developed as a fun way for anyone to express his or her creativity while promoting artsUP.

“We want everyone to discover the arts at Penn State and also, through the ‘create and share’ campaign, to find and express their own artistic ideas. It is wonderful to see what creative ideas are being posted. Keep them coming,” said George Trudeau, chair of artsUP and director of the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State.

During artsUP, performances, exhibitions, demos, hands-on workshops and more will take place on the Eisenhower Auditorium patio, Palmer Museum plaza and Walters Courtyard (located in front of the Music and Theatre buildings). Members of the Blue Band will kick off the event at noon, marching from Eisenhower Auditorium to the Palmer Museum via Curtin Road. Curtin Road will be closed from Shortlidge Road to North Allen Street for the duration of artsUP.

At 4 p.m., The Soul Rebels, a New Orleans-based brass band, will give a free concert in Eisenhower Auditorium. Tickets are required and can be picked up at Eisenhower Auditorium, Penn State Downtown Theatre Center and HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk (on the day of the event, any remaining tickets will be available at Eisenhower Auditorium).

The artsUP schedule runs the gamut from Shakespeare performances to collaborative sculpture to music by jazz, chamber and bass ensembles. College of Arts and Architecture faculty, staff and students will lead demonstrations and workshops on topics such as improv, jazz dancing, sword work and more. Penn State student groups such as None of the Above, the International Dance Ensemble and the Thespians will also perform.

ArtsUP partners include the Office of the President and Executive Vice Provost, Office of Student Affairs and Penn State Parking Services. For more information, visit artsup.psu.edu.

Last Updated July 28, 2017