CMU President encourages community to continue Open Studio project from home
On Friday, March 20, CMU President Tim Foster announced the CMU Open Studio project with a video calling on campus faculty, students and community members to contribute content. The project is meant to remind people of the disciplines and ideas that unite human beings during times of challenge.
During the announcement, Foster read his own favorite poem and asked other CMU community members to consider also sharing what means something to them. On Wednesday, March 26, the State of Colorado announced a "stay at home" order for the remainder of March and a portion of April, 2020. Despite the restrictions on movement, CMU President Tim Foster says that, "creativity and optimism are exempt from the new physical limitations."
"In the coming weeks I encourage students, faculty, staff and others to contribute content to Open Studio that will sustain connection between Mavericks, unite people in the community and connect CMU with the world,” he said.
When Open Studio was announced, Foster explained the arts and humanities have transcended the trials of history. He noted that philosophy, ideas and religion live on despite tribulations and he called on the CMU community to share their wisdom, skills, talents and knowledge though the online project.
Initial respondents included CMU Professor Graham Anduri, DMA who performed an acapella vocal arrangement of several songs including How Can I Keep from Singing by Robert Wadsworth Lowry. Anduri said that, “I responded to the CMU Open Studio call to action. The musical community is making a concerted effort to keep music happening and this is my opportunity to help do that.”
Greg Mikolai is an Emmy Award winning producer and a CMU Instructor of Mass Communication. He is also leading the production effort by filming, editing and broadcasting the various contributions on CMUTV.
“As of today, CMU’s Open Studio will exist on the phones, tablets and laptop devices of the CMU community,” said Mikolai. “These productions are a good reminder for me that the humanities are stronger and have more perseverance than challenges facing us today and I remain available to assist people who want to help.”
Content providers and respondents to date also include Department of Music Head Darin Kamstra, DMA, guitar instructor Javier de los Santos and Professor of English Jennifer Hancock, PhD.
“Javier and I believe it is important to maintain our artistic connections to each other and to humanity at large during this time of crisis and uncertainty. Music, even delivered remotely, has the ability to uplift and bring positivity to our lives.”
Kamstra, along with other performing arts faculty, will be encouraging students to schedule a time to live broadcast their recitals, dance choreography and presentations in lieu of not being able to perform. Kamstra noted that friends, family and fans will still be able to observe a student’s live performance from the safety of home and encourages them to sign up and share their gifts with the community.
Students, faculty, staff and CMU community members are encouraged to submit their idea through the CMU Civic Forum website.