An illustration from the exhibition signage, featuring the constellations of Taurus and Orion.

‘Seeing Stars’: Exhibition Explores Early Observatories at UVA

Many in the University of Virginia community have taken the short journey to the top of Observatory Hill to visit the Leander McCormick Observatory, which was dedicated in 1885 and is still in operation. But how many are aware that two smaller observatories were constructed at the University and demolished by the mid-19th century? A new exhibition in the First Floor Gallery of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library explores the history of these little-known buildings.

https://library.virginia.edu/news/2025/seeing-stars-exhibition-explores-early-observatories-uva?mtm_campaign=em&mtm_kwd=sub

A photo of a young man jamming on a red electric guitar while singing into a mic, positioned in front of a full bookshelf.

Arts This Week: Live Music in July at Book Club C'Ville

You’re listening to WTJU Charlottesville. On Saturday, July 12th and 26th at 8pm, Book Club C’ville will host live music performances set up in a local DIY space. For Arts This Week, we spoke to the band coordinator, John, who gave us all the details on what to expect this month at Book Club.

https://www.wtju.net/arts-this-week-live-music-in-july-at-book-club-cville/

Two trophies both in the shapes of silver microphones, sitting on a wooden table.

WTJU Wins Six National and State Awards for Radio Excellence

June marks the start of summer 2025, as well as awards season for broadcasters. WTJU has just won six awards from the Alliance for Community Media (ACM) and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB). “We have such a good team of volunteers, students, and staff at WTJU, and we live in such a vibrant place for music, arts, and culture. With those ingredients, we sure do make some tasty radio and podcasts,” said Nathan Moore, WTJU General Manager. “It is buoying to receive award recognition for a few examples of WTJU’s altogether terrific work.”

https://www.wtju.net/wtju-wins-six-national-and-state-awards-for-radio-excellence/

Image Captions Stele of the Nubian soldier Nenu, Egyptian, First Intermediate Period, dynasty 9–10, about 2100–2040 B.C. Painted limestone, Overall: 17 11/16 x 14 5/8 x 2 5/8 in., 31 lb. (45 x 37.1 x 6.7 cm, 14.06 kg). Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Emily Esther Sears Fund. 03.1848. Photography © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Story Visual Art

The Fralin Museum of Art Announces Fall Exhibitions Opening in August Celebrating 90th Anniversary

July 8, 2025
A digital image of a classroom with 4 tables, one with a theatre mask symbol, one with paint brushes, one with a laptop, and one with a pen and paper.

Arts on Grounds: Fun-Filled Fall Semester Courses

Picking classes every semester can feel like a lottery. But whether you are a first-year student looking to explore your options or a fourth-year wanting to take a fun elective, the good news is that the University offers a myriad of arts courses to take that are engaging and enlightening. No matter your major, arts classes can provide a creative outlet and introduce you to valuable new skills.

https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025/06/arts-on-grounds-fun-filled-fall-semester-courses?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_featured

A collage of various photos from student experiences over the summer. Groups of theatre students pose together, a student teaching at an art museum is shown, and a student visiting paramount pictures is shown.

Students Use the Summer to Pursue Professional Arts Opportunities

Coast to coast, overseas and rooted on Grounds, three current students and one recent graduate have used this summer to unearth their places in the arts. The zeal among students in the University’s arts scene doesn’t fade over the three-month academic break — it carries itself into opportunities wherever they can be found. Discovering that creative careers often reach far from home and far from ideas of traditional artistic roles, these four shared how the arts have shaped their summers — and how their summers may shape their futures. For third-year Education and College student Carlin Lacques, that discovery reframed her perspective on what it meant to work in the arts.

https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025/07/students-use-the-summer-to-pursue-professional-arts-opportunities?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_featured

A photo of William Dozier sitting in front of a wall of bookshelves. He is leaning slightly forward with his hands clasped in front.

College Students Are Reading Less. This UVA ‘BookTok’ Influencer Wants To Change That

Professors across the country have noticed a troubling trend: College students are reading less than ever, and a recent study found many students enter college with challenges completing an entire book. The reasons why are complex. The rise of digital entertainment and the isolation of the pandemic have played a role, and studies show that 9- and 13-year-olds are reading for pleasure at historically low rates, which could contribute to the decline in college reading habits.

https://news.virginia.edu/content/college-students-are-reading-less-uva-booktok-influencer-wants-change

Jenna Pastuszek is shown singing into a standing microphone with her arms outstretched in front of her.

Jenna Pastuszek Wants You to "Get Happy!"

Bringing "Get Happy!" to the Virginia Theatre Festival this summer is not just a regular performance for Jenna Pastuszek — it is a homecoming. “As I was building my own professional career … I always thought about Charlottesville,” she said. “That is every U.Va. alum’s constant question of like, how can I get back there?” Pastuszek, an alumna from Class of 2010, will be paying homage to Judy Garland July 24-27 at the Ruth Caplin Theatre, singing the iconic performer’s uptempo medleys & ingénue ballads while also incorporating personal stories in a cabaret performance she has taken to over 10 states and 20 regional theatres.

https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025/04/jenna-pastuszek-wants-you-to-get-happy?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_featured

In a brightly lit room with white walls, many couples are learning to dance tango.

These Hoos Know How To Tango

Three scientists and a nurse walk into a room and start dancing tango. It might sound like the opening to a joke, but it’s actually the first Charlottesville Tango event of the season – and the University of Virginia community is well represented. Assistant professor of psychiatry David Acunzo, assistant professor of chemistry Jelena Samonina and emeritus professor of computer science Gabriel Robins, along with UVA Health nurse Cristina Ramirez, are devotees of Charlottesville Tango.

https://news.virginia.edu/content/these-hoos-know-how-tango

Amy Griffin leans against a wooden column while wearing a light blue dress and holding a copy of her book, The Tell.

Alumna’s Book on Uncovering Her Buried Past Makes National Headlines

A literary agent was on the phone with Amy Griffin. She wanted the University of Virginia alumna to pen a volume on women in business. That made sense. After earning a volleyball scholarship and progressing to team captain, she graduated from Virginia in 1998 and charged into a marketing and investing career. In 2002, she married John Griffin, another successful Wahoo. “I think that’s the only reason he married me, because I went to UVA,” she teased.

https://news.virginia.edu/content/alumnas-book-uncovering-her-buried-past-makes-national-headlines

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