Author: Liam Otten

The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts’ Des Lee Gallery presents “Bold Strokes and Finesse: The Stage Designs of John Ezell,” an exhibition beginning Sept. 11 that features the work of one of contemporary theater’s most influential set designers.

Courtesy photoJana HawleyCan eco-fashion outgrow its granola image? On Sept. 18 the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and the St. Louis chapter of Fashion Group International (FGI) will explore that question with “Eco-Watch…Creating Fashion Solutions.” The evening-length symposium will feature a keynote address by Jana Hawley, Ph.D., professor and department head for Apparel Textiles and Interior Design at Kansas State University, as well as a panel discussion with local fashion professionals

Martin ChalifourCelebrated violinist Martin Chalifour, principal concertmaster for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will join musicians from Washington University and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra for a chamber music recital at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22. The program, titled “The Four B’s,” will feature music of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Bartok.

Modern solos and structured improvisation will share the stage with classical Indian and contemporary Chinese dance in “Dance Close Up,” the biennial concert of new and original choreography by dance faculty in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences.

Acclaimed architect Kathryn Dean, founding partner of Dean/Wolf Architects in New York City, has been appointed director of the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts.

Courtesy photoSpiral HouseAcclaimed architect Kathryn Dean, founding partner of Dean/Wolf Architects in New York City, has been appointed director of the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis. She previously served on the faculty of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture.

Courtesy photoSweet Honey in the RockGrammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock will launch the Edison Theatre OVATIONS! Series with a special one-night-only performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Founded in 1973, the acclaimed all-female group has released more than a dozen albums combining the music of the Civil Rights movement and the African-American church with jazz, rap, reggae, Hip Hop, African chants and contemporary rhythm and blues.

Courtesy photo*The Mystery of Edwin Drood*St. Louis native John Ezell is one of contemporary theater’s most influential scenic designers. Over the last five decades the Washington University alumnus has created hundreds of sets for major regional, national and international companies and festivals. Next month the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts’ Des Lee Gallery will present Bold Strokes and Finesse: The Stage Designs of John Ezell. The exhibition will include drawings, models, painter elevations and other material surveying the breadth and scope of Ezell’s work.

Elizabeth ArmstrongElizabeth Armstrong, curator of Birth of the Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture at Midcentury, will discuss the exhibition at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. Armstrong’s talk will explore the motivations, processes and scholarship that went into creating this sprawling multimedia installation, which opens at the museum Sept. 19 and remains on view through Jan. 5, 2009.

Interdisciplinary cooperation is at the heart of the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences’ 2008-09 season, which will explore connections between theater and contemporary cultural and political issues.