David Deming, who has dutifully carried the administrative flag for
the UT College of Fine Arts for the past nine months following the departure of Dean Jon
Whitmore, is at long last being relieved of his position as interim dean. That’s
because a permanent replacement for Whitmore has been selected, and that
replacement is… David Deming. I imagine few people were surprised to see the noted
sculptor and longtime faculty member tapped for the position. In his 25 years on the 40 Acres,
Deming has distinguished himself in just about every way possible: as an artist, as
a teacher, as chairman of the department of art and art history. The blend of
longevity and leadership experience pretty much make him a natural for the dean’s job,
especially at a time when the school is making its big push toward the 21st century
with a new museum of art. So who cares if the announcement was expected? Dean Deming
has a nice ring.
Make Way! More Festivals Comin’ Through!
No sooner do we get all those wild and crazy improvisers out of town
(from the Big Stinkin’ International Improv Festival, remember? If not, just check
out the friendly reminder review on the “Exhibitionism” page this
issue.) than we’re overrun with all sorts of chamber musicians and singers! The first
two weeks of June boast not one but two musically oriented festivals in our town:
the Austin Chamber Music Festival (an offshoot of the 15-year Austin Chamber Music
Center Music Workshop) and the New Texas Festival, now in its fifth year. The Chamber
Music fest gets humming first with a concert by the Dorian Wind Quartet this Sunday,
June 1, 7:30pm, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 10th & Brazos, and a lecture on the
life of Beethoven by Margaret Perry, Monday, June 2, 5:30pm, at Bertram’s
Restaurant, 1601 Guadalupe. It continues through June 14, with recitals by soprano Gilda
Cruz-Romo, jazz master James Polk, and violinist Corey Cerovsek, as well as special
evenings of themed music from France (6/3), Russia (6/10), the U.S. (6/11), and
Vienna
(6/14). For more fest info, call 454-TIXS.
The New Texas fest chimes in on June 8 and runs for a week, with a little
something for everyone, from American song with tenor Vern Sutton and pianist Keith
Weber to choral work by the Conspirare Choir to jazz with Cynthia Clawson to samba
with Ta M�re. There’s even a new choral setting of Green Eggs and Ham for
the young ones. To get all the New Texas info, call 476-5775.
Off the Desk
Last call for Mexic-Arte Museum’s tour to Mexico this summer! Set for
July 9-14, the tour has museum director Sylvia Orozco showing you Mexico City’s
outstanding murals and museums. Cost is $695 per person, which includes full air fare
and hotel accommodation, but payment is needed by May 31. Call 480-9373 for more
info.
Send literary, performing, and visual arts news to:
“Articulations,” PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765 or onstage@auschron.com
This article appears in May 30 • 1997 and May 30 • 1997 (Cover).