xCVPA Archives

14th New Music Festival features Pulitzer Prize winning composer Melinda Wagner and flutist Emma Hospelhorn

The NIU New Music Festival celebrates its fourteenth edition with two evenings of music October 26-27. The festival events will take place in the School of Music’s Boutell Memorial Concert Hall at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are available online at...

Tricky Triumphal Arches is the topic of the next Elizabeth Allen Visiting Scholars in Art History lecture, Oct. 13

The NIU School of Art and Design’s Elizabeth Allen Visiting Scholars in Art History lecture series presents Professor Kimberly Cassibry, art and architectural historian and assistant professor at Wellesley College’s presentation, Tricky Triumphal Arches - A Roman...

A new approach to Emma takes the stage this week at NIU

A fresh look at one of literature's favorite matchmakers, Emma by playwright Kate Hamill opens in the NIU Stevens Building's O'Connell Theatre, Friday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. Other 7:30 p.m. performances follow on October 17, 22 and 23, with 2 p.m. matinees October...

Theatre and Dance faculty published in book on Creative Practioners as Leaders

Roxanna Conner, director of the NIU Theatre and Dance, and Paul Kassel, former dean of the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts and professor in the School of Theatre and Dance have authored chapters in the book Creative Practitioners as Leaders: Reflections on...

Jazz combo to perform at Olson Gallery’s “The Risk Worth Taking” exhibition reception, Oct. 15

A jazz combo from the NIU School of Music will perform at the exhibition reception for Kevin Cole's (NIU '84) exhibition in the Jack Olson Gallery, "The Risk Worth Taking." The reception will be held at 6 p.m. in the Olson Gallery, and follows Cole's artist talk,...

Huskie Spotlight: Kijuana Duplessis, ’28, Music Education

Kijuana Duplessis is a music education major and member of the NIU Steelband from Antigua and Barbuda, who says, "I chose this course of study because music has always been a major part of my life, and I knew early on that I wanted to build my future around it. My...

Homecoming includes a mural painting that you can help bring to life

One of the many activities to enjoy during Homecoming Week is an NIU Homecoming inspired mural that you can not only watch be painted, you’re invited to join in on the painting! The mural's theme draws on NIU's Recycled Boat Race, a long-standing and revitalized...

Weekend performances of Men on Boats postponed

Due to cast/crew illness the performances of Men on Boats scheduled for October 1-3 have been cancelled. The School of Theatre and Dance is working on new dates for those performances, which will be announced soon. Hold onto your current tickets for those rescheduled...

Composer Alex Shapiro to work with NIU music students during season-long residency

Alex Shapiro, an accomplished composer of acoustic and electroacoustic works, has formed a unique partnership this academic year with the NIU School of Music. She is donating her time and expertise to NIU where she will be supervising the recording of six of her...

Non-male cast tackles Men on Boats to open School of Theatre and Dance season

The opening production in the 2026-2027 Production Season in the NIU School of Theatre Dance is Men on Boats, a 2017 comedy adventure by playwright Jaclyn Backhaus that tells the “true-ish” story of John Wesley Powell’s expedition to map the Colorado River in 1896....

Thai Consul office makes donation to NIU

The Royal Thai Consulate-General has made a donation of $15,000 to help fund NIU's Thai Music Ensemble and related courses at the university. Andrew Glendening, interim dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and John Paul, interim director of the School of...

Students can win $500 from Adobe by creating a video about why they love NIU

Tell us why you love NIU!  Adobe is sponsoring our Homecoming Video Competition and is asking students to submit a 30-60 second self-made video sharing why they love NIU and why they have #HuskiePride. Winners of the video contest will be announced during Homecoming...

Avalon String Quartet performance features new score to a French silent film classic

Avalon String Quartet concert goers will enjoy a screening of the French silent film classic Ménilmontant and the world premiere of a score to the film composed by the Avalon's Blaise Magnière, Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m. in the NIU Recital Hall. At just 38...

Music hosts “All of US” an anti-Asian hate chamber opera, Sept. 25

The NIU School of Music presents All of US a chamber opera in one act, Friday, September 25 at 5 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall. The performance is free of charge. An artist discussion will follow the performance. All of US is an anti-Asian hate chamber...

New Student Jamboree at School of Theatre and Dance, Sept. 10

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance class of 2030 is excited to introduce themselves to you at "THE MOMENT BEFORE": New Student Jamboree. With our new students caught on a runaway train into the unknown, they must discover within themselves a way out. This...

Olmec Heads Experience and the 40th Anniversary of the Burma Art Collection exhibitions open in NIU Art Museum Sept. 16

This fall, the NIU Art Museum is presenting one of the most distinctive exhibitions ever hosted on campus: The Olmec Heads Experience. The exhibition features twenty-five monumental, artist-designed sculptures inspired by the ancient Olmec civilization. The exhibition...

Visiting artist Melanie Yazzie to lecture on “Stories That Shape Us” in School of Art and Design.

Indigenous Navajo artist Melanie Yazzie will be on campus September 14-16, visiting the NIU School of Art and Design. Yazzie, who currently resides in Colorado works in a wide range of media including printmaking, painting, sculpture, ceramics and installation art....

Head’s up! Upcoming Art Museum exhibition extends to campus

A stroll around campus can serve as a preview of a new exhibition coming soon to the galleries of the NIU Art Museum. The Olmec Heads Experience is a traveling exhibition of twenty-five monumental, artist-designed sculptures inspired by the colossal stone "heads"...

Music’s Bobby Broom’s new album “Notes of Thanks” featured in Downbeat Magazine

The latest album from Bobby Broom, associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music, Notes of Thanks, a tribute to saxophonist Sonny Rollins, was featured in the July edition of Downbeat Magazine.  Broom first performed with Rollins at...

“The Risk Worth Taking” exhibition open now in Jack Olson Gallery

DeKalb, Illinois -- “The Risk Worth Taking” a visual art exhibition by NIU School of Art and Design alumnus Kevin Cole will run in the Jack Olson Gallery in NIU’s Jack Arends Hall from August 24 through October 16. “The Risk Worth Taking” draws a personal narrative...

Music’s Gregory Beyer earns Illinois Arts Council Creative Projects Grant

Gregory Beyer, professor of music and director of percussion studies in the NIU School of Music received a $12,000 Illinois Arts Council Creative Projects Grant to support the commission of two works for marimba by Pulitzer Prize winning composer Melinda Wagner and...

Art and Design’s Sinclair Bell selected to write essay for Etruscan exhibition in Legion of Honor Museum

Sinclair Bell, PhD, professor of art history in the NIU School of Art and Design, was one of 18 international consulting scholars invited to write an essay in the Yale University Press published exhibition catalogue for "The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy"...

SoTD’s Kay Martinovich to direct “Marble” at Gift Theatre

Kay Martinovich, associate professor and head of BFA acting in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance, has found another work by acclaimed Irish playwright Marina Carr to direct. Martinovich has previously directed two of Carr's plays. She directed The Mai for Irish Rep...

Huskie Spotlight: Kyla Reisenbichler, Music Education, ’28

Kyla Reisenbichler is a music education major in the NIU School of Music who plans to graduate in 2028. The oldest of seven siblings from Freeport, Illinois, Kyla originally planned to become a nurse and earned her CNA while still in high school. A trip to the...

Paintings by former NIU Art faculty Carl Hayano on view at Industrial Treasures

Forty years after landmark oral history interview about his family's internment during World War II, three rarely seen works on display Industrial Treasures, located at the east end of Indiana Avenue, 1501 Indiana Ave., Unit 1A, St. Charles, IL, is now offering three...

Daniel Chukwunyem wins advanced classical voice category at NATS

Daniel Chukwunyem, a master of music student in the NIU School of Music won the Advanced Classical TBB Voice Category at the 59th Annual National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) convention in San Antonio, Texas. Chukwunyem is a native of Lagos, Nigeria who...

Andrew Glendening named Interim Dean of NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts

Andrew Glendening, D.M., has been selected as the interim dean for the Northern Illinois University College of Visual and Performing Arts. Glendening came to NIU in 2019 to serve as the director of the NIU School of Music, and has previous administrative experience as...

John Paul named interim director of NIU School of Music

John F. Paul, DM, an educator, musician and composer with more than 30 years of teaching experience and nearly 25 years as a department chair will serve as the interim director of the NIU School of Music. Andrew Glendening, who has been Director of the School of Music...

Jayla Trenyce’s exhibition “The Power of Place” running now at Ellwood House Museum

"The Power of Place" a new photography exhibition by Jayla Trenyce is open now through December 20 at DeKalb's Ellwood House Museum. Trenyce earned her MFA in Fine and Studio Arts from the NIU School of Art and Design in 2025. "The Power of Place" xplores how physical...

NIU to host alumnus Kevin Cole’s exhibit “The Risk Worth Taking” celebrating America’s 250th at Jack Olson Gallery

"The Risk Worth Taking" a visual art exhibition by NIU School of Art and Design alumnus Kevin Cole will run in the Jack Olson Gallery in NIU's Jack Arends Hall from August 24 through October 16. "The Risk Worth Taking" draws a personal narrative arc beginning with Jim...

Second cohort of Simpson Schatzle Fellows announced

NIU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts has announced the six 2026 recipients of a fellowship that provides financial support and recognition for some of the university’s most promising graduating students in the arts. The Simpson Schatzle Fellowships were first...

Ethan Cowburn, ’25 honored by online Thai music competition

Ethan Cowburn, who earned his master of music in 2025 from the NIU School of Music was awarded the Special Prize and International Award for the sixth anniversary of the ทำนองหลักเพลงไทย. The ทำนองหลักเพลงไทย is an online Thai music competition creted by Pokpong...

Huskie Spotlight: Kacee Dugas, M.M. World Music and Cello Performance

Kacee Dugas is pursuing her master of music in world music performance and cello performance. She is also teaching MUHL 222: World Music and Cultures. "I'm learning a lot as a dual student/teacher, and I love getting to share what I'm studying." Read Kacee's entire...

Gabriel Wade, ’24 advances to finals of Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition

Gabriel Wade, who earned his Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the NIU School of Music in 2024 is one of three finalists in the 2026 Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition at the International Trumpet Guild's 50th Anniversary Conference at the Eastman School of...

Commencement Profile: Skye McCord, BS Anthropology and Art History

Skye McCord, who earned their BS in anthropology and art history was profiled in a video that ran during commencement ceremonies last weekend. Skye will be attending Cornell University in the fall to study archaeology. Meet Skye. https://youtu.be/7JAV8YKB2uk

Arman Sangalang, ’22 earns Luminarts Jazz Fellowship

Arman Sangalang, a 2022 graduate of the NIU School of Music with a master of music in jazz studies has earned a prestigious Luminarts Fellowship in Jazz Improvisation. Sangalang won the fellowship finals, May 7 at The Union League of Chicago. Annually, the Luminarts...

