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AU Arts
The arts have a prominent role at American University. Rotating exhibitions at the AU Museum in the state-of-the-art Katzen Arts Center emphasize regional, national, and international contemporary art. The Department of Performing Arts, comprised of Arts Management, Audio Technology, Dance, Music, and Theatre/Musical Theatre, provides dynamic, connected, expressive, and fulfilling experiences for all of our majors, minors, and participating students. The Department of Art encompasses Studio Art, Art History, Photography, and Graphic Design.
To stay up-to-date on performances, exhibitions, and events, join the AU Arts mailing list and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Questions? Call 202-885-ARTS or email us.
AU Arts Events
AU Museum Exhibitions and Events
Fall 2024 Exhibitions On view through December 8
Learn more about upcoming exhibitions and see the museum event calendar.
- Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing
- Joseph Holston: Call and Response
- Endless Transformations: The Alchemy of Connie Imboden
- Faces of the Republican Party
- New American Landscapes
- A Sight to Behold: The Corcoran Legacy Collection of Nineteenth and Early Twentieth-Century American Landscape Paintings at the American University Museum
- Mira Hecht: in the center thereof rose a fountain
- PEGAN BROOKE: FLUX II, Light on Water
Katzen Exhibitions
Transcendence Transformer 20th Annual Auction Exhibition and Benefit Gala
Auction Exhibition: November 9-22, 2024 | Gallery Hours: Weds - Sat, 12 - 5 p.m.
Gala Night: Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Transcendence, Transformer’s 20th Annual Auction Exhibition and Benefit Gala is a celebration of innovative contemporary art and artists that rise above the fray, with 150+ artworks in a variety of mediums by a dynamic mix of emerging and more established artists, as well as unique experiences, all up for bidding and buying! All proceeds from Transcendence support Transformer and the participating artists.
Theatre/Musical Theatre
Tickets to Department of Performing Arts events are free for AU students with ID, $10 for alumni, staff, faculty, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older), $15 general public.
Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea
November 19-22 | Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre
By Julia Izumi
Directed by Nick Martin
The Little Mermaid is Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved and well-known fairytale, which is why it’s not the story our friend Dolan is going to tell you. No, he’s going to tell you the story of a Little Rain Cloud who falls in love with a human. They are not the same story at all—he swears.
Advisory: This performance contains strobe lighting that may not be suitable for patrons with epilepsy or other light photosensitivity conditions.
“Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Music
AU Music Program Holiday Concert
Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Free and open to AU students, faculty, and staff, no RSVP required
The AU Music Program Ensembles present both sacred and secular holiday hits. Featuring the AU Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Combo, and singers.
AU Chamber Music Concert
Saturday, December 7, 3 p.m. Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Free and open to all, no RSVP required
End the year on a high note with AU's Chamber Music Ensembles, featuring a mix of performances including strings, winds, piano, percussion, and voice.