The first show of the "Familiar Faces" Series was held Friday, September 29 in the Hofheimer Theater. Bluegrass band East Virginia was the headlining act that kicked off the season here at Wesleyan. Known as one of the country’s premier bluegrass bands, East Virginia also features a true alumnus, Art Mcdonough (class of 1973). East Virginia’s music is traditionally blended bluegrass with Joe McDonough on dobro, Dave Ratcliffe on lead guitar, Ron Barnes on banjo, Harold Smith on mandolin, and Art on bass. If you missed this show, don’t worry, there are plenty more coming up. Upcoming shows from the "Familiar Faces" Series include: Tidewater Guitar Orchestra, Jamaican pianist and composer Eleanor Alberga along with British violinist Thomas Bowes, Quink, The Doorway Singers and many others. Check www.vwc.edu for a complete listing.

The government asks me to "check one" if I want money. I just laugh in their face and say, "How can you ask me to be one race?" . . . I could give you an epic about my ways of life or my look and you want me to fill it in "one square box.". . . There’s no "one kind" to fill for anyone . . . I’ll just check "other," say artist, that’s who I am: a poet, a writer, a lover of man.(From Check One)

This was just one of the many voices present at Virginia Wesleyan during "A Celebration of Multicultural Voices" on Sept. 22. The event was supposed to be part of this fall’s Discovery Days, but due to the cancellation of Discovery Days, it stood on its own as "Discovery Night." The setting was intimate and informal as VWC students and staff members presented the voices of many through literature. The event was sponsored by the TH 380 Theatre of Diversity class, the VWC Drama Club, and the Office of International and Intercultural Programs. Jennifer Repko Nowlin, director of International and Intercultural Programs was very impressed with the event and its attendance.

"It’s important to carry on the traditions of intercultural awareness and understanding," said Nowlin. According to Dr. Sally Shedd, assistant professor of theater at VWC, it was the students from her Theatre of Diversity class who took over organizing the event. "It was very important to the class to lead and organize the readings themselves," said Shedd. "It’s whatever the students make it, it’s real." The event was conducted in a coffee house type setting with an "open mic" for anyone who wanted to read. The theater class opened the readings with selections from Tea, a play by Velina Hasu Houston about Japanese-American women. Then the spotlight was open to anyone who wanted to read. Students read selections from books and plays, and even some of their own writing. Through readings, images were created that allowed the audience to spend just a moment in the shoes of slaves, Hispanics, Blacks, and women. Junior Matt Tefft read to the audience and also mentioned how he has been effected by cultural gaps and physical appearance. "No matter where I went, I was always the odd kid," said Tefft. "This was the perfect place to express myself."

This event was not only good for expression, but according to Freshman Cheryl Taylor, it was also good place to gain understanding. "I think events like this would help to get rid of some racial and cultural tension on campus," said Taylor. "These events should be promoted to get more people." Cara King, a senior and member of the theater class also agreed that this type of event is important. "It’s another way to recognize that our country is not just one group, we need to recognize everyone as people," said King. Shedd was very excited with the turn out of the event and the participation of the students on campus. "It’s important for diversity to be visible on campus," said Shedd. "If students want diversity, they need to push and get things going."

"Check One," by Regie Cabico from Aloud: Voices from the Nuyorican Poets Café. Edited by Miguel Algarin and Bob Holman

At age twenty, Reece Smith has already made a powerful statement as an Art major. Reece has developed a unique approach to painting by dividing space in an inventive way. A serious student of art for only three years, watch for this Wesleyan student’s work to have a major impact. Reece was born in New Hampshire in a very small town. With a population of only eight hundred, Warren, New Hampshire helped to shape Reece’s perspective on life. He is anything but small minded. Adopted as an infant, Reece hopes to one day find his biological parents. For there may lie the answer to his artistic gifts. An older neighbor played a dramatic role in Reece’s decision to draw and paint. Deborah was an artist who had a tremendous influence in Reece’s life. "Not a day goes by that I am not affected by her" claims Reece. "She drove me to college...all the way from New Hampshire to Virginia Beach." Deborah was active in church and apparently has added a spiritual quality to Reece’s life. Often we think of women as mentors for women, but Reece has no problem giving credit to Deborah for her guidance and influence. He readily admits, "She was a role model for me."

Sadly, Deborah passed away, but not without giving Reece her paint, brushes and sketch pads. Reece has suffered many losses in his young life. He lived in five different foster homes before being adopted. He lost his adoptive mother at age thirteen and Deborah in recent years. He seems undaunted by all the tough times and focuses instead on the future. His painting style reflects a futuristic and stylistic approach. Carefully modeled paint and form create a sculptural illusion on canvas. Innovative use of color and hard edges make his images captivating. Reece hopes that he will end up in art somehow. He has future plans of attending Cooper Union in New York City. Wherever this Wesleyan junior goes, you can be sure he will continue to produce extraordinary art. This "small town" boy will make it in a "big" way!