Arts NC State Category
05.11.2012
Frank Thompson was everything athletics when he came to NC State in 1909 after a year at Davidson College. He captained the Wolfpack’s baseball team for two years before he was named its coach. He also captained the football team.
So it might seem odd that on this day in 1923, the basketball facility on campus was named Thompson Gymnasium in honor of him. But the honor saluted more than just Thompson’s athletic prowess.
The son of Judge John W. Thompson, Frank felt the patriotic call to serve his country. According to Hardy D. Berry’s Place Names on the Campus of North Carolina State University, Frank was too old to be drafted for service in World War I. But he enlisted anyway in the Fifth Division’s 15th machine gun battalion and soon became a first lieutenant serving in France.
Thompson was killed in action along the German lines when his division was attacked at Regnieville. “The news of his death reached his father in the Panama Canal Zone where he was serving as a judge by appointment of President Woodrow Wilson,” writes Berry.
Reynolds Coliseum opened in 1949, and Thompson Gym became Thompson Theatre in 1963 after renovations. In 2009, the building was renamed Frank Thompson Hall, which houses the Crafts Center and University Theatre, the home for the dramatic arts at NC State.
04.18.2012
Portrait of Chris Hondros taken April 18, 2011, Misurata, Libya. Photo courtesy of Katie Orlinsky.
Friday will mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Chris Hondros ‘93, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated photojournalist who was fatally wounded in Libya last year while on assignment. And Artspace is hosting a retrospective of his photographs to celebrate his life and work.
The exhibit, which features Hondros’ work from time covering civil unrest and war in Egypt, Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq, is a collaboration with the Gregg Museum of Art & Design at NC State. The pictures span from his early career to photos from his last assignment in Libya.
“We are showing 22 pieces that kind of span the decade of conflict photography he’s involved with.” says Lia Newman, director of programs and exhibitions at Artspace. “He’s really covered every major conflict. …There are images where obviously people are dying but also some really sweet images of children.”
Two Iraqi girls watch American troops on patrol June 21, 2007, Baghdad. Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Chris Hondros.
Hondros graduated from NC State in 1993 with a degree in English. He worked for The Fayetteville Observer and Getty Images. In 2004, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and he received the Robert Capa Gold Medal, photojournalism’s highest honor, in 2006.
“It’s been interesting having people come in and see the show,” Newman says. “Some people come in and know about Hondros. And others walk in who may not know but they recognize these images. …He’s really taken the images we associate with a lot of these conflicts.”
Artspace will host the exhibit until May 26.
04.17.2012
Thomas H. Stafford Jr., vice chancellor for student affairs, has always had an open door to student concerns. And he’s had fun along the way despite having to make difficult decisions. Stafford is set to retire at the end of June, and the Crafts Center is celebrating his 40 years of service to NC State with the exhibit, “A Fond Farewell to Dr. Stafford.”
The exhibit, which runs until May 11, features archived images and stories from The Technician and Agromeck and focuses on Stafford’s motto, “Students First.” Students, faculty, staff and friends are also invited to share their memories of Stafford as part of the exhibition.
If you have questions, please drop by the Crafts Center information desk or feel free to email them to Dusty Fletcher at dusty_fletcher@ncsu.edu.
03.13.2012
Nancy and John Gregg.
Charlotte Wainwright, former director of what used to be called the Gallery of Art & Design at NC State, remembers the 2007 naming ceremony that celebrated the $750,000 endowment Nancy Gregg helped create. The endowment led to the gallery being renamed the John N. and Nancy C. Gregg Museum of Art & Design.
“She walked around to where her grandchildren were sitting and said, ‘This is your responsibility. It’s about what’s been collected. It’s about other people,’” Wainwright says.
Gregg died March 8 after battling Lou Gehrig’s disease for the last several years. She was 78.
Gregg was married to John Gregg ‘55, who served on the university’s Board of Trustees in 1989 and 1990. He was a driving force in raising money for the original gallery before it became the Gregg.
