Donald Runnicles conducts ASO in May 1 concert on campus The Performing Arts Center presents the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on May 1 at 3 p.m. in Hodgson Hall. Principal guest conductor Donald Runnicles will make his Athens debut leading the ASO, and he will perform Mozart’s Concerto in F Major for Three Pianos along with pianists Robert Henry and Sarah Elizabeth Gibson. The program will also feature Mozart’s 29th symphony, Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and What the Wildflowers Tell Me from Gustav Mahler’s Third Symphony in an arrangement by Britten. A native of Scotland, Runnicles has been music director of the San Francisco Opera since 1992. Atlanta pianist Robert Henry made his debut with the ASO in July 2003. He has enjoyed success in nearly every important piano competition in the world. Eighteen-year-old pianist and composer Sarah Elizabeth Gibson served as principal keyboardist for the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra from 2001 to 2004, during which time two of her compositions were premiered in Symphony Hall. A pre-concert lecture will be given by Allen Barbee of Georgia Perimeter College. The lecture begins 45 minutes prior to the performance and is free. —Bobby Tyler

Art exhibitions.
Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition. Through May 1. Georgia Museum of Art. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday; and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. 542-4662.

The annual Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition features work by 16 graduate students studying at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. This exhibition provides an opportunity to view the work of young artists as they finish their education in studio art. Many of these artists, though still students, already have begun to establish themselves at galleries and museums throughout the United States and Europe in solo, group and juried exhibitions.

Artists featured in the exhibition include Andrea Trombetta Allen, fabric design; John Amoss, printmaking; Nancy Wellington Bookhart, painting; Geoff Calabrese, ceramics; Tobiah Cole, painting; Stephanie Dotson, printmaking; Patrick Flibotte, sculpture; Erin Hoffman, printmaking; Jasey Jones, sculpture; Justine Tzu-Chuan Lin, painting and drawing; Ashley Ott, ceramics; Lanora Pierce, painting; Kevin Roy, digital technology and filmmaking; Sybil Smith, fabric design; Cody VanderKaay, filmmaking; and Troy Wingard, painting and drawing.

Andrée Ruellan at 100. Through May 22. Georgia Museum of Art. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday; and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. 542-4662.

Andrée Ruellan at 100 celebrates the life and achievements of one of America’s most talented artists. Filled with sketches and oil paintings, this exhibition covers Ruellan’s work in a vast array of media.

During the Great Depression, Ruellan became a part of the New Deal’s Works Project Administration. She was involved with the Federal Arts Project, which put unemployed artists to work by either designing murals for federal government buildings or by documenting the efforts of workers in the WPA.

It was under FAP that Ruellan created Spring in Georgia (1943), a mural for a post office in Lawrenceville. The work features a family working on a farm in rural Georgia and is comprised of modeled figures. It is notable, however, in that it is one of just a few of her works of the Deep South that does not depict any African Americans.

While most artists of her day attempted to tackle racism by showing the plight of African Americans, Ruellan chose a more benign approach. Rather than depict the conventional image of an oppressed laborer, she focused on African Americans enjoying themselves in everyday leisure activities, demonstrating a common humanity.

In Crap Game (1936), she transformed an innocent moment shared by a handful of men into a powerful social statement. The image, a product of her visit to Charleston, S.C., conveys the warmth Ruellan experienced while observing those men. That ability to find the hidden qualities in her subjects is a testament to her abilities.

Iconic/Ironic: Nine Buildings in Athens. Through April 29. Circle Gallery, G14 Caldwell Hall. Open 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m., weekdays. Sponsored by College of Environment and Design. 542-8292.

Professor Wayde Brown’s exhibit Iconic/Ironic: Nine Buildings in Athens explores buildings in Athens constructed during the recent past, from 1945 to 1970.

Through Iconic/Ironic Brown hopes to challenge the university and local communities to reconsider the importance of structures built since World War II. These buildings are often regarded negatively or as unworthy of preservation. This can be attributed to the user’s experience, or a misunderstanding of the architecture itself.

The buildings selected demonstrate the clear influence of iconic examples of modern architecture while addressing the ironic fact that these structures remain under-appreciated. Brown believes that modern architecture is a legacy worthy of conservation and celebration.

Brown is an assistant professor in the School of Environmental Design and has taught at the university since 2002. He has worked at various architecture and heritage management positions in Canada and overseas. He is particularly interested in 20th-century heritage and early North American preservation projects, especially re-constructions. He has lectured throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.

From the South West and Beyond. Through May 13. Hill Atrium, Georgia Center. Sponsored by Georgia Center for Continuing Education. 542-9334.

The exhibition consists of works by local photographer Olivia Carlisle. A reception, open to the public, will be held May 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Hill Atrium.

