Classical Guitarist and Harpist to Perform May 1st at Krasl Art Center

St. Joseph, Michigan (April 28, 2014) – The Krasl Art Center is pleased to welcome harpist Megan Barrett and classical guitarist Robert Lunn to its galleries at the spring George Krasl Memorial Concert at 7:00 pm Thursday, May 1, 2014. Lunn and Barrett will give alternate performances that promise to be lively and engaging and will include arrangements of well-known compositions as well as original pieces such as The Red Guitar Suite.

The main galleries currently feature a new body of work by sculptor Kenneth M. Thompson as well as maquettes by artists in the 2014 Biennial Sculpture Invitiational. “In my mind, there is never a day that cannot be improved by hearing music for guitar or music for harp. There are obvious similarities between these two unimposing instruments, but their repertoire is vastly different. This dialectic will create a wonderful soundscape for the sculptures and maquettes in the galleries, and the audience will surely be pleased to see these two fine musicians on the same program,” said Larry Schanker, chair of the Krasl Art Center music committee.

Megan Barrett received her bachelor’s in music from Indiana University South Bend. She has performed with the Elkhart Symphony, Andrews University Symphony Orchestra, Southwestern Michigan College Choral, IUSB Philharmonic, and South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra among others. At the present, Megan teaches 13 students involved in the Sturgis Public School’s Harp Program. In the fall she will be attending the University of Michigan to pursue a Master’s degree in harp performance.

Robert Lunn received his Doctorate of Musical Arts in music composition from Ohio State University in June of 2010. He is the winner of the 2008 Ruth Friscoe Award for his Sonata for Guitar, and was a three time recipient of the Donald and Marilyn Harris Scholarship at Ohio State University. Dr. Lunn was also awarded the Graduate Teaching Award in Music Theory while teaching at Ohio State. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Hope College and a Masters in Music Theory and Composition from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Lunn has taught at Hope College, Ohio State, and currently teaches music theory, music technology, and guitar at Lake Michigan College.

About the George Krasl Memorial Concert

The George Krasl Memorial Concert is held in memory of George Krasl, who along with his wife Olga shared a passion for the arts and were major benefactors of The Krasl Art Center. The event is funded in part by a memorial fund established by the late Olga Krasl in honor of her husband. Donations for the concert are appreciated and help support future performances at the KAC. Refreshments will be served and will feature a selection of wines courtesy of Lemon Creek Winery.

About the 2014 Biennial Sculpture Invitational

In 1996, the Krasl Art Center (KAC) began displaying sculpture in its Biennial Sculpture Invitational. Today, this exhibition series showcases 25 sculptures throughout the twin cities as a direct result of partnerships with the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, as well as cultural partnerships with the Box Factory for the Arts and the New Territory Arts Association. Sculpture sites include the KAC’s grounds, the Arts District, the Box Factory for the Arts, Lookout Park and the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum.

This exhibition series supports the KAC’s collection of contemporary sculpture. It uniquely meets the KAC’s mission of bringing people and art together by displaying art in public spaces year-round day and night. Sculptures are highly visible, accessible, free of charge, and are an open invitation to look, investigate, ponder, and enjoy.

A new body of work by Michigan artist Kenneth M. Thompson as well as maquettes of the 2014 Biennial Sculpture Invitational sculptures will be on view in the main galleries. Thompson was the recipient of the 2012 Biennial Sculpture Invitational Purchase Award. His monumental Cor-Ten© and stainless steel sculpture, Steel Arch IV is now part of the KAC’s permanent collection and is on view at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum. New sculpture by Thompson will be on view as part of the 2014 Biennial exhibition series and will include indoor artworks as well as one outdoor sculpture to be located on the KAC’s grounds.

ABOUT KRASL ART CENTER

The Krasl Art Center is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. The Krasl Art Center is located in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan overlooking Lake Michigan. The KAC has three public galleries, five studios, a library/lecture room, a black and white wet darkroom, a gift shop, and a permanent collection of 39 works of sculpture. Through its mission to bring people and art together, the KAC offers thoughtful exhibitions, engaging classes and camps, community events such as Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff and the Artisan Market, outreach opportunities, and cultural exploration. The Krasl Art Center is funded in part by the Michigan Council for the Arts & Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Krasl Art Center galleries are open Monday-Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 10-4; Thursday from 10-9; and Sunday 1-4. Admission to the Galleries is free of change. For more information, please contact the Krasl Art Center at 269.983.0271, or visit www.krasl.org.