Performing artists claim new 100,000-square-foot facility

Monday's [Aug. 9] Item reveals that SHSU took ownership of its new new $38.5 million and nearly 100,000 square foot center Performing Arts Center last week:

The university is preparing to celebrate the public opening of the expansive new performing arts venue Sept. 30.... The center will offer a season full of performances this fall, including a concert by the Houston Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 29.

The building’s centerpiece is an 800-seat concert hall with a well-equipped dance theater seating 160 and recital hall seating 175 nearby.

The new building features a spacious central lobby featuring original public art. SHSU commissioned seven installations for the building, including a hanging sculpture by well-known artist James Surl, who earned his bachelor’s degree at SHSU and is currently exhibiting at Rice University in Houston. Other art and artists include a glass bas relief by Kathleen Ash, a hanging lighted glass sculpture by Jason Lawson, photo collages by Joe Akers and Rebecca Finley, and sculptures by Tim Prentice and Charles Pebworth.

The center also features an outdoor performance area, practice rooms for dance and music, faculty offices, a costume shop and a high-bay space to build sets for theater productions.