Carlisle has photographed a variety of subjects over many parts of the world, from air shows and full-honors military funerals to personalities such as Paul Newman, Howard Cosell and President Jimmy Carter to scenic vistas and sunsets. Her work has appeared in U.S. Department of Agriculture yearbooks, Smithsonian publications, sports and automotive magazines, and local and national newspapers.

“I search for intricate and bold forms of light, shadow and texture in nature and in man-made objects,” she says. “I am awed by God’s beautiful and diverse creativity; it’s everywhere you look.”

Carlisle’s photography has won numerous awards, including honors from the New Mexico Professional Photographers Association, Image Professionals of the Southwest and the U.S. Air Force.

Collaborative Exhibition: Willie Cole and His Students. Through May 6. Main gallery, visual arts building (open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays). Sponsored by School of Art. 542-1511.

Water Music: Photos from the Streams of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Through May 14. Tate Student Center Art Gallery. Sponsored by University Union. 542-6396.

Photographer Jay Kuhr describes his work as landscape photography and says “I am drawn to trees, rock formations, and rivers. I believe that what attracts me is the sculptural quality that wind, water and light imparts to these subjects.”

Exhibits.
Discovery Room Exhibition. Through April 30. Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturdays. Natural History Building. Sponsored by Georgia Museum of Natural History. 542-1663.

Specimens from the mammal, bird, invertebrate, insect, herpetology, geology and zooarchaeology collections will be on display. Some materials for hands-on exploration will be available, and visitors will be able to watch stunning high-­definition video Science Bulletins from the American Museum of Natural History.

April Is Preservation Month@UGA. Through April 30. Main library foyer. Sponsored by Environmental Design. 542-4706.

Lumpkin House Interior Decorative Arts Plans. Through April 30. Owens Library, Caldwell Hall. Sponsored by College of Environment and Design. 542-8292.

University Theatre.
Pippin by Stephen Schwartz and Roger Hirson. $10–$12. 8 p.m. April 26–30. Fine Arts Theatre. Sponsored by drama department. Tickets: 542-2838 (box office open noon–5 p.m. weekdays).

Stephen Schwartz and Roger Hirson’s hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale musical, Pippin, is the story of a young prince who sets out in the world to find life’s meaning in thrilling adventures and noble ideas, but ends up finding it in the arms of a common woman who ­simply loves him. The energetic pop influenced score bursts with one show stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers.

Monday, April 25
Georgia Water Resources Conference.
8:30 a.m.–5:10 p.m. Through April 27. Georgia Center for Continuing Education. http://ga.water.usgs.gov/gwrc (register: http://www.gactr.uga.edu/conferences/2005/Apr/25/georgia–water.phtml).

The conference will include more than 200 presentations in seven concurrent tracks over the three days, with 50 posters and exhibits. At the plenary session, 11:30 a.m. on April 25, EPD director Carol Couch will speak about “Creating Georgia’s Sustainable Water Future: The Road Forward.” Gov. Sonny Perdue will give the keynote address at 12:30 p.m. that day.

Entomology Seminar.
“Drink Blood and Reproduce: Gene Regulatory Pathways Linking Blood Feeding and Egg Development in Mosquitoes.” Alexander Raikhel, University of California at Riverside. 11:15 p.m. 404A biological sciences building. Sponsored by entomology department. 542-2816.

Plenary Address: Georgia Water Resources Conference.
“Creating Georgia’s Sustainable Water Future: The Road Forward.” Carol Couch, EPD. 11:30 a.m. Georgia Center for Continuing Education. http://ga.water.usgs.gov/gwrc.

Multicultural Seminar.
“Reflections on Education for Democratic Social Change.” Noon. G23 Aderhold Hall. Sponsored by Dean’s Council on Diversity. 542-6446.

Plant Pathology Seminar.
“Geostatistical Analysis and Population Distribution: Relating Spatial Variation and Population Densities of Plant Pathogens.” Jason Woodard. 12:20 p.m. 2401 plant sciences building. Sponsored by plant pathology department. 542-2571.

Tuesday, April 26
Last day of classes.
School of Law. 542-5182.

Dedication ceremony.
Jaworski Amphitheater. D.W. Brooks Mall, adjacent to Miller Plant Sciences Building. 4:30 p.m. 542-3605.

Baseball.
vs. Georgia Tech. 7 p.m. Foley Field. 542-1231.

Bulldog Brass Quintet Recital.
8 p.m. Ramsey Hall. Sponsored by School of Music. 542-3737.

Philharmonia Concert.
8 p.m. Hodgson Hall. Sponsored by School of Music. 542-3737.

