OVEREXPOSED: The Cost of Compassion

PLU's MediaLab and its award-winning filmmakers present the premiere of "OVEREXPOSED: The Cost of Compassion," a new original documentary that explores the complexities of caring, Sat., Oct. 8, 2 pm at the Seattle Central Public Library.

Compassion, although a natural element of human life, can sometimes be costly. Those who provide care to others cannot help but feel empathy for those to whom they provide support and attention. But in some instances, when the need for help is too great, or caregivers stretch themselves too thin, empathy can take a toll on minds, bodies and spirits. This can be true of those who perform in a wide variety of personal and professional roles. For many of us, it's easy to get roped into staying late at the office, or taking on another commitment, or assisting one more client. However, there comes a saturation point at which we are overwhelmed, and it is at this point we encounter " compassion fatigue", the effects of which can include physical exhaustion, feeling emotionally drained, detached, irritable, and cynical, among many other possible symptoms. As human beings living in a complex and often stressful world, compassion fatigue is something we should understand and about which we should be aware.

For more information contact MediaLab at 253-539-5325.

Student Musicians Charm European Audiences

PLU's Choir of the West and KammerMusikere Orchestra toured Germany and France this past summer with great success. The two groups - sometimes playing together, other times apart - performed numerous concerts at beautiful locations such as the Cathedral at Chartres and the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.

In addition, the Choir of the West made a special stop at the Harmonie Festival in Lindenholzhausen,  Germany.  As part of the four-day international event, the Choir of the West took second place out of 17 groups - earning a gold medal.  The Choir's men's and women's groups earned gold and silver medals respectively.  PLU's men's acappella group, PLUtonic, also earned a gold medal at this event.

 While the Choir was at the festival, KammerMusikere toured the Bavarian area of Germany. They performed at a middle school in Augsberg, shared the stage with a Brass Band in the spa town of Bad Kohlgrub, and had a special concert arranged by the mayor of Neustadt an der Donau.  Sightseeing included Neuschwanstein Castle and the concentration camp of Dachau.
 
Both groups performed jointly to very appreciative audiences at La Madeleine Church in Paris and the charming wooden church of St. Catherines in the resort town of Honfleur, France. Other joint highlights included a very moving tour of the Normandy Beaches and a farewell Seine River Cruise.

To view a photo slide show click here.

Off to a Running Start  

The University Gallery, Gallery Annex and the Permanent Art Collection

Opening on September 7, “Color as Form” ushers in the University Gallery’s 2011-2012 season by turning an eye towards art at PLU. The exhibition emphasizes the strength of color as a design element and is drawn exclusively from PLU’s Permanent Art Collection, including works by noted contemporary artists such as Robert Indiana, Ellsworth Kelly, and Ed Ruscha.

The September show also marks the unveiling of the University Gallery’s new lighting system. More energy-efficient and flexible than the previous lights, the new system promises an improved exhibition environment with light that more closely mimics daylight, providing an enhanced viewing experience for visitors to the gallery.

Beyond Ingram Hall, exciting developments continue with the inaugural exhibition of the University Gallery Annex, located in the main lobby of the University Center. This newly-created space will showcase visual art from around the PLU community, beginning with a spotlight on the Permanent Art Collection. The Annex will be a dynamic space, sometimes reflective, sometimes experimental. Together with the University Gallery, it reflects a new energy in the visual arts at PLU.

For further info please contact the Art Department at 253-535-7150. 

Works of War and Peace

September 11 marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11. To commemorate this event, the first of the Richard D. Moe Organ Recital Series for the 2011-2012 season is dedicated to works of "War, Reconciliation, and Peace". PLU organist, Paul Tegels, will perform various works on the specatular Gottfried and Mary Fuchs Organ in Lagerquist Hall.

Works included are: a "Batalla" (Battle Piece) by the 17th-century Portuguese composer, Pedro de Araujo; "Chant de Paix" (Song of Peace) by the 20th-century French composer, Jean Langlais; Three Danses ("Joy; Mourning; Battle") by the French Composer, Jehan Alain; and works of Sweelinck, Bach, and others.

For ticket information please call the music department at 253-535-7787.

Full Calendar of SOACtivities

September