March is out like a lamb, er, duck? April is in with spring weather that may be volatile but the events happening around the university are constant and creative.
Cinema
Alexi Pappas, UO alum, Olympian, filmmaker and author, returns to Eugene for the 10th anniversary screening of Tracktown April 23 in 177 Lawrence Hall. The movie tells the story of a young, talented and lonely long-distance runner who twists her ankle as she prepares for the Olympic Trials and must do something she’s never done before: take a day off. The film celebrates the beauty and character of Eugene. Pappas will participate in a Q&A session with the Department of Cinema Studies.
The Filmlandia Screening Series continues with Northwest fare April 8 with My Own Private Idaho and April 15 with Old Joy.
Two short films that explore the challenges facing artistic expression within Malaysia’s complex political, legal and social landscape show April 6.
Celebrations
Music, stories and fashion are on display April 12 at the Vietnamese Student Association Culture Show: Gathered in Warmth — Quây Quần Bên Nhau.
Exhibitions
Discover how the Museum of Natural and Cultural History’s collections help preserve diverse histories at the opening night of America at 250: Before, Between, Beyond April 17. The opening weekend celebration continues Saturday and Sunday.
Meet the artists April 21 at a reception for Under Pressure: Printmaking Student Exhibition at the Adell McMillan Gallery in the Erb Memorial Union. The exhibition closes May 3.
Hands-on art
Learn how to make a laser-cut map notebook using ArcGIS Pro and Price Science Commons Library’s DeArmond Makerspace in a three-session workshop April 20, 22 and 24. The Makerspace also offers drop-in crafts during spring term.
Love maps? Join the crafty folks at The Arts and Crafts of Mapmaking spring term series in the Knight Library.
Lectures
The College of Design’s Visiting Artist Lecture Series has two offerings in April. Dawn Cerny brings Soy Sauce Packets, Rubber Bands and Dead Batteries April 9 while Alice Bucknell explores Clipped Horizon April 23. Both take place in Lawrence Hall.
The April 3 Helphand Endowed Lecture explores the concept of genius loci, or “spirit of place.” A light lunch reception to meet the speakers begins at noon in the Hayden Gallery.
The Oregon Humanities Center presents poet Ada Limón on April 8 for the Cressman Lectureship The Unleaving: How Poetry Helps You to Not Miss Your Life.
Museum professionals discuss the exhibit ReEnvisioned—Contemporary Portraits of Our Black Ancestors including how to bring more inclusive history to the Northwest. Join them April 9 at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute presents a four-week course In a Nutshell: The Short Story from Anton Chekhov to Ha Jin starting April 11 at the Baker Downtown Center.
Learn about the first person of African descent in the U.S. to attain a master of music degree at the THEME Lecture: In Search of Nora Douglas Holt on April 17.
The April 28 Jeremiah Public Symposium dishes on Foodways in Early East Asia that reflect cultural identity, technological innovation and community practices.
Music
The Oregon Bach Festival, UO’s Grammy-winning classical music festival, returns for its 56th summer of incredible performances. Tickets go on sale April 1. UO staff and faculty can use code DUCKS20 and get 20% off tickets. Valid April 1-July 12, limit four per order.
UO Libraries is offering a few musical events this month. If you’ve ever wanted to hear Moogerfooger effects units, you are in for a treat April 14 during the The World of Moog. New or coming back to vinyl? Drop the needle on the Record Player and Stereo Setup Workshop in the Douglass room Listening Stations April 23.
The School of Music and Dance World Music Series Concert presents The Art of the Afghan Rûbab and Tabla with Salar Nader in Beall Concert Hall April 7.
If piano is your instrument of choice, there are three concerts you will enjoy. Pianist Haruko Murphy is joined by Otis Murphy on saxophone in their recital April 4. Steinway Artist Steven Spooner plays April 14 in the Murdock International Piano Series Concert. Samantha Ege blends performance and storytelling from Mexico, the United Kingdom and Chicago on April 15.
Across the Atlantic: Song by Irish and American Women weaves music with storytelling April 17 in Berwick Hall. Settle into Beall Concert Hall April 19 for Arcadian Dreams with Les Délices.
Several of the UO student groups will perform spring term concerts including April 21: Oregon Composers Forum; April 24: Oregon Wind Ensemble; April 25: UO Symphony Orchestra; and April 30: Oregon Wind Symphony.
Readings
Creative writing professor Garrett Hongo, author of Ocean of Clouds: Poems, will hold a poetry reading with Kalehua Kim at the Eugene Public Library April 4.
The Data and Society Book Club will tackle When We Are Human starting April 10. Tech-optimists and digital skeptics welcomed.
Theater
University Theatre presents Radium Girls. In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage — until the girls who painted the glowing watch dials began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls tells the story of one dial painter's efforts to fight for justice. Called a “powerful” and “engrossing” drama by critics, it offers a wry, unflinching look at the specifically American obsessions with health, wealth and the commercialization of science. Runs April 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2 and 3.
New events are always being added to the UO calendar so check it when you have spare time to experience something new.
—Jennifer Archer, University Communications