Assistant Professor of Design David Dibble recently received an award at the Oil Painters of America 25th National Juried Exhibition. Dibble’s work “Hinckley Farm” won a Landscape Honorable Mention from the exhibition in Texas. He primarily paints landscapes working on site, and this painting was no exception. “I did the painting on location at the Hinckley farm in West Provo and loved the morning light striking the old farm buildings,” Dibble said. “I then took the painting back to the studio and further explored the scene to clarify the emotion of strong warm light and remoteness of location that I wanted to portray.”

For the Christian artist, the psalmist’s charge to “magnify the Lord” is naturally achieved through paint, brush, chisel or sculpting tool. The life, teachings and gospel of Jesus Christ have been taught through paintings and sculptures for centuries. READ MORE >>>>>

Staying in Provo this spring and summer? We have a variety of fun things you can do at the Harris Fine Arts Center or the Museum of Art. Plus, most of them are free! So grab a date, a group of friends or just yourself and enjoy these thirteen things you can do at BYU.

The College of Fine Arts and Communications held three convocation ceremonies on April 22 in recognition of the 512 CFAC undergraduate and 28 graduate students receiving degrees during BYU's commencement on April 21, 2016. Download printed program. After a welcome from Dean Ed Adams, the ceremonies were keynoted by student speeches and performances that showcased student work in the de Jong Concert Hall of the Harris Fine Arts Center. Students reflected on what they learned during their time at BYU and expressed their excitement to take the tools they had gathered into their futures. 8 a.m. The School of Communications started their program at 8 a.m. with the largest number of graduates in the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Public relations student Michelle Wood Keddington spoke first about “What to See in Your Selfie.” She challenged new graduates to see the results of earning of degree in communications from BYU including learning how to learn, learning how to do hard things and gaining values that change the world. “When you step back and think about your overall experiences here at BYU, what really matters is who you have become,” said Keddington. “BYU has given you a plethora of values that will make you a better worker and person. Beyond that shameless self-portrait is a person who is unique and has developed many good qualities that will be beneficial for people worldwide.“ Journalism student Brooke Porter spoke next and recounted her experiences telling the stories of those living with a terminal diagnosis. “I was taught the significance of a life and the far-reaching impact that the story of a life can have. I was reminded of why I wanted to study journalism in the first place–to tell peoples stories,” Porter said. “There is so much of life to be enjoyed. So, my question is what will you do with yours and how will you enjoy it?” Following the student speeches, musical performance student Michelle Yumi Papenfuss preformed Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata in A major op. 101 on the piano. 11 a.m. The Department of Art and Department of Design combined exercises at 11 a.m. The ceremony opened with music performance students Michael Drew Powell on flute and Joon-Ho Howell on piano preforming “Nocturne” by Lili Boulange. Following the duet, animation student Joshua Koji Tsukamoto presented his speech entitled, “Discovering Our Potential,” focused on the experiences as student that taught him that his study at BYU would allow him and his peers to have a positive impact on the world. “Everyone is growing and learning. Everyone is aiming to one day be an influence on someone and our dream of illuminating and confirming truth of the infinite potential of the human soul,” said Tsukamoto, quoting from the BYU Media Arts program mission statement. To conclude, studio arts student Kanasa Kinjo Johnson spoke on “Creating Something Big.” She explained the concept behind her final BFA show entitled, Kiseki, a Japanese word with several distinct meanings, which explored how multiple ideas can exist at one time. “We’ve all experienced it. Peace during a difficult trial, fear in a place of safety, assurance about the unknown ahead,” Johnson said. “Whatever is far from you, the future or the past that you have already experienced is more clear. But the closer you get to the present, the more blurry things get.” Johnson challenged the audience saying that embracing the unknown while still being present in the moment is how we can create something big with our lives. 2 PM The graduates from the Department of Dance, the School of Music, the Music Dance Theatre Program and the Department of Theatre and Media Arts combined for the last convocation ceremony. Following a welcome from Dean Ed Adams, music performance students, Lyman Keil McBride on trombone and Alissa Marie Freeman on piano, performed “Á€ la Manière de Schumann” by Jean-Michel Defaye. Following this duet, theatre arts and education student Elizabeth Lloyd Lowe’s speech entitled, “The Power of Communication” explained how the arts dare us to connect with one another. “The arts are more than just mere entertainment they are communication of the deepest aspects of humanity–the things we all share yet rarely speak of, “ Lowe said. “The arts create a real human connection in the moment and encourage us to work together to create something bigger than anyone of us are and allows us to express the inexpressible.” Following the speech, Music Dance Theatre students musical performed “The New World” from Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World, reflecting on “the moment of decision” that can forever change the outcome of life. Concluding the ceremony dance students performed “Seed” with choreography by Aubry Dalley and music by Max Richter. __ After the speakers and performances, with themes of reflection for past and hope for the future, the graduates and families celebrated their final moments on the BYU campus.

