WOU Creative Arts in the News

March 20, 2022 | ABC

December, 2021 | K&K Sound

November 11, 2021 | Today at WOU| Western Oregon University

October 21, 2021 | James Reddan | Western Oregon University

October 19, 2021 | Cynthia Garner | Western Oregon University

Our own Cynthia Garner is having an exciting time choreographing for a new work, Milagro. The workshop will premiere at the Shedd institue in Eugene Oct 23 at 7:30 and Oct 24 at 3:00.

Milagro is a new musical, currently in development, with music, lyrics and lyric translations by Portland singer-songwriter Anna Gilbert and celebrated Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno with book by Broadway and YouTube artist Evynne Hollens and Seattle playwright Rebecca Tourino Collinsworth. Inspired by a miraculous true story, Milagro is a deeply personal story about motherhood, survival, love, loss and the complexity of family. 

March 3, 2021 | Natalie Dean | The Western Howl

There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the performing arts from home, and local theater events are still happening throughout the year to provide some much needed entertainment. Beginning Mar. 6 Western’s theater students will be live streaming their upcoming event, “Little Prisons: A Series of Short Plays by Portland Playwrights,” which is directed by Jessica Wallenfels. This performance highlights four plays written by local playwrights, all of which will be free to watch. There will also be various streaming methods to accommodate different schedules — some will be pre-recorded, while others will be streamed live. 

Fall 2020 | Many Hats Collaboration

a co-production with Portland Playhouse. Inspired by recent (and not so recent) events, Matter follows the quest of one young Black man looking to find answers to police brutality and gun violence. Determined to save Black lives, he seeks to sort out the noise of opposing viewpoints and social division with a methodical examination of facts. As his theatrical investigation uncovers patterns of senseless violence and clues lead him to the likelihood of his own death, the reality and tragedy of lives lost begins to truly hit home.

June 8, 2020 | Ted deChatelet | WOU Theatre Department

When the cast and crew found out that the spring production would not make it stage they kept working with the text to grow and learn as actors. Get a sneak peek at what the process was like with these interviews from the students.

June 17, 2020 | Cheyan Swan | Today at WOU

Kayli Smith is an art major with a concentration in ceramics, as well as a minor in art history. Her hometown is Dallas, Ore. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed Smith about her experience at WOU and her future plans.

April 2020 | Diane Baxter | American Music Teacher

“Music is alchemy. It has the ability o profoundly change our perceptions of and interactions of the world.”

April 8, 2020 | Kristine Thomas | Today at WOU

The late Alfred “Fred” Maurice’s curiosity and desire to see students succeed inspired him to establish a challenge for Western Oregon University students.

Nov 22, 2019 | Never Retallack| Western Howl

Cannon Gallery — Western’s very own art exhibit within Campbell Hall, opened its biennial production of faculty art on Nov. 13. The exhibition will be open until Dec. 13 and holds works from the following: Jen Bracy, Clay Dunklin, Jodie Garrison, Mary Harden, Rebecca McCannell, Peter Hoffecker Mejia, Sung Eun Park, Gregory Poulin, Daniel Tankersley, Diane Tarter, Garima Thakur and Jen Vaughn. 

Jan 18, 2022 | Carrie Kikel | Oregon Arts Commission

Jennifer Vaughn, Eugene
Oregon Arts Commission $2,000
To support the creation and installation of visual artwork for a Vaughn’s solo exhibition at Ditch
Projects in Springfield, Oregon in September.

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its
grants, services, and special initiatives. The Arts Commission is supported with general funds
appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment
for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

November 3, 2021 | David Hayes | Polk County Itemizer-Observer

Tessa Rosenau may be an actor. But there was no faking her enthusiasm to be involved in bringing theater back to the indoor stage at Western Oregon University’s Rice Auditorium.

“I’m soooo excited to have a live audience,” enthused Rosenau, a senior at WOU. “This is my first production with a live audience in over a year. It’s super exciting. It feels a little unreal.”

The entire cast and crew were buzzing with high energy during a run-through rehearsal Oct. 28 of Mary Zimmerman’s “The Secret in the Wings.”

October 14, 2021 | Camille Lenning | The Western Howl

Those who frequented campus the first two weeks of fall term may have heard the sound of music flowing from outside Smith Hall. This is where Western’s instrumental ensembles practiced to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. However, bands like the jazz orchestra have recently found themselves back inside for practice sessions, since they received specialized equipment that greatly limits the spread of respiratory droplets while playing. 

“This includes custom masks designed to be worn while playing a wind instrument, as well as bell covers that reduce the spread of aerosols while playing an instrument,” said jazz orchestra director Dr. Keith Karns. “This PPE is part of the COVID mitigation plan adopted by virtually all music programs in public schools, colleges, and universities in the Pacific Northwest.”

