UC Merced Launches Performance Series With Gala Fundraiser

MERCED -
"Arts UC Merced Presents
…,"the university's first performance arts series,
launches next week with its inaugural event, "Embrace the
Arts."

"Embrace the Arts," is a fundraising gala that will help to
ensure the performance series has staying power, said Gail
Benedict, who along with fine arts professor

Dunya Ramicova, has been a driving force behind creating the
series.

"Arts UC Merced Presents …" is our university's landmark
initiative to support the arts both on campus and in the
community," Benedict said. "Universities play a crucial role in
promoting the educational value of fine arts in addition to the
entertainment they provide."

Ramicova, a founding member of UC Merced's arts faculty, has
used her existing connection with the arts world to bring
internationally renowned opera director Peter Sellars to Merced to
help the series in its launch. Sellars, a professor of world arts
and culture at UCLA, is known for his contemporary stagings of
classical operas and plays.

"Peter and I have worked together for a number of years," said
Ramicova, who has designed costumes for some of Sellars'
productions. "And the one thing I can share about him is that he
has a passion for the arts and a passion for education. I can't
think of a better person to help 'Arts UC Merced Presents …'
take flight."

"Embrace the Arts," will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 23, at the University House, 2569 Remington Court,
in Merced. The gala will include a performance by the Student
String Ensemble at UC Merced, in addition to a hors d'oeuvres
reception. Gala attendees will also be named founding sponsors of
the performance series. Tickets to the event are $50; patrons may
also choose to sponsor student tickets at $25 each.

For information:
arts.ucmerced.eduor (209)
228-4566.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tonya Luiz

UC Merced Office of Communications


tluiz@ucmerced.edu