The cultural opportunities at Stony Brook University are some of the most exciting reasons to be on campus. The most recent Stronger Together gathering on Oct. 27 put a spotlight on three such esteemed venues: the Charles B. Wang Center, the Staller Center for the Arts, and the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery, all within a stone’s throw of the main academic mall and each featuring rotating exhibits for both entertainment and cultural enlightenment.
The event began with a guided tour of the Wang Center, featuring current exhibits Our Stories Carried Us Here (illustrating the journeys of 11 immigrants and refugees from around the world to cities across the United States) and To Be Sold: Virginia and the American Slave Trade (based on a book by Stony Brook President Maurie McInnis, examining the legacy and highly personal impact of slavery through the works of British artist Eyre Crowe). Attendees also learned about the origins of the Center itself, including details about perennial artistic and architectural features, such as sculpture and Zen garden tranquil spaces.
From there, the tour wended its way to the Staller Center for a backstage look at some of the magic that takes place behind the scenes to welcome live music, theater, dance and entertainers to Stony Brook over the past 43 years. They’ve made it snow, turned the stage into an ice skating rink, and showcased Broadway performances and top talent in all of the arts in hundreds of shows since 1978. The recital hall downstairs features classical music, panel discussions and more.
Finally, tour participants entered the adjoining Zuccaire Gallery. There, they discovered the themes behind the Dos Mundos exhibition, which features 12 artists that center stories at the fringe of public attention, along with the strikingly original and relevant artwork of our own long-time faculty member, Howardena Pindell.
All of which was followed by a Halloween-themed gathering in the Staller lobby, where people gathered to enjoy some sweets with coworkers and friends.
Thanks to all who sponsored and participated in this event, including the Office of the Provost, Marketing and Communications, and the Wang, Staller and Zuccaire representatives who graciously put aside time to help orchestrate and execute the event.
Mark your calendars for more exhibits and live performances this fall and beyond. You can find the current and future schedules of exhibitions and events at these links: Wang Center, Staller Center and Zuccaire Gallery.
— Ellen Cooke
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