Tony Award-winning actors, Grammy Award-winning musicians, and celebrated dancers and theatre-makers from ten different countries will come to Provo next season for an unparalleled program of world-class performances. From Broadway legends to chamber music masters and time-honored dance to thrilling circus–there are many treasures to discover during the new season of professional performing arts at BYU. Season ticket packages will be available for purchase beginning May 11 for renewals, and May 23 for new orders. Tickets for individual events will go on sale approximately four to six weeks before the performance date. Tickets can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office (Harris Fine Arts Center and Marriott Center), by calling 801.422.4322, or online at byuarts.com. The BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts at BYU 2016-17 schedule: BROADWAY: NOW With two Tony Awards and an additional five nominations among them, this roster of talent represents some of the most beloved and active musical theatre stars and creators to be found on the Great White Way. Kristin Chenoweth Friday—Saturday, Sept. 2—3, 7:30 PM de Jong Concert Hall The Emmy and Tony Award†winning actress and singer takes the lead in a spectacular career effortlessly spanning film, television, and stage. In her live concert, the acclaimed star presents an evening of songs from her iconic roles in shows like Wicked, Glee and On the Twentieth Century–as well as popular standards and classics from Broadway, Hollywood and beyond. An Evening with Lucy Simon with special guest Anthony Warlow Thursday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall The Grammy Award winner and Tony†nominated composer of the musicals The Secret Garden and Doctor Zhivago sits down for an intimate discussion of her acclaimed songwriting career and her life on stage, intermingled with live performances of her most beloved songs. Broadway vocalists to be announced. Frank Wildhorn and Friends Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall The Tony Award†nominated composer (The Count of Monte Cristo, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jekyll & Hyde) and pop music songwriter returns to BYU with a live band and professional soloists for a journey through his celebrated catalog of hits and show tunes. Broadway vocalists to be announced. Lea Solonga with BYU Chamber Orchestra Kory Katseanes, conductor Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall The Tony Award-winning Broadway star (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Allegiance), celebrity TV coach of The Voice (Philippines), and Disney princess (Aladdin, Mulan) makes a much†anticipated return to Provo for a grand night of standards and show tunes in concert with the 35†piece BYU Chamber Orchestra. CLASSICS Timeless classical music shines brightly at the hands–and voice–of some of the greatest concert artists of our day. Joyce Didonato and Brentano String Quartet Thursday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall The Grammy Award†winning mezzo†soprano, celebrated for her “glamour, charisma, intelligence, grace, and remarkable talent” (New York Times), takes to the stage with the Yale School of Music’s esteemed quartet†in†residence for a program of familiar and contemporary classical treasures. Utah Symphony Thursday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall For the explorer in each of us, the Utah Symphony, conducted by Thierry Fischer, transports us to another time and place with their performance of Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony, featuring what many consider to be one of the most beautiful melodies in all of classical music. Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. Madsen Recital Hall Founded in 1988, this quintet continues to astonish audiences worldwide with its range of expression, tonal spectrum and conceptual unity. The ensemble has succeeded in virtually redefining the sound of the classic wind quintet. Program highlights include works Gyorgy Ligeti’s “Six Bagatelles,” Franz Hanzi’s “Quintet in F†Major” and Paul Hindemith’s “Kleine Kammermusik.” Philharmonia Quartett Berlin Saturday, March 11, 8:00 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Founded in 1984 by the principal concertmaster and string section leaders of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, this ensemble has established itself as one of the world’s premier string quartets with its extensive history of international concerts and large and diverse discography. Highlights of the group’s BYU recital include performances of celebrated string quartets by Mozart, Shostakovich and Beethoven. BAROQUE RE/VISITED Starring the music of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi, this trio of performances explores some of the most beautifully textured classical masterworks from the Baroque music canon. Matt Haimovitz: “The Bach Suites: A Moveable Feast” Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. Madsen Recital Hall Some of the most moving and spiritual compositions for a solo instrument in history, Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello (1717†1723) take on new life in a program offering a brilliant musical variation on the concept of A Moveable Feast. The acclaimed Israeli†American cellist combines each of Bach’s beloved works with newly†commissioned suites by Philip Glass, Du Yun, Vijay Iyer and others. Tenebrae: Handel’s Messiah Nov. 10-11, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Celebrated