December 10, 2004

by Larry Pena

La Sierra University’s art department will form a partnership with the Riverside County Philharmonic Orchestra for a special artistic event at the Municipal Auditorium on February 19. “Good Ol’ American Music” will feature numbers by George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, and other composers, as well as an exhibition of original artwork by La Sierra University students inspired by the music.

Two La Sierra University art classes this quarter will be devoted to creating the art for the exhibition. Beginning January 3, ARTS 234 and ARTS 334, normally designated as painting classes, will also study and dissect the music of the featured composers. Each student will be asked to create a painting inspired by the music, and then the class will decide which pieces will be displayed at the event.

“I am very happy with the challenge,” said Beatriz Mejia-Krumbein, La Sierra University’s art department chair. “I think that music is a very interesting vehicle for creating art.” Krumbein will be teaching the two classes, which will now count toward the four service learning classes La Sierra University students are required to take in order to graduate.

To receive a service learning designation, classes must meet the requirements of the La Sierra University Service Learning Council, that require classes to have projects in the community that meet a real need and are directly related to the course material. This winter quarter there are 12 service learning classes available to La Sierra students.

Patricia Korzec, executive director of the Philharmonic, contacted Krumbein several weeks ago with the idea of the multimedia exhibit. “We’re trying to do more collaboration with people in the community and with other arts, because all the arts are connected,” said Korzec. “I know there are some very talented people at La Sierra. We’re eager to see how they will interpret the pieces.”

“Good Ol’ American Music” will take place February 19 at 8 p.m. in the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. The art exhibition will be held in the foyer. For tickets to the event, call (877) 744-5849. Ticket prices range from $6-$54.