Commencement Profile: Connor Butler, MM Percussion Performance

Connor Butler earned his master of music in percussion performance last weekend, and was featured in a video that ran during ceremony. Get to know Connor by watching his video profile. https://youtu.be/iI2_8fxHVcc  

Music’s Pharez Whitted inducted into Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame

Pharez Whitted, instructor of trumpet in the NIU School of Music's Jazz Studies program is one of the newest inductees into the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame. Whitted is also director of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Jazz Orchestra, coordinates the...

Luminarts Jazz Improvisation fellowship finalists include NIU Music alumni Gabriel Wade and Arman Sangalang

NIU School of Music jazz alumni Arman Sangalang and Gabriel Wade are finalists for Luminarts Jazz Improvisation Fellowships. Luminarts Cultural Foundation was founded in 1949 by members of the Union Club of Chicago to strengthen the cultural community of Chicago by...

From NIU to the Ivy League, Skye McCord to study archaeology at Cornell University

Skye McCord remembers becoming fascinated by archaeology by watching as many documentaries and PBS Nova episodes on the subject as possible as a kid growing up in Crystal Lake, Illinois. They joke that it felt natural because they have "nerdy" parents who encouraged...

Art and Design students research how high school art teachers are using AI

When Kelly Gross, assistant professor of visual arts education at NIU received a grant from the NIU Student Engagement Fund for a study into the use of artificial intelligence, she knew which students of hers would be perfect for it. She approached Lane Staffeldt and...

Music alumna Alexis Lamb appointed to EMU faculty

Alexis C. Lamb, who earned her bachelor of music degrees at NIU in music education and percussion performance has been appointed assistant professor of music theory at Eastern Michigan University starting in August. Lamb also performed with Projecto Arcomusical, the...

CVPA students presenting at annual CURE conference

Every spring, NIU hosts the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement, where student researchers present on the topics they have been doing faculty-guided research on during the course of the year. CURE is the culminating event for Undergraduate Research...

NIU Sculpture presents outdoor group exhibition at Gurler House

Continuing the Gurler House’s tradition as a long-standing space of community gathering, the Northern Illinois University Sculpture and property owner, Shane Harris, extend a welcome to the neighbors, friends, and passersby to engage with the work of Illinois and...

Spring Dance Concert features appealing mix of styles

The 2025-2026 Production Series of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance concludes with the annual Spring Dance Concert. The dance concert features a variety of works choreographed by faculty members Marc Macaranas, Michel Rodriguez Cintra and Richard Grund, as well as...

Geof Bradfield featured in two upcoming major Chicago jazz events

Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz saxophone and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music will be featured as part of two upcoming major Chicago jazz events. First off, on April 28, his Geof Bradfield Sextet will perform at Chicago's Logan Center for the Arts (915 E....

“Air Trio” winners of Chamber Ensemble Competition featured on WNIU, April 20

The winners of this year's NIU School of Chamber Ensemble Competition will appear tonight at 7 p.m. on NPR's WNIU (90.5 FM). The performance will also be live streamed at wniu.org. "Air Trio" made up of three saxophonists, Ben Sanchez, Teddy Malamis and Daniël Smith...

NIU Jazz Ensemble at historic Jazz Showcase

The NIU Jazz Ensemble were featured at the historic The Jazz Showcase, 806 South Plymouth in Chicago on March 31.     Rodrigo Villanueva Conroy, director of the Jazz Ensemble said, "The show was an incredible experience for our students, and was a very successful...

Huskie Spotlight: Elizabeth Nowak, ’27, Theatre Studies and Anthropology

Elizabeth Nowak is a double major in theatre studies and anthropology who is excited to have found the perfect way to blend her interests in the arts and sciences. "I always knew I wanted to pursue both the arts and sciences," Nowak said. "I would go back and forth...

Upcoming Winds concert featured on WREX-TV

On Friday night, April 17 at 7 p.m. the combined NIU Wind Ensemble and NIU Wind Symphony will perform in concert in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building. One of the pieces they will be performing is famous for being a little unconventional. NIU...

Sinclair Bell named 2026 Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor

Whether it’s expertise on Roman chariot racing and spectacle of the circus in ancient Rome, serving as research director on an archaeological dig in Italy, conducting research into race, representation and social practice on Romans in antiquity, or bringing his...

Huskie Spotlight: Rosemary McClure, jazz performance

Rosemary McClure is a junior jazz performance major from St. Charles. She appreciates the collaborative spirit that abounds in the Music Building. "A lot of my classes for jazz studies have been fairly small, so it’s been easy to connect with the people in those...

Huskie Spotlight: Daniel Chukwunyem, Master of Music

Daniel Chukwunyem enjoys being at NIU and appreciates the diversity of the campus. "I love the community. It is quite wonderful to see different folks from different walks of life coexisting. Also, I particularly love how experienced and welcoming the faculty are."...

Huskie Spotlight: Teddy Malamis, Music Education

Teddy Malamis, a senior music education major from Naperville, is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Malamis says, "I have loved music since a young age and was truly changed for the better by my music educators in elementary, middle and high school. I wish to have...

Students should submit their 2026-2027 FAFSA by April 25 to avoid delays in processing

A U.S. Department of Education system update on Sunday, April 26, 2026 will prevent colleges and universities from loading new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid) records until a software fix is in place. NIU’s Financial Aid and Scholarship...

NIU Punk Rock Club welcomes Tim Rogner for performance, discussion, April 1

The NIU Punk Rock Club and the College of Visual and Performing Arts welcome musician and artist Tim Rogner for a night of conversation and acoustic performance, Wednesday, April 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center's Huskie Den. Rogner will examine...

Finding Beauty in a Fractured World, the 2026 B.A./B.S. Art Exhibition opens March 30

The annual spring group exhibition of work by students in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs in the NIU School of Art and Design will open March 30 in the Jack Olson Gallery. Finding Beauty in a Fractured World runs from March 30 through...

Sonic Tapestry: Global Traditions and Cultural Crossroads – 2026 NIU World Music Festival

The NIU School of Music is proud to present the 2026 World Music Festival, a five-day immersive journey through the sounds, traditions, and contemporary innovations of global music. Running from April 7-11, the festival will transform the NIU campus into a vibrant...

NIU Center for Southeast Asian Studies hosting free viewing of the documentary “Loot: A Story of Crime and Redemption”

The NIU Center for Southeast Asian Studies is hosting a free viewing of the documentary Loot: A Story of Crime and Redemption, Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb. A daring look at the underbelly of the global art market, LOOT...

NIU Faculty Composers’ Concert features world premiere

The NIU Composers' Concert, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the NIU Recital Hall features the world premiere of David Maki's "Letters From Norman" for bass-baritone and piano. The text is drawn from letters written by David's uncle Norman Maki during World War II....

NIU Opera Theatre features “Iphigénia en Aulide” March 27 and 29

The Northern Illinois University School of Music presents its annual spring opera, Christoph Willibald Gluck's Iphigénia en Aulide with performances at 7 p.m., Friday, March 27 and 3 p.m., Sunday, March 29 in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building....

Theatre and Dance presents Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”

One of Shakespeare's earliest and most loved works, The Comedy of Errors, opens Friday, March 27 in the Black Box Theatre in NIU's Stevens Building at 7:30 p.m. The final play, and second to last production, of the School of Theatre and Dance's 2025-2026 production...

NIU Jazz Combo Day sees record attendance

NIU hosted its annual Jazz Comb Day in the School of Music, Tuesday, March 17. The event features high school jazz combos from around the region. This year's showed the largest turnout in the history of the event, which included Kamyrn Cederholm, a senior at South...

Huskie Spotlight: Alma Perrote, Music Education and Steelpan Performance

Alma Perotte, who is majoring in music education and steelpan performance in the School of Music is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Alma says she knew as a child growing up in Belize City, Belize that she wanted music to be an essential part of her life. When I was...

Music Education alumna Hayley Gotzsche wins Golden Apple Award

Hayley Gotzsche decided at a very young age that being a music teacher would be a great job. "I've always loved music," she said. "Music has always been a source of joy and an expression of confidence. It was just natural to go into it. I love to get to bring those...

Kelly Gross named Illinois Higher Education Art Educator of the Year

Kelly Gross, Ph.D., assistant professor of art and design education in the NIU School of Art and Design has been named the 2025-2026 Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA). Gross was honored at their annual...

NIU faculty, alumni and students highlight annual National Art Education Association conference

A strong contingent of faculty, alumni and students will represent the NIU School of Art and Design's art and design education program at this year's National Art Education Association conference in Chicago March 5-7. Three members of the faculty are being awarded...

Huskie Spotlight: Katelyn Ackland, Music Education, Clarinet Performance

Katelyn Ackland, a senior majoring in music education and clarinet performance in the NIU School of Music is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Katelyn has earned multiple scholarships at NIU, and is appreciative of the support of her professors and fellow students....

Huskie Spotlight: Jayla Herring, Recording Arts and Media Technologies

Jayla Herring, a fall 2025 graduate of the School of Music with a degree in recording arts and media technologies is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Jayla says this major was a perfect fit, and the pursuit of an additional certificate increased the chances of...

Douglas Boughton to receive NAEA’s Viktor Lowenfeld Award

Douglas Boughton, professor of art and design education in the NIU School of Art and Design has won just about every major award in his field, and that now includes the Viktor Lowenfeld Award from the National Art Education Association. Boughton’s career as an art...

Nora (Balayti) Reuter, ’06, combines her interests in a new children’s book on someone’s first trip to Wrigley Field

When Nora (Balayti) Reuter was working shifts as a bartender at Murphy’s Bleachers, the popular sports bar located just steps from the bleacher entrance of beautiful and historic Wrigley Field, little did she know that she was also doing prep work for a future book...

National Art Education Association honors NIU’s Kerry Freedman with Eisner Award

Dr. Kerry Freedman, professor of art and design education in the NIU School of Art and Design is the 2026 recipient of the National Art Education Association’s Eisner Lifetime Achievement Award. Freedman has previously been honored by the NAEA with the National Higher...

Theatre students spend an evening with Ian McKellan

Twenty-six NIU School of Theatre and Dance students were among those who had the opportunity to attend a special event featuring acting legend Ian McKellan. Titled, "One Knight Only," Sir Ian shared insights on his career, this love of theater and discussed his love...

Huskie Spotlight – Lane Staffeldt, Art and Design Education

Lane Staffeldt, is a senior art and design education major who graduated from Glenbard East High School in Lombard, Illinois and transferred to NIU from College of DuPage. Staffeldt is working as a research assistant to Kelly Gross, assistant professor of art and...

