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Celebrating Fine Arts In and Around Champaign-Urbana
J.B. Bailey, Program Advisor Parent and Family Programs
The University of Illinois has one
of the most well-regarded fine arts programs in the country. The College of Fine + Applied Arts boasts some of the most renowned members in the fields of architecture, art, dance, music and theater. Alumni include architect Cesar Pelli, designer of the world-famous Petronas Twin Tow- ers in Kuala Lumpur, opera superstar Nathan Gunn, visual artist William Wegman, editorial cartoonist Chris Britt, legendary film director Ang Lee, artist and art critic Mark Staff Brandl, and actors Nick Offerman, Barbara Bain, Alan Ruck and Betsy Brandt. Hallmark facilities for the college includes both the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and the Krannert Art Museum.
As one can see, there are plenty of opportunities for students to enjoy the fine arts on campus. However, for those students looking to explore
off-campus, the greater Champaign- Urbana community contains more than a few options for students look- ing to experience the arts. Whether a student is looking for live music, an art gallery, a theater performance or arthouse film, fine arts opportunities are in great abundance in the sur- rounding area.
There are multiple venues in the area for students looking to find live music. One of which is the Canopy Club. Opening its doors in 1998, the Cano- py Club is a music venue that caters to fans of all genres of music. Whether students enjoy rock, country, hip-hop, electronica, jazz, funk or any other types of music, the Canopy Club as a venue is large enough to feature more well-known acts, but intimate enough to host up-and-coming artists.
The most well know community venue that hosts theatrical produc- tions is the Virginia Theatre. Since 1921 the Virginia Theatre has been a
a landmark in downtown Champaign. Another venue featuring live theater is the Celebration Company at the Sta- tion Theatre. For nearly forty years, the Station Theatre has been offering audiences year-round live performances in a small space located in the his-
toric passenger station of the new Big Four Railroad in downtown Urbana. Specializing in producing new and obscure plays alongside more classic fare, Station Theatre allows students to experience theater in a unique, intimate setting.
Students who prefer viewing works of art can visit the Cinema Gallery in the Princess Theater in downtown Urbana. The gallery features works in ceramics, drawings, glass, metals, sculptures and more. Over 70 professional artists, in- cluding faculty from the university and nearby Parkland College are featured each year.
While students can see the latest Hollywood blockbuster at either the Carmike 13 or Savoy 16 Imax theaters, more obscure and/or older selec- tions sometimes can be found at the Art Theater Co-Op in Champaign. A community-driven organization, the Art Theater describes itself as a space where audiences from all walks of
life can enjoy a classic cinema experi- ence. Students can enjoy both recent and classic art house, independent and foreign films.
These are just some examples of the various fine arts opportunities that students can experience while attend- ing the university. Information about
these venues, and others, can be found by exploring the visitchampaigncoun- ty.org website.
The Art Theater Co-Op
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