Catch a unique preview of artwork destined for new Center for the Arts

The grand opening of Chapman University’s
Center for the Arts
is about three years away, but on Thursday, Sept. 6, the campus community and friends will have a unique opportunity to preview some of the fine artworks that will adorn the center’s walls and sweeping public spaces.

As part of center’s groundbreaking next week, which will also include a guest appearance by the legendary tenor Placido Domingo, the “Exhibition of Art for the Center” will be on display from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Fish Interfaith Center. Preceding the opening of the art exhibit will be the 10:30 a.m. groundbreaking at the project site near Schmid Gate, which is also open to the campus community.

The art collection is a herald of things to come for the 1,100 seat state-of-the-art theatre and will be on campus for just this one afternoon, said William Hall, the center’s dean and artistic director.

“It’s like a preview of the mindset for the center,” Hall said.

The artworks
are all museum-caliber paintings and sculptures created by a roster of contemporary international artists. Several of the pieces are visual artists’ interpretations on the work of their performing arts counterparts. Among the gifts are three grand stainless steel and bronze sculptures of musicians – a cellist, a violinist and a singer – by sculptor John Richen. The three works are a gift to the University made by Jeff Rawlins, in memory of Bob and Marge Rawlins and Pamela Courtial.

Other artworks designated for the center and included in the show will be a large-scale oil and wax painting by Allen Cox gifted by Dr. Ming-min Peng, Ming-min Peng Foundation of Taiwan; the Richen sculptures gifted by Dennis and Laurie Petrie; an adobe mural by Argentine artist Marcela Panasiti, donated by the artist; a large acrylic by painter Jill Daniels, donated by the artist; and an oil and wax mixed media painting by Paul Ecke, donated by the artist. Two maquettes, or models, of ceramic sculptures of Degas-style dancers by sculptor Jane Burton will also be on display. Hall said the center’s organizers will use the maquettes to choose the final sculpture, which the artist is donating.

The Center for the Arts will be a home to a broad spectrum of performances by students and faculty from the Conservatory of Music and Departments of Theatre and Dance, in addition to regional and national touring ensembles. Acoustician
Yasuhisa Toyota
, celebrated for his work on Disney Hall and other high-profile venues, has been commissioned to develop the sound and acoustics.

The total cost of construction is estimated to be $64 million, completely funded by private donations, including an initial $25 million challenge grant from an anonymous donor.