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Topeka Artists Exhibit Works At McPherson College Gallery

larry peters, ceramic

Ceramic vessel and collage by Larry Peters on exhibition at McPherson College’s Friendship Gallery.

The artwork of Topeka artists Barbara Waterman-Peters and Larry Peters is showing in an exhibition at the Friendship Hall gallery of McPherson College now through the end of March.

“Barbara and Larry are a power couple in the fine arts of Kansas,” said Michaela Valli Groeblacher, associate professor of art and gallery director at the college. “They have dedicated their lives to creating art and supporting other artists all over the state. Their work is of the highest quality, and it is an honor to have them exhibit at McPherson College.”

The exhibit, titled “A Warning,” features the artists’ paintings, collages, and ceramics. Additionally, Groeblacher pairs her ceramic clowns alongside Waterman-Peters’ clown paintings.

Waterman-Peters, a naturalistic/surrealistic painter, uses images as symbols to tell her story or to express her opinion. She deals with global political and cultural issues through a feminist lens.

Peters is both a ceramicist and a painter. His “paintings” are non-representational collages. Even though highly abstract, the collages exude the spirit of his thoughts about the Holocaust and more current situations in Ukraine and nationally. A few of the collages reference Native American imagery he encountered when hiking in Utah and New Mexico, and his ceramic vessels support that connection.

Groeblacher’s clown series was triggered by an invitation to a self-portrait group exhibition, resulting in Clown #1. Historically, clowns have reflected complex societal and psychological dimensions, which are explored in Groeblacher’s work.

“I’ve been wishing for the opportunity to exhibit my ceramic clowns alongside Barbara’s clown paintings,” Groeblacher said. “I am thrilled that she and her husband accepted my invitation to show at McPherson College, where my ceramic clowns currently admire the paintings surrounding them.”

The Friendship Hall gallery is open to the public during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. A closing reception and artists’ talk are planned for March.

Area Piano Students Will Learn From World-Class Musicians

McPherson area piano students will be able to learn from world-class pianists Beatrice and Christina Long in a masterclass on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. at McPherson College’s Mingenback Theatre. The sisters perform together as The Long Duo, a highly acclaimed piano duo that will be in concert on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre as part of the Fern Lingenfelter Artist Series.

The masterclass is open to elementary through high school students who study with teachers who are members of the McPherson Area Piano Teachers League, an organization that promotes quality teaching and learning. The students will play a piano piece and then work with Beatrice and Christina in a master lesson format to take the piece to the next level of performance. Parents, family members, teachers, and other students will have the opportunity to observe and learn from what is being taught.

“We are so excited the Long Duo is offering this masterclass for local students,” said Dawn Ivers, McPherson piano instructor. “It will be a terrific benefit to the young musicians who perform, as well as the local students and community members who come to observe and learn more about what goes into a great piano performance.”

The masterclass and concert are free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter, an alumna who taught piano in McPherson for many years. Her son, Steve Clark, established the fund that supports two annual music performances and encourages the college to provide learning opportunities for area students in addition to the performances. Working together, the college and the McPherson Area Piano Teachers League hope the masterclass will further a passion for the study of piano, much like Fern Lingenfelter did nearly 100 years ago.

“The masterclass with the Long sisters is a wonderful opportunity for our community,” said Brett Janssen, McPherson Area Piano Teachers league president, KMTA Immediate Past President. “It is an opportunity for our area piano students to receive a lesson from world-renowned pianists and for audience members to hear our local pianists and gain insight into musicianship ideas as they listen to the lesson on stage.”

McPherson College’s Lingenfelter Concert Series Features Piano Duo

Sisters Beatrice and Christina Long One of the most sought-after piano duo performers, The Long Duo, will perform at McPherson College as part of the Fern Lingenfelter Artist Series on Sunday, February 25, at 4 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre. Admission to the performance is free.

The duo will also conduct a masterclass on Saturday, February 24, at 10 a.m. in Mingenback Theatre for elementary through high school-aged students of teachers participating in the McPherson Area Piano Teachers League.

Sisters Beatrice and Christina Long have played as a duo since their childhood. They have performed in venues on three continents, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, National Concert Hall in Taiwan, Dallas Museum of Arts, Phillips Gallery in Washington D.C., Spoleto Festival, International Piano Series in Charleston, Grand Theatre (Hangzhou) and Xinghui Theatre (Guangzhou) in China, and Jordan Hall in Boston, among others. The Washington Post hailed the duo as artists “who bring new life to duo piano recitals.”

