College of Arts & Sciences Creative Connections

Showcase of FGCU Student Stories. Join the outdoor storytelling event of Final Projects by "Storytelling as Healing" students.

The Trees Know: A Creative Connections collaboration between the Art and Language & Literature
Cohen Student Union and Sugden Hall Thoroughfare
November 20, 2025 – October 31, 2026

Opening talk and reception Thursday, November 20, 2025, 3:30-4:30pm, Sugden Hall, Room 115

The FGCU Art Galleries is partnering with the Art Program and Language & Literature to create a hybrid visual art and creative writing site-specific outdoor public exhibition. Under the guidance of their professors, this exhibition features the coursework of FGCU students from Introduction to Nature Writing and Art and Community Engagement. As the arts become increasingly integrated throughout campus, these cross-curricular efforts promote collaboration between students. The end result of one such project is a large-scale multi-panel mural on display between the Cohen Student Union & Sugden Hall on the pathway to Parking Garage 1.

Faculty: Hannah Harley, Assistant Professor of Art and Community Engagement and Stephen Cavitt, Instructor II, Language and Literature

Sponsored by Gene and Lee Seidler, the Wasmer Endowment, WGCU Public Media, and the State of Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo: Tyler Yodzio, The first frost hasn't arrived yet, but the trees know winter is coming c. 2024, Digital photograph, courtesy of the artist.

Disaster Day: - An interprofessional education (IPE) simulation event to achieve readiness and preparedness requirements for emergency first responder training. 

Special Holiday Performance:

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
by Allison Gregory
directed by Anne Carncross

December 5 & 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
The Courtyard Amphitheatre near GameTime, Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Dr, Ft. Myers

Junie B. Jones, excited for Secret Santa, got May's name and planned a "special" gift. Holiday cheer, however, made her rethink her plan. She chose a thoughtful present, surprising herself and May. Junie B. learned kindness could be funny and unexpected. Even May seemed a little less tattletale-y. This charming play reminds us why Junie B. Jones is a beloved character for children of all ages A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Sponsored in part by Kindness Takes Center Stage, a faculty-led initiative supported by a Kindfulness Grant through the Roots of Compassion & Kindness (ROCK) Center, using the power of theatre to promote kindness, compassion, and creativity among young audiences at FGCU and in the broader community. 

This production is free and open to the public, but be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

Special Holiday Performance:

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
by Allison Gregory
directed by Anne Carncross

December 5 & 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
The Courtyard Amphitheatre near GameTime, Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Dr, Ft. Myers

Junie B. Jones, excited for Secret Santa, got May's name and planned a "special" gift. Holiday cheer, however, made her rethink her plan. She chose a thoughtful present, surprising herself and May. Junie B. learned kindness could be funny and unexpected. Even May seemed a little less tattletale-y. This charming play reminds us why Junie B. Jones is a beloved character for children of all ages A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Sponsored in part by Kindness Takes Center Stage, a faculty-led initiative supported by a Kindfulness Grant through the Roots of Compassion & Kindness (ROCK) Center, using the power of theatre to promote kindness, compassion, and creativity among young audiences at FGCU and in the broader community. 

This production is free and open to the public, but be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

Special Holiday Performance:

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
by Allison Gregory
directed by Anne Carncross

December 7th at 4:00pm, Veterans Pavillion, FGCU Campus

Junie B. Jones, excited for Secret Santa, got May's name and planned a "special" gift. Holiday cheer, however, made her rethink her plan. She chose a thoughtful present, surprising herself and May. Junie B. learned kindness could be funny and unexpected. Even May seemed a little less tattletale-y. This charming play reminds us why Junie B. Jones is a beloved character for children of all ages A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Sponsored in part by Kindness Takes Center Stage, a faculty-led initiative supported by a Kindfulness Grant through the Roots of Compassion & Kindness (ROCK) Center, using the power of theatre to promote kindness, compassion, and creativity among young audiences at FGCU and in the broader community. 

This production is free and open to the public, but be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

Becoming Tomorrow's Dream: Onajide Shabaka
Artist Talk, Thursday, January 22, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm in U. Tobe Recital Hall followed by a reception in the Arts Complex

January 23 - February 19, 2026

Can we bring a place out of obscurity and expose it to renewed scrutiny? A promising starting point is to delve into its intricate history. Uncovering the hidden history of a place is akin to finding a way back into the place-world, allowing us to savor the rebirth of place even on the most resistant terrain.

In this exhibition, we embark on a temporal journey, speculating about the people, places, and times of the 1850s to the present. Born before the end of US enslavement, Shabaka’s paternal grandfather and other family members migrated to St. Lucie County around 1920. They carried with them tales of lives filled with hope, redemption, and reconciliation.

