The Forte Festival of Creativity is an interdisciplinary collaboration co-hosted by the College of Fine Arts, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Montevallo Arts Council. The three-day celebration consists of interactive workshops, scholarly lectures, exhibitions, innovative performances and spirited post-event discussions with attendees.
This year’s Festival will be held April 19-21, at various times and locations.
A special thank you to our sponsors: The Concert & Lecture Series Committee, Shelby County Reporter, Davis Architects, TCU Consulting Services, LLC, Pitts Media, and iHeartRadio
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
THURSDAY, APRIL 19
11:00 AM -12:15 PM
Native Plant Walk with Cameron Strouss, herbalist and owner of Deep Roots Apotheke (and UM alum!). Meet in Main Quad. Group will walk to Shoal Creek together. Hosted by UM Environmental Club.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
S.T.A.T. Chili Cook Off. Hosted by Students Today Alumni Tomorrow, Reynolds Hall
12:00 PM
Student BFA Gallery Show, Bloch Hall. Sponsored by the Department of Art.
12:30 PM
Make & Do Drawing Machine Workshop with Art faculty member Tanner Young, 3D Art Building. Sponsored by the Department of Art.
1:00 – 2:00 PM
“Let Us Now Praise Famous Men,” artist talk and selections from Dr. Jody Landers’ state bicentennial opera project, based on the landmark work by James Agee and performed by UM Music faculty members Roderick George, Melanie Williams and Laurie Middaugh, LeBaron Recital Hall. Presented by Davis Architects
2:00 PM
Marc Tyler Nobleman, Pat Scales Special Collections Lecture, “Heroes with and without capes,” Carmichael Library
“Bringing Superheroes to Life: An exhibit on the visual languages and techniques behind superhero comics.” Exhibit and Reception, Carmichael Library
3:00 PM
Gin Phillips, “Fierce Kingdom” Readings from the novel by the author, Palmer Commons. Sponsored by the English Department.
3:30 PM
Interactive Hero Character Creation Workshop. Sponsored by the Game Studies and Design Program. Harman Hall #226
4:00 PM
Groundbreaking Ceremony, Center for the Arts. Site at corner of Oak Street and North Boundary Street. Reception and Forte Kickoff Bash to follow immediately on site. (Carmichael Library in case of inclement weather)
5:00 PM
Poetry@UM: Visiting Poet Charlotte Pence, Pat Scales Room, Carmichael Library. Sponsored by the English Department
7:30 PM
Urinetown, the Musical, Reynolds Theatre. Tickets available online and at the door.
“Art Slam!” Farmer Hall, lower level. Sponsored by the UM Honors Program.
FRIDAY, APRIL 20
9:00 AM
Staged Reading: New Play in Development by Theatre faculty member Marcus Lane, Reynolds Theatre
10:30 AM
One-man Show: How I Brought Peace to the Middle East by guest artist David Kaye, Reynolds Theatre. Presented by Shelby County Reporter
11:30 AM
“Art on the Inside: Unlikely Heroes” exhibit presentation by local heroine Kyes Stevens of the Auburn Prison Arts + Education Project, J.A. Brown Room, Carmichael Library. Sponsored by the English Department.
12:00 – 12:45 PM and 1:00 – 1:45 PM
Yoga on Main Quad, hosted by UM Environmental Club. Instructor: Caitlin Justice, Union Yoga
1:00 PM
Virtual reality: Painting Heroines (Brendon Beal) Carmichael Library
2:00 PM
Student Showcase in Strong Hall:
o “Scare my Shorts Off!” 5-minute Horror Film Screenings
o “Three Minute Thesis” Student Presentations
o “Archiving Montevallo,” Digital History Projects
Presented by TCU Consulting Services
3:00 PM
Director Talk with L.A. filmmaker Neal Thibedeau, Strong Hall. Presented by Pitts Media
4:00 PM
Craft Talk by visiting fiction writer Joe Scapellato, UM Bookstore. Sponsored by the English Department.
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Reading by visiting fiction writer Joe Scapellato, UM Bookstore. Sponsored by the English Department.
6:00 PM
“Art on the Inside” Mix and Mingle featuring Kyes Stevens, Robert Hitt and the Auburn Prison Arts Team, Bradford Real Estate on Main Street. Sponsored by the English Department.
7:00 PM
Strong Hall Live! Featuring American Pastime, Live YouTube Webcast, Strong Hall Studio (limited seating)
Men’s Lacrosse vs. Shorter. Lacrosse/Track Complex.
7:30 PM
Urinetown, the Musical, Reynolds Theatre. Tickets available online and at the door.
SATURDAY, APRIL 21
10:00 AM
Anagama Kiln Unloading, Anagama site, entrance opposite UM Tennis Courts. Parking available at the Stewart Retreat Center. Sponsored by the Department of Art.
10:00 AM– 2:00 PM
Earth Week Event: Alabama Water Watch bacteriological training – help keep our waterways safe! Followed by picnic at Orr Park. Hosted by UM Environmental Club. To register, contact Liz Vann at evann@forum.montevallo.edu
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Arts Fest in Orr Park, Sponsored by the Montevallo Arts Council
12:00 PM
“Blow winds, crack your cheeks!” Heroic Stage Combat Workshop, Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Orr Park
Click here to register.
1:00 PM
Baseball Doubleheader: Falcons vs West Florida. Kermit Johnson Field.
2:00 PM
Issue Release Party and Reading, The Tower. Sponsored by the English Department.
4:00 PM
Softball Doubleheader: Falcons vs. West Florida. Softball Stadium at Orr Park.
7:30 PM
Urinetown, the Musical, Reynolds Theatre. Tickets available online and at the door.
