Samford University's School of the Arts will present its annual Faculty Gala Tuesday, Sept. 9. For several years, the gala has marked the opening of the Samford Arts season.

The evening begins with a retrospective exhibit of 60 works from the last 60 years of art from retired art professor Lowell Vann. The exhibit will be open from 5-7 p.m. in the Samford Art Gallery on the first floor of Swearingen Hall. 

A 7:30 p.m. concert in Brock Recital Hall will feature a variety of performances from Samford’s music and theatre faculties. 

A reception honoring the Friends of Samford Arts will follow the concert in the Hazel P. Boren Garden and Courtyard. The Friends of Samford Arts includes those who have contributed financially to the School of the Arts. 

School of the Arts Dean Joseph Hopkins said, “The faculty gala is a wonderful way to begin the journey of performance and art. Our faculty demonstrate the highest levels of achievement and set a high standard for all of us in the Samford Arts community.” 

Hopkins added that it is “inspiring for the students to see the level of excellence presented by the faculty, as the practice rooms and studios are always busy right after the gala.” 

Samford Arts, which includes the School of the Arts, Wright Fine Arts Center and the Academy of the Arts, has more than 150 student, faculty, guest artist and community arts partner-sponsored performances scheduled this season.

Cassady Weldon is a journalism and mass communication major and a news and feature writer in the Office of Marketing and Communication.