Distinguished Artist Series

The Distinguished Artists Series at Gardner-Webb University is a collaboration of the departments within the College of Arts & Sciences—Art, Music, and Theatre. The goal of this Series is to present a wide array of professional arts to our students, our university, and our community. We work to bring in guest artists that fit the category of “distinguished” and can provide experiences for our students. Artists who have been with us in the past include Randy Noojin, who brings the spirit of the renowned folk singer Woody Guthrie to audiences across the United States; the Bechtler Ensemble, a classical string company which combines its concert with an exhibit of art; and Angela Brown, a dramatic soprano who brings opera to the masses, no matter their musical taste.

We are currently taking recommendations for the 2021-2022 Distinguished Artists Series. Beginning immediately, a committee comprised of representatives from the College of Arts & Sciences will consider recommendations from faculty and administrators for next year. Please use the Distinguished Artist Proposal Form to make suggestions based on the criteria below, which the committee will use to make selections. All recommendations may be sent to:

Kim Murray
Secretary for Depts. of Music and Social Sciences
(704) 406-4448
[email protected]

Distinguished Artist Criteria

  1. A distinguished artist should be someone who has a record of recognized success, though such success can be either quantitative or qualitative. Persons at various stages of their careers can be so recognized, such as, younger persons demonstrating extraordinary promise, as well as those at either mid-career or having had a long-term record of success.
  2. A distinguished artist could come from any geographical area, including our own regional or local area.
  3. It is necessary that such an artist can be shown to have an influence on others within the same artistic area, whether in significant publications, performances, or exhibitions. Public acceptance and/or reaction to the artist’s work can also be a consideration as a guide to its overall influence.
  4. Something must “distinguish” this person’s work in some significant way. 
Distinguished Artist Proposal Form