Sculpture and Music Work in Symphony to Create Unique Russian Renaissance Experience
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Art is more than just a picture on a page – it is the culmination of hours of work, frustration, and triumph. The final product becomes a glimpse into the artist’s very soul and can encompass a wide range of beauty, from painting to sculpture to music.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Annual Furgason Bravo! Series intends to create a symphony of these artistic souls during the Russian Renaissance performance on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). The musical performance will be accompanied by student artwork from the Sculpture II class, which will line the lobby for patrons to enjoy before the show. Each piece was created with the unique music of Russian Renaissance, which features an array of musical genres from traditional Russian music, and the grandeur of the PAC in mind.
“The space is so spectacular, and it would seem like a mistake not to utilize it in a way that embraces other art forms,” said Jim Moore, director of PAC. “All it takes is a couple of open minds to come together to create an amazing experience for our patrons, whether they’re from the History, Music, or even Science departments.”
To successfully marry the two art forms, Moore and his team partnered with Leticia R. Bajuyo, assistant professor of sculpture, to play Russian Renaissance’s music during her class. The music influenced the students while they planned, sketched, and designed their work. Bajuyo and Moore also reached out to Gordon Landreth, the architect who designed the PAC, to walk students through the architecture and design of the building where their art would be featured. These efforts helped students understand that their work would not be created in a vacuum and lit a fire of inspiration.
“With my piece, I focused on the basic sounds from the music and highlighted how each note was uniquely its own – creating its own vibration pattern – but collectively made up this wonderful melody,” said Hannah Stevens, fine arts major. “It’s exciting to see another perspective of that concept, and I’m grateful to be part of the experience.”
Bajuyo is a strong supporter of practical experience as it allows students to find where they truly fit into the art discipline. She says that without these opportunities, they would not be able to immerse themselves in the process of public art and learn if their artistic sense is a good fit for the field. She also believes it’s important for students to gain practice working in an interdisciplinary setting.
“I truly believe we are lifelong learners, and that doesn’t necessarily mean academically. When students are exposed to experience, they become better for it,” said Bajuyo. “Creating those moments where crossovers can take place between departments brings about a different type of creativity from my students.”
Tickets for the Russian Renaissance Bravo! Series are on sale through the PAC ticket office, or at the door the day of the event. Patrons who purchase three or more performances will receive a 15% percent discount. Visit the PAC Bravo! Series webpage for more information.