Theatre and Dance BFA Acting presents Nostalgia Prom Night fundraiser

The 2026 B.F.A. in acting class is excited to announce the School of Theatre and Dance Nostalgia Prom Night! An open-to-all celebration for people and NIU students to come together, dress up, and enjoy a night of music, food, and community. The prom will take place on...

NIU connections abound in Trap Door Theatre’s production of “Green Corridors”

The United States premiere of Green Corridors, a work from Ukrainian playwright Natalka Vorozhbyt features a number of connections to the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Green Corridors, which opened January 15 at Trap Door Theatre in Chicago, is directed by Kay...

Music’s Bobby Broom selected by Herbie Hancock for International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert

Bobby Broom, associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music, whose most recent album, More Amor spent several weeks atop Jazz Week's North American Jazz Radio chart, has been selected to perform in this spring's 15th Annual...

Huskie Spotlight Lilliana Benitez, Music Education, Euphonium

Lilliana Benitez, a music education major with an instrumental emphasis in euphonium from McHenry, Illinois is the subject of an NIU Huskie Spotlight. A proud member of the Huskie Marching Band, she appreciates the mentorship of Dr. Tom Bough both on the field and in...

Stanley Schultz, ’04: Designing the Digital Backbone

Behind every click, stream and swipe lies a vast network of data centers — the backbone of our daily lives. “From 911 calls to banking, food production to aviation, medical to gas industries, the digital and physical systems that support modern living all pass through...

An encore at NIU: Doug Bratt, BA, MM

Doug Bratt, ’01, M.M. ’02, found that NIU was more than his second act; it was the encore that brought his passion center stage. His path to becoming a talented percussionist and a tenured professor at Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC), where he has led...

Full Speed Ahead: NIU fueled career growth for Adrienne Miller

Adrienne Miller, M.F.A. ’15, came to NIU with a clear goal: to elevate her career. Now serving as exhibition and publications manager at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, Miller has built a career where creativity meets precision. “I was a studio manager...

Northern Public Radio profile on School of Music’s Maria Kurochkina

Maria Kurochkina, assistant professor of music and director of orchestras was recently profiled by Northern Public Radio, WNIU/WNIJ. Kurochkina joined the NIU School of Music faculty in August after earning her D.M.A. in orchestral conducting from Boston University. A...

2025 President’s Holiday Card design contest winners

Students were invited to submit an original artistic design to be used as the 2025 NIU holiday card to help spread warmth and good cheer to the entire community. The theme for this year's holiday card competition was to capture the spirit of campus life, winter and...

Hans Herrera’s theater research paper one of only 12 in the nation selected for ASTR

Hans Herrera, a third-year double major in theatre studies and art history was one of only 12 students selected out of a nationwide call for entries for working group research paper reviews at the annual American Society of Theatre Research (ASTR) national conference...

Commencement profile – Khadija Nagi

Khadija Nagi, a DeKalb native, and now a proud graduate of the NIU School of Music is the subject of the fall 2025 commencement video profile. Khadija says she chose to stay in town to study music in part because of the accomplished alumni who are so supportive of...

BFA Acting Freshmxn Actors Showcase – Dec. 6

First-year students in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance will present a showcase titled "The Final Note" in the Corner Theatre in NIU's Stevens Building with shows at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday December 6. Admission is free of charge.        ...

NIU Sculpture presents outdoor group exhibition “Unimposing Yet Dignified” at Gurler House   

Continuing the Gurler House’s tradition as a long-standing space of community gathering, the NIU School of Art and Design sculpture studio, and property owner, Shane Harris, extend a welcome to the neighbors, friends, and passersby to engage with the work of...

Huskie Spotlight: Reece Deidrick, Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts major Reece Deidrick was the subject of a recent Huskie Spotlight on NIU's website. Deidrick is from Boise, Idaho and is also minoring in electrical engineering. A member of the class of 2028, Reece's theatre arts emphasis is design and technology. "I...

In Passing: Ron Modell and more

by Antonio Garcia Jazz education lost a giant in the field with the passing on June 10 of my friend and colleague Ron Modell. Ron joined Northern Illinois University’s faculty in 1969 after a performance career that had already included touring as a teenager with...

Fall Dance Concert explores styles and experiences

The annual Fall Dance Concert in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance always puts an entertaining capper on the semester's worth of productions. The talented dancers perform in a variety of styles sure to appeal to a broad range of audiences. This year's Fall Dance...

An open window led Zachary Good to the clarinet and to NIU

A familiarity with the school and a desire to teach music at a state university made NIU the perfect place for new School of Music faculty member Zachary Good. Good had previously worked with NIU's recording arts team on some projects in the Recital Hall and Boutell...

New director of orchestras was drawn to NIU by its student-centered nature

For Maria Kurochkina, the new director of orchestras at NIU, all it took was a few minutes into her visit to Northern Illinois University to feel like it was the place for her. "When I came to campus for my second interview, I felt an immediate connection to the...

Two casts in one for Accidental Death of An Anarchist

A double cast will bring Dario Fo's 1970 play, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, to the stage in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance's Black Box Theatre beginning Friday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. The play is based on the 1969 bombing of Piazza Fontana in Milan, Italy,...

13th New Music Festival kicks off Nov. 5

The New Music Festival at NIU, a staple of the fall performance season since 2008 will be held Wednesday, November 5 through Friday, November 7 in the NIU Music Building. Each fall, the multi-concert festival featuring prominent guest composers, performers, and...

Music’s Geof Bradfield awarded Chamber Music America grant for “Colossal Abundance”

Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz studies and jazz performance in the NIU School of Music was awarded a Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant for his latest recording, "Colossal Abundance." The CMA New Jazz Works grant is the fourth that Bradfield has receieved....

Yuko Asada’s Fulbright Fellowship has her back on familiar ground

Yuko Asada is having a bit of a full-circle moment. Nearly a quarter century after her interest in steelpan performance led her to the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago for the annual Panorama Steelband Competition, she's back. This time, it's as the first staff...

Ann Arbor Film Festival Traveling Tour to visit NIU, Oct. 29

The traveling tour of the 63rd Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival makes its next stop at NIU, Wednesday, October 29. The traveling tour provides filmmakers the unique opportunity of having their work screened in front of audiences, for whom in many instances, the tour is...

Poetic monologues highlight the next production in the School of Theatre and Dance

The groundbreaking poetic monologues accompanied by dance and music, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf is the next production in the NIU School of Theatre Dance, opening Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. The show is co-directed by...

NIU hosts 16th International Burma Studies Conference, Oct. 9-12

The NIU Center for Burma Studies is presenting the 16th International Burma Studies Conference, "Dealing With Legacies in Burma", Thursday, October 9 through Sunday, October 12. Conference sessions will be held in the Holmes Student Center with some pre-conference...

“Julius Caesar” to open the performance season in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance

Shakespeare's classic Julius Caesar opens the 2025-2026 performance season in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Directed by Kay Martinovich, associate professor and head of BFA acting in the school, Julius Caesar begins its run Friday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. in...

NIU Mariachi members to perform at Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox games

Three members of the School of Music's NIU Mariachi Band will be joining the group Mariachi Monumental De México to perform at the Chicago White Sox Hispanic Heritage Night, Friday, September 19 at 6:40 p.m. versus the San Diego Padres, and again at Sunday's Chicago...

NIU Wind Ensemble to give collegiate world premiere of a piece commissioned for the US Marine Corps

The NIU Wind Ensemble will present the collegiate world premiere of a piece commissioned by the US Marine Band to commemorate a significant anniversary. "Last spring, the US Marine Band commissioned a lengthy piece for the 250th birthday of the United States Marine...

NIU enrollment surges for Fall semester

Enrollment at Northern Illinois University grew this fall, with surges in the numbers of new freshmen and transfers, along with strong reenrollment for continuing students, powering an overall increase of 663 Huskies. The university welcomed 2,435 new freshmen, a 22%...

Avalon String Quartet to perform Narongrit Dhamabutra’s “Quintet For the Spirits of ASEAN”

Narongrit Dhamabutra, a renowned composer and academic will be on campus, Friday, September 12 for a lecture and a special performance of his composition, "Quintet For the Spirits of ASEAN." At noon, Professor Dhamabutra will deliver the lecture, "Integrating...

Burma collection and NIU Printmaking retrospective open in Art Museum galleries August 27

A pair of exhibitions will run concurrently in the galleries of the NIU Art Museum for the coming academic year. Legacies on Display: The forbidden and venerated arts of Burma and Sixty years of printmaking at NIU: A Legacy of Excellence will both run from August 27,...

Updates on the faculty in the School of Art and Design

It's been a busy few months for faculty and staff in the NIU School of Art and Design. Kelly Gross, assistant professor of art education has been named Educator of the Year by Illinois Art Education Association. Amanda van Valkenburg earned tenure and promotion to...

School of Music faculty news updates

Fall semester is here and let's start with a quick update of notable things happening in the School of Music. The National Association of School of Music has fully reaccredited the NIU School of Music through the year 2032. Did you know that the Music Building's roof...

Theatre and Dance faculty updates

The spring and summer were a busy time for the faculty of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Here's a look at just some of the things members of our talented group were up to: Gibson Cima, head of theatre studies received tenure and promotion to associate professor...

60 Years of NIU Printmaking show to open August 27

The artistic achievements of current and former faculty, alumni and visiting artists will be highlighted in this retrospective exhibition of the Printmaking Division of NIU’s School of Art and Design. In this broad ranging display, various printmaking media such as...

Word on the street: Lucinda Roundabout to open August 20

It's about to get easier to drive near the Art and Music Buildings again. The City of DeKalb’s new single-lane roundabout at Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road is scheduled to open no later than Wednesday, August 20, after a three-month construction project converted the...

Pianos, digital pianos and violins for public purchase, August 14-16

The NIU School of Music is partnering with the non-profit organization, the Rockley Family Foundation to offer musical instruments at a significant discount from retail prices, August 14-16. The Rockley Family Foundation is dedicated to the support of music education,...

The big noise from the Bronx

This article originally appeared in a 2014 edition of Northern Now. by Mark McGowan They called it “Jazz Alley” – four swingin’ groups from the NIU School of Music, stationed throughout the main floor of the Holmes Student Center, jamming for the passersby.  Part of...

Ron Modell leaves an incredible legacy that includes founding one of the nation’s finest jazz programs

Ron Modell, the founder of NIU's world renowned jazz program passed away, Tuesday, June 10 at his DeKalb home. An accomplished musician, Modell joined NIU's School of Music faculty in 1969 and quickly created the jazz program and established the NIU Jazz Ensemble as...

