The University of Notre Dame’s Department of Art, Art History & Design is proud to present its annual MFA thesis exhibition, highlighting the culminating work of four graduate students set to earn their Master of Fine Arts degrees in May 2025. This highly anticipated exhibition will be displayed in two groups, each offering a distinct and engaging artistic experience. The first exhibition will run from February 28 to March 20 at the AAHD Galleries (214/216 Riley Hall), featuring the thought-provoking works of Thomas Callahan and Emma Ryan. An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 28, from 5 to 7 pm, providing an opportunity to meet the artists and experience their work firsthand. The second exhibition will showcase the exceptional pieces of Norah Amstutz and Griffin Liu, on display from April 3 to April 16 at the AAHD Galleries. The opening reception for this group will take place on Friday, April 4, from 5 to 7 pm. This annual exhibition is a celebration of creativity, dedication, and artistic vision, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of contemporary art. We invite you to join us in supporting these talented emerging artists and experiencing their extraordinary work. Originally published at artdept.nd.edu.

A Brief History of the Future is presented by Mike Bechtel, managing director and chief futurist with Deloitte Consulting LLP. He helps clients develop strategies to thrive in the face of discontinuity and disruption. His team researches the novel and exponential technologies most likely to affect the future of businesses, and builds relationships with the startups, incumbents, and academic institutions creating them. The Ten Years Hence speaker series explores issues, ideas, and trends likely to affect business and society over the next decade. The theme of the 2025 series is Innovation: The Process of Creation and Renewal. Ten Years Hence is sponsored by the Eugene Clark Distinguished Lecture Series endowment. This is one of seven lectures in the Ten Years Hence Lecture Series. See website for details and other lecture dates. Free and open to students, faculty, staff and public.

Join the Institute for Social Concerns on Friday afternoons for Encounter: lectures by distinguished scholars in the field of Catholic social teaching, who will share their insights and provide critical conversation on matters of justice and the common good.  Reception to follow. Marcus Mescher is an associate professor of Christian ethics. He holds a Ph.D. from Boston College and specializes in Catholic social teaching and moral formation. His research and writing concentrate in the following areas: human dignity and rights; social/environmental justice for the global common good; how moral agency is impacted by cultural context and digital technology; the moral dimensions of friendship; sexual justice and the ethics of marriage and family life; liberation theology and inclusive solidarity; healing the psychological, spiritual, social, and moral harm caused by clergy abuse. Dr. Mescher has written dozens of popular and academic articles; he has published essays in the Journal of Moral Theology, the Journal of Catholic Social Thought, Jesuit Higher Education, and The Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics. He is the author of The Ethics of Encounter: Christian Neighbor Love as a Practice of Solidarity (Orbis, 2020) and Fratelli Tutti Study Guide (Paulist, 2021). His current research and writing focus on mental health and moral injury.

World-renowned pianist Martin Katz performs with Department of Music voice faculty and students in a vibrant program spanning classical to Cole Porter, performed in seven languages. Katz, distinguished emeritus professor at the University of Michigan, has collaborated with opera legends including Cecilia Bartoli and Marilyn Horne. This event is free and open to the public.  Originally published at music.nd.edu.

A Lien — Directed by Sam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-KreutzAnuja — Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra MattaiI'm Not a Robot — Directed by Victoria Warmerdam and TrentThe Last Ranger — Directed by Cindy Lee and Darwin ShawThe Man Who Could Not Remain Silent — Directed by Nebojša Slijepčević and Danijel Pek GET TICKETS  

With special guests the Sylvan Trio, the NDSO will present concerto movements by Ibert and Nielsen, and will conclude the evening with William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony. For tickets, call 574-631-2800 or visit performingarts.nd.edu. Originally published at music.nd.edu.