While achieving acclaim worldwide as a duo, they have also enjoyed distinguished solo careers. Beatrice Long has performed as a soloist with the Baltimore Symphony, the National Symphony of Mexico, the National Orchestra of Taiwan, the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, the Jura Symphony Orchestra (France), Ensemble du Monde, New Amsterdam Orchestra (New York), among others. She has given recitals at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, Festivals of Champagne and Fontainebleau (France), Kunsthalle (Appenzeller, Switzerland), the American Embassies in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras, and throughout the U.S. Her recordings on Naxos and live performances were featured on NPR, Radio France and TV-NY 1. She graduated with honors from the Curtis Institute, studying with Seymour Lipkin, Mieczyslaw Horszowski, and Leon Fleisher from the Peabody Conservatory.  She is a faculty member at the Music Conservatory of Brooklyn College City University of New York.

Christina Long has performed with orchestras such as the Dallas Wind Orchestra and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. As an active contemporary and chamber musician, she was a founding member of the New England Lyrical Trio. She has performed in Germany, Italy, Canada, Poland, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan. She has recorded for Centaur Records and was commissioned by the Ubiquitous Publishing Company to translate the book “My Life with Great Pianists” by Franz Mohr.  Christina served as the Artist-in-Residence at Southeast Oklahoma State University, an assistant professor of piano at Tabor College, KS, and Westfield State College, MA. She was inducted into the hall of fame by Steinway & Sons.

Admission to the Lingenfelter concert is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter. Lingenfelter, an alumna of McPherson College, taught piano in McPherson for many years to college students on campus and younger students at her studio downtown. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with particular emphasis on piano.

McPherson College Hosts Art POP 2023

Art POP student art exhibitionEach year, McPherson College invites Kansas high school students to exhibit their best art and compete for prizes and scholarships at the Art POP exhibition in Friendship Hall at the college. This year, a record number of high schools, art teachers, and students are participating in the exhibit.

Art from 15 schools statewide includes more than 100 art pieces from students and high school art teachers. This is the first year that the exhibit has featured the work of both students and their teachers. Student work will be juried by Tim Stone, painter and part-time art instructor at Wichita State University. A closing reception and award ceremony are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 17, from 5:30-7 p.m., with awards announced at 6 p.m.

The exhibit features artwork from high school students attending Concordia, Garden City, Smoky Valley (Lindsborg), Hesston, McPherson, Canton Galva, Belle Plain, Hutchinson, Goessel, Inman, Kinsley, Salina Central, Moundridge, and Free State (Lawrence).

The exhibit is open to the public during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, through Nov. 17.

McPherson College’s Lingenfelter Concert Series Features “Broadway Showstoppers”

Lingenfelter: Brodway ShowstoppersProfessional stage performers Melia (Dell) Jones and Kevin Jones will perform in “Broadway Showstoppers” at McPherson College as part of the Fern Lingenfelter Artist Series on Friday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre. Admission to the performance is free. Melia is a 1992 McPherson College graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in music/vocal performance.

Melia and her husband, Kevin, own and operate the Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio, where they also host summer theater camps and workshops. Melia worked professionally as a singer, dancer, and actor in theater, film, commercials, and print. She has also worked on the technical side as a director, choreographer, stage manager, graphic artist, scenic artist, muralist, costumer, dresser, and stitcher. For the past 18 years, she homeschooled their two children, who are now pursuing their own careers in musical theater and linguistics.

Kevin has spent over 30 years in professional theater as an actor, musical director, director, and choreographer. His credits include the Broadway national tours of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the Asian tour of “Annie,” the European tour of “Annie Get Your Gun,” three productions of “Evita,” and two productions of “Phantom of the Opera.” He currently serves as musical supervisor for Oceania Cruise Lines. As a vocal and acting coach, he has mentored hundreds of actors into Broadway shows, national tours, regional theater productions, film, and television shows. The couple splits their time between New York City, Tampa, and Myrtle Beach.

While at McPherson College, the couple will conduct a masterclass for high school students hosted by the college’s theatre department. Additionally, as part of the McPherson College Homecoming “Fine Arts Showcase,” a faculty and staff art exhibit reception will be held Friday, October 20, at 3 p.m. in Brown Auditorium’s Friendship Hall; a fine arts reunion and reception are scheduled for Saturday, October 21, at 6 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre; and the McPherson College Choir will host a concert at the McPherson Church of the Brethren at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 22.

