The College of Fine Arts maintained a vigorous schedule of activities during the 2006-2007 academic year, and celebrated the completion of historic and significant philanthropic initiatives.  The School of Music presented over 300 concerts, recitals, and productions, showcasing the exceptional talent of our student body and artist/teachers.  A fully staged version of Madame Butterfly, with many roles double cast, evidenced the resurgence of opera at Ball State University.

It was the third season for the renowned Arts Alive Series, which features world-class artists in exquisite Sursa Hall.  Fall 2007 headliners include Chanticleer and The Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quartet.

The Department of Theatre and Dance held successful Showcase presentations in three metropolitan areas, providing exceptional opportunities for our students to demonstrate their unique talents and be introduced to the professional climates of Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.  The quality and sophistication of these events continues to impress the industry as well as our alumni and friends.  On campus, eight main stage productions were blended with a variety of black box and student-directed plays, enabling our 365 theatre and dance majors to gain invaluable experience.

The Department of Art presented the annual student art show, a myriad of special faculty/ guest exhibitions, and numerous senior shows.  Over $4500 worth of prizes and scholarships were awarded to the student body, as determined by juried assessment.  The President's Office and CFA Dean's Office were among those making special purchase awards of prize-winning student artwork. 

Benefactor David Owsley continued his magnanimous support of the Museum of Art by purchasing numerous treasures to be added to the permanent collection.  Additionally, he transferred ownership of two stunning works, the 1965 Right Bird Left of Lee Krasner, and the 1959 Pythoness by Al Leslie. 

We are indebted to Mary Jane Sursa and family for their generous gift of the Sursa Family Concert Organ, a magnificent instrument built by Indiana's own Goulding and Wood craftsmen.

The lobby of the Music Instruction Building is the site of a stunning new Lightpainting by artist Stephen Knapp.  The colored glass creation, illuminated by eight powerful tensor lights, was the gift of Ms. Patricia Schaefer, well-known member of the Muncie community, and Tova Stimson, another patron of the arts.

The College of Fine Arts and Ball State University are indebted to these generous and thoughtful benefactors.

Another year has past, another is unfolding.  Great things have been accomplished and more are on the horizon.

Robert A. Kvam, Dean
College of Fine Arts