Art exhibit, concerts planned for May

Several arts opportunities are planned for May to wrap up the academic year at Pittsburg State University; all are open to the campus and community.  

Primary Traces: Sculptural Works by Richard H. Alpert  
Through May 18  
Porter Hall  

"Primary Traces,” an exhibit showcasing the sculptural works of Richard H. Alpert is on display now through May 18. Known for his dynamic abstract forms, vibrant colors, and intricate spatial constructions, his work invites viewers to explore movement, geometry, and depth through bold, carefully balanced compositions.  

Alpert’s artistic journey began in New York City and evolved through formative study at the University of Pittsburgh and the San Francisco Art Institute. His career has spanned exhibitions across the United States, Europe, and Japan, and includes a National Endowment Fellowship Grant in Sculpture.  

“Primary Traces” offers an intimate look at the evolution of his artistic voice — one shaped not only by exploration and experimentation, but also by resilience. Following the loss of his San Francisco studio in a 1986 explosion and fire, Alpert rebuilt both his practice and creative direction, continuing to push the boundaries of sculptural form.  

The exhibit is free and open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   

Concert: Nature, Dance, and Devotion: The Musical World of Dvořák  
Sunday, May 3   
3 p.m. Bicknell Family Center for the Arts   

The Southeast Kansas Symphony season will culminate with a special collaborative performance with the University Choirs. Audiences will experience the might of choral and orchestral music in a program that features works by Antonín Dvořák, including “Songs of Nature,” “Slavonic Dance Op. 46 No. 4,” “Psalm 149,” and “Mass in D.”  

Tickets in advance:  
$10 for general admission  
$6 for ages 13-17 and 65+.  
Free for children ages 12 and under, Pitt State students, and current and retired university employees  

Tickets may be purchased at the door for $2 more per person. Tickets may be purchased or picked up at the Pitt State Ticket Office, Room 137 Weede Gymnasium. Or, order online at pittstate.edu/tickets, or by calling 620-235-4796.     

4-State Honor Band Evening Concert  
Thursday, May 7  
6:30 p.m. • Bicknell Family Center for the Arts   

This concert will feature the 4-State Honor Band participants alongside the Pitt State Wind Ensemble, wrapping up their day-long festival experience at Pitt State. Honor Band participants are chosen from high schools across the area. The concert is free.    

Multifarious Trio   
Saturday, May 9  
7:30 p.m. Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall  

Pitt State will host Multifarious, an international trio featuring saxophonist Courtney Long, violinist Tim Snider, and cellist Susan Mayo. Known for blending genres and sonic traditions, the ensemble moves fluidly through jazz, avant-garde music, and deconstructed bluegrass, creating inventive improvisations layered with unexpected textures and sounds.  

Their work has received international airplay on BBC Radio 3’s “Freeness,” Radio Cambridge, Radio Jazz Kultura (Krakow), and WUTC Radio, reflecting the ensemble’s growing reputation on the contemporary and experimental music scene.  

The concert is free and open to the public.