Sarah Siddons Society announces NIU as first public university to receive scholarship funding

The Sarah Siddons Society’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce it has approved Northern Illinois University (NIU) as its fifth Chicago-area university to receive scholarship funding for students studying theatre arts. NIU is the first public university to...

NIU Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico to perform at White Sox Mexican Heritage Night

NIU Mariachi and Ballet Folklórico have have been selected to perform at the Chicago White Sox Mexican Heritage Night, Friday, June 6. The NIU groups will perform during the break between the bottom of the third and top of the fourth innings. Game time is 6:40 p.m. as...

More Amor, featuring Bobby Broom reaches #1 on Jazz Week’s charts

 The album More Amor, a tribute to Wes Montgomery by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra and featuring Bobby Broom, reached number one on Jazz Week's North American Jazz Radio chart this summer, and in total spent more than 18 weeks on the chart. The recording has been hailed...

Theatre and Dance’s Tracy Nunnally serving as flying director for Paramount Theatre’s Cats

Tracy Nunnally, professor and head of design and technology in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance is serving as flying director for the Paramount Theatre in Aurora's production of Cats.  Cats continues its run at the Paramount Theatre through June 15....

Help send NIU students to Turkey to study theater!

Your support of an NIU Crowdfunding initiative will help send students to Turkey to study classical theater! A learning experience has been developed to use use the study of ancient and modern theatre practices in Turkey as a tool to broaden students' perspectives on...

Theatre and Dance’s Marc Macaranas present’s STEM Cafe on Dance, Movement and Media

Join Marc Macaranas, assistant professor and head of dance in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance for a STEM Cafe, Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Fatty's Bar and Grille. Dancing Bodies and Digital Interfaces: Dance, Movement and Media, is presented by NIU STEAM in...

Commencement profile – Jalen Charles, Master of Music

Congratulations to all of the spring 2025 College of Visual and Performing Arts graduates! Jalen Charles, who earned his master of music performer's certificate was profiled in the graduate ceremony. Jalen talked about his love of the steelpan, growing up in a family...

Commencement profile – Chanel Antoshin, Music Education and Flute Performance

Congratulations to all of the 2025 spring graduates from the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts. The School of Music's Chanel Antoshin was profiled during the undergraduate commencement ceremony. Chanel earned her degree in both music education and flute...

CVPA announces first six Simpson Schatzle Fellows

NIU's College of Visual and Performing Arts has announced the first six recipients of a fellowship that will provide financial support and recognition for some of the university's most promising graduating students in the arts. The Simpson Schatzle Fellowship will...

Ethan Cowburn selected for The Kennedy Center’s Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program

Ethan Cowburn, a soon-to-gradate M.F.A. student in percussion performance in the NIU School of Music, was chosen as just one of five students in the world for the Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC this summer. The...

Dance Concert opens April 24 in Black Box Theatre

The annual Spring Dance Concert brings a close to the 2024-2025 NIU School of Theatre and Dance production season. More than 20 student dancers will perform works by guest choreographer Vershawn Sanders-Ward of Red Clay Dance Company and NIU faculty choreographers...

Lighting design student Kev Kollmann featured in video about accessibility improvements for theater technicians

Kev Kollmann, an M.F.A. in lighting design in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance is featured in the Winter 2025 edition of Protocol Magazine, the journal of the entertainment technology industry. The feature and accompanying video focus on inclusion and innovation...

Art and Design’s Geoffrey Todd Smith’s show “Assembly” featured in Colossal

NIU School of Art and Design Instructor of Drawing Geoffrey Todd Smith's show, Assembly at Western Exhibitions was featured in the online art magazine Colossal.  Continually drawn to abstraction and geometry, Smith is known for his mesmerizing works that infuse...

Art and Design’s B.A. and B.S. Art Exhibition, “Great Ideas of Humanity” runs through April 17

The capstone exhibition of students earning their bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees in the NIU School of Art and Design runs from April 7-17 in the Jack Olson Gallery on the main floor of Jack Arends Hall. Titled, Great Ideas of Humanity, the show's...

Overcon Duo wins annual School of Music Chamber Ensemble Competition

The Annual NIU School of Music Chamber Ensemble Competition was held, Saturday, April 5 in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Ten ensembles competed and the overall winner was the Overcon Duo of Reilly Farrell on violin and Ben Gilbert on violoncello. Three other groups...

World Music celebrates 50th anniversary with week-long festival and symposium

One of the most iconic programs at Northern Illinois University is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The School of Music boasts one of the most diverse, comprehensive and accomplished world music programs in the nation, and a week long celebration kicks off...

BFA/MFA Actor Showcase on campus, April 1 and 2

The Meisner-based, classically trained actors of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance present contemporary scenes and monologues in this free showcase. Performances will be held in the Corner Theatre in the NIU Stevens Building, Tuesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 2...

NIU CVPA to present live staged reading of Waiting For Godot, March 19

Forty years ago four Miami University of Ohio acting students performed in a production of Waiting For Godot.  Four decades later, those performers are reuniting for lived stage readings of the play Wednesday, March 19 at Northern Illinois University and Monday, April...

NIU Art Museum Announces upcoming exhibitions opening March 19

While so much has seemed unknown for so many of late, the NIU Art Museum took a stab at a mysterious suite of exhibitions. “Windows to the Subconscious” is a juried exhibition exploring the meaning of dreams. It features the work of 13 artists selected from applicants...

US Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus to perform at School of Music, April 6

The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus will perform a free concert, Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building. The theme of the concert is Sea to Shining Sea.    The United States Army Field Band from...

Chicago-based playwright Ike Holter’s “Prowess” opens in School of Theatre and Dance, Feb. 28

Prowess, written by award winning Chicago-based playwright Ike Holter opens Friday, February 28 in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance's Sally Stevens Players Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Prowess is a play inspired by superheroes, where a group of average citizens in Chicago...

Theatre and Dance presents a Ukrainian Reading Project event, Feb. 23

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance is once again participating in the Ukrainian Reading Project, with a reading of Green Channels, Sunday, February 23 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the O'Connell Theatre in the NIU Stevens Building (200 University Circle, DeKalb.) There...

Theatre and Dance spring season begins with Caridad Svich’s Holler River

“A story about the stories we tell ourselves to survive, the songs we sing to get by and the maps we make of our warring lives.” Caridad Svich’s 2018 play Holler River is the first production of the spring in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Directed by Kendra...

Chinese Music Ensemble featured in NPR story about Lunar New Year

Jui-Ching Wang, professor of music and NIU coordinator of Asian studies was interviewed as part of a story by the University of Illinois' NPR affiliate, WILL-AM about the role music plays in the celebration of Lunar New Year in Chinese society. She discussed the...

NIU Art Museum upcoming bus excursions

The Get-On-The-Bus Trips of the NIU Art Museum are great ways to meet other art lovers, keep up with what’s happening in the art world, see innovative historical exhibits and travel without the hassle of traffic, tolls and parking. Bus trips are planned to take...

Meryl McMaster next up in Elizabeth Allen Scholars in Art History Lecture Series, Feb. 5

Meryl McMaster is a Canadian artist with nêhiyaw (Plains Cree), Métis, British and Dutch ancestry. Her lens-based practice incorporates the production of hand crafted materials and performance forming a synergy that transports the viewer out of the ordinary and into a...

Joe Miñoso, MFA ’04, featured in Hello! magazine

Actor Joe Miñoso, star of NBC's Chicago Fire for the last 13 seasons was featured in a recent edition of Hello! magazine. Miñoso earned his MFA in Acting from the NIU School of Theatre and Dance in 2004. Chicago Fire star Joe Miñoso's life away from the cameras Top...

National parks as a unique expression of national identity and iconic Indian artist Bharti Kher are subjects of presentations at the NIU Art Museum

Lectures by faculty from the Art History division of the NIU School of Art and Design highlight the programming surrounding the current exhibition in the NIU Art Museum, the College of Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Biennial. From World's Fair to National Park:...

NIU Wind Ensemble presents Music of Black Composers Showcase, Jan. 28

The NIU Wind Ensemble will present a special Music of Black Composers showcase concert, Tuesday, January 28 at 7 p.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Tickets are available at go.niu.edu/arts-tickets. NIU students are admitted free of charge with a reserved ticket....

Upcoming lectures and presentations as part of ongoing CVPA Faculty Biennial Exhibition at NIU Art Museum

The current exhibition in the NIU Art Museum is the College of Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Biennial which runs through February 15. The exhibition features work and scholarship from faculty members in NIU's School of Art and Design, School of Music and School...

Art and Design students place in President’s Holiday Card Contest

Senior visual communications major Amanda Cruz and junior painting manager Keira Howard submitted designs that finished second and third in the 2024 President's Holiday Card Contest. Students were invited to submit an original artistic design to be used as the 2024...

Commencement profile: Abria Shaw, Music Education

Congratulations to all of our fall 2024 graduates. The weekend commencement ceremonies featured this spotlight on new School of Music graduate Abria Shaw, who completed her degree in music education....

Fall Dance Concert features Paquita and two world premieres

The fall semester production season in the School of Theatre and Dance concludes with the Fall Dance Concert featuring the ballet Paquita and a pair of world premiere dances choreographed by NIU School of Theatre and Dance faculty members. Paquita was originally...

Northern Illinois University Art Museum Presents Faculty Biennial Exhibition

The Northern Illinois University Art Museum is pleased to announce the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts 2024-2025 Faculty Biennial exhibition on display in the museum’s Altgeld Hall galleries Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, through Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. Shown...

High School Invitational closing reception features workshops for students

The annual High School Invitational is underway through November 16 in the Jack Olson Gallery. The closing reception on Saturday, November 16 will feature workshops for high school students. Workshop registration will start at noon until 1 p.m. in person before the...

Kerry Freedman and Richard Siegesmund publish book on the use of images in social science research

A popular presentation at a conference more than a decade ago led to a pair of NIU colleagues in the School of Art and Design to publish a book on the use of images in social science research. Visual Methods of Inquiry: Images in Research was written by Kerry...

Machinal next up at the NIU School of Theatre and Dance

Sophie Treadwell's 1928 true crime account of a murder and its prosecution is the next production in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance's season lineup. Machinal opens Friday, November 1 in the Black Box Theatre in NIU's Stevens Building. Treadwell, a playwright and...

Annual High School Invitational art exhibition opens November 4

The annual High School Invitational art exhibition at the NIU School of Art and Design will open Monday, November 4 and run through Saturday, November 16 with a closing reception that day. This year's exhibition features a mix of 2D, 3D and digital work created by 74...

