ARTigras Showcases Exhibitions, Art Sales and Food Tasting
The event will bring together the university and DeKalb on May 4-5 to highlight the creativity and culture of the communities.
Student art exhibitions, art sales, a food tasting, a concert and a variety show will be featured May 4-5 at the annual ARTigras to showcase the creative and cultural spirit of DeKalb and the university.
This year, visitors will enjoy more exhibitions and a greater selection of art for sale. The art walk will begin in downtown DeKalb on Friday, May 4, and most art events will be on campus on Saturday, May 5. ARTigras, a collaboration between NIU and the city of DeKalb, began in 2014 to celebrate the communities in a creative and fun way. Admission to all art venues and the Egyptian Theatre is free.
"Integrating the arts into our lives enriches each of us and fosters community," said Billie Giese, chair of the ARTigras Committee and a professor of the NIU School of Art and Design. "Not only are art and artists in museums or concert halls – they are all around us."
From 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. May 4, the art walk will be paired with The Art of Tasting (food and libations), sponsored by the city of DeKalb and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are required for this event. Student art groups will sell their work in their coop space at Gallery 215, also known as Fourth Street Gallery (215 Fourth St.), at that time.
A variety show will be held from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St. The audience will judge the contestants, and prizes will be awarded in the categories of music, dance and performance.
On May 5, art exhibitions continue on campus and downtown at Gallery 215 and 230 E. Lincoln Highway (see below for times). The NIU School of Art and Design Portico at Jack Arends Hall (330 Gilbert Drive) will be open for art sales 4-7 p.m. May 5. ARTigras with conclude with a performance by the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. at Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Tickets for the concert are available here.
5-10 p.m. May 4
5-8 p.m. The Art of Tasting: Enjoy an evening of art in downtown DeKalb while tasting food and wine. Presented by the city of DeKalb and DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Ticketed event: http://www.dekalb.org/artigras.html
5-8 p.m. Drawing Seniors Exhibition Opening, “Curious Cow,” The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
5-8 p.m. NIU Student Art Sale, B.F.A. Student Art Exhibition, Gallery 215, 215 Fourth St. The shop will be open for business, and ceramics, sculpture, painting, prints and more will be for sale. Exhibitions are open to the public.
5-8 p.m. “Unpacked” – Mobile Gallery, 135 N. Second St. “Everybody Wants a South Facing Window,” by Lauren Iacoponi, M.F.A. thesis exhibition, parking lot across from Egyptian Theatre
5-8 p.m. NIU Senior B.A. Exhibition, 230 E. Lincoln Highway, NIU student group art show, open to the public
8-10 p.m., Variety Show, Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St. The audience will judge the contestants, and prizes will be awarded in the categories of music, dance and performance. To be part of the show, visit http://www.dekalbdancedimensions.com/. For more information, contact Miranda Cordes.
3-9 p.m. May 5
3-7 p.m. NIU Art Museum, “South Asian Traditions and New Directions Exhibition Suite,” first floor, Altgeld Hall, NIU
3-4 p.m Foundation's Students Showcase, opening reception, third floor, School of Art and Design building, NIU
3-6 p.m. “Unpacked” – Mobile Gallery, “Everybody Wants a South Facing Window,” by Lauren Iacoponi, M.F.A. thesis exhibition, School of Art and Design parking lot, NIU
4-6 p.m. Senior B.F.A. Exhibition, opening reception, Jack Olson Gallery and Gallery 214, second floor, School of Art Design building (Jack Arends Hall), NIU
4-7 p.m. Student Group Art Sales: Participants include NIU ceramics (pottery and sculpture), art education and design students (tie-dye T-shirts on demand), School of Art and Design building, NIU
3-6 p.m. BackSpace Gallery, “Inception Reflections,” Painting I student exhibition, ground floor, School of Art and Design building, NIU
3-8 p.m. Art and Design Education Senior Showcase, second floor, School of Art and Design building, NIU
3-8 p.m. NIU Art Student Exhibition, Whitney Gallery, first floor, NIU Music Building
5-7 p.m. Senior B.A. Exhibition, 230 E. Lincoln Highway, opening reception
6-8 p.m. Senior B.F.A. Exhibition, opening reception, Gallery 215, 215 Fourth St.
6-8 p.m. “Unpacked” – Mobile Gallery, “Everybody Wants a South Facing Window,” by Lauren Iacoponi, M.F.A. thesis exhibition, Gallery 215 parking lot, 215 Fourth St.
7:30 p.m. Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Concert, “Bach Is Back,” NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU. Ticketed event: kishorchestra.org/concerts-events/