William Simpson Fine Arts Series | Springfield College

William Simpson Fine Arts Series

Welcome to the spring 2025 season of the William Simpson Fine Arts Series at Springfield College. 

The new season of the William Simpson Fine Arts Series at Springfield College will entertain and inspire.

Experience the arts with magnificent work from artists and performers from both inside and outside the Springfield College community. Attendees will be dazzled by dance performances, captivated by art exhibitions, and delighted by concerts and literary events.

All programs are open to the public, and most events are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

If you would like to receive email reminders before each event, we encourage you to email us at vapa@springfieldcollege.edu

Art Exhibition

"What Remains"

A collaborative exhibition featuring: 
Bree Maxwell, One Bowl, One Soul, an interactive installation; 
and Scott Zimmer, Paintings and Porcelains

January 30-February 26
William Blizard Gallery
Second Floor, Blake Hall, Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Opening Reception: Thursday, January 30, 4-5:30 p.m. at the William Blizard Gallery
Closing Reception: Wednesday, February 26, 4-5:30 p.m. at the William Blizard Gallery

In this vibrant exhibition, ceramic artists Bree Maxwell and Scott Zimmer exhibit personal and collaborative work.

Part of the two-person exhibition, “What Remains,” answers the question many artists have: “What if we worked together?” Maxwell, primarily a potter, and Zimmer, primarily a sculptor, answer this exact question. Their friendship spans more than two decades, but have never worked side by side until now. Through the stacking, breaking, and multi-firing of personal and academic studio discards, new visual possibilities emerged. Metaphorically, works intend to capture a moment in time revealing the essence of transformation and regeneration. 
Learn more about Bree Maxwell and Scott Zimmer

Ceramic artwork by Bree Maxwell, Sculpture by Scott Zimmer

an image showing an array of ceramic cups and a freeform sculpture
Literary Reading

Guest Author Neema Avashia

Thursday, April 3, 7-8:30 p.m.
Cleveland E. and Phyllis B. Dodge Room, Flynn Campus Union

Neema Avashia is the daughter of Indian immigrants, and was born and raised in southern West Virginia. She has been an educator and activist in the Boston Public Schools since 2003, and was named a City of Boston Educator of the Year in 2013. Her first book, Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place, was published by West Virginia University Press in March 2022. It has been called “A timely collection that begins to fill the gap in literature focused mainly on the white male experience” by Ms. magazine, and “A graceful exploration of identity, community, and contradictions,” by Scalawag. The book was named Best LGBTQ Memoir of 2022 by BookRiot, was one of the New York Public Library’s Best Books of 2022, and was a finalist for the New England Book Award, the Weatherford Award, and a Lambda Literary Award. She lives in Boston with her partner, Laura, and her daughter, Kahani.

This event is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.

photo of author Neema Avashia
Art Exhibition

Graduating Undergraduate Students Exhibition

Featuring Works by Senior Art, Art Therapy, and Art and Design Majors

April 14-25
William Blizard Gallery
Second Floor, Blake Hall, Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Opening Reception: Monday, April 14, 4-5:30 p.m. at the William Blizard Gallery

This exhibit will showcase the work of graduating seniors in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Works and presentations will include a wide range of creative materials ranging from drawing, painting, and sculpture to digital and experimental formats. 

Graphic Design by Haley Livesday, Class of 2025, Art and Design Major

a logo concept and supporting art for Mugs Coffee Shop
Dance Performance

Spring Dance Concert

April 25-27
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
Appleton Auditorium, Fuller Arts Center

The spring dance concert will feature new dance works by student choreographers in a wide variety of styles, as well as senior choreographic research projects by Hannah McGee and Haylee Ritter. Don’t miss this exciting event!

Tickets: General admission: $10, students: $5, senior citizens and children: $3

a group of student dancers performing on stage
Featuring the Springfield College Community Chorus and Springfield College Band

Annual Spring Concert

Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Marsh Memorial Chapel

The annual Spring Music Concert will feature the music of the Springfield College Community Chorus and the Springfield College Band, along with selections from students involved in music studios across campus. Welcome in the warmth of spring with some music that’s sure to get you moving in your seats!

This event is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.

members of the Springfield College Band performing at a concert
Art Exhibition

Graduate Art Therapy/Counseling Majors Exhibition

May 5-17
William Blizard Gallery
Second Floor, Blake Hall, Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Opening Reception: Monday, May 5, 4-5:30 p.m. at the William Blizard Gallery
Closing Reception: Saturday, May 17, Noon to 2 p.m. at the William Blizard Gallery

Graduating students of the graduate Art Therapy/Counseling program will present their artwork in this final exhibition with art mediums ranging from printmaking, painting, drawing, mixed media, and sculpture. 

Artwork by Heidi Schuman, G'24, Art Therapy/Counseling

a colorful abstract painting

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to attend any of the William Simpson Fine Arts Series events, please contact Wendy Franz at least two weeks in advance of the event date, at wfranz@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3646 to discuss your accessibility needs.

William Simpson Fine Arts Series Committee Members, Spring 2025: 

Department of Visual and Performing ArtsArt ExhibitsLiteratureMusicDanceTheater
Christopher Gagne, ChairKellie MurphyJustine DymondChristopher Gagne, Committee Chair
 
Sarah ZehnderMartin Shell 
(413) 748-3277(413) 748-3930(413) 748-3902(413) 748-3277(413) 748-3158(413) 748-3443