Art From Home – David F. Driesbach Engravings

The engravings of David F. Driesbach are the subject of this edition of Art From Home: A Personal Collection, a series of videos where Peter Olson, assistant director of the NIU Art Museum shares information about works and artists in his personal collection. To see...

Help support the M.F.A. acting program’s residency in Canada

The Master's in Fine Arts in acting program in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance is crowdfunding donations to help support a week-long residency with renowned writer, actor and solo performer Kevin McCoy in Quebec City, Canada. Northern Illinois University's School...

Art and Design Education students and faculty presenting at IAEA Conference

Faculty and students from the art and design education program in the NIU School of Art and Design will be presenting a number of sessions and workshops at this year's Illinois Art Education Association Conference in Bloomington-Normal. Friday, October 18 9:10 – 10:00...

Guest lecturer Lisa Hochtritt to discuss social justice in art, Oct. 29

Lisa Hochtritt, visiting professor of art and art education at Teachers College, Columbia University, will present a guest lecture, "Social Justice in Art Education," Tuesday, October 29 at 5 p.m. in Jack Arends Building Room 102 at the NIU School of Art and Design....

School of Theatre and Dance presents Macbeth, opening Oct. 18

The Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance presents William Shakespare's Macbeth, opening Friday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the O'Connell Theatre, located in NIU's Stevens Building. The production is directed by Peter G. Anderson, a graduate of...

Winners of the Huskies Vote contest revealed

Three winning designs have been chosen in the NIU School of Art and Design's Huskies Vote poster design contest. The project was an effort for students to create designs that would encourage others on campus to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election....

Art From Home – Sidney Chafetz

It's back! In 2020, Peter Olson, assistant director of the NIU Art Museum did a series of videos where he discussed pieces in his personal art collection. The popular series has returned with this look at the work of Sidney Chafetz. https://youtu.be/48l2-Vg0p0Y To see...

Celebration commemorates 50 years since a key point in Huskie Marching Band history

For Dave Johnson and a large number of former NIU marching band members, 2024 marks a significant milestone. Formed in 1899, the Huskie Marching Band is one of the oldest university bands in the nation. Fans are familiar with the high quality of the music and...

NIU Percussion Ensemble presents Huskie Sound Garden during Homecoming week

Huskie Sound Garden - a featured event of Northern Illinois University's 117th Homecoming Celebration Tuesday, October 15, 4 p.m to 5 p.m.  Huskie Sound Garden  Martin Luther King Jr. Commons and surrounding areas Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Open...

Theatre and Dance production season begins with Mary Stuart opening Oct. 4

Friedrich Schiller's Mary Stuart, which deals with the conflict between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots in the days leading up to Mary's execution, is the first production in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance's 2024-2025 season. The show opens Friday, October 4...

Stevens Building sculptures come full circle

For artist Boyan Marinov, the dedication of the new sculpture in front of NIU's Stevens Building was a full circle moment. The new artwork that he designed and titled "The Tribesman, The Hero and The Light" was revealed with a ribbon cutting ceremony, September 26. As...

NIU Philharmonic presents ¡Vamos! a Latino American Heritage Concert, Sept. 27

The NIU Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off the fall concert schedule with ¡Vamos! a Latino Heritage Month Concert. The performance features pieces written by artists from Colombia (Josh Rodriguez), Argentina (Ángel Villoldo), Chile (Alfonso Leng), Puerto Rico (Angélica...

Bryan Miller, ’98, strikes a chord with the Marching Band Alumni Council

Former Huskie Marching Band drum major Bryan Miller, ’89, brings his accomplished career as a music educator, military band conductor, professional orchestra conductor, and trumpet artist to serve on the NIU Marching Band Alumni Council (MBAC). As a lieutenant...

CVPA students invited to a free tailgate before Saturday’s home football game

When the #23 NIU Huskie football team returns to action for their first game since their upset win over then fifth-ranked Notre Dame, students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts will be their special guests. CVPA students are invited to a free tailgate...

NIU to dedicate new Stevens Building sculpture Sept. 26 with ribbon cutting and cookout  

A walk around the Northern Illinois University reveals a campus filled not just with students, faculty, staff and buildings, but of artwork to take in and enjoy. Now, there is even more to look at. The final piece of the extensive renovations to the university’s...

Catherine Lang-Cline ’88, receives Alumni Achievement in the Arts Award

Award-winning CEO Catherine Lang-Cline, ’88, leveraged her 15-year career in creative marketing to build Portfolio Creative, a niche recruiting and staffing company exclusive to roles in marketing. Combining her marketing expertise with her love for problem-solving...

Steelpan Workshop open house, Sept. 27

Join us at the grand opening of the newly constructed, on-campus steelpan workshop! The workshop has a new home in the NIU Buildings Services West facility at 1615 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. An open house will be held, Friday, September 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. The open...

NIU’s Avalon String Quartet to present Dvořak’s Vision for America at PianoForte Chicago, Sept. 21

Avalon String Quartet, NIU’s quartet-in-residence in the Northern Illinois University School of Music will feature a special performance, Dvořak’s Vision For America, Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at PianoForte, 1335 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Dvořak’s Vision...

Huskie Marching Band set for trip to perform at Notre Dame

On Saturday when NIU (1-0) heads to South Bend, Indiana, for the first time ever, to take on the third ranked team in the nation in Notre Dame (1-0), the Huskie football team won't be the only NIU students performing at historic Notre Dame Stadium. The Pride of the...

Roxanna Conner featured on PBS’ Arts Engines

Roxanna Conner, director of NIU's School of Theatre and Dance was featured on PBS Detroit's Arts Engines hosted by Aaron Dworkin, professor of entrepreneurship and leadership at the University of Michigan. Dworkin is a 2005 MacArthur Fellow and was President Barack...

Making the most of the first week

The first week of class provides an opportunity for faculty to create an environment where students feel comfortable and excited to be a part of the classroom. Learn your students’ names. Create community. Be authentic and encouraging. Anna Klis These are tips NIU...

Robbie Ellis to perform at NIU Week of Welcome

Robbie Ellis is a comedy songwriter, music director for improv, comedy and musical theater, a composer and a broadcaster on Chicago’s WFMT-FM. The New Zealand native brings his musical comedy show to NIU’s Week of Welcome with a free performance for all NIU students,...

Portrait suite to open this fall at Northern Illinois University Art Museum

Three exhibitions featuring the theme of portraiture are set to open Wednesday, Aug. 28, with a public opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. A talk with photographer Sandro Miller begins at 6:30 p.m. “Seeing Each Other: Portraits in Time and Place”...

NIU alumni can have dinner and a show at NIU, Oct. 4

NIU alumni, whether you come by yourself or bring a date, a friend, or a group of friends, you'll enjoy mingling and meeting others at Huskies Night Out! Join us at Ellington’s Restaurant in the Holmes Student Center on Friday, Oct. 4, from 5:30-6:40 p.m. for dinner...

Mary Holland, ’07 to join cast of CBS’ “Ghosts”

Mary Holland, a 2007 BFA acting graduate of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance will join the cast of CBS' Ghosts for the show's upcoming fourth season. During Ghosts' panel at this year's Comic-Con in San Diego it was announced that Holland will have a recurring role...

Music’s Geof Bradfield’s “Colossal Abundance” releases Sept. 6

Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz studies and jazz performance in the NIU School of Music's new recording, "Colossal Abundance" will be released on Calligram Records, September 6. The recording features a 12-piece ensemble features a stellar lineup including Dana...

Art and Design’s Frank Trankina named 2024 Illinois Arts Council Fellow

Frank Trankina, professor of art in the NIU School of Art and Design has been selected as one of the Illinois Arts Council Fellows for 2024. The Illinois Artist Fellowship provides a limited number of monetary awards annually to accomplished Illinois artists who have...

Control Engineering features the design and technology programs of the School of Theatre and Dance

The design and technology programs of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance were featured in a recent edition of Control Engineering magazine. The article highlighted the spring STEM Cafe talk given by Tracy Nunnally, professor, technical director and head of design and...

Support NIU Music scholarships and enjoy a 30+ year old Jazz Ensemble performance from the Rialto Square Theatre

On January 10, 1990 the NIU Jazz Ensemble (now known as the NIU Jazz Orchestra) played a concert at the iconic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois. The band had by then established a reputation as one of the very best collegiate jazz bands in the nation, a...

NIU Art Museum annual “Art to Lend” selection period now open

The NIU Art Museum’s annual “Art to Lend” 2024 selection period is now open for faculty and staff on campus. This annual service allows individuals and departments to enhance their private offices and the administrative areas of our university by renting original...

Community School receives Wurlitzer Foundation Fund Grant

The NIU Community School of the Arts has received a $2,500 Farny R. Wulitzer Foudation Fund Grant grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation. This is a continuation of several years of Wurlitzer Grants received by the Community School. In all, $116,100 was...

Music’s Bobby Broom to host a new jazz program on WNIJ 89.5

Beginning in June 2024, NIU Associate Professor of Jazz Guitar and Jazz Studies Bobby Broom will host a new original program, Jazz Spectrum, on WNIJ 89.5. Broom is a jazz guitarist and associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in NIU’s College of Visual and...

Commencement profile: Chih-I Hsiao, Master of Music

The renowned World Music program at NIU is what drew Chih-I Hsaio to DeKalb after earning his degree in Music Theory of Taiwanese traditional music at the Taipei National University of the Arts. He chose to earn a Master of Music in World Music at NIU. "I have had a...

Re-imagining: Two popular courses have undergone redesigns with today’s learners in mind

A major challenge facing educators is how to adapt courses to meet the learning neeeds of today's students. NIU's  gen ed (general education) courses present a particular opportunity because of the desire to offer an introduction for students who may or may not be...

Award winners announced in College of Visual and Performing Arts

As the 2023-2024 academic year comes to a close, the College of Visual and Performing Arts has named this year's award winners. Students are honored on the basis of their academic achievement, community engagement, professional and interdisciplinary work and...

A decade in the making, Music’s Brian Hart has edited the history of the symphony in the Americas

Brian Hart thought the hardest part of editing the fifth volume of "The Symphonic Repertoire" was going to be filling the shoes of Indiana University's Peter Brown, who had created and written much of this series, which covers the history of the musical genre of the...

Honorary degree recipient to take part in Meet the Composer talk May 10

Chinary Ung, a prominent Cambodian American composer who is the 2024 recipient of the NIU Honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree will take part in a "Meet the Composer" talk, Friday, May 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Music Library on the ground floor of the NIU...

NIU Percussion imparts a new love of samba to Project FLEX

The percussion room in the NIU Music Building is often filled with the rhythmic sounds of music from all over the world. Lunchtime Thursday, April 25 was no exception, as samba music could be heard echoing down the hallway. What was different about it was the hour of...