These COVID safety protocols have also allowed the ensembles to schedule performances again, something they were unable to do last year. 

“One of them is going to be a side-by-side concert with … McKay High School. So we’ll just be over there, showing the high schoolers what we can do … and they can play with us and they get on the stage with us,” said sophomore general music major Jacob McDonald, who plays trumpet for the jazz orchestra.

May 24, 2021 | Cheyan Swan | Today at WOU

“Julz Mudge is a 2021 graduate from Des Moines, Wash. She is a Performing Arts major with a double minor in Psychology and Communications. 

Why did you choose WOU? WOU was the first college I ever toured, and despite numerous other college visits, I always came back to WOU. There was something about it that just made it impossible to forget. I committed to WOU the second time I visited; I was standing in the bookstore with my parents and my best friend, Candace, who was also touring WOU. Candace told me this school was perfect for me, and she was right. Stepping onto campus feels like home, and it has ever since that first step…” 

Summer 2020 | Jen Bracy | WOU Art & Design Department

During the isolated days of Spring and Summer Professor Jen Bracy has been creating all sorts of arts and crafts. Jen has made this art available on Etsy and is excited to see what opportunities this platform reveals! The shop features digital and fine arts of all kinds.

June 1, 2020 | Corrie Cowart| WOU Dance Department

Choreography and performance by students of the D 352 Dance Composition II class at Western Oregon University. Due to the global pandemic in 2020, this course was taught remotely. Students worked on composition assignments from their homes.

April 21, 2020 | Never Retallack | Western Howl

During this time where students’ daily lives are being greatly affected, read this interview with Tonya Bradley —  a junior at Western majoring in Education — to find out how her experience with choir in the music department has changed.

Feb 10, 2020 | Never Retallack| Western Howl

Abi Lowther’s love for art was ignited as a first-year in high school when she took an introduction to drawing class and realized that she had a natural talent. From there, she started to pursue art more seriously; as a sophomore at Western, she is currently majoring in Art and Design.

Nov 17, 2019 | Caity Healy | Western Howl

With WOU’s Creative Arts Division as robust and successful as it is, with several programs and departments, students involved often choose to get involved in the arts in their community beyond the ways they are offered on campus. One such student is Noah Nieves Driver. 

June 7, 2019 | Chrys Weedon | Western Howl

As the school year winds to a close, end of the year events are keeping graduating seniors busy. The next event of the year is a new exhibit in the Cannon Gallery of Art featuring the artwork of three Bachelor of Fine Arts students who will be graduating on June 15, 2019.

Jan 20, 2017 | Jamuna Chiarini | Oregon Artswatch

At 2 and 7:30 pm on Saturday, January 21, Laura Stilwell, Felice Moskowitz, Terry Brock and Emma Mochnick will dance Les Watanabe’s Love Songs, part of Fertile Ground’s Groovin’ Greenhouse, hosted by Polaris Dance Theatre.

February 16, 2022 | David Hayes | Polk County Itemizer-Observer

Winter 2022 | Les Watanabe | Western Oregon University

view the short film here 

Fall 2021 | Les Watanabe | Western Oregon University

view the short film here 

Spring 2021 | Natalie Dean | The Western Howl

“There’s no better way to mark the beginning of spring than with quality entertainment that gets those creative vibes flowing. One of the best ways to get into the lively springtime season is through the performing arts. Western’s very own dance program is here to provide some of their latest captivating projects, and they have made it even easier to enjoy it from home…” 

view the 2021 Spring Dance Concert here 

Spring 2020 | Dr. Keith Karns | Oregon Music Educators

“…Articulation is one of the most expressive elements in music. It is one of the main ways we communicate style and energy to our audience…”

May 26, 2021 | Cheyan Swan | Today at WOU

“Kaeli Hancock is a 2021 graduate from Prineville, Oregon. Their major is Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production Training with a concentration in Stage Management. 

What has been your most memorable class? My most memorable class has definitely been History of Architecture and Decor with Scott Grim. We created our own handwritten textbooks with hand-drawn images featuring the furniture, architecture, decor, and art from the Hellenistic Period to modern architecture and toured historic buildings in Salem as a class…” 

October 29, 2020 | Audrey Caro | Polk County Itemizer Observer

A site-specific dance performance event, sponsored by the WOU dance department, featuring advanced chorography students. Recorded 10/29/2020

May 26, 2020 | Erin Worley | Today at WOU

Eva Batenhorst will be graduating this spring, with a double major in Biology and Dance, and a minor in Physical Science. Eva is from Eugene, Oregon, and has participated in many extra-curriculars during her time at WOU, including the Honors program, RHA, and PLUS team.

