blog posts U of I Library’s 15-millionth volume: A 13th century manuscript on agricultural management Oct 6, 2023 11:45 am The 15-millionth volume in the collection of the University Library is a medieval copy of Walter of Henley’s 13th-century work 'Hosbondrye,' one of the most influential works on agriculture and land management in the Middle Ages. Unwind and learn at Illinois' first folk school Aug 4, 2023 11:30 am Midwest Living (Aug 3) For the past decade, the U of I's Allerton Park has offered arts and crafts programming at the estate, setting the stage for this fall's launch of 'The Farms: An Allerton Folk School.' The overlooked role of food in the civil rights struggle Aug 30, 2023 10:00 am Professor Bobby Smith tells the overlooked story of how food was used as both a weapon and a tool of resistance during the Civil Rights Movement in his new book 'Food Power Politics: The Food Story of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement.' Theatre department premiering reimagined 'Peter Pan' centered on Indigenous identity Apr 7, 2022 11:30 am 'The Neverland,' by playwright Madeline Sayet, takes the original escapist journey told from a colonial viewpoint and makes it a work of Indigenous futurism about building a world where all people and cultures are valued. Space Invaders: Professor examines the symbolic influence of a secretive, playful artist Jul 18, 2023 10:45 am '(The artist) invades urban space with these characters, finding in mosaic tiles the perfect material to replicate the aesthetics of pixels,' Julie Gaillard said. 'These effigies are a symbol for the global upheaval brought about by digital technologies.' Site of integrated Illinois town founded by former slave is newest national park Jan 30, 2023 1:45 pm The New Philadelphia National Historic Site in western Illinois commemorates the first U.S. town to be legally founded by African Americans. Several U of I professors were among those leading the effort seeking national park status. Sinfonia da Camera to perform work by Pulitzer Prize-winning Black composer Nov 9, 2022 11:15 am Pianist Rochelle Sennet and Sinfonia da Camera will perform a work by Pulitzer-winning composer George Walker to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. Sennet says Walker inspiried her to learn more about Black composers, record their music. Research connects 18th, 19th century relics to our understanding of Atlantic Africa Nov 8, 2023 11:00 am 'My research shifts African and African Atlantic (art) histories from their stereotypical focus on trade goods and sacred relics... toward property and real estate: specifically, the ancestral stone houses of the Gold Coast,' says researcher Hermann von Hesse Reinvented decorative arts gallery at Krannert Art Museum tells diverse stories Dec 12, 2022 11:00 am Krannert Art Museum has completed a transformation of its Moore Gallery of Decorative Arts that highlights several new acquisitions and the diverse stories of art-making they tell, including this attention-grabbing piece by Roberto Lugo. Project reconnects Native American tribes with hide painting tradition Nov 16, 2022 10:45 am 'A big part of this project is to help the Miami and Peoria communities continue to revitalize their cultures in a hands-on way,' Professor Robert Morrissey said. 'It’s more than an academic study of the past.' Professor's novel: A mysterious disappearance, whales trying to save the planet Apr 19, 2022 9:45 am The themes of Jewish identity and loss in the debut novel of Professor Brett Ashley Kaplan echo her academic research interests. 'Rare Stuff' also is a work of eco-fiction and magical realism. Professor's new book explores racism in Russia over the past 150 years May 10, 2022 9:30 am White militarism has flourished in Russia under Putin’s rule, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world for racial violence, writes professor Eugene Avrutin in 'Racism in Modern Russia: From the Romanovs to Putin.' Passes on sale now for 25th Roger Ebert’s Film Festival Dec 6, 2023 4:30 pm 'Ebertfest was created for people who love movies as much as Roger loved movies,' Chaz Ebert said. 'We want audience members and special guests to feel like they are a part of a family as we reach this important milestone...' Paper: Ancient Maya reservoirs offer lessons for today’s water crises Oct 9, 2023 3:30 pm The Maya built and maintained self-cleaning reservoirs that served urban populations over millennia. U. of I. anthropology professor Lisa Lucero writes that the water-related crises they faced hold lessons for today. Older Latinos redefine family to include friends, neighbors, community members Apr 29, 2022 9:15 am Latinos view the support of friends, neighbors and other community members as so vital to their well-being in later life that they redefine these relationships as family, according to new research from U of I social work professor Lissette Piedra. New Latin American Ensemble diversifies musical offerings at Illinois Apr 19, 2023 11:15 am Ensemble director Guido