Join Leah Smith (Wheaton class of 2014) and Michael Townsend of the Providence-based Tape Art studio to help create an original tape-based mural in the Haas Concourse & Lobby of Watson Fine Arts. Tape Art has conducted hundreds of community mural projects, highlighted most recently in Jeremy Workman’s award-winning documentary, Secret Mall Apartment (2024). Training and materials will be provided free of charge; participants may choose to work in one or both of the mural project’s two-hour shifts.
Students interested in participating should email [email protected] for more information.
This event is part of Wheaton’s Fall of Freedom programming.
Join us for a presentation by Mike Curato, author of the graphic novel Flamer which received several honors including the 2020 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult, the 2021 Massachusetts Book Award for Young Adult, and was listed as one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020. Flamer also has the distinction of being one of the top 10 banned books of 2024, and Mike has become a fierce advocate of free speech.
The highly acclaimed young adult book is a semi-autobiographical graphic novel in which Curato addresses his own adolescent struggles with being gay and bullied. Curato said he wrote the book to validate his own life and help other kids like him. Mike’s debut adult graphic novel, Gaysians, released in June of 2025 to critical acclaim. His presentation will be followed by a book signing.
This event is part of Wheaton’s Fall of Freedom programming.
Joan Scheckel is an internationally renowned creator of The Technique™, a highly influential approach to writing, directing, and filmmaking craft in Hollywood. Dubbed the “director’s guru,” she is celebrated as a master teacher inspired by traditions such as Stanislavski, Strasberg, and Joseph Campbell. Her pioneering work advocates for a shift away from cultural conflict towards storytelling rooted in feeling and meaning, transforming all aspects of mise en scène—from writing and acting to directing and visual style.
Jeremy Workman’s 2025 documentary “Secret Mall Apartment” tells the story of eight Rhode Island artists who created a secret apartment inside the Providence Place Mall, living undetected for four years. Far more than a prank, the secret apartment became a deeply meaningful place for all involved—both a creative protest against gentrification and a compelling examination of what (and where) we call “home.” Join us for a post-screening discussion with artist Michael Townsend, the documentary’s primary subject.
Ramzi Aburedwan and his ensemble, Dal’Ouna, bring traditional musics from Egypt to Andalusia, through their life experience in the Middle East. Fused with French and Eastern Europe influences, Ramzi has created folk melodies and contemporary interpretations: “all enhanced by jazzy, layered improvisations, hints of other world traditions, and a profound sense of bluesy lyricism”. The word Dal’Ouna stands for the communal values of synchronicity, collaborative work and mutual support required for a successful olive harvest. The quartet will bring us an evening of beautiful music and an introduction to the expressive culture of the region.
Free tickets can be reserved via the Watson Box Office.
Join us for an evening of creativity and exploration at the galleries as we dive into the intricate world of tatreez embroidery- a centuries old Palestinian art form that weaves together history, identity and storytelling through vibrant thread work. This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the fundamental stitches, patterns, and symbolism behind tatreez and invites both seasoned embroiderers as well as those picking up a needle for the first time!
Open to all levels, beginner dancer to advanced. The Haus of Glitter Dance Company specializes in activist dance lineages that come from Africa and Latin America. Explore (Queer) Afro-Latinx dance forms like Vogue, Hip Hop, Merengue, Bachata and traditional Mande West African Dance as embodied history, civil rights advocacy, gender affirming care and community wellness practice. Come ready to move your hips, get low, and strut the runway to explore the transformative power of these cultural traditions.