Kevin Cole, M.F.A. ’85: From childhood art therapy to the Smithsonian

Artist Kevin Cole, M.F.A. ‘85, has created more than 47 public art works, including a 15-story Coca-Cola Centennial Olympic mural he was commissioned to create for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. A challenge he completed without even touching the wall....

Aaron Dworkin’s Arts Engines features Paul Kassel discussing collaborating with the arts ecosystem of a city

Paul Kassel, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at NIU was the guest on Arts Engines with Aaron Dworkin, a weekly TV show that, "seeks to share the most valuable advice and input from arts administrators who tell their stories of creative...

Annual Spring Dance Concert wraps up School of Theatre and Dance production season

The 2023-2024 performance season in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance concludes with the annual Spring Dance Concert opening Thursday, April 25 with a 7:30 p.m. performance in the O'Connell Theatre in NIU's Stevens Building. Subsequent performances will be held at...

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition winner Jaden Teague-Núñez to perform with NIU Steelband

The first steelpan player to ever win the 2024 Crain-Mailing Foundation Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Young Artists Concerto Competition will take the stage with the world-famous NIU Steelband at their annual spring concert, Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m. in the NIU Music...

April is Athletes for Artists Month

As part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts and NIU Athletics, April has been declared Athletes For Artists month. NIU athletes are being encouraged to attend one or more of the following events: NIU Jazz Orchestra...

Art History presents the lecture “The Largest Mystery: A Buddhist Shrine in the Art Institute of Chicago”

The Elizabeth Allen Visiting Scholars in Art History Lecture Series, the NIU School of Art and Design and the NIU Visual Studies division present, "The Largest Mystery: A Buddhist Shrine in the Art Institute of Chicago," as a free lecture, open to the public,...

Renowned guest artists to join Reggie Thomas for final performances

Reggie Thomas is retiring after ten years as professor of music and head of jazz studies at Northern Illinois University, and his farewell performances are going to be memorable. Thomas is the director of the acclaimed NIU Jazz Orchestra, who just last year performed...

Music’s Ben Wahlund earns NIU Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction Award

From citing his keen interest in connecting with his students, to his love for, and talent with, music to his ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into a fun and interesting learning opportunity, those who voiced their support for Ben Wahlund, this year’s...

School of Art and Design hosts Artifical Intellingence in Visual Arts Symposium, April 12

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. How do artists and art history scholars understand and anticipate the impact this technology has on creativity and artistic creation? The NIU School of Art and Design is hosting a symposium, which can be attended free of...

Encountering a Global Sounding World – 2024 World Music Festival

The theme of this year's NIU School of Music World Music Series is "Encountering a Global Sounding World."  The festival consists of a number of recitals, concerts and a Songkran (New Year) celebration. World Music Festival Concert Series Monday, April 8, 7 p.m.,...

Something for everyone this April in the College of Visual and Performing Arts

April is the busiest month in the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts, which means you have more opportunities to sample the great music, theater, dance and art of our very talented students. The School of Theatre and Dance features the premiere of Alexander...

Spring Percussion Ensemble concert features premiere of Russell Hartenberger’s “REQUIEM”

The NIU Percussion Ensemble's spring 2024 concert features the world premiere of Russell Hartenberger’s REQUIEM, a major new multi-movement work for nine percussionists and five vocalists, as well as Steve Reich’s 1971 minimalist masterwork, DRUMMING. The concert is...

Theatre and Dance presents a new take on showbiz in the 21st century

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents Booked and Blessed...OR BUST! a heartfelt examination of the many struggles that self-made actors go through. Written by Alexander Perez, the production directed by Frankie DiCiaccio runs April 5-7 and April 11-13 in the...

NIU spring Steelband concert features special guests and recurring favorites

The Northern Illinois University Steelband program presents its spring 2024 concert on Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. (CST). The event will be held at Boutell Memorial Concert Hallin NIU's Music Building and will feature the world renowned NIU Steelband (Liam Teague,...

Traveling Exhibition from University of Illinois Springfield on Lincoln’s Legacies Comes to NIU Art Museum

The NIU Art Museum will host “Making Our History – Artists Render Lincoln’s Legacies,” a traveling exhibition from the University of Illinois Springfield set to open Tuesday, March 26. There will be a public opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4 with an...

STEM Cafe on theatrical special effects to feature School of Theatre and Dance’s Tracy Nunnally

As you watch a live performance, every minute of entertainment represents hours of work behind the scenes by entertainment engineers. Technical directors and designers use mathematics, engineering and artistry to keep performers and audiences safe while producing...

NIU students join Friends of the NIU Art Museum on Chicago museum bus trip

Two dozen Northern Illinois University students from the Fine Art House dorm and Art History Department joined over 30 members of the Friends of the NIU Art Museum on a recent bus trip to Chicago. “Celebrating Women Artists” took participants to see the monumental...

Ron Carter leaves a legacy as a distinguished educator and musician

Ron Carter, professor emeritus in the NIU School of Music, directed the NIU Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Studies program for 23 years, passed away, February 24.  During his time at NIU, Carter helped grow and diversify the Jazz Studies program and earn its ranking as...

Follow the live stream of the NIU Concert Band Festival, Feb. 23

The Northern Illinois University Concert Band Festival hosted by the Phantom Regiment  Friday, February 23 in the Music Building at NIU. A live stream of the event is available at niu.edu/music/performances. Performances begin at 9 a.m. Phantom Regiment has hosted a...

Master storyteller Rob Caskie to share his craft on campus, March 7

Embark on an unforgettable journey with South Africa's famed storyteller, Rob Caskie, as he vividly brings to life the extraordinary saga of Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition, and learn how he has built a 24-year professional career out of storytelling as he...

Theatre and Dance hosts Ukrainian Play Reading project for third straight year

For the third year, the NIU School of Theatre and Dance is participating in the Ukrainian Play Reading Project. On Saturday, February 24 they will host a live reading of "Bad Roads" by Natal'ya Vorozhbit, in the O'Connell Theatre in NIU's Stevens Building from noon to...

School of Theatre and Dance presents “Witch”

Witch, the story of a devil arriving in a small English village to bargain for souls only to find that the toughest adversary is a woman cast out as a "witch," is the second show of the spring in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Based on a 400 year old play, "The...

Anxious People! opens spring productions at NIU School of Theatre and Dance

Anxious People! by Carol Lee is a play about anxious people. And it is the first production in the spring season of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance opening Friday, February 16 in the Sally Stevens Players Theatre in the NIU Stevens Building. An hour and a half...

Meet the new director for the Center for Burma Studies, Feb. 7

An open house is being held, Wednesday, February 7 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to welcome Aurore Candier, Ph.D. as the new director of NIU's Center for Burma Studies. Drop in at the center (located in Pottenger House, 520 College View Ct. across the street from Anderson...

Marlon Wayans to perform at NIU in free show for students, faculty and staff

NIU Campus Activities Board and the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts jointly present An Evening with Marlon Wayans! We are thrilled to invite you to this exciting event taking place on February 15 for a night filled with laughter, entertainment, and...

Elizabeth Allen Visiting Scholars in Art History series welcomes Megan Brendow-Faller, Feb. 7

Dr. Megan Brandow-Faller, professor of history at City University of New York Kingsborough will conduct a guest lecture, Wednesday, February 7 as part of NIU's Elizabeth Allen Visiting Scholars in Art History series. The lecture is titled "Vally Wieselthier and...

CVPA students invited to check out NIU Athletics’ Beauty and the Beast meet

College of Visual and Performing Arts students, support our friends in NIU Athletics by attending the unique Beauty and the Beast Meet, Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.  Check out the action as the NIU Gymnastics team and NIU Wrestling team will be competing simultaneously in...

Indiana University African American Dance Company to hold workshop and performance at NIU

As part of Northern Illinois University's Black Heritage Month events, the NIU Center for Black Studies and the NIU School of Theatre and Dance are hosting a workshop and performance by Indiana University's African American Dance Company. The workshop includes a...

Art and Design Education’s Kerry Freedman earns Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award

Kerry Freedman, Ph.D., professor and head of art education, has earned the Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award from Northern Illinois University. In more than 20 years on the faculty of the NIU School of Art and Design, Professor Freedman has continued her work as a...

Music’s Christopher Scanlon appearing in Chicago Shakespeare’s new musical “Illinoise”

Christopher Scanlon, assistant professor of trumpet and brass area coordinator in the NIU School of Music is performing in Illinoise, a musical opening at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre January 28 and running through February 18. Music and lyrics for the show were...

Just Dream It: Randiss “Wonder” Hopkins, ’17, inspires Nike’s global design community

Randiss "Wonder" Hopkins, '17, experienced a dream in his youth that propelled him to do backflips—literally. The dream and the events immediately following have led Hopkins to live and work with the mindset, "If you can dream it, you can do it." Hopkins recounts the...

CVPA Dean Paul Kassel named to Arts Leadership Council of Arts Alliance Illinois

Paul Kassel, Dean of the Northern Illinois University College of Visual and Performing Arts has been named to the Arts Leadership Council of Arts Alliance Illinois. We’re excited to announce six new members of our Arts Leadership Council (ALC): Christina Bourné...

Stanton Davis and Kerry Wilks presented at Hispanic Classical Theater Conference

Stanton Davis, associate professor in the School of Theatre and Dance and Kerry Wilks, dean of the NIU Graduate School and associate vice president for International Affairs presented at the international Hispanic Classical Theater Conference in El Paso, Texas last...

Sinclair Bell earns Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from Archaeological Institute of America

Sinclair Bell, professor of art history in the NIU School of Art and Design is the 2024 recipient of the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Archaeological Institute of America. The award is given annually to those who have demonstrated excellence in...

Theatre and Dance’s Gibson Cima honored by American Society for Theatre Research

Gibson Cima, assistant professor of theatre history and head of the bachelor of arts in theatre studies program in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance was honored by the American Society for Theatre Research with the David Keller Travel Award. The award is in honor of...

World-renowned duo Christian Lindberg and Roland Pöntinen to perform at NIU, Jan. 16

For more than 40 years the world renowned duo of trombonist Christian Lindberg and pianist Roland Pöntinen have performed around the world and recorded more than 20 albums together. On Tuesday, January 16 they will perform in concert at Boutell Memorial Concert Hall...

NIU Jazztet featured on this year’s NIU Foundation Holiday Card

The Northern Illinois University Foundation's annual holiday e-card featured four special guests this year. The NIU Jazztet, made up of jazz studies majors Ryan Bills, Isiah Jones Jr. Sid Smith IV and Nat Lin appeared in the video message playing "Let It Snow" on the...

