Arts and Humanities Month continues to build momentum

The inaugural Arts and Humanities Month at Central Washington University has been a huge hit throughout October, with faculty, staff, students, and community members enjoying speaking engagements, artist talks, panels, and cultural displays.

The monthlong celebration of arts and culture will continue for the next week and a half, highlighted by a Halloween Orchestra Concert on October 26, a visit from renowned poet and orator Carlos Andrés Gómez on October 27-28, and a Night of Ghost Stories on October 30.

College of Arts and Humanities Dean Chris Redfearn said he and his colleagues have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from the CWU and Ellensburg arts communities.

“Arts and Humanities Month has been a resounding success so far,” he said. “We have brought together students, faculty, and members of the community to share in the various ways that the arts and humanities play an active role in our lives.”

CAH departments, including Art + Design, Communication, English, History, Music, Philosophy and Comparative Religion, Theatre and Film, and World Languages and Cultures have each played a role in creating a tremendously successful first year for CWU Arts and Humanities Month.

Redfearn added that the events of the past three weeks have helped build community while providing opportunities for artists and writers to share their voices and lived experiences.

“It has also helped our students see the possibilities of the good life they can have when they study the arts and humanities — and we aren’t done yet!” he said.

The presentations, panels, and guests — including an appearance by Washington State Poet Laureate Derek Sheffield on October 5 — also helped shine a positive light on potential careers in arts and humanities-related fields.

Bringing someone as notable as Sheffield to the CWU campus proved to be one of the highlights of the month thus far for Redfearn.

“Derek was so gracious to come to campus and share his insights with us about human creativity amid our growing reliance on AI,” he said. “His message was personal and poignant, and those in attendance won’t soon forget it.”

Another signature event on the calendar is Night of Ghost Stories, beginning at 6 p.m. October 30 in the North Academic Commons atrium.

Philosophy and History faculty will share traditional ghost stories, while creative writing students from the English department will share a series of original stories. Theatre students will present dramatized selections from Edgar Allen Poe, and the Kairos Ensemble, including faculty and students from the Department Music, will share a ghost-themed performance. Attendees are invited to complete the Ghost Stories passport and win a ghost “backpack buddy” as a prize.

Earlier in the day, from noon to 5 p.m., Randall Hall will play host to the annual Zombie Babies event, presented by students and alumni of the Art + Design department.

For a full calendar of events, including information about upcoming concerts, poetry readings, and art displays, visit the Arts and Humanities Month webpage.