Nancy served as president of the Friends of the Gregg, a nonprofit organization supporting the museum, and on the board of Arts NC State. She also served as a docent at the N.C. Museum of Art. Wainwright says Nancy’s service and the charge she left her grandchildren symbolized her role as a keeper of the arts.
“I told her one time she was the mother of the Gregg,” Wainwright says. “She was really a mother in the most positive way, being a role model, someone who never failed to support the things she loved.”
Wainwright also appreciated Nancy’s elegance and grace when she would host afternoon meetings for the Friends of the Gregg at her home. Her pleasantness always made the meetings fun, Wainwright says, and she always left thinking Nancy was a “grand woman.”
“She was just one of those critically important people in the evolution of the Gregg,” Wainwright says. “The fact that it’s named for Nancy and John is a testament to how important she was.”
There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. today in Raleigh at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.
01.06.2012
Joe and Ginger Taylor never studied at NC State, but they have become strong advocates of the university and major financial supporters of the work being done at NC State.
So Joe and Ginger Taylor will be recognized during Sunday’s basketball game against Maryland as honorary alumni of NC State. The designation, approved by the board of directors of the Alumni Association, has been given to only 14 people. Joe Taylor is an attorney and partner in Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC in Wilmington. Ginger Taylor is a former high school teacher.
The Taylors, who live in Wrightsville Beach, were nominated for the designation by Johnny Wynne, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in recognition of their contributions to the college, ARTS NC State, NCSU Libraries and Cooperative Extension. The Taylors have solicited new donors to the university and served as co-chairs of the university’s $1 billion comprehensive campaign. They sponsored a garden at the JC Raulston Arboretum during its Raise the Roof Campaign
The Taylors have also donated — and encouraged others to donate — environmentally sensitive land to the university as part of their effort to preserve North Carolina’s natural resources and to promote environmental education and sustainable agricultural economic polices.
“The Taylors’ generosity has inspired landowners to contact our College in the hope of preserving their lands for the benefit of all North Carolinians, while generating income and tax incentives,” Wynne wrote in his nomination of the Taylors. “Joe and Ginger are leading this monumental effort, which is Joe’s innovation. We believe the potential is tremendous, and we have seen a great increase in activity that can be directly attributed to Joe and Ginger’s work in this area.
“Lands contributed by and because of the Taylors are used to further the research, teaching and extension programs that form the mission of our land-grant university.”
While the Taylors did not attend NC State, their son and daughter both graduated from the university. “The personal attention and mentoring provided to their children here is one reason for the Taylors’ strong devotion to our university,” Wynne wrote.
Previous recipients of the honorary alumni designation:
1997 - Jeff McNeill
1988 - Frank Grainger, Sam Lee
2001 - Sue M. Daughtridge
2002 - Kay Yow
2003 - George Worsley
2004 - Dick Robb, Robert A. Barnhardt, Shirley Barnhardt
2006 - Jacqueline and Curtis Dail
2009 - Parker Overton, Frank Weedon
2011 - Don Shea
01.03.2012
John Widman ‘84, of Arden, N.C., has put his design skills to an interesting new use — building guitars.
At 50, Widman had worked for years at his commercial photography business, but he was not excited about going digital. “I wanted to do something that I was passionate about and I was ready for a change,” Widman says.
That change came in starting Widman Custom Electrics.
The first guitar Widman produced, a copy of a Fender Telecaster, turned out well. “There is nothing like a little success to fan the flames,” he says.
Widman has now produced 20 instruments, keeping only his Telecaster remake for himself. He describes the building process as unique for each instrument. “That is what a custom instrument is all about,” he says. “When a client orders an instrument, it is made to their specifications. The neck fits their hand, they choose the colors and the woods.”
Widman has also produced several electric banjos. The first banjo, an anniversary present to his wife, served as a prototype.
Widman enjoys the freedom and creativity involved with creating a new instrument. That includes inventing new parts, which allows for a lot of fun in the design process.