Wednesday, April 27
Engineering Seminar.
“Towards a Comprehensive Educational Partnership between UGA and the Arab Muslim Country of Tunisia.” Takoi Hamrita, biological and agricultural engineering. 12:20 p.m. Driftmier auditorium. 542-0866.

Honors Day Convocation.
2 p.m. Hodgson Hall, Performing Arts Center. Sponsored by Academic Affairs. 542-5806. Undergraduate classes, except in the professional schools, are cancelled sixth, seventh and eighth periods to allow faculty and students to attend the convocation.

Crop and Soil Sciences Seminar.
“Going Underground: An Agronomic Comparison of Subsurface Drip and Overhead Irrigation in Georgia Cotton.” Jared Whitaker. 3:30 p.m. 2401 plant sciences building. Sponsored by crop and soil sciences department. 542-0900.

Genetics Seminar.
Tony Romeo, Emory University. 4 p.m. C127 life sciences building. Sponsored by genetics department. 542-1441.

Lecture.
“Restoration of Monte Alban and Other Cultural Heritage Sites in Oaxaca, Mexico.” Nelly Robles Garcia, director of the Archaeological Zone of Monte Alban, Mexico. 4 p.m. Chapel. Sponsored by department of geography. 542-4720.

Open Studio: Life Drawing.
$3. Live models; no instruction; participants must provide their own supplies; ages 17 and younger must have parental permission. 5:30 p.m. Forio Studio Classroom. Sponsored by Georgia Museum of Art. 542-4662.

Baseball.
vs. Georgia Tech. 7 p.m. Foley Field. 542-1231.

Classic Foreign Film.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, by Luis Buñuel; 101 minutes, 1972; in French with English subtitles). 7 p.m. Griffith Auditorium. Sponsored by Georgia Museum of Art. 542-4662.

Buñuel’s elegant, scathing comedy of manners is an ingeniously structured series of digressions, dreams, dreams-within-dreams, and interruptions. Its six main characters attempt to meet for dinner, only to be repeatedly frustrated in ever more bizarre ways.

Thursday, April 28
Great Southland Stampede Rodeo.
Through April 30. Oconee Heritage Park, U.S. 441 south of Watkinsville. Sponsored by Block and Bridle Club. 542-9374.

Vegetable and Herb Sale.
8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Through April 29. D.W. Brooks Mall. Sponsored by agronomy and plant biology graduate students. 542-0915.

Workshop.
“Flower Arranging, Unit 5: Creative Miniature Design.” Celia McQuaid Brown, Garden Club of Georgia. $23 (members $20). 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Conservatory, Classroom A. Sponsored by State Botanical Garden. 542-6156.

Public Health Seminar.
Argie Figueroa, Georgia Tobacco Use Prevention Program. 2–3:30 p.m. 120 pharmacy building. Sponsored by College of Pharmacy. 542-5311.

Twilight Toasts in the Garden.
$15 (members $10); advance purchase required; guests must be 21. 6:30–8 p.m. Heritage Garden. Sponsored by State Botanical Garden. 542-6014.

Dance and Documentaries: Celebrating National Dance Week.
Folkloric Dances of Mexico and The Aman Folk Ensemble. 7–9 p.m. Athens-Clarke Regional Library, 2025 Baxter St. Sponsored by UGA Libraries Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection. 542-0679.

Memorial Ceremony.
Honoring faculty, staff and students who have died during the year. 7:30 p.m. North Campus in front of Chapel. Sponsored by Student Affairs. 542-3564.

Friday, April 29
Conference on Children’s Literature.
Through April 30. Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Sponsored by department of language and literacy education. http://www.gactr.uga.edu/conferences/2005/Apr/29/child_lit.phtml.

Some of the nation’s top authors and illustrators of children’s literature will speak during the 36th annual Conference on Children’s Literature. The conference is attended by K–eighth-grade teachers and library media specialists, as well as many public librarians throughout the state of Georgia.

Winners of the Georgia Children’s Book Award and the Georgia Children’s Picture Storybook Award are invited each year to the conference to speak and accept their awards. This year’s conference features Judy Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin, authors of The Power of One: Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine; Nikki Grimes, poet and author of Danitra Brown Leaves Town; Robert Sabuda, author of America the Beautiful!: A Pop-Up Book, Joseph Bruchac, winner of the 2004 Georgia Children’s Book Award for Skeleton Man; and Helen Lester, author and co-winner of the 2004 Georgia Children’s Picture Storybook Award for Hooray for Wodney Wat.

The Georgia Children’s Book Award was established in 1968 by Sheldon Root, a professor in UGA’s department of language education. The purpose of the award is to foster a love of reading in the children of Georgia, and to introduce them to books of literary excellence.

