The Old Dominion University Libraries will host the weeklong Spring 2021 Arts in the Libraries Virtual Festival beginning March 22. The festival will feature lightning talks, exhibits and virtual tours that focus on the resources dedicated to music, fine arts and the performing arts available through the Hofheimer Art Library and Diehn Composers Room Music Special Collections.
The festival will also highlight the hundreds of composer sketchbooks, original music recordings, a historic ceramic collection and rare artists books from the Perry Library.
"I am thrilled for the University and wider communities to learn about ODU Libraries' unique special collections related to the arts, and to see how ODU students and faculty have used them to produce dynamic, original creative performances and scholarly works," said Jessica Ritchie, head of special collections and University archives.
The first event is a presentation by Madeline Dietrich, ODU music special collections and research specialist, on "Frank Guida and the Norfolk Sound." From 1959 to 1963, Guida, a local record producer responsible for several hit singles that made the Billboard Hot 100, including songs by Gary U.S. Bonds and Jimmy Soul.
Events and activities include:
Digital exhibits about rare books and art, the life of composer Allan Blank, and local art coverage from the WTAR and WTKR-TV historic film collection.
Lectures from Libraries' staff and ODU professors on ancient bronze-age pottery from Cyprus, the art of costume design, theater as activism and film production in 2021.
Virtual tours of the Hofheimer Art Library and the Deihn Composers Room.
"The Arts in the Libraries Virtual Festival is a way to share ODU's music special collections, art library and special collections to the largest possible audience," said Lara Canner, curator of music special collections and executive planner of the festival. "We want you to walk away knowing more and feeling inspired."
More information and registration details can be found on the festival website.
