College News

SWAG合集 Performing Arts Department to host Faculty Recital and Exhibition

performers performing music and pictures of art

August 30, 2023
Story by Joe Vinduska

SWAG合集's Fine and Performing Arts Departments will present the annual Faculty Recital and Exhibition including music, theatre, dance, and visual art at 5:00 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Shafer Gallery. Admission is free, and light refreshments will follow the event.

Instructor of Dance & Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Danika Bielek said this year鈥檚 collaborative event highlights the professionalism and talent of SWAG合集鈥檚 Fine and Performing Arts faculty to show the artist within the teacher.

鈥淢any of our arts faculty have long careers as artists themselves,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t is good for our students to understand that there is always an element of sharing in the arts, whether it is sharing what you鈥檝e learned in your career with students or sharing the stage with your arts colleagues.鈥

In addition to the music, theatre, and dance presented that evening, visual art faculty from all of SWAG合集鈥檚 campuses will exhibit artwork in a slideshow and live. The event gives an opportunity for new faculty introductions as they share the space with veteran arts faculty.

New Instructor of Ceramics Mark Freeman said getting a full-time position at SWAG合集 has been a dream come true. 鈥淭his school was not a steppingstone for my academic career,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t was a launch pad. I remember displaying my art in the Shafer Gallery as a student and feeling a sense of pride. Now, as a member of the art faculty, I am honored to once again have the opportunity to display my work in this beautiful space.鈥

Adjunct Instructor of Guitar Aleia Gonzalez is another new faculty member who will take the stage at the recital.

"I'm really excited about performing in the faculty recital for the first time at SWAG合集 since I just started teaching here this fall,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 am also looking forward to sharing a couple of original arrangements听of Latin American pieces听for guitar and piano that I鈥檝e made with SWAG合集 Keyboard Instructor Dr. Alejandro Avila. I can't wait to see my new colleagues perform and share their music with fellow colleagues, students, and the community."

For more information, contact Bielek at bielekd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9253 or visit .