Sánchez-Portuguez says he started the ensemble because he wanted a group that was devoted to playing underrepresented types of Latin American music - beyond the salsa or merengue that are most familiar. Mellon Foundation funds study of racial terror in US newspapers, 1863-1921 Jan 27, 2023 10:45 am A project to study newspaper reports about anti-Black violence in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century U.S. newspapers could provide context to the spread of white supremacist ideologies in social media today. Marie Watt exhibition at Krannert Art Museum builds community through art, storytelling Aug 28, 2023 1:15 pm Marie Watt's work draws on pop culture, mythology and her Native American and European ancestry. It explores themes of storytelling, community building, environmental stewardship and social justice. Ludacris returns home to perform at State Farm Center Sep 13, 2022 1:00 pm Ludacris, a Champaign native and rapper, will perform Saturday, October 15 at 8:00pm as part of the University of Illinois Homecoming festivities. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts announces lineup for 2023-24 season Jun 6, 2023 10:15 am Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ 2023-24 season will begin with the 10th year of ELLNORA: The Guitar Festival, followed by women singer-songwriters, song and dance from Ghana, a Latin Grammy winner, and much more. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts announces 2022-23 artists Jul 21, 2022 1:00 pm The 2022-23 season at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts will include touring artists, rescheduled performances that were canceled due to COVID-19, and work from the dance, music and theatre departments. Krannert Art Museum hosts first solo exhibition of artist Jen Everett Jan 30, 2024 1:30 pm Krannert Art Museum hosts the first solo exhibition for artist Jen Everett, whose work explores themes of Black life, family, responses to turmoil and Everett’s identity as a queer Black woman. 'Could you dim the lights?' opens Feb. 1. Krannert Art Museum exhibition depicts Dutch prints as the original social media Aug 17, 2022 12:15 pm Internet memes, editorial cartoons use humor and satire to put a spin on events, fuel political divides and persuade people to believe a certain version of history. Those images have their origins in the work of 17th-century Dutch printmakers. International Education Week to highlight cultural exchange and scholarship at Illinois Oct 23, 2023 8:30 am International Education Week (IEW) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign returns Nov. 5 with several events honoring the positive impact of international education in the community. Illinois theatre production of 'Airness' follows journey of air guitarists Feb 21, 2024 4:30 pm A group of nerds playing air guitar competes in bars across the country, seeking the pinnacle of self-expression that the competitors call 'airness.' 'This play is crammed with rock and roll. The play is fast and funny and loud. It’s so much fun.' Illinois Public Media launching new radio station: Illinois Soul debuts February 1 Dec 15, 2023 1:00 pm Illinois Soul will be broadcast on WILL-FM 101.1 and available to stream live at illinoissoul.org. 'We are so excited to launch Illinois Soul, bringing the best in jazz, R&B, and gospel to our listeners, with a unique focus on the Black community.' Illinois professor examines lasting legacy of al-Andalus for Arabs, Muslims today May 30, 2023 10:45 am The influence of al-Andalus and the image of it as a tolerant multicultural society are reflected in diverse ways in politics and art today, writes professor Eric Calderwood in his new book, 'On Earth or in Poems: The Many Lives of al-Andalus.' Illini Union Art Gallery exhibition featuring photos of Mexican Muralism Sep 1, 2023 3:30 pm Murals created on the campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exhibition in the Illini Union Art Gallery runs from September 7 to September 29. How whaling shaped U.S. culture even after petroleum replaced it Aug 14, 2023 2:00 pm U of I professor Jamie Jones examines the huge energy transition from whale oil to fossil fuels and the continuing influence of the whaling industry in her book 'Rendered Obsolete: The Afterlife of U.S. Whaling in the Petroleum Age.' How Black American distance runners shaped the sport from the shadows Mar 1, 2024 11:15 am The world of competitive long-distance running took off in the 1970s. But stories of the sport’s Black architects and pioneers who laid its foundation have been largely untold for decades. History professor Rosalyn LaPier featured in Ken Burns’ ‘The American Buffalo’ documentary Sep 25, 2023 4:30 pm History professor Rosalyn LaPier, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana and Métis, talks about the history of the bison and their connection to Indigenous people in the new Ken Burns documentary 'The American Buffalo.' Full list of Ebertfest 2023 films, guests announced Mar 29, 2023 11:00 am As this year