for its passion and precision, this London†based chamber choir returns, with soloists, for an intimate staging of George Frideric Handel’s timeless and glorious oratorio honoring the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Former King’s Singer Nigel Short conducts the performance, which also includes the BYU School of Music’s Baroque Ensemble, University Singers and Concert Choir. Venice Baroque Orchestra Wednesday, Mar. 1, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Since its establishment in 1997, this acclaimed orchestra has become recognized as one of the very finest period instrument ensembles in the world and has appeared in more U.S. cities than any other Baroque orchestra in history. Acclaimed Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the ensemble for a dynamic performance of Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons. MUSIC + MOTION This eclectic mix of jazz, world music, dance, and circus captures the variety and fun of the sounds and stories of today’s global community. Branford Marsalis Quartet with Special Guest Kurt Elling Thursday, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m. Pardoe Theatre A collaboration between jazz’s most intense band and one of the genre’s foremost singers should prove to be anything but standard in this special line-up that looks beyond the Great American Songbook and enables the band to perform a variety of material in new and exciting ways. Anda Union Thursday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall A thoroughly addictive combination of musical styles reflects the diverse roots of this group hailing from the ethnic nomadic cultures of Inner Mongolia. Combining throat singing and long song with a wide range of musical instruments, Anda Union brings the region’s old and forgotten music to life as never before. Selected Shorts Friday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Public radio’s beloved program, one of the premier reading series in America, comes to Provo! One theme, three actors, and a variety of short stories (sometimes classic, sometimes new, always interesting) by today’s most exciting contemporary fiction writers take center stage in this dynamic storytelling performance. Stories and actors to be announced. David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheo Friday-Saturday, Nov. 25-26, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Make the season bright with a joyful mix of Christmas classics and popular hits when this hometown pop star and classically trained tenor share the stage for a very special concert to get the holiday season started. Noam Pikelny Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Madsen Recital Hall Noam Pikelny has emerged as the preeminent banjoist of his generation, and the greatest color†blind banjoist of all†time. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as the “pros’ top banjo picker,” Noam is a founding member of Punch Brothers, a string ensemble which the Boston Globe calls “a virtuosic revelation” and the New Yorker describes as “wide†ranging and restlessly imaginative.” LimÁ³n Dance Company Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Pardoe Theatre Founded in 1946 by José LimÁ³n and Doris Humphrey, the LimÁ³n Dance Company has been at the vanguard of American modern dance since its inception and is considered one of the world’s greatest ensembles. The company’s repertory is unparalleled in its breadth and includes classic works along with new commissions from contemporary choreographers. OFF THE MAP BYU’s fourth-annual international theatre festival welcomes a single company with two productions—one a returning favorite, the other a Utah premiere—for a unique double-bill of innovative theatrical storytelling from the land Down Under. The Last Great Hunt: “It’s Dark Outside” Tuesday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday—Saturday, Jan. 18—21, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2:30 p.m. Pardoe Theatre Puppetry, mask, animation and live performance merge seamlessly in this epic western about an old man and his noble tent who go wandering together into the wild. Inspired by experiences and research into Alzheimer’s and Sundowner’s Syndrome, the play is a heartfelt, fearless, and inventive voyage about aging, getting lost and trying not to be found. The Last Great Hunt: “The Adventures Of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer” Wednesday—Saturday, Jan. 18—21, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. (school matinee) Saturday, Jan. 21, 1 p.m. Nelke Theatre Encore engagement! This multi award†winning one†man micro†epic puppet show melds technology and multimedia into a touching story of enduring love and the end of the world. Created by Tim Watts, this solo performance employs a unique blend of live animation, mime, puppetry, live and recorded music to present an exploration of the next and oldest frontier: the deep blue sea. Cirk La Puyka: “Slapstick Sonata” Wednesday, March 22, 7:30p.m. de Jong Concert Hall With a multi†talented cast of dancers, actors, mimes, and comedians, Prague†based Cirk La Putyka is one of Europe’s most pioneering physical theatre companies. Set to the music of Mozart, Handel, Shostakovich and others, Slapstick Sonata is an absurd yet poetic theater piece without text or words. Visual poetry meets physical comedy with a dash of contemporary circus in this glorious explosion of color, humor, movement and silliness.