Widman’s guitars come in four different models from a variety of woods. One of his most interesting instruments came from an abandoned piano, parts of which he initially intended to use designing a coffee table.
“I wanted to salvage the sounding board,” he says. “It has made a very special guitar.”
– Jeannene Lang
11.29.2011
As the last week of the semester winds down on campus, come out and enjoy one of the many events going on before the holidays!
Get in the spirit of the season with the NC State choirs and jazz band by attending their holiday concert. Or attend NC State’s College of Textiles annual fashion show. The bookstore will host author Bethany Bradsher, who wrote a book on the history of the Dixie Classic.
Wednesday, Nov. 30 — Wells Fargo Executive Leadership Series
Join John G. Stumpf, chairman and CEO of Wells Fargo, for a talk about his leadership role in the company. The talk is free and open to the public; it will be held in room 3400 of Nelson Hall at 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 30 — Iraqi Women Under Dictatorship and Occupation
Hosted by the Middle Eastern Studies Program, Nadje Al-Ali, director of the gender studies program at the University of London, will speak on the nature of women’s conditions in Iraq during the dictatorial rule and subsequent occupation in the last decade. The event is free and open to the public; the talk will be held in room 129 of Winston Hall at noon.
Thursday, Dec. 1 — NCSU Cotton Couture
NC State’s College of Textiles will hold its annual Cotton Couture on Thursday at Fletcher Opera Hall in downtown Raleigh. The show features NC State undergraduate and graduate students’ designs. This year, all profits will benefit Interact of Wake County. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 2 — Meet the Author: Bethany Bradsher, author of The Classic
Author Bethany Bradsher will be at NC State Bookstores in Harrelson Hall from 5-9 p.m. Friday promoting her book, The Classic: How Everett Case and His Tournament Brought Big-Time Basketball to the South. The book details the history of the Dixie Classic tournament, initiated by former NC State basketball coach Everett Case, including the scandal behind its end. During this event, her book will be 10% off.
Friday, Dec. 2 — Choral and Jazz Combo Holiday Concert
This Friday from 7-9 p.m., the NC State jazz band will join NC State choirs to perform holiday classics in Stewart Theatre. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $8 for senior citizens, NC State faculty and staff, and $5 for NC State students. Children 12 and younger are admitted free of charge. Tickets can be purchased from Ticket Central.
Thursday, Dec. 6 — Documentary on Sharks
Campus Cinema will air the documentary, SharkWater, examining the role sharks play in the world’s oceans and why they should be conserved. Admission to this compelling documentary is free, but $1 donations are encouraged. The movie will show in Witherspoon Theater at 7 p.m.
– Jeannene Lang
11.17.2011
Even though campus will be sleepy for most of the week as students and faculty go home to their families, be sure to come out for these weekend events. Help save lives by donating blood, support Homecoming 2011 or begin the holiday season with a trip to the Craft Center’s annual Craft Fair.
Friday, Nov. 18 — Homecoming Blood Drive
Help NC State reach its 1,000 pint goal on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by donating blood. There are two donation centers on campus — one inside Bragaw Hall (on the corner of Dan Allen Dr. and Cates Ave.) and another at the Carmichael Gym complex.
Friday, Nov. 18 — Windhover Open Mic Night
Join others in Caldwell lounge Friday night for the last Windhover open mic night of the year. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature critiques of past editions, poetry, song, short stories and free food.
Saturday, Nov. 19 — 27th Annual Holiday Craft Fair
The Crafts Center is holding its annual holiday fair and sale on Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Enjoy refreshments while you browse and find the perfect, unique gift for someone on your list.
Saturday, Nov. 19 — Triangle Camellia Society Plant Sale
The Triangle Camellia Society is holding its first-ever fall camellia sale at the JC Raulston Arboretum. You can purchase plants on Saturday from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. or order ahead. A plant list is available online.
Saturday, Nov. 19 — Ladies in Red Performance
Join NC State’s all-female a cappella group at 8 p.m. for their next performance. The performance will be held in Stewart Theatre. Tickets will be on sale via Ticket Central.