Admission to the Lingenfelter concert is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter. Lingenfelter, an alumna of McPherson College, taught piano in McPherson for many years to college students on campus and younger students at her studio downtown. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with particular emphasis on piano.

Annual Faculty, Staff Art Exhibit On Display In Friendship Hall

Faculty Staff art showAn exhibition featuring the artwork of McPherson College faculty and staff is on display now through October in Friendship Gallery on the college campus. The exhibit includes a wide variety of artistic media. A closing reception is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. The gallery is open to visitors Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“My aim for this exhibit is to demonstrate the collegial aspect of our institution,” said Michaela Valli Groeblacher, associate professor of art and gallery director. “I think many will be surprised at the diversity of work on display. Reading the accompanying statements and explanations will deepen the experience.”

Participating artists include Dr. Ken Yohn, professor of history; Dr. Kerry Dobbins, professor of history; Dr. Julia Kuttler, assistant professor of communication; Jen Taylor Pollard, assistant professor of theatre; Dee Erway-Sherwood, professor of art; Kelsy Gossett-Dennis, assistant professor of art; Ed Barr, professor of automotive restoration technology; Rick Tuxhorn, director of endowment and special projects; Raquel Resendiz, academic advisor; Dr. Kim Stanley, professor of English; and Michaela Valli Groeblacher, associate professor of art.

McPherson College Hosts Most Unique Car Show In Midwest

1969 Chevrolet Astro III concept car

1969 Chevrolet Astro III concept car

One-of-a-kind classic automobiles will be displayed during the 23rd Annual C.A.R.S. Club Motoring Festival at McPherson College on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A few of the cars expected on the field this year include the 1951 GM LeSabre concept car, the 1969 Chevrolet Astro III concept, and a 2024 Chevrolet all-electric Blazer EV SS, all from the General Motors collection, as well as a 1955 Ghia Gilda.

Each year, the student-run car show attracts rare vehicles from across the country and expects 350 to 400 vehicles to be on display throughout the campus grounds this year. Alongside the rare classic cars, automotive restoration students also present vehicles they are currently restoring.

“The car show serves as one of the biggest networking and alumni-gathering events for the college,” said Matt Kroeker, car show chair, “Every year, hundreds of cars ranging from student projects and local show winners, all the way up to Pebble Beach best-of-show contenders, converge on the college lawn for a unique day celebrating McPherson’s heritage as a leader in the antique automobile industry.”

At the car show this year, the students, alumni, and staff who recently found out their 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet was accepted to Pebble Beach will be recognized, and the car will be on display.

In addition to the wide variety of classic automobiles, the event will also feature entertainment provided by the McPherson College Jazz Band and the McPherson High School Jazz Band. The Model-T Team will demonstrate at 2 p.m., just before the awards ceremony. Building tours of Templeton Hall, home of the McPherson College Automotive Restoration Program, will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Complimentary trolley service will be available between campus and Main Street from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There is no charge for spectators. Food trucks will also be available on campus to purchase food and beverages.

Car enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in a Cruise-in on Friday, May 5, on Main Street in McPherson beginning at 6 p.m. No registration or entry fee is required for this event, which serves as a sneak peek at what will be on the show field and an opportunity for any car or motorcycle owner to display their rides in an informal show.

Pre-registration for Saturday’s event is available online at a discounted rate until April 22. Registration can also be made on the day of the show. Details are at www.mcpherson.edu/autorestoration/cars.

McPherson College Alum Returns to Perform in Lingenfelter Concert Series

OU trombone choir

Dr. Irvin Wagner and the University of Oklahoma Trombone Choir will perform at McPherson College as part of the Fern Lingenfelter Artist Series on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. in Brown Auditorium. Concert admission is free. Dr. Wagner is a 1959 graduate of McPherson College and former band director.

In addition to the Trombone Choir, this high-energy concert will spotlight a Solo Trombone Quartet. The quartet features Brent Mead, principal in the Wichita Symphony; Randy Crow, an adjunct brass instructor at McPherson College; Dan Hinman, trombone professor at Kansas State University; and Matt Blauer from the Wichita Symphony, making McPherson the “trombone capitol of Kansas,” for the evening, according to Dr. Wagner. The Lingenfelter Concert will feature some of Dr. Wagner’s original compositions along with classical and jazz trombone pieces. Dr. Wagner’s concerts are fun, educational, and enjoyed by musicians and non-musicians.

