Experience 'Art & Transformation' during annual ArtsFest Oct. 28-Nov. 8

DePauw University's 14th annual celebration of the arts -- ArtsFest -- will begin Wednesday, Oct. 28 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 8.

The 2015 edition of ArtsFest brings together a variety of events, performers and thinkers centered on a unifying theme: Art & Transformation.

The week will highlight a wide range of university-sponsored programs, which showcase the artistic talents of the DePauw and Greencastle communities as well as special guests through talks, performances and exhibits. All events are free and open to the public with the exception of School of Music concerts.

Art & Transformation will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 28 with the Kelly Writers Series featuring Karen Joy Fowler, author of four story collections and seven novels. Fowler's "The Jane Austen Book Club, "" spent 13 weeks on the New York Times' bestsellers list. The talk begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Peeler Art Center auditorium.

A lecture with artist Nathalie Miebach will be held in Peeler auditorium at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Miebach's work focuses on the intersection of art and science and the visual articulation of scientific observations.

Spectators can come in costume for a special Halloween concert on Oct. 31 with II Troubadore Klingon Music Project at the Inn at DePauw at 8 p.m. The Performing Arts Series event features composer and cellist Jon Silpayamanant, a 1996 DePauw graduate, and his ensemble performing "Klingon Opera."

The opening act, Bootleg String Ensemble, is a DePauw student group that plays highly-charged chamber music arrangements of classic rock and pop songs.

On Nov. 1, Art Attack for Children will feature an afternoon of hands-on art activities as well as special performances, including DePauwCappella and singer-songwriter Bobbie Lancaster.

The DePauw Orchestra will follow at 3 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium, highlighting pieces by Richard Strauss and Michael Torke with Professor Orcenith Smith conducting.

Film Studies Series and Events and the DPU School of Music will co-sponsor Seymour Bernstein, virtuoso pianist and subject of Ethan Hawke's 2014 film, "Seymour: An Introduction," for a lecture demonstration on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 11:30 a.m. in Thompson Recital Hall, located within the Green Center for the Performing Arts.

The film will be shown at 7 p.m. at Ashley Square Cinemas, followed by a forum led by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James B. Stewart , a 1973 DPU alum, and featuring Seymour Bernstein at 8:30 p.m. in the Emison lobby.

An impressive talent as a composer, pianist and 21st-century musician, Judson Green, DPU '74, will infuse his love for music in a jazz-inspired concert of his original compositions at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Green Center. In addition to his performance with Eighth Element, there will be an exceptional opportunity to meet with Green, one of DePauw's most successful alums, earlier in the day at an 11:30 a.m. workshop, "Life Lessons Learned Through Jazz," using jazz as a platform to entertain and teach lessons on leadership, creativity and change.

ArtsFest concludes on Sunday, Nov. 8 with a 3 p.m. concert by DePauw Choirs in Kresge Auditorium.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.depauw.edu/arts/artsfest-2015-art--transformation.