Onajide Shabaka’s artistic endeavors are deeply influenced by a fusion of historical and biographical content, particularly drawing inspiration from the southern United States population comprising African and Native American descent. Additionally, his practice incorporates elements reminiscent of Florida’s unique ecology, which holds profound significance in relation to the history of medicinal plants and folk healing practices.

Sponsored by Gene and Lee Seidler, the Wasmer Endowment, WGCU Public Media, and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.This event is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by Gene and Lee Seidler, the Wasmer Endowment, and WGCU Public Media

Image credit: Onajide Shabaka, He bathed in the river's floral scent, 2020, Archival ink photographic print (edition of 5), 13.25 x 20 in. Courtesy of the artist.

Jazz Combo Concert: New compositions inspired by the work of Onajide Shabaka

The Jazz Combo has visited Onajide Shabaka's studio to get a preview of the work that will be on display in January and February. From this visit, they composed new works that they will perform in the Wasmer Art Gallery, within the exhibition. Seating is extremely limited, and tickets may be needed for this event. Check back for more information.

(A Creative Connections collaboration between the Art and Music programs)

Tamiami Tale Tellers - Storytelling Showcase "Love Stories"

Sheila Arnold - Roots of Compassion & Kindness: The Single Act

FGCU Storytelling - "Spoken Stories Creating Community"

Sheila Arnold - Stories of the Underground Railroad: Law & Order

FGCU Storytelling - "Spoken Stories Creating Community"

Josh Goforth - Appalachia Music and Song

FGCU Storytelling - "Spoken Stories Creating Community"

Josh Goforth - Music and Story from Hills and Hollers

FGCU Storytelling - "Spoken Stories Creating Community"

The 24-Hour Festival

Bower School of Music & the Arts is teaming up with Ghostbird Theatre Company for the 24-Hour Festival -- March 14 & 15, 2026. Join visual artists, filmmakers, theatre artists, dancers, musicians, and poets as you race against a 24-hour clock to create unique works based on prompts. You will have exactly 24 hours to create your instant masterpiece. This event is open to all, and multi-disciplinary artworks are encouraged.

FGCU Storytelling - "Spoken Stories Creating Community"

FGCU Storytelling - "Spoken Stories Creating Community"

Music, Art, Spoken Word, Poetry - Open Arts at the Library Data Vis Wall
Share or listen, bring a friend and enjoy free food - Featuring Masami Sugimori

April 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m.
April 12, 18* & 19 at 2:00 p.m.

FGCU Theatre presents Qui Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters as part of the celebration of American playwrights in honor of USA250. A young woman, grieving the loss of her family, embarks upon what may be the greatest adventure of her life. Can she navigate a dangerous world full of dungeon masters, paladins, elves, bugbears, demons, dragons, and evil cheerleaders? Qui Nguyen’s Dungeons & Dragons-inspired play features fight choreography by Dr. Russell Hogg, a faculty member from FGCU's Physical Therapy Program.

Tickets are $15 for the general public and $7 for students and can be purchased at fgcu.edu/theatrelab

*There will be a discussion with the cast and crew following this performance

She Kills Monsters is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com
Directed by Dan Bacalzo

Season images created by Olivia Daley ('23, Theatre)

FGCU Storytelling - "Spoken Stories Creating Community"

FGCU Storytelling - "Spoken Stories Creating Community"

Creative Connections April Meeting - Join fellow faculty and staff for an energizing, cross‑disciplinary conversation about how we can strengthen and celebrate the creative threads that run through every field. Each month, we explore ways to build meaningful connections between the arts - Art, Music, Theatre, and Writing - and areas such as the social and natural sciences, health, law, business, athletics, and beyond. It’s a space for idea‑sharing, collaboration, and discovering new possibilities for creative integration across campus. All faculty and staff welcome!

Join the University Archives & Special Collections for the opening reception of Snapshots of Innovation: The Legacy of Kodak. Explore a fascinating collection of vintage cameras, photographic equipment, advertisements and memorabilia from the Kirkpatrick Kodak Collection as we celebrate Kodak's lasting impact on photography, innovation, and the way we capture life's most memorable moments.

Exhibition runs from August 17, 2026-April 30, 2027; Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

To Learn More: Snapshots of Innovation: The Legacy of Kodak

Creative Connections August Meeting - Start the fall semester by joining fellow faculty and staff for an engaging conversation about creativity and collaboration across disciplines. This monthly gathering explores connections between the arts and fields throughout the university, creating opportunities to share ideas, build partnerships, and spart innovative projects. All faculty and staff are welcome!

The FGCU Art Galleries is seeking to partner with faculty members around our Fall 2026 exhibition in the Wasmer Art Gallery, The History of the United States, Vol. I & II, 1774 – 1844. The exhibition opens August 27, 5-7pm and will run through September 24, 2026. 