The award is given in two categories—picture books and novels—and is chosen from a list of titles suggested by a committee of librarians, teachers and children’s literature specialists. The books receiving the most votes from children in grades K–4 (picture book category) and 4–8 (novel category) are the winners.

In addition to the author sessions, the storyteller luncheon and the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl State Finals, autographing is one of the most popular events of the conference. Typically, each speaker is available for autographing several times during the conference. In addition to books by all of the session speakers, other children’s books and professional books are also available for sale at the conference.

Ceremony of Thanks.
11 a.m. Library quadrangle, North Campus, in front of main library. Sponsored by International Education. 542-2269.

Approximately 1,300 books and media about science, social science, language, history and Chinese literature have been given to the UGA Libraries through a book exchange program with the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. The public is invited to attend to attend this ceremony, which will be followed by light refreshments.

The People’s Republic of China has been participating in book exchanges with leading universities across the United States for several years. Interim Associate Vice President for International Education Judith Shaw says that UGA was selected to participate in part because of the excellence of UGA’s Chinese language and literature program. In return, UGA provided approximately 1,000 titles to the People’s Republic of China last October.

“These books will be an invaluable tool for the many scholars on campus who study Chinese history and culture as well as for speakers of Chinese who want to access materials in their native language,” says Shaw. “Hopefully this book exchange will mark the beginning of future exchanges of faculty and students between the University of Georgia and the People’s Republic of China.”

The university was given the opportunity to select from thousands of titles, and numerous faculty members who study China from across campus gave input into which pieces would be most useful to the library’s special collection.

Alumni Awards Luncheon.
Noon. Athens Country Club. Sponsored by Alumni Association. 542-2251.

Terry Tunes.
UGA Trombone Choir. Noon–1 p.m. Herty Field. Sponsored by College of Business. 542-3210.

Ecology Seminar.
“Symbiosis as Marriage: The Wedding and Divorce of Cnidarian/Algal Mutualisms.” Virginia Weis, Oregon State University. 4 p.m. 117 ecology building. Sponsored by Institute of Ecology. 542-2968.

Saturday, April 30
Audubon Society Bird Walk.
8 a.m. State Botanical Garden (meet in upper parking lot, Day Chapel). Sponsored by UGA Chapter, Oconee Rivers Audubon Society. deeanne@uga.edu.

Plants-that-Birds-Love Ramble.
Scott Coleman, forest resources graduate student. 10 a.m. Meet at arbor near Callaway Building. Sponsored by State Botanical Garden. 542-6156.

Softball.
vs. Alabama. 1 and 3 p.m. Women’s athletic complex. 542-1231.

Go Mobile or Go Home.
1:30–5:30 p.m. Student Learning Center. Sponsored by New Media Institute. www.nmi.uga.edu/gomobile.

The Mobile Media Consortium in the New Media Institute is dedicated to discovering the future of wireless and mobile media. “Go Mobile or Go Home” is NMI’s annual conference, a chance to share the year’s discoveries.

Representatives from leading companies (Intel, Cingular, HP, Nokia, Apple, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Giants) will share their perspectives on where the field is moving. Some 15 student teams will show off the mobile media projects they have been working on all semester, all operational and in action: a text-­messaging dream-date contest, a camera-phone photo essay, cell phone baseball replays, Segway tours, pod-casting, mobile consumer information systems, PDA stream ecology lessons, and cell phone quick-serve restaurant ordering.

Space is limited. Use the Web site link to reserve a place.

Lavender Graduation.
2 p.m. Memorial Hall Ballroom. Sponsored by Lambda Alliance. 583-8297.

Dance and Documentaries: Celebrating National Dance Week.
Stravinsky’s Firebird with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. 3–5 p.m. Athens-Clarke Regional Library, 2025 Baxter St. Sponsored by UGA Libraries Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection. 542-0679.

Athens Pride Picnic.
$2. 5–8 p.m. Lake Herrick pavilion. Sponsored by GLOBES. ahatton@uga.edu.

Sunday, May 1
Softball.
vs. Alabama. 1 p.m. Women’s athletic complex. 542-1231.

Concert.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Donald Runnicles, conductor and piano, Robert Henry and Sarah Gibson, piano. $37–$42 (half-price students). 3 p.m. Hodgson Hall. Sponsored by Performing Arts Center (Music Series II). 542-4400.

Monday, May 2
Last day of class.

Coming up
Final exams.
May 4–10.

Undergraduate Commencement.
May 14, 9:30 a.m. Sanford Stadium.

Graduate Commencement.
May 14, 2:30 p.m. Stegeman Coliseum.

Classes begin.
May 17: May term and summer session.

Law Commencement.
May 21, 10 a.m. North Campus Quadrangle. 542-5182.