STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—The Center for Beauty at Franciscan University of Steubenville will begin its fall series of Monday evening talks, recitals, and musical performances on September 18, 2023.

The first event is a talk by Franciscan University alumni Rocco Ambrosio ’09 and Julian Curi ’12, both Los Angeles-based independent film directors, on “The Art of Independent Filmmaking.”

“As it says in John Paul II’s Letter to Artists: ‘Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God’,” said Franciscan University Professor of Philosophy Dr. Paul Symington. “Inspired by this, our arts and culture program provides an opportunity to strive for this ideal through beautiful music and imagery, and in sharing our common and God-given humanity in the experience and appreciation of this special gift from God.”

All upcoming presentations are open to the general public at no cost and will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the J.C. Williams Center’s Tony and Nina Gentile Gallery at Franciscan University.

Monday, September 18, 6:00 p.m.

“The Art of Independent Filmmaking,” by Los Angeles-based independent film directors Rocco Ambrosio ’09 and Julian Curi ’12.

Monday, October 9, 6:00 p.m.

Musical Performance

“Haydn String Quartet in C major, Op. 74 No. 1 and Dvorak No 14 in A flat major, Op. 105” by members of the Cleveland Orchestra: Zhan Shu, violin, Stephen Tavani, violin, Dane Johansen, cello, Stanley Konopka, director of Franciscan University’s Chamber Orchestra, viola.

Monday, November 6, 6:00 p.m.

“The Life of St. Francis Through Art: A Tour of the Upper Basilica,” by Dr. Alan Schreck, professor emeritus of theology at Franciscan University.

Monday, November 27, 6:00 p.m.

Schola Concert: “Autumn and Advent: Motets, Anthems, and Songs” by Schola Cantorum Franciscana with directed by Dr. Vincent Rone, adjunct professor of Sacred Music and music director for Archangel Gabriel Parish in Pittsburgh.

Monday, December 4, 6:00 p.m.

Musical Performance

“Music by J.S. Bach and Hindemith” featuring the Franciscan University New Chamber Orchestra with Stanley Konopka, director of Franciscan University’s Chamber Orchestra and assistant principal violist with the Cleveland Orchestra.

The series is sponsored by the Center for Beauty, the Henkels Family Fund, and the Fine Arts Society. The Center for Beauty aims to help people to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of beauty as a living truth in its ability to touch, instruct, and move them to desire the Transcendent. The center also seeks to support Franciscan University and its local community in the production and presentation of that which is beautiful in the areas of visual arts, music, drama, and literature.

For more information and video on demand of some presentations, go to franciscan.edu/monday-arts-and-culture-series.