Features this week...

German landscape is portrayed in art show

Job search is easier with help of web site

Play gives life to historic Alabama figures

German landscape is portrayed in art show

Aaron Shiver, Staff Writer

A modern view of the sweeping landscapes along Germany's Rhine River come to life in the new art show in the Malone Gallery.

"The Rhine" works by Conrad Ross combine his experiences as both a student and an artist, said Ross.

In his lecture "A second look: What it is and how I got there" on Wednesday, April 1, Ross said his inspiration and themes for the paintings came from his experiences while traveling along the Rhine River in Germany.

"During the Winter of 1986, I traveled up the Rhine from Colgne to Colmar," Ross said. "We hiked to the top of the Lorelei and viewed the spectacular outstretched German landscape. We saw huge hillsides covered with vineyards, visited abbeys and watched barges slide through the water at night. The intricacy of a medieval past was still present."

In his work, Ross focuses on the vast landscapes of the German country-side rather than its inhabitants.

"Here, my intention is to portray the feelings suggested by a broad and sweeping site," he said. "One with an extensive history and a complex visual space to form a series of images, to conjure that feeling of immensity and to present a complex sensation of the Rhine."

The color schemes in many of the works are true to life, but sometimes vibrant colors replace the natural colors of his subjects.

Ross said that despite the variations, he works with a limited palette. Ross's methodology for dealing with the vast German landscape is easily observed in his paintings.

He combines multiple views of the landscape on canvas to show the wide terrain.The wide view of the landscape is highlighted by vibrant or lighter colors.

A smaller view of the landscape is shown with a section of the canvas devoted to the intricate detail of a particular portion of the landscape.

Ross describes his work as modern.

"I was not a traditionalist in my student days, and I am not a detractor now," he said. "The Rhine" exhibit includes works in oil, ink, charcoal, intaglio and watercolor as well as engraving, relief, computer graphics and cardboard.

Ross is a retired art professor from Auburn University. He now works as a print-maker in Auburn.

Ross has been a student of art and a professional artist for more than 40 years."The Rhine" works by Conrad Ross will be on display in the Gallery of Malone Hall until April 24.

Malone Gallery is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no admission charge.

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Job search is easier with help of web site

Heather Heinike, Features Editor

Technology and the web have made it easier to find jobs, but for educators a new resource on the web has made job searches almost effortless.

Web job searches save time and money for personnel directors and provide a more extensive market for teaching candidates.

Teachers@Work web site designed by Ginny Crowley, a librarian at Vail Mountain School in Colorado, allows teachers to post their resumes on-line free of charge and schools to locate qualified teachers for a small fee.

The site features an advanced security system that ensures complete confidentiality of the resumes and produces professional printed resumes. Teachers can place additional information such as special talents or areas of expertise on the site. Resumes can also be updated at any time.

Prospective employers search the resume database for candidates who meet their qualifications in specific teaching areas and for any extra curricular activities and athletics.

Educational institutions also have the option to list job openings. These listings may be updated regularly.

The cost for schools and school districts to use the site to find employees ranges from $100 to $300. The site offers a six month free trial with unlimited use.

Anita Hardin, dean of the College of Education, said she finds this new service very valuable to education students.

ÒI feel certain our students are more technology literate and are searching on the web,Ó Hardin said. ÒI see this as an opportunity for our students and faculty not only to learn about other opportunities but to also showcase our students.Ó

J.D. Blevins, a senior elementary education major, said web sites such as this help teachers get out-of-state jobs.

"It's an excellent idea," Blevins said. "It's an easier and cheaper way of applying in different states.

"The web site also contains links to other sites that are of interest to educators such as state credential information.

Students and teachers can log on to the Teachers@Work web site at www.teachersatwork.com, and submit their resume.

The site takes a few minutes to download. For more information on submitting resumes or registering schools contact the site at www.teachersatwork.com.

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Play gives life to historic Alabama figures

Aaron Shiver, Staff Writer

The TSU department of Speech and Theatre presents "The Miracle Worker," the story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, as the Spring quarter main-stage production.

"The Miracle Worker" is the emotional story of Helen Keller and her young teacher, Annie Sullivan. The relationship between a challenged child and her young teacher made Helen Keller world famous and gave Annie Sullivan the title "The Miracle Worker."

Keller latter gained international recognition for her humanitarian efforts for the blind and deaf.

"This is also a classic play that I hope will inspire people and give hope" Powell said, "This play is about frustration and life, something that we all can identify with.

"Helen can't understand people and people can't understand Helen. I think we all find ourselves in this position at times."

The play set in Keller's hometown of Tuscumbia, Ala., begins with Keller as a toddler. She becomes ill with a fever that leaves her both deaf and blind. Her mother Kate and father Arthur are unable to deal with their child's disabilities and seek the help of Annie Sullivan, a young teacher.

Melanie Connell, TSU speech instructor, said her role as Kate, Keller's mother, is difficult.

"The ability to identify with Kate has been difficult, because I don't have children," Connell said. "But I'm sure that when I do, I will be just as protective.

"Kate had to give Helen up to Annie. That has got to be the most difficult thing that a parent can do."

Rebecca Jarrell, sophomore theatre and broadcast journalism major, plays Sullivan. Because this is her second time performing as Sullivan, Jarrell said it is even more difficult to bring her character to life.

ÒThis is an extremely mental as well as physical role,Ó she said. ÒWe have had to put in extra rehearsal time to get the slapping scene right, but when we do get it right and it goes over the way itÕs supposed to, that is an emotional high.Ó

Melissa Powell, sophomore theatre major, is assuming the role of Keller.

ÒThe role is difficult not only because of the challenge of working with others, but I have to appear to be blind,Ó she said. ÒThe physical part is extremely exhausting. There is a lot of physical contact, and I have been fortunate to work with Rebecca, who is a friend of mine, and a person that I feel comfortable working with.

ÒThis is a sort of blood, sweat and tears action drama.Ó

Additional characters of ÒThe Miracle WorkerÓ are: Arthur Keller performed by David Culpepper, senior theatre major; Jimmy Keller performed by Jason Ramsey, freshman theatre major; Aunt Ev performed by April Stack,freshman undecided; Dr. Amagnos performed by Lee Mack, senior theatre major; Percy performed by Mahmoud Hakima,senior theatre major; and a doctor, performed by Matt Carroll, junior journalism major.

Director and stage designer for ÒThe Miracle WorkerÓ is Tom Smiley, chair of the Speech and Theatre department. Sara Smiley is serving as assistant director and stage manager. Mike Witte, senior theatre major, will be in charge of props and stage crew. Lighting is by Mack and Joe Reddick, speech and theatre instructor. Costumes are by Lori Hancock, speech and theatre instructor.

ÒSomeone might ask why they should come see this show,Ó said Jarrell. ÒMy response is Helen and Annie are real people who lived in Alabama. This is the story of two historical figures that everyone should be aware of.Ó

The Miracle Worker will be showing on April 8, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Adams Center Performing Arts Theatre. There is no admission charge.

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