Mar 8, 2020 | Never Retallack | Western Howl

“Urinetown,” — a satirical musical, opened at Western on Feb. 28 with Michael Phillips as the director. The play was entertaining and interactive, and the opening act had about two minutes of uninterrupted silence while the actors laid on the ground, “asleep.” This made many audience members giggle nervously as the silence drew out. Laughter was a key element of the show. 

Feb 3, 2020 | Rodney Harwood| Daily Record News

ELLENSBURG, WA – “The rhythm of the drum drove the spirit of the motion, turning loose far more than expression through performance… Western Oregon University director of dance Darryl Thomas has toured the world as a dancer and artistic collaborator in the world-renowned Pilbolus Dance Theatre, winning an Emmy for his 1996 Kennedy Center performance of the Pilbolus work “Untitled.””

Nov 13, 2019 | Audrey Caro | Polk County Itemizer Observer

MONMOUTH — The latest effort at Western Oregon University’s theater pulls back the curtain on what it was like to put on a radio play.

June 7, 2019 | Chrys Weedon | Western Howl

In the most recent performance in the music department’s busy spring schedule, the brass and guitar ensembles showed off their skills developed during the past school year. In a hybrid performance on May 28, the two groups played three songs each.

Dec 3, 2019 | Never Retallack  |  Western Howl 

Interested in hearing about a fellow classmate and a choir member here at Western? Look no further than this Q&A to get to know Tonya Bradley, a junior and vocalist at Western.

Jan 23, 2013 | Tim Cowart| Dancefilms.org

In the most recent performance in the music department’s busy spring schedule, the brass and guitar ensembles showed off their skills developed during the past school year. In a hybrid performance on May 28, the two groups played three songs each.

February 2, 2022 | Mikayla Coleman | The Western Howl

Mary Harden has been sculpting primarily uding clay for upwards of 32 years. Harden graduated from both Kansas City Art Institute and University of Washington. With an incredible commitment to bettering herself and her craft, Harden exudes an excellent work ethic and artistic presence that has been improving the Western art community since she began teaching her in 2004.

November 5, 2021 | Chris D’Arcy | City of Salem Public Art Commission

WOU Art faculty member, Paula Portinga Booth, was recognized by the Mayor of Salem yesterday for her role on the team that planned and completed the installation of over 80 works of art in the newly remodeled Salem Public Library.

October 21, 2021 | James Reddan | Western Oregon University

The choral festival will occur on Monday, November 8, 2021 For more information, please contact Dr. James Reddan (reddanj@wou.edu or (503) 838-8802)

The event will also host clinician, Francisco J. Núñez, a MacArthur Fellow and Musical America’s 2018 Educator of the Year, is a composer, conductor, visionary, leading figure in music education, and the artistic director/founder of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, renowned worldwide for its diversity and artistic excellence.

Fall 2020 | Many Hats Collaboration

A private emergency

Summer, 2020 | Becca McCannell | WOU Art & Design Department

June 1, 2020 | WOU Art Department

The Annual Student Art Show has gone virtual this year but our student work is just as incredible. If you have any questions contact Gallery Coordinator Paula Booth (boothp@wou.edu)

May 23, 2020 | C.J. Janovy | KCUR 89.3 NPR in Kansas City

The composer is Kevin Walczyk, a professor of music at Western Oregon University, who uses a sort of musical coding system to tell complex stories through music.

After extensive historical research, Walczyk spells out names and phrases and then uses his cyphering system — he calls it “transformation of alphanumeric information into musical pitch information” — to create melody.

Mar 4, 2020 | Amanda Waltz| Pittsburgh City Paper

“In trying to guess the largest organism on Earth, the answers would probably range anywhere from the nearly 100-foot long blue whale to the California coastal redwood tree, which can grow to over 360 feet tall. But the correct response is neither animal not plant — it’s a mushroom, the honey fungus, to be exact.”

Oct 13, 2019 | Never Retallack| Western Howl

Get to know Associate Professor Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner and learn about her beliefs on social justice in relation to dance.

June 7, 2019 | Chrys Weedon| Western Howl

Small towns in America are often romanticized for their character, their whimsy or their nostalgia. But, often behind this rose-tinted picture is the harsh reality that Small Town, USA is often not as idyllic as it may seem.

May 18, 2019 | Cora McClain | Western Howl

May 10, in Smith Music Hall, senior music major Daniel Sampson gave a presentation on the journey of his album “Kaleidoscope ‘85.” 

July 1, 2019 | Tim Cowart | Journal of Dance Education

“I have been teaching a course entitled Dance in World Cultures for nearly 15 years, and until now, I have had great difficulty finding any one textbook that would provide a thorough analysis of non-Western dance traditions appropriate for an undergraduate survey course…”