What’s happening?
At 4 p.m., a ribbon-cutting will be held for LSC-UP’s Visual and Performing Arts Center followed by tours of the center and a performance of “A Christmas Carol,” according to an Oct. 6 news release from the college system.
Construction on the $29.3 million project began May 31, 2022. Upon completion, the space will house an art gallery, a band hall, a 338-seat main stage theater and a 100-seat black box theater, as previously reported by Community Impact. The facility will also feature art, drama and music classrooms.
What’s special about it?
"The VPA expands our offerings and facilities to better serve our global student body and provides a high-level platform for students to engage in art, drama, music and graphic design programs. ... This initiative will allow students to develop the essential language and cultural skills needed to analyze social contexts and appreciate the foundations of artistic expression in this global society," said Jonathan Anderson, dean of arts and humanities for LSC-UP, via the news release.
A long time coming
After the project was announced in late 2019, the PAC’s construction was initially delayed in September 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and funds being needed to repair facilities following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, officials said. Spikes in material costs and labor shortages continued to delay the project through late 2021.
Can’t wait?
According to the news release, the 2023 fall fine arts season lineup will feature plenty of entertainment for the community, including:
- The “Nocturnes” art exhibit—which opened Sept. 11 and remains open until Oct. 25—features paintings and soft sculptures by Hillaree Hamblin, a Houston artist and LSC-UP teacher.
- From Oct. 31 to Nov. 30, “monsters, creatures, hybrids, beasts and other fantastical beings” designed by LSC-UP students, staff and faculty will be displayed for the “Creature Feature” exhibit.
- LSC-UP’s drama department will pay homage to the soon-to-open visual and performing arts center from Nov. 9-11 with "Goodbye/Hello: A Farewell to the Black Box Theatre."
- The college’s music department will host a “voice recital” and then a jazz and percussion show Nov. 8 and 29, respectively.
