There’s plenty to do on campus as spring nears, from helping tend Emory’s educational gardens to free concerts, exhibits, readings and sports events.
1. Lend a hand to Emory’s educational gardens.
As the weather warms, make some time to get outside, see less familiar parts of campus, meet new people and learn about gardening by volunteering to work in one of Emory’s eight educational gardens that grow vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs. Contact the Educational Garden Coordinator to volunteer or if you would like to join a team or want additional information. Check the sustainability events calendar for upcoming work days for the various gardens. You can even apply to start a new garden.
2. Drink tea, eat scones and learn about an amazing sculpture.
Eric Varner, associate professor of art history and classics, will discuss a remarkable, bigger than life-size marble bust of the Roman emperor Tiberius acquired by the Carlos Museum in 2003. Celebrating its centennial, the museum is focusing on transformative objects in its collections and offers this look at this fascinating piece along with afternoon tea at its monthly program series, AntiquiTEA. The free event is Tuesday, March 5, from 4-5 p.m. in the Carlos Museum’s Ackerman Hall.
3. Celebrate the achievements of women, LGBTQ people and allies at Emory.
March brings two opportunities to celebrate faculty, staff, students and others who are working to promote inclusion in the Emory community. On Tuesday, March 5, the 2019 Pride Awards showcase the great work many people do behind the scenes for LGBTQ equality. The free event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Miller Ward Alumni House; RSVPs are encouraged. On Thursday, March 7, the 2019 Women of Excellence Awards honor women who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to issues that affect women at Emory and in the larger community. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with the ceremony at 7 p.m. at Miller Ward Alumni House; the event is free but RSVPs are required.
4. View more films in “Glorious Color.”
Emory Cinematheque’s spring series continues with “The Red Desert,” an Italian film noted for visual effects and painted outdoor landscapes on March 6; “Cries and Whispers,” an Ingmar Bergman film, on March 20; and “Wanda,” considered a classic of American independent film, on March 27. All films are free and are screened in Room 208 of White Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m.
5. Hear some free classical music concerts.
Emory University Symphony Orchestra performs Antonin Dvořák’s radiant Symphony No. 8 and a concerto by Serge Rachmaninoff on Thursday, March 7, at 8 p.m. in Emerson Concert Hall of the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts with Paul Bhasin conducting. Emory Organist Timothy Albrecht hosts a Bach Birthday Recital in honor of the great German Baroque composer on Sunday, March 17, at 4 p.m. also in Emerson Concert Hall.
6. Take a break and check out the campus libraries’ media riches.
March 11-16 is Emory’s Spring Break, a chance to take a break with either a vacation or just a quieter week on campus before the hustle and bustle leading up to the end of the semester and Commencement. And the Woodruff Library has a seemingly limitless supply of options for reading, listening and viewing in formats that range from videotape to streaming. Genre topics cover the popular to specialty to obscure.
7. Catch two exhibitions, one that is returning and one that is closing.
“Building Emory's African American Collections: Highlights from the Curatorial Career of Randall K. Burkett” reopens March 1 in the Schatten Gallery of Woodruff Library, featuring rare photography, a signed Phillis Wheatley manuscript, an original copy of “Walker’s Appeal,” and much, much more. Over at Candler School of Theology, “The Materiality of Devotion” exhibition closes March 15. In addition to the traditional theological and Biblical materials, musical scores, cityscapes and poetry are featured. Both are free.
8. Enjoy watching some outdoor sports.
Bring friends and family to cheer on the Eagles with a variety of spring sports contests and dates. Home games are plentiful for several of Emory’s spring sports. The men’s tennis team has a number of matches scheduled in March, especially the last weekend of the month, March 28-31. Women’s tennis also plays a handful of home matches, including a Senior Day set on March 30. Both men’s and women’s track and field teams host the Emory Invitational March 22-23 and Emory Classic tournaments March 29-30. Emory’s baseball and softball teams also have a packed slate of home games throughout the month. Check the times; free admission to all and they are played at the Woodruff PE Center, Emory Softball Field or Chappell Park.
9. Attend two readings, one of poetry and one of prose.
Northern Irish poet Leontia Flynn will read her work on Tuesday, March 19, at 4 p.m. in the Teaching & Learning Studio, Rose Library, Woodruff Library. On Wednesday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m. nonfiction writer Eula Biss will give a reading. She is the author of “On Immunity: An Inoculation,” named one of the 10 Best Books of 2014 by The New York Times Book Review. Biss will read in Cox Hall Ballroom with a reception and book signing to follow. Both events are free and open to the public.
10. See a screening of a groundbreaking Atlanta-produced TV show.
The American Music Show (1981—2005) was a queer public access TV program showcasing musical acts, sketch comedy and drag performances. “Recording Queer ATL: Archives of The American Music Show” is set for 6 p.m. March 20 in the Rose Library of the Woodruff Library, drawing from Emory’s recently acquired collection of over 700 VHS recordings from the show. A Q&A and discussion with some of the cast members then reception will follow. This event is free and open to the public.