marks the 10th anniversary of Roger Ebert’s death, the program reflects his guiding principle of empathy, said Chaz Ebert. The program includes 11 films, two shorts, 20+ guests, and two musical performances: Explore the 22nd annual Ebertfest Apr 22, 2022 10:45 am Roger Ebert’s Film Festival is held every April and is organized in conjunction with the College of Media. Exhibition of Pueblo pots reveals connections to ancestral land, community Jan 28, 2022 9:45 am 'To Know the Fire: Pueblo Women Potters and the Shaping of History' at Krannert Art Museum features earthenware vessels made by women from renowned pottery lineages in Pueblo communities in the Southwest. Exhibition explores black ink, watercolor paintings by Shozo Sato Mar 21, 2023 1:45 pm The black ink and watercolor paintings by Shozo Sato, including landscapes of the American West, are featured at Krannert Art Museum. Contemporary work by artists using traditional Japanese aesthetics has not been well-studied by art historians, says curator Maureen Warren. Directors del Toro, Zwigoff join 'Ebertfest' slate Mar 8, 2022 9:15 am Roger Ebert’s Film Festival announced that director Guillermo del Toro and screenwriter Kim Morgan will attend with a black-and-white version of their movie 'Nightmare Alley.' Director Terry Zwigoff will attend with cult classic 'Ghost World.' Cultural tourism that began in Depression-era created image of Old South Nov 30, 2022 9:00 am During the Great Depression, women in Natchez, MS, developed one of the first cultural tourism sites in the U.S., centered around the city’s antebellum architecture. In doing so, they created an image of the Old South as grand mansions and gracious living. Branford Marsalis Quartet will perform at the Krannert Center this spring Nov 13, 2023 10:00 am Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis will perform with his quartet at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for the spring season went on sale online Nov. 15. Book tackles myths about science of menstruation Mar 1, 2023 11:15 am A new book from a U of I anthropology professor takes an unflinching look at the many ways humans have struggled – and often failed – to understand one of the greatest mysteries of human biology: menstruation. Book examines role of famous forgeries in Czech cultural revival Dec 12, 2023 9:15 am Two manuscripts that played a crucial role in the Czech cultural revival turned out to be forgeries. But their contributions to Czech literature and national culture were real, says Slavic literature professor David Cooper. Black History Month events at Illinois Jan 31, 2024 6:15 pm During the month of February, discover a range of events that celebrate Black History Month and give everyone in our community a chance to participate. Art by the formerly incarcerated emphasizes shared humanity, art's power to connect Feb 14, 2022 8:00 am An exhibition at Krannert Art Museum, 'Reckless Law, Shameless Order: An Intimate Experience of Incarceration,' explores their shared experiences of detention and how art helped them maintain their humanity. Art about Black experiences headlines faculty exhibition at Krannert Art Museum Sep 22, 2022 11:00 am The 'Black on Black on Black on Black' exhibition showcases the work by Black art and design faculty. The Sept. 24 opening celebration will be a daylong event with music, food, conversation and all-ages activities. Alum's film about his brother's life, death in Vietnam screening on campus Oct 7, 2022 9:30 am When Peter McDowell was growing up in Champaign, the life of his older brother, a Vietnam War veteran, and his untimely death in 1972 at age 24 were a mystery. See the award winning film, 'Jimmy in Saigon', and discuss it with McDowell. Alumnus Tyrone Phillips returns to campus as director of Theatre's 'The Royale' Feb 23, 2023 8:00 am For Tyrone Phillips, telling this story about a great boxer, based on Jack Johnson in 1905, is as much about shedding light on one of America's greatest athletes as it is an act of antiracism today. Alumna named Brave Heart Fellow for revealing Indigenous culture, influence on campus Oct 11, 2023 11:30 am Cydnee Weber designed an eco-cultural tour to help students appreciate nature and the influence of Indigenous communities. She also saw few opportunities for students to cultivate plants, so she offers ideas on raising greenery on campus. Adaptation of classic play examines issues of politics, greed, public trust Feb 11, 2022 9:15 am Illinois theatre students adapted Henrik Ibsen’s classic, 'An Enemy of the People.' The story from 1882 has many parallels to today as it considers how the truth gets told (or not told) during a public health crisis. 25th anniversary of Ebertfest announces ‘Star 80’ as opening night film Feb 29, 2024 11:30 am Roger Ebert’s Film Festival, running April 17-20, 2024, at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, will kick off with an opening night screening of Bob Fosse’s film Star 80 with stars Eric Roberts and Mariel Hemingway in attendance.