This exhibition features two portfolios of prints with each year, from 1774  to 1844, represented by a different artist’s depiction of a significant event that happened that year. The pieces will be framed and hung chronologically around the gallery. These were a gift the to the FGCU Permanent Collection and this will be the first time they will be displayed to the public.

Images of the exhibition can be found at the following link: History of the United States Vol I and Vol II art detail_June 2026

We are looking for faculty members who may be interested in the following:

• Participate in the opening with a talk or presentation in the Wasmer Art Gallery from 5-5:45pm on August 27, 2026
• Conduct a public talk during the run of the exhibition.
• Conduct a class in the gallery using the exhibition prints.
• Bring a class to the gallery to visit and have a tour.  

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, have questions or would like to propose something else, please click the link in the event description above our event calendar to indicate your interest. Someone will reach out with more information soon.

FGCU's College of Arts & Sciences is launching an exciting initiative to highlight the powerful connections between creative disciplines (Art, Music, Theatre, Writing) and fields like the social and natural sciences, health, law, business and athletics. While these connections already exist, we're making them more visible through special events and branding. Join the conversation by attending our next meeting. Hope to see you there!

Joshua Olowoyo, Associate Professor, Environmental Health (Cross appointment Water School and Health Sciences), “Tracking Pollutants in the Environment: Lessons, Challenges, and Future Directions in Environmental Health Science Research.” Talk starts at 11:45am-12:45am. Lunch is around 11:30am.

Whitaker Institute for STEM Education Welcome Back: The Welcome Back is an opportunity for faculty and staff to connect as we return and also kicks off the Whitaker Institute’s STEMinar series that will continue the rest of the year. Come enjoy food and drinks with friends. From new programs to new colleagues, we have a lot to celebrate.

This year, we will also be welcoming back a colleague as our event speaker. AJ Nunes-Zaller is an Instructor II in our Integrated Studies department. For two years, AJ has been a Fellow with the MIT Open Documentary Lab. DOCUMENTARY: BEYOND THE SCREEN, 360° IMMERSIVE MEDIA, CO-CREATION & COLLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE.

Scott Michael, Biology, “Evolution and Transmission of dengue virus in Florida.” Talk starts at 11:45am-12:45am. Lunch is around 11:30am.

FGCU Student Scholar Series - FGCU Chamber Choir, “Harmony Under Pressure: Research, Rehearsal, and Performance to Achieve Concert Deadlines” Snacks will be served.

“Designing Learning That Works: Using a UDL Mindset for Teaching & Leading.” Talk starts at 11:45am-12:45am. Lunch is around 11:30am.

Film screening of the Outlaws of the Everglades. Collaboration between Gulf Scholars and Water School. Time TBD.

Dr. Lisa Alberts, Associate Professor, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, “Where Mind and Body Meet: Rethinking Mental Health Through an Integrated Lens.” 

The FGCU Art Galleries are proud to host the Battle of the Arts in partnership with Artsemble Underground. This annual event brings together teams of artists who collaborate live to create public mini-murals, with the competition taking place at a different venue each year. Fall 2026 marks the first time the event will be held at FGCU. The winning murals will be featured in the FGCU Arts Complex Courtyard for one year, and the top winner will receive the Battle of the Arts Trophy, an invitation to participate in the SWFL Mural Fest, and additional prizes.

Tamiami Tale Tellers – New Beginnings

Open Mic Storytelling

Caren Neile - A Celebration of Jewish Storytelling

Susan O’Halloran – Opening Minds and Hearts

Join us at the Bower School of Music & the Arts as we kick off Halloween with a fun, daytime pre-party for our students, families, and the entire community. The Bower Boo Bash is all about bringing people together through the arts in a way that's welcoming and festive for all ages. 

Stop by for trick or treating around the Arts Complex, storytelling in the gallery, and interactive fun. Costumes are highly encouraged! We'll wrap up the afternoon with a Halloween themed Vocal Area Concert at 3:00pm in the U. Tobe Recital Hall to send everyone off with the Halloween spirit. Hope to see you there!

Joel Ying – Finding Home

Open Mic Storytelling

Student Showcase: Storytelling as Healing (*FGCU Library Lawn, Veterans Pavillion)

Opening Reception and Student Presentation: Friday, November 13, 2026, 12:00-1:00pm. Exhibit runs through October 30, 2027

The FGCU Art Galleries is partnering with the Art Program and Mangrove Review to create a hybrid visual art and creative writing site-specific outdoor public exhibition. Under the guidance of their professor, this exhibition features the coursework of FGCU students from Photo II and submissions to the 2026 edition of Mangrove Review.