BGSU to celebrate 20 years of ArtsX, featuring three guest artists

The public is welcome to attend the free event on Dec. 7 featuring visual, performing and literary works of art from students, faculty and staff

By Branden Ferguson

Bowling Green State University is celebrating 20 years of visual, performing and literary art during its annual ArtsX event, the largest community-oriented event organized by the University's arts programs.

Free and open to the public, ArtsX will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, and allow student, faculty and staff artists to interact with and educate the public through collaboration across the arts.

What began as an event showcasing the work of students and faculty in the School of Art has become a diverse celebration of art, dance, theatre, film, writing and music, encompassing all the University's arts programs.

After 20 years of growth and evolution, ArtsX's mission remains the same: create awareness for the arts in the northwest Ohio region, foster collaboration among the art programs at BGSU and invite the public to experience various art-making activities.

"ArtsX is the largest community-connected event undertaken by the BGSU arts programs," said Charles Kanwischer, director of the School of Art. "We strive every year to make ArtsX accessible, including events and activities with wide appeal. We look to support the University's mission of creating public good."

As the event gained a following through the years, musical and dance performances were added, and the planning committee expanded to encompass the School of Art, the College of Musical Arts, the Department of Theatre and Film, Dance, the Creative Writing Program, University Libraries and the Arts Village Learning Community.

The opening of the BGSU Wolfe Center for the Arts in 2011 added performance and exhibition space, enabling larger installations and performances of visiting artists.

This year's theme, Rhythm & Resonance, includes the largest guest artist gathering in the event's history — Caña Flamenca, Mady Kouyate and Tumbao Bravo — celebrating world rhythms alongside the University's world percussion groups.

Programming has also grown to include off-site activities with Bowling Green City Schools. This year, ArtsX guest artists educated K-12 students through performances and workshops.

The arts are a significant driver of economic vitality in Ohio and nationwide. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, more than 157,000 Ohioans work in the arts and cultural industries, contributing $25 billion to Ohio’s economy in 2022.

Earlier this year, an anonymous $5 million donation to the BGSU School of Art established the RING Center for Experiential Learning in Art and Design to expand experiential learning opportunities through internships, study abroad and professional development. 

BGSU students across the School of Art's five divisions will be offered unique opportunities to refine their talents, gain new skills and make professional connections, further positioning BGSU as Ohio’s leading public university for art education.

With students, faculty and staff focusing on various artistic styles, Kanwischer said the strength of ArtsX is the diversity of its programming.

"ArtsX affirms the capacity of the arts to bring people together," said Kanwischer. "Amateur artists participate alongside renowned professionals, showcasing various styles of art. There's truly something for everyone."

For more information, visit www.bgsu.edu/ArtsX.