Annual Arts Fair bringing culture to the students

By Sarah Simkin

‘ ‘ ‘ A much bandied about statistic claims that 73 percent of Pitt students say there are… ‘ ‘ ‘ A much bandied about statistic claims that 73 percent of Pitt students say there are things to do on campus other than drink. So what are they doing? ‘ ‘ ‘ Some, no doubt, are watching movies in their dorm rooms or sleeping, but others are at operas, ballets, art exhibitions and all types of other cultural events. How are they managing these outings on a college student’s budget? That’s where Pitt Arts comes in. ‘ ‘ ‘ Since its inception in 1997, Pitt Arts has provided Pitt undergraduate students the opportunity to experience free ‘Arts Encounters’ throughout the year, as well as access to inexpensive tickets for other popular events. Arts Encounters offers transportation to and from campus, as well as dinner or dessert and occasionally chances to meet with artists for questions or hands-on workshops. ‘ ‘ ‘ A sampling of Pitt Arts’ offerings can be enjoyed today at the 10th Annual Arts Fair. The event will be hosted by Pitt Arts from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Ballroom of the William Pitt Union. Members of the Pitt community can visit booths sponsored by more than 30 local art organizations, and they can also have a free lunch and participate in ticket giveaways. ‘ ‘ ‘ Organizations will include the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Opera, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the Silver Eye Center for Photography, several theater companies and many smaller organizations. Freshmen and other students participating in the Outside the Classroom Curriculum can receive OCC credit for attending the fair and for participating in many of the Pitt Arts events.