Dr. Wagner’s remarkable career includes conducting, performing, and teaching trombone for 53 years at the University of Oklahoma. He is a founding member of the Oklahoma Brass Quintet and conducts the popular OU Trombone Choir. He is a member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the conductor for many of that orchestra’s pops concerts. He has also been a guest conductor at the Kansas City Symphony, the Santa Fe (Argentina) Symphony, the Paraguay National Symphony Orchestra, the St. Petersburg Imperial Orchestra, and others. His compositions and arrangements are in demand by many major symphony orchestras and trombone choirs. In 2019, he received the International Trombone Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

He is a pioneer for trombone ensembles stemming from his education at Eastman School of Music, where he studied under Emory Remington and later began researching older music for trombone ensembles. The OU Trombone Choir with Dr. Wagner as conductor, appears often at major conventions and many times at the International Trombone Festival. Approximately 30 musicians from the choir will perform at the McPherson concert.

“I have been fortunate to travel to many parts of the world as a trombone soloist and conductor,” Dr. Wagner said. “I call McPherson my home town, and McPherson College is where I received a remarkable education. I owe McPherson College for the wonderful education as a musician and person and for forming the foundation of all I have been able to do.”

Following the concert, Dr. Wagner will host a masterclass for trombonists and other low brass players from area public schools and colleges; audience members who wish to do so are invited to remain for this teaching and learning opportunity.

Admission to the Lingenfelter concert is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter. Lingenfelter, an alumna of McPherson College, taught piano in McPherson for many years to both college students on campus and younger students at her studio downtown. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with special emphasis on piano.

McPherson College Theatre Presents “Bright Star”

MC Theatre Season Poster 22-23The McPherson College Theatre Department opens its season with performances of the musical “Bright Star” on October 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium.

“Bright Star” is the 2015 musical adapted by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell based on the Appalachian tale of the Iron Mountain Baby. The story shows Alice at two points in her life: in 1924, after meeting her true love, and in 1945, after a new young man walks into her life.

The cast includes Rebekah Ballast, Toby Leffew, E.J. Landrum, Kade McCune, Octavius Toliver-Flient, Mattis Ahlgrimm, Jean McKinney-Chance, Sierra Portenier, Gabby Lopez, Isaac Fleming, Bailey Hulce, Jailynn Hammel, Hudson Edwards, Jewel Hardin, Phebe Lyne, Susie Cunningham, and Hannah Simmons.

“Most people are not familiar with this new musical because it opened on Broadway the same year as the musical ‘Hamilton,’” said Jd. Bowman, professor of theatre. “But, in 2022, ‘Bright Star’ was named one of the top five most-produced musicals of high schools, colleges, and amateur theatres.”

Presented in concert form, the bluegrass score and folk-telling lyrics remind the audience that we each have multiple stories of past and present running through us.

A themed meal on the opening night of each production is offered to theater season ticket holders, also known as First Nighters. Tickets to each show are available online at www.mcpherson.edu/theatre-tickets or by emailing the box office at [email protected].

Acclaimed Vocalist Performs at McPherson College

Vanessa Thomas

Vanessa Thomas. Photo by JIM BARCUS.

Acclaimed vocalist Vanessa Thomas, known for her seamless span of five octaves, will perform at McPherson College as part of the Fern Lingenfelter Artists Series on November 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre. Admission is free.

For over a decade, Thomas toured nationally with Grammy-award winning trumpet-virtuoso Doc Severinsen. She is uniquely versatile with command across several musical genres, including classical, jazz, blues, gospel, and musical theater. Recent performances include Robert Ray’s “Gospel Mass” as the soprano, alto, and tenor soloist at Carnegie Hall and headliner for Lyric Opera and the Lied Center of Kansas in a series of outdoor concerts.

She has performed at the Hollywood Bowl and the Arizona Musicfest; with the Cincinnati Pops, the Florida Orchestra, and part of the Kansas City Symphony’s Christmasfest; and as a soloist with symphony orchestras in Minnesota, Detroit, Dayton, West Virginia, and Utah. Thomas appeared in the PBS American Masters documentary “Never Too Late.” Currently she is producing an album for distribution.

While at McPherson College, Thomas will also be teaching a masterclass on November 7.

Admission to the Lingenfelter concert is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with special emphasis on piano. Lingenfelter, an alumna of McPherson College, taught piano in McPherson for many years to both college students on campus and younger students at her studio downtown.