NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Ilko Rusev, principal bassist of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Medellin and professor at the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia, will perform a recital at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in Cole Concert Hall on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

The program will include virtuosic compositions by the romantic composer Giovanni Bottesini and will feature the beloved "Arpeggione" sonata by Franz Schubert.

The performance is part of the Cole Performing Arts Series of the SFA School of Music.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and Friends of the Visual Arts have announced that Julie McSwain, who graduated from Center High School this past May, is this year's recipient of the East Texas Regional High School Art Scholarship.

The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts Board provides an annual scholarship to one deserving high school senior from East Texas who plans to enroll in the SFA School of Art to help them further their educational and professional goals in the field of art. McSwain is currently attending SFA.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University continues its tradition of bringing professional artists to East Texas, opening the 2015-2016 University Series with Sonali Skandan and Company at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches.

SFA Gardens' horticulturists Dawn Stover and Greg Grant will present "A Plant Preview of the Upcoming Fabulous Fall Festival Plant Sale." Their combined program will provide important information and images of the various special, popular and unusual plants available at the sale. 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and the Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of "Tomato Republic" at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

In this hour-long film, documentarians Jenna Jackson, Anthony Jackson and Whitney Graham Carter delve into the thoughts and feelings of rural East Texas residents during a heated mayoral race in Jacksonville, Texas, home of the annual Tomato Festival.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Members of the School of Art faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University will exhibit their work in a show that opens with a reception at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

As in the past, this annual exhibition will showcase a variety of mediums, including sculpture, painting, photography, metal work, ceramics and prints, according to John Handley, director of SFA art galleries.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - There are still a few opportunities to audition for the new SFA Choristers offered by the Stephen F. Austin State University Music Preparatory Division.

Those interested should contact director Carolyn Andrews at (936) 552-6593 or carolyn.andrews@suddenlink.net for an appointment on Saturday, Sept. 5, or another time if unable to audition on Saturday.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Friends of the Visual Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University has recently established a scholarship in honor of retired SFA School of Art faculty member Gary Parker.

The Gary Parker Art Scholarship will be awarded for the first time in spring 2016.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - An exhibition of artwork by faculty members of the University of Texas at Tyler School of Art can be viewed Sept. 3 through Oct. 9 in Griffith Gallery on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus.

Guest artists include Gary Hatcher, James Pace, Alexis Serio, Dewane Hughes and Merrie Wright. The exhibition will feature a variety of mediums, according to John Handley, director of art galleries at SFA.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University' Music Preparatory Division has announced the formation of the SFA Choristers to be directed by Carolyn Andrews.

Formerly the SFA Children's Choir, the Choristers will be comprised of students in 5th through 8th grades. Rehearsals will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 8 in Room 170 (orchestra room) in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building.