August 30, 2023
Story by Joe Vinduska
Barton's Fine and Performing Arts Departments will present the annual Faculty Recital and Exhibition including music, theatre, dance, and visual art at 5:00 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Shafer Gallery. Admission is free, and light refreshments will follow the event.
Instructor of Dance & Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Danika Bielek said this year’s collaborative event highlights the professionalism and talent of Barton’s Fine and Performing Arts faculty to show the artist within the teacher.
“Many of our arts faculty have long careers as artists themselves,” she said. “It is good for our students to understand that there is always an element of sharing in the arts, whether it is sharing what you’ve learned in your career with students or sharing the stage with your arts colleagues.”
In addition to the music, theatre, and dance presented that evening, visual art faculty from all of Barton’s campuses will exhibit artwork in a slideshow and live. The event gives an opportunity for new faculty introductions as they share the space with veteran arts faculty.
New Instructor of Ceramics Mark Freeman said getting a full-time position at Barton has been a dream come true. “This school was not a steppingstone for my academic career,” he said. “It was a launch pad. I remember displaying my art in the Shafer Gallery as a student and feeling a sense of pride. Now, as a member of the art faculty, I am honored to once again have the opportunity to display my work in this beautiful space.”
Adjunct Instructor of Guitar Aleia Gonzalez is another new faculty member who will take the stage at the recital.
"I'm really excited about performing in the faculty recital for the first time at Barton since I just started teaching here this fall,” she said. “I am also looking forward to sharing a couple of original arrangements of Latin American pieces for guitar and piano that I’ve made with Barton Keyboard Instructor Dr. Alejandro Avila. I can't wait to see my new colleagues perform and share their music with fellow colleagues, students, and the community."
For more information, contact Bielek at bielekd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9253 or visit shows.bartonccc.edu.