Community

Community contact is an essential aspect of the mission and curricula of the School of Arts and Humanities, and the school coordinates a range of experiences, resources and services for children and adults in the Northeast Nebraska region.

The office of the dean coordinates and oversees the presentation of great performing artists to the broader community through the Wayne State College Black and Gold performing arts series. In coordination with the Office of the President and the Office of College Relations, the dean's office plans and coordinates the College's monthly Campus Showcase. Led by Wayne State College artists, scholars, and educators, this free community classroom series opens the doors for discussion on a wide range of topics. The office of the dean also coordinates creation of the College's annual cultural events calendar, providing comprehensive information for cultural patrons throughout the region.

The school's academic units (Art and Design, Communication Arts, Language and Literature, and Music), and the WSC Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery, provide the region with opportunities for education and participation in arts and humanities programming throughout the year.

In the Department of Art and Design a recent collaborative project in public art was completed through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of Art and Design, the Wayne-Carroll Community Schools, and the Wayne Area Chamber of Commerce. This project culminated with the installation of permanent public art works throughout the city of Wayne. In addition the Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery exhibits the work of WSC students and faculty as well as noted guest artists throughout the year, and provides gallery tours free of charge to school-aged children as well as adult groups of all ages. For more information bout gallery tours and hours please contact the gallery director.

In the Department of Communication Arts, service learning projects conducted by WSC students and faculty bring ongoing benefits to the region. These projects have included the creation of web sites for area businesses and fundraising events for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as well as projects with Goldenrod Hills Community Services Head Start. The extremely popular Children's Show, presented by the Theatre Program, annually brings to campus in excess of 5,000 school children from over a dozen regional schools, in order to experience a theatrical presentation especially designed for children.

The Department of Language and Literature regularly hosts visiting writers and poets through the Plains Writers Series. These afternoon public readings and workshops are often accompanied by competitive poetry Slams held in Wayne. The department's students and faculty also provide translation services for regional hospitals and businesses, and study abroad programs that can be accessed by community members as well as students.

In the Department of Music, preparatory instruction in voice, piano, strings, winds, and percussion is available to children and adults throughout the region, ensuring that all interested people have the opportunity to experience making and enjoying music.