Northern Illinois University's visual and performing arts students are “taking the stage” at the Egyptian Theatre next week.
The College's first-ever Winter Convocation will feature work from students in the Schools of Art, Music, Theater and Dance.
The event will include performances of scenes from the play "Romeo and Juliet" and displays of art, like sculptures and ceramics.
Sounds from the Northern Wind Trio and the NIU Chamber Choir will fill the downtown theatre.
Paul Kassel, NIU's Dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, says the event may help break barriers between different art forms.
“When we think of arts in their little silos or their little studios, I think that’s a small way to think about the arts," he said. "The clothes you wear, the car you drive, even the pencil that you pick up is all designed and thought about by somebody – somebody with an artistic imagination.”
Kassel says it's important for students to showcase art to a broader audience.
"We're very interested in community engagement -- that the work we do is related to the region and to the place that we all live in," he said. "And every artist in some way is obligated to connect to the community, in whatever way seems appropriate to their work."
The event begins Monday night and is open to the public.