– Jeannene Lang
10.27.2011
You can get smarter about protecting your mobile devices, learn about a possible career in the law or simply enjoy some beautiful music. Those are some of the public events happening on campus over the next week.
Friday, Oct. 28 — “Securing Your Mobile Device”
As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Tim Gurganus of the NC State Office of Information Technology will give a talk from 12-1 p.m. on how to keep your mobile device protected against malware and data theft. The talk will be held in the Blue Room on the fourth floor of Talley Student Center.
Sunday, Oct. 30 — Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra On Campus
On Sunday the Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra will come to NC State’s campus and give a performance at 4 p.m. in Stewart Theatre, located on the second floor of Talley Student Center. NC State’s Randolph Foy will be directing. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticket Central or on the second floor of Talley Student Center; they are $10 for the general public, $8 for NC State faculty, staff, and senior citizens, and $5 for NC State students.
Tuesday, Nov. 1 — Inter-Institutional Law School Fair
Join law programs from all over the country in the Talley Ballroom from 12:30-3:30 p.m. to discuss their programs and a career in law. This event is open to the public, and parking is available at the Varsity lot on the corner of Western Blvd. and Varsity Dr. Shuttles will run between the lot and campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 2 — Fabulous Faculty: R. Michael Young
Join R. Michael Young, associate professor of computer science, to discuss how video games are taking new therapeutic and educational roles in society. He will also discuss NC State’s Digital Games Research Center. The talk will occur from 4-5 p.m. in the Assembly Room in D.H. Hill Library. The event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Nov. 2 — Jazz Ensemble Performance
Join the NC State Jazz Ensemble for their fall performance at 7 p.m. in Stewart Theatre. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $8 for faculty, staff, and senior citizens, and $5 for NC State students. Children under 12 get in for free. Tickets can be purchased online or at Ticket Central on the second floor of Talley Student Center.
– Jeannene Lang
10.20.2011
Upcoming events at NC State run the range from discussions about nuclear weapons to a concert of Scottish music. Elsewhere close to campus, events with an NC State touch will occur at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh and at the Cameron Village Regional Library. Come out and enjoy!
Friday, Oct. 21 — Third Friday After Hours Event
On the third friday of the month, CAM Raleigh will host a unique happy hour event, featuring local DJs, special guests performances, and exhibitions. The event is free after paid admission to the museum.
Tuesday, Oct. 25 — “Postwar Japan, Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Power: from the Perspective of History, Literature and Cultural Studies”
Join Japan Woman’s University’s Narita Ryuichi and six of her colleagues to discuss the importances of nuclear resources to modern-day Japan and the world. The event is free and open to the public, and will take place from 5-8 p.m. in Room 331, Withers Hall.
Tuesday, Oct. 25 — Fidelity Investments “Leadership in Technology” Series Presents Jud Bowman
The Department of Computer Science and the Fidelity Investments “Leadership in Technology” Executive Speakers Series will present Jud Bowman, founder and CEO of Appia, Inc. to speak about entrepreneurship and founding successful business enterprises. Bowman will speak from 6-7 p.m. in Engineering Building II, Room 1231. Parking is free, and the event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Oct. 26 — Pipes and Drums
The NCSU Pipes and Drums group will open and close for Scottish Country Dancers and other musicians performing a spirited, Scottish-themed concert from 7-9 p.m. The performance will take place in Stewart Theatre in Talley Student Center. Tickets cost $10 for the general public, $8 for senior citizens, $5 for students, faculty and staff, and children get in free. Tickets can be purchased through Ticket Central online or on the second floor of Talley Student Center.
Thursday, Oct. 27 — Read Smart Book Discussion: Unbroken
Author Laura Hillenbrand will come to Cameron Village Regional Library to discuss her best-selling book Unbroken, a story of a juvenile delinquent who accomplishes seemingly unattainable feats in his life. Joe Caddell of NC State’s Department of History will moderate the event. Hillenbrand will speak from 7-8 p.m.
– Jeannene Lang
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