Series of February, March events celebrating art, science, theater
From staff reports
The USCB Center for the Arts is hosting the 2025 Fin Festival, an engaging series of events this February and March that merges art, science, and theater to inspire and engage the community. Highlights of the festival include the Fin Fair, curated art exhibits, and the highly anticipated theater production “The Shark is Broken.”
Art Exhibits and Artists Residency
Fragile Oceans: April Flanders and Eveline Kolijn
- Venue: USCB Center for the Arts
- Exhibition Dates: Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 23, 2025
- Reception and Opening: 5 to 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
Tidalectics and Altered Environments: Print Portfolios
- Venue: Sea Islands Center Gallery
- Exhibition Dates: Through Thursday, March 13, 2025
- Reception: 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
Both exhibits, curated by artists April Flanders and Eveline Kolijn, explore the impact of environmental changes on oceanic and coastal ecosystems through innovative printmaking and visual storytelling.
Artists Residency
From Monday, Feb. 24 through Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, exhibiting artists April Flanders and Eveline Kolijn will collaborate with USCB Studio Art and Biology students in the university’s Printmaking Studio. Inspired by a trip to Pritchard’s Island, they will guide interdisciplinary projects that merge art and science to reflect the natural beauty and fragility of the Lowcountry.
Broadway Play: ‘The Shark is Broken’
- Performance Dates:
- 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
- 2 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025
- Venue: USCB Center for the Arts
Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, The Shark is Broken is a hilarious and poignant behind-the-scenes look at the making of the 1975 film Jaws. The play offers a comedic exploration of the tensions and camaraderie among the film’s stars, including Ian Shaw’s father, Robert Shaw.
A special discussion panel, “Meet the Cast of The Shark is Broken,” moderated by Patrice Andrews will follow Saturday’s matinee performance.
Event Highlights for February
In addition to the art exhibits and theatrical performances, USCB is hosting a variety of engaging programs, including:
- “Shark Myth Busters” by Kim Ritchie, Ph.D., Director, Pritchards Island Research and Associate Professor, Department of Natural Sciences. Richie will share a captivating lecture that busts common shark myths, followed by a special screening of the hit movie JAWS at 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
- Fin Fair: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2025. A celebration of art and science featuring marine exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational presentations.
“We are excited to offer such a dynamic lineup of events this February and March,” USCB Center For The Arts Director Bonnie Hargrove said. “From thought-provoking art exhibits to inspiring collaborations and captivating theater, USCB is proud to bring the community together to celebrate creativity and innovation.
All events are open to the public, with many offered free of charge. For registration, tickets, event details, or additional information, visit uscbcenterforthearts.com/finfestival.
Kick off FinFest with ‘Shark Myth Busters’
This captivating lecture (6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3, USCB Center For The Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort) dives into common shark misconceptions and highlights their performance in marine ecosystems. Lecturer Kim Ritchie, Ph.D., is Director of Pritchards Island Research and Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Sciences at USCB. Presented by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and the USCB Center For The Arts, the evening concludes with a screening of the iconic film Jaws. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register at https://bit.ly/4aDMYRW.