Art and Design students take top prizes in annual Holiday Card contest

NIU School of Art and Design students took home the top two prizes in the annual NIU Holiday Card Contest. Designers of the top three cards receive scholarship awards, and the first prize entry is sent out as the official holiday card from the Office of NIU President...

Commencement profile: Christian Ulloa, School of Art and Design

Christian Ulloa, who graduated in December with a Bachelor of Fine Art in sculpture from the NIU School of Art and Design was profiled during the undergraduate commencement ceremonies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57-6oNpuKzw Congratulations to Christian, and to...

Commencement profile: Sid Smith IV, School of Music

Sid Smith IV, who earned his Master of Music in jazz studies from the NIU School of Music in December was featured with a video during the Graduate Commencement Ceremony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVtclDtUjy0 Congratulations to Sid and to all of the fall 2023...

Avalon String Quartet and NIU School of Music announce return of Graduate String Quartet in Residence

The Avalon String Quartet and the Northern Illinois University School of Music are excited to relaunch the Graduate String Quartet in Residence, a fully-funded opportunity for graduate study at NIU. Quartet members may pursue the MM degree or a Performers Certificate,...

Four NIU alumni marched in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

NIU alumni Michael Embrey, Jake Walker, Annette Hackbarth and Bernard "BJ" Long Jr. marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, November 23. They were part of the 408-member Band Directors Marching Band which features band directors from all 50...

Art and Design’s Fall BFA Show opens Dec. 4

The 2023 Bachelor of Fine Arts student exhibition in the NIU School of Art and Design opens Monday, December 4 in the Jack Olson Gallery in Jack Arends Hall. The 2023 B.F.A. Fall Exhibition showcases the capstone work of the students earning their BFA from the NIU...

NIU presents annual Fall Dance Concert, Nov 30-Dec. 3

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents the annual Fall Dance Concert, Thursday, November 30 through December 3 on the stage of O'Connell Theatre in the NIU Stevens Building. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. from November 30 through December 2, with 2 p.m. matinees...

NIU welcomes musician, dancer and storyteller Jen Shyu for interdisciplinary residence program

Collaborating with Graduate Colloquium Program, Honors College, Asian American Resource Center and Asian American Studies, the School of Music is excited to welcome performing artist, award-winning musician, dancer, and storyteller Jen Shyu to NIU for an...

Theatre and Dance presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

The School of Theatre and Dance at NIU presents William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Black Box Theatre of the NIU Stevens Building with performances Friday, November 10, Saturday, November 11, Thursday, November 16 and Friday, November 17 at 7:30...

Visiting Artist Lecture on Working With/In Community as a Holistic Practice

The NIU School of Art and Design welcomes Dr. Pamela Lawton, the Florence Gaskins Harper Endowed Chair in Art Education at the Maryland Institute College of Art, for a visiting artist lecture titled, "Artstories" with Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity for Art...

NIU featured with cover story in Protocol

Last summer, Northern Illinois University was selected as the site of the second annual Midwest Rigging Intensive, a weekend-long event, held August 17-19, with a focus on practical learning for entertainment riggers. Sessions were held in the Stevens Building and the...

NIU presenters at Illinois Art Education Association conference

A large number of NIU School of Art and Design faculty and students will be presenting at the 2023 Illinois Art Education Association annual conference in St. Charles, Illinois, October 19-21. The conference is being held at the Q Center, 1405 North Fifth Avenue in...

Composer Shawn Okpebholo to premiere new composition with NIU Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony

Critically acclaimed, award-winning composer Shawn E. Okpebholo is working with the NIU School of Music for the world premiere of his new composition, "Gale and Zephyr" at a joint concert featuring the Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony, Tuesday, November 28 at 7 p.m. in...

Enjoy upcoming performances by the School of Music in Chicago

NIU's Golden Hour Showcase series opens Oct. 12 at the Epiphany Center for the Arts Join the Northern Illinois University School of Music for the first of their performances at Chicago’s Epiphany Center for the Arts Golden Hour Concert Series, Thursday, October 12...

NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents a new adaptation of “The Caucasian Chalk Circle”

NIU's School of Theatre and Dance will present The Caucasian Chalk Circle at The Black Box Theater in the Stevens Building October 13, 14, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances, October 15 and 21 at 2 p.m. This adaptation by Alexander Gelman, who also is...

Artist Michael Coppage to give talk after closing reception of “Dialogue” Exhibition at NIU Art Museum

Cincinnati-based artist Michael Coppage will give an artist talk during the closing reception of “Dialogue” and “The Remaining, Mourn…” exhibitions at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 in Altgeld Hall, Room 125. The closing reception of both exhibitions begins at 1 p.m. in...

Photography exhibition “CREATE & DISCOVER Belonging in STEAM” open in Johns Gallery

The NIU School of Art and Design presents a photographic exhibition that is an extension of the "Faces of Belonging Project," a collaborative art project that promotes belonging amongst individuals who live work and study in DeKalb, Ill. "CREATE & DISCOVER...

CVPA students special guests at NIU football game

Students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts were special guests at the NIU home football game Saturday, September 23 versus the University of Tulsa. Students were invited by NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean Frazier to a pregame...

World premiere of “Rage Play” opens School of Theatre and Dance’s production season

The world premiere performance of Rage Play by Nandita Shenoy opens the NIU School of Theatre and Dance's 2023-2024 production season Friday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sally Stevens Players Theatre in NIU's Stevens Building. Performances continue Saturday,...

CVPA Day at Sat., Sept. 23 home football game

NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean Frazier has invited all of the students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts to be special guests at the NIU home football game, September 23 versus Tulsa. Tailgating starts at 9 a.m. in The Yard to...

Goodman Theatre offers $10 college night for Lucha Teotl

Goodman Theatre in Chicago offers periodic college nights, where students with a valid college ID can purchase tickets for special events for just $10 that include a production, a pre-show reception with all you can eat pizza and soda and a discussion with a member of...

Tracy Nunnally named one of ESTA’s volunteers of the year

Tracy Nunnally, Technical Director/Head of Design and Technology in NIU's School of Theatre and Dance was recently honored as a Frank Stewart Volunteer of the Year for 2022-2023 by ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association). Nunnally is one of nine ETCP...

NIU Art Museum to host two upcoming bus trips

The Northern Illinois University Art Museum is facilitating two upcoming bus trips this fall through their Get-on-the-Bus program: Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, the NIU Art Museum will travel to Crab Tree Farm in Lake Bluff, Illinois and the Driehaus Museum in Chicago, and...

NIU presents 23-24 International Guitar Series

Once again, NIU will present a series of recitals featuring some of the most talented guitarists in the world. The 2023-2024 Northern Illinois University International Guitar Series begins, Sunday, September 24 with Waller and Maxwell Guitar Duo, at 3 p.m. in the...

“Dialogue” and “The Remaining, Mourn…” to open at NIU Art Museum

Two new exhibitions will open soon at the NIU Art Museum. Having emerged from a global pandemic and re-exploring race and social issues, the NIU Art Museum felt the need for exhibitions that ground these topics visually. Two exhibitions featuring themes of what seems...

Art and Design alumnus Dana Arnett appointed to two prominent boards

VSA Partners, a leading creative and strategy agency, is pleased to announce the appointment of its Chairman and Founder, Dana Arnett, to two prestigious boards: the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Board and the Chicago Public Media Business Leadership Council. Arnett...

Three from School of Music receive Illinois Arts Council Fellowships

Three members of the NIU School of Music were honored with 2023 Artist Fellowship Awards from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Liam Teague, NIU Board of Trustees Professor, Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor and Head of Steelpan Studies and...

NIU Art Museum’s “Art to Lend” selection period open now through July 14

The NIU Art Museum’s annual “Art to Lend” 2023 selection period is now open for faculty and staff on campus. This annual service allows individuals and departments to enhance their private offices and the administrative areas of the university by renting original...

Music alumna Marybeth Kurnat’s new NIU inspired work to debut at PREMIERE|Project Festival

A chance encounter with another choral composer in southern Ohio set off a chain of events that will result in School of Music alumna Marybeth Kurnat's new piece debuting at the PREMIER|Project Festival in Irvine, California, June 27-June 30. Kurnat earned her degree...

SoTD alumni J. Nicole Brooks and Matthew C. Yee to be interviewed by Stephen Colbert as part of Lookingglass Theatre’s Lunch Show, June 16

A pair of NIU School of Theatre and Dance alumni will be interviewed by CBS' The Late Show host Stephen Colbert, as part of Lookingglass Theatre's Lunch Show, Friday, June 16. J. Nicole Brooks, ensemble member and Mellon Foundation Playwright in Residence at...

New Art and Design graduate Quinn Sedig illustrates the unique opportunities for students at NIU

When Quinn Sedig transferred to the NIU School of Art and Design from Sauk Valley College, she knew she wanted to major in illustration, and her focus was on creative or storybook illustration, until she took her first class at NIU. "I had Todd Buck (professor of Art...

Graduate Profile: Edwin Perez-Hernandez, BFA in Photography

We are proud of all of our new alumni who earned their degrees and are preparing to do even more great things in the world. This profile of Edwin Perez-Hernandez, who received his B.F.A. in Photography from the NIU School of Art and Design last weekend was featured...

Graduate Profile: Kirby Fellis, MFA in Jazz Performance

Congratulations to all of our graduates. We look forward to seeing all of the great things you do. This profile on Kirby Fellis, who earned his MFA in Jazz Performance from the NIU School of Music was featured during commencement ceremonies over the weekend.  ...

NIU offers summer graduate class for art teachers

Thinking about an online masters degree or just seeking professional development credits? The NIU School of Art and Design is offering Research Readings in Art Education (ARTE 685), a three credit online course offered over four weeks from June 19 to July 16. There...

Art and Design BFA Show opens May 1

The annual show of graduating Bachelor Fine Arts majors in the School of Art and Design opens May 1 and will run through May 8 in the Jack Olson Gallery and Annette and Jerry Johns Student Art Gallery in Jack Arends Hall. There will be a reception at the galleries,...

The Rite of Spring highlights this year’s Spring Dance Concert

The spring semester programming in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance ends, fittingly, with Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" as part of the annual Spring Dance Concert, which opens, Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stevens Building's O'Connell Theatre on...

Photography major Brookelyn Sears named to All-MAC team in gymnastics

Brookelyn Sears, a senior design and media arts major from Centerville, Ohio earned a spot in this year's All Mid-American Conference Academic team in gymnastics. Sears has a 3.68 cumulative grade point average and was a key member of a Huskies gymnastics team that...

