‘What is Art?’ program Thursday

Southwest Minnesota State University will host a Philosophy Speaker Series titled, “What is Art?” from 4-6 p.m. Thursday in the Whipple Gallery on campus.

The event explores a number of themes this year. Student projects will explore the concept of “akrasia,” or weakness of will, and the future plausibility of human rights for robots.

The main event, co-sponsored by campus artists and philosophers, asks “What is Art? and will explore the aesthetic value and its relation to issues of free speech, creative expression and quality.

Some of the questions explored include: What makes a creative work of such a quality that it warrants protected status, or inclusion in a gallery or collection? What distinguishes some “art” from “obscenity?” Does a work of art that was once valued, but is no longer, cease to be art? Does every discipline produce art, and if so, what distinguishes art as a discipline? Can animals and robots produce art?

Student speakers for this event include Cater Barker and Shawn Valez. The guest speaker is SMSU Assistant Professor Anne Wedler.

This event is free and open to the public.

‘Spirits’ concert April 28

The Southwest Minnesota State University/Community Concert Band and the Symphonic Chamber Winds, under the direction of John Ginocchio, will be perform “Spirits” at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28 in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre.

This concert features the “spirited” music of Mozart, Mennin, Hanson, and Ticheli.

The event is part of the Fine Arts Celebration, and is free and open to the public.

For more information call the SMSU Music Program at 507-537-7103.