Students from USU’s Music Department Collaborate with the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art to Address the Urgent Theme of Climate Change
The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University is embarking on an innovative project that combines the realms of art and music to tackle the pressing issue of climate change. As part of their “Museum + Music” series, the museum will showcase the creative interpretations of students from USU’s music history class, who will draw inspiration from the thought-provoking pieces within the “Facing Fire” exhibition. This unique event aims to captivate audiences and foster dialogue about the environmental challenges we face today.
Exploring the Interplay Between Art and Music
As part of a semester-long project, students from USU’s music department will delve into the interplay between art and music. They will explore an eclectic mix of works, ranging from popular artist Billie Eilish to USU student composer Rebecca Baker. By drawing inspiration from the powerful artworks in the “Facing Fire” exhibition, the students aim to create a compelling fusion of the visual and the aural. This project highlights the potential of art and music to convey complex messages and evoke emotional responses.
A Powerful Artistic Statement
The concert, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, will take place within the galleries of the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art. By hosting the concert in the midst of the exhibition, attendees will have the unique experience of immersing themselves in both art and live music. This convergence of artistic mediums aims to create a powerful artistic statement that resonates with the audience. Christopher M. Scheer, the Museum + Music Series curator and associate professor of musicology, expressed his excitement about the event, emphasizing the transformative power of the students’ enthusiasm and energy.
Aligning with the “Facing Fire” Exhibition
The concert aligns perfectly with the current exhibition, “Facing Fire: Art, Wildfire and the End of Nature in the New West,” which will be on display until Dec. 16. This exhibition features the work of 12 artists who use photographs, paintings, ceramics, and video to explore the impact of wildfires in the West and the implications for our relationship with nature. By combining the music performance with this thought-provoking exhibition, the museum aims to deepen the audience’s understanding of the urgent environmental issues we face today.
A Collaborative Effort
The “Museum + Music” series is a collaborative effort between the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art and USU’s Department of Music. This partnership allows for the exploration of interdisciplinary connections between art and music, enriching the educational experience for both students and the broader community. By bringing together these two creative disciplines, the series aims to foster engagement, learning, and dialogue about important ideas relevant to the people of Utah and the mission of Utah State University.
Conclusion:
The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University is breaking new ground with its “Museum + Music” series, which explores the intersection of art and music to address the urgent theme of climate change. Through a collaborative effort with students from USU’s music department, the museum aims to create a powerful artistic statement that resonates with audiences. By aligning the concert with the “Facing Fire” exhibition, the museum offers a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in both art and live music, fostering a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges we face. This innovative project exemplifies the museum’s commitment to engaging with modern and contemporary art to facilitate learning and promote dialogue about important ideas.
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