The Universe, BYU's student-run newspaper, recently curated the best snippets from its 'Police Beat' for the school year. One news report featured the Harris Fine Arts Center. It brought laughs to some of the college staff. It was discovered later that the 'suspicious male' was a son of an administrator of the college. From March 28: 'Police received a call about a suspicious male in the Harris Fine Arts Center. The male, not affiliated with BYU, was just looking for a place to practice the piano.'

After being named one of the youngest winners in the history of the Metropolitan Opera National Council competition at the age of 21, BYU student Rebecca Pedersen began a prestigious operatic career. Although she has partial hearing loss and did not have any formal training until five years ago, Pedersen has now performed at The Met, Lincoln Center, and other acclaimed venues. Her mentor, BYU music professor Darrell Babidge, believed in her potential from the beginning and says the hard-working opera singer (a 2016 graduate of the BYU School of Music) is on her way to an international career.

Convocation is this Friday, April 22 at 8:00 am, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. For family and friends who can’t be present at the convocations, they can view the ceremonies online by clicking on either the video or audio play button below. We hope you enjoy the live streaming of the CFAC and Law School convocations. These live streams allow you to view archival quality performances in real time. The streaming begins about 5 minutes prior to the posted start times. The live stream is provided as a courtesy of the College of Fine Arts and Communications. We apologize in advance for any possible interruptions or technical difficulties that may arise during the performance. Please note that audio or visual disruptions are subject to sources beyond our control. Footage will be made available a week after the event.

Keep an eye out for Jordan Kamalu. Or rather an ear. Kamalu, a BYU commercial music studies major who is graduating this month, has been surrounded by music from a very young age. Throughout his university experience, composing music has given him unique opportunities and even earned him a Student Emmy nomination. Before going to college, Kamalu had already received two awards for composing music. Winning the National PTA Reflections contest his senior year in high school gave Kamalu a vision of how he could make a living by doing what he loved. That’s the dream isn’t it? “Music was something that I excelled at and enjoyed doing,” said Kamalu. “I really didn’t see any other way of making money that would be as enjoyable.” From that moment forward, composing became Kamalu’s focus. - See more at https://news.byu.edu/news/byu-grad-finds-early-success-music-composition

The Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center has aided in the education and academic success of BYU’s fine arts and communications students for more than 51 years. The HFAC has been home to many major BYU events, arts groups and renowned artists since its dedication on April 3, 1965.

BYU DANCE Evening of Dance May 6-7 | de Jong Concert Hall Young DanceMakers, the performing company of the BYU Children’s and Teen’s Creative Dance program, perform dances inspired by activities and words of discovery BYU THEATRE Charlotte's Web May 27-June 11 | Pardoe Theatre This heartfelt drama about friendship tells the story of a girl with the ability to understand the language of animals, an irresistible young pig, and an extraordinary spider who works a miracle within the magic of her fragile web. BYU SCHOOL OF MUSIC The Lost Children of Hamelin June 8-11 | de Jong Concert Hall In this new opera, a girl sets into motion a series of events that reveal the true identity of the piper and the fate of the lost children of Hamelin in Germany in the year 1295.

Adapted from “the best American children’s book of the past two hundred years” (Children’s Literature Association), this heartfelt drama about friendship boasts a girl with the ability to understand the language of animals, a gluttonous rat, an irresistible young pig, and an extraordinary spider who works a miracle within the magic of her fragile web. Final Dress Rehearsal May 26 Post-Performance Discussions June 2, 9 ASL Interpreted Performance June 2 CHARLOTTE’S WEB Adapted by Joseph Robinette Based on the book by E.B. White Directed by Shawnda and Bradley Moss TICKETS