Art and Design’s Brooke Stonebraker named All-MAC in women’s basketball

Brooke Stonebraker, a junior design and media arts major in the NIU School of Art and Design has been named to the All-Mid American Conference Academic team in women's basketball. Stonebraker came to NIU from Versailles High School in Versailles, Ohio. She's a 6'3...

School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance collaborate on “The Rite of Spring”

The NIU Philharmonic Orchestra will perform selections from Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" at their spring concert and they will be joined for those selections by students from the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. The concert is Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m....

NIU Printmaking welcomes Lynne Allen for visiting artist lecture

Lynne Allen, whose printmaking work has been exhibited around the globe will be at NIU the week of April 17-21 working in the NIU Printmaking Studio in Jack Arends Hall (AB 409) and will give a lecture, Tuesday, April 18 at 5 p.m. in AB 102. Allen is a Boston-based...

Brian Penkrot performs at Mission Creek Festival with BCJsPs

Brian Penkrot, instructor of music theory, aural skills and composition in the NIU School of Music performed at the Mission Creek Festival in Iowa City, Iowa, April 6-8. The festival annually brings together authors, publishers and musicians from across the nation....

“Big Love” opens Friday, April 14 in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents Charles Mee's "Big Love" opening Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sally Stevens Players Theatre in the Stevens Building on the NIU main campus. Other performances are Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 16 at...

NIU hosts collecting and collectors symposium for Americans In Burma exhibition

The NIU Center for Burma Studies is hosting a collecting and collectors symposium, Friday, April 14 to coincide with the exhibition "Americans in Burma: The Art of Collecting" which is open now through May 13 in the NIU Art Museum. The symposium is free and open to...

NIU Steelband celebrates 50th anniversary with concert April 16

The world-famous NIU Steelband celebrates 50 years with an anniversary concert, Sunday, April 16 at 3 p.m. in the NIU Music Building's Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for NIU students. The concert will feature the NIU...

Art and Design alumnae exhibition open at Purple Window Gallery

NIU School of Art and Design alumnae Rebecca Griffith and Lauren Iacoponi have a two-person exhibition open now through April 29 at Purple Window Gallery in Chicago. Griffith is an NIU STEAM educator who earned her B.S. Ed. in Art Education and her M.F.A. from the NIU...

Roxanna Conner named new director of NIU’s School of Theatre and Dance

Roxanna Conner, an experienced theater professional with a background in education, administration, production and as a community builder and mentor, has been selected as the director of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Conner will begin her new role at NIU on...

Music Library hosting AAPI Heritage Month exhibits focused on NIU music faculty

To recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, the NIU Music Library is hosting both digital and physical exhibits on the subject featuring the School of Music's faculty. The physical exhibit is located in the vestibule of the Music Library (main...

Shei-Chau Wang’s Fulbright Grant focuses on furthering art education internationally

Shei-Chau Wang, associate professor of art education and student teacher coordinator in the NIU School of Art and Design is concluding the work on his Fulbright Grant in Indonesia. His project, Crossing Borders: Applying Visual and Cultural Inquiry to Art Education...

Visiting Artist – Stevie Imuakalani Cisneros Hanley, April 6

The NIU School of Art and Design is hosting a visiting artist lecture by Stevie Imuakalani Cisneros Hanley, titled "Hoopononpono." The lecture will be held Thursday, April 6 in Jack Arends Hall, room 102 at 2 p.m. Hanley received an M.F.A. from the School of The Art...

NIU’s annual World Music festival features five free concerts

The NIU School of Music is collaborating with the NIU Division of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Asian American Certificate Program; Latino Resource Center; and Asian American Resource Center to put together the 2023 World Music Festival, Many Voices, One...

NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents “The Children’s Hour” (Performance schedule updated)

Update: Performances of "The Children's Hour" originally scheduled for March 31, April 1 and April 2 have been cancelled. A A performance at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 5 has been added.  The NIU School of Theatre and Dance will present "The Children’s Hour" at...

Check out a variety of NIU Music groups at Chicago Epiphany Center’s “Golden Hour” April 6

For the first-time, groups from the NIU School of Music will be performing at the Chicago Epiphany Center of the Arts' "Golden Hour" Thursday, April 6 beginning at 5 p.m. Golden Hour is actually three hours of free live music in the Epiphany Center's beautiful...

NIU School of Theatre and Dance to host live reading of Ukrainian plays, April 2 (Streaming option added)

For the second straight year, the NIU School of Theatre and Dance will host a live reading of works by Ukrainian playwrights to benefit the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. "How to Talk to the Dead" is an event of the Ukrainian Play Reading Project, and will be held...

“Local Visions II” and “Americans in Burma: The Art of Collecting” to open at NIU Art Museum

Two exhibitions featuring the collections of objects from local residents and from the Burma Art Collection at NIU are set to open at the Northern Illinois University Art Museum on Thursday, March 30, with a public opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March...

Support the College of Visual and Performing Arts through Huskies United

The Huskies United day of giving is going on until midnight, March 23. Now is your opportunity to join other Huskies in making a gift to keep NIU moving forward. When you make a gift today or tomorrow on the Huskies United website, the College of Visual and Performing...

Art and Design hosts visiting artists week of March 20-24

Two prominent educators and printmakers will be visiting guest artists in the NIU School of Art and Design during the week of March 20. Jeff Sippel, professor at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and former education director at the world famous Tamarind...

Jessica Labatte to become director of the School of Art and Design

Jessica Labatte, associate professor and head of the photography department at the NIU School of Art and Design has accepted the position of director of the school effective July 1, 2023. Labatte will succeed Douglas Boughton, PhD, who is completing his three-year...

World record paper snowflake to be exhibited at NIU library, March 20-April 10

On March 29, 2022 students in Jessica Labatte's ARTD 464 Advanced Photography Post Production class set a Guinness World's Record for the largest paper snowflake when they made one that is 44 feet and six inches. It was more than double the previous world record...

Student-faculty concert to feature Joseph Klein’s Canetti-menagerie, March 9

Dr. Joseph Klein, distinguished teaching professor and chair of composition studies at the University of North Texas College of Music will visit the NIU School of Music, March 9-10. Highlighting the visit is a student-faculty concert, Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m., in...

School of Music’s Bobby Broom to present master class highlighting release of “Keyed Up”

Bobby Broom, an internationally renowned guitarist and associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies at the NIU School of Music, is hosting a master class, Thursday, March 23 at 11 a.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building. The masterclass...

Cor Cantiamo continues its tradition of providing performance opportunities for high school singers with professionals

Cor Cantiamo, the choral ensemble in residence at the NIU School of Music, has a pair of exciting performances this March.  Cor Cantiamo is directed by Eric Johnson, professor of music and coordinator of choral activities at NIU. Saturday March 4, Gordon Bennett Hall,...

NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents Lauren Yee’s “in a word”

NIU’s School of Theatre and Dance will present "in a word" by Lauren Yee, directed by Kay Martinovich and Emily Vitrano in the NIU Stevens Building's Sally Stevens Players Theatre, February 24-26 and March 2-4. With evening performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. February...

Bobby Broom featured on VOA’s “Jazz From the Heart of America”

Bobby Broom, associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music was recently featured on Voice of America's series, "Jazz From the Heart of America." "Jazz From the Heart of America" is a weekly show that offers the best in jazz, present...

Theatre and Dance alumnus Chris Anthony to appear on Chicago PD

Chris Anthony, who completed his Master of Fine Arts in Acting at the NIU School of Theatre and Dance last spring recently filmed a role on the NBC series "Chicago PD." Anthony appeared in the NIU productions of "Kernel of Sanity," "The Restistable Rise of Arturo Ui,"...

Brass Quintet to compete in national competition

NIU's Graduate Brass Quintet has been selected to compete in the first-ever National Brass Quintet Competition at the Texas State University campus in San Marcos, Texas, April 14-15. They are one of only nine collegiate brass quintets selected from all over the...

NIU School of Theatre and Dance to present “Life is a Dream” with pre-show discussions and post show talkbacks with renowned Spanish Theatre scholars

The Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance presents Pedro Calderòn de la Barca’s 17th century masterpiece of the golden age of Spanish theater, “Life is a Dream” in the Sally Stevens Players Theatre in NIU’s Stevens Building, February 10-12 and...

Moe Lincoln has two NIU degrees and a limitless career as Kingsley

When Moe Lincoln finds something she wants to do she makes it her own. Whether it's her signature sound performing as the artist Kingsley, her signature look (think very regal and very purple), or her signature lipstick collection through Event Cosmetics, no detail is...

Jazz at the Egyptian to feature NIU Jazz Orchestra and local high school jazz bands

You can enjoy some of the NIU Jazz Orchestra's songs from their set at the 2023 Jack Rudin Jazz Championships at Lincoln Center when they perform as part of the annual Jazz at the Egyptian, Saturday February 4. Jazz at the Egyptian features the NIU Jazz Orchestra,...

NIU Jazz Orchestra brings awards home from Lincoln Center performances

The NIU Jazz Orchestra was one of only nine collegiate jazz groups to participate in the 2023 Jack Rudin Jazz Championships held at New York City's Lincoln Center, January 14 and 15. The Jazz Orchestra earned five awards at the competition. Outstanding Drums - Pete...

“A Show of Hands: Recent Work by Ben Stone” on Display at NIU Art Museum

Ben Stone, sculptor and coordinator of 2D and 3D Foundations in NIU’s School of Art and Design, is showcasing new work in an installation in the North Gallery of the NIU Art Museum. According to Stone, “the work relates to several concurrent themes dealing with late...

SNL cast members coming to NIU with free live show for students

Live, from DeKalb, it's... First-year Saturday Night Live cast members Devon Walker and Michael Longfellow are coming to NIU, Wednesday, February 8 for a free, live show exclusively for NIU students. Students can claim two free tickets by using the NIU ticket portal....

NIU Concert Choir and NIU Black Choir to perform at Mavis Staples concert, Feb. 3

The NIU Concert Choir and NIU Black Choir will have the unique and exciting opportunity to perform on the same stage as music legend Mavis Staples as part of her concert, February 3 at 8 p.m. at DeKalb's Egyptian Theatre. A limited number of free tickets are available...

NIU hosts visiting lecture on “Defining Tunes of the Chinese Diaspora”

The NIU School of Music and World Music Club are two of the sponsors of an NIU Asian American Lecture Series presentation on "Defining Tunes of the Chinese Diaspora" by Dr. Nancy Yunhwa Rao, Professor of Music, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University....

Avalon String Quartet Jan. 27 performance features a world premiere by Stacy Garrop

Avalon String Quartet, ensemble-in-residence in the Northern Illinois University School of Music's January 27 performance (7 p.m., Recital Hall) will feature music by Joseph Haydn and Johannes Brahms, and the world premiere of a piece for string quartet and narrator...