Graul Chair in Arts and Languages
Welcome
This endowed chair is named for Dr. Thomas C. and Janet M. Graul and is specifically designed to promote interdisciplinary approaches to arts and languages with a particular focus on international perspectives. At the University of Dayton, this includes Music, Art and Design, Theatre, Dance and Performance Technology, and Global Languages and Culture.
The study of arts and languages empowers us to engage and transcend rather than dismiss that which is different, unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable. These disciplines provide powerful tools to open our minds, engage our hearts, think creatively and find the common core of our humanity. Such study is essential to any university that aspires to educate the whole person and produce distinctive graduates who are capable of linking learning to responsible leadership and service.
Graul Chair Spring 2025 Program: Sights and Sounds of Nature
The Graul Endowed Chair in Arts and Languages invites you to an inspiring series of events this spring that explore the harmony between art and science. Discover the beauty of the natural world through exhibitions, student seminars, hands-on workshops and a reflective retreat.
When: Friday, Feb. 21-Friday, March 14; Opening reception: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27
Where: Art Gallery, Roger Glass Center for the Arts
Explore Sights and Sounds of Nature, a two-person exhibition featuring the works of artists Beth Guipe Hall and Nina Grauley. Through their unique approaches to interpreting the natural world, the exhibition highlights the intersection of art and science.
- Beth Guipe Hall: "My work transforms bird call spectrograms into multilayered encaustic paintings on Korean paper. Through this process, I aim to make the invisible beauty of nature’s melodies visible, connecting sound, vision, and emotion in a way that invites viewers to engage with the natural world on a deeper level."
- Nina Grauley: "As a science illustrator, I blend art and science to explore humanity’s relationship with nature. My work celebrates the intricate beauty of ecosystems and emphasizes how close observation of the natural world can teach profound lessons about connection, healing, and love."
During the opening reception, meet Beth and Nina, hear about their creative journeys, and engage with their unique perspectives on art and science. This event is free and open to the public.
When: 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27
Where: SC 114, University of Dayton
Join Nina Grauley as she shares her experiences as a science illustrator. This seminar provides valuable insights into interdisciplinary career paths, ideal for science and art students. Registration is not required. Open to all students.
Art Class Visit: Faculty from the Department of Art & Design may arrange class visits with Beth and Nina. Time and location TBD.
When: Friday, Feb. 28; Lunch at 12 p.m.; Field Sketching from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Meet at Marianist Environmental Education Center (MEEC), 4435 E Patterson Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45430. Gather in the Madeleine Room of the Chaminade Center Building.
Participate in a hands-on field sketching workshop led by Nina Grauley, exploring nature’s beauty through observation and sketching at Br. Don Geiger’s Prairie.
- Transportation Provided: Meet in front of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on campus at 11:30 a.m.
- Capacity: Limited to 25 participants. Materials are provided.
- Lunch Provided.
- Please dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for walking and working. The events will take place indoors in case of inclement weather.
When: Saturday, March 1
Where: Meet at Marianist Environmental Education Center (MEEC), 4435 E Patterson Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45430. Gather in the Madeleine Room of the Chaminade Center Building.
This day-long event, part of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, features two transformative workshops offered in the morning and afternoon: a wax collage session with Beth Guipe Hall and a field sketching experience led by Nina Grauley. Limited to 15 participants per session, this retreat invites attendees to explore the connections between art, nature, and spirituality.
Lunch will be provided. You can view the full Winter Wisdom Retreat schedule and register through the MEEC website.
Note: Please dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for walking and working. The events will take place indoors in case of inclement weather.
UD students, faculty, and staff: Your registration fee (normally $50 for the general public) will be covered by the Graul Chair. Please use CODE: GraulWW2025 when registering.
This spring, the Graul Global Cinema Series proudly presents the Latin American Film Festival: Communities in Action, a collaborative initiative led by Dr. Arne Romanowski and Dr. Carlos Gardeazabal Bravo, along with campus entities and community organizations.
This festival showcases films highlighting agency and activism in diverse Latin American and Latinx communities, including First Nations, migrants, LGBTQ+, and Afro-diasporic groups. These films foster meaningful dialogue and enrich courses in the arts, humanities, and social justice disciplines.
A heartfelt thanks to our partners
The Spring 2025 Graul Chair Program would not be possible without the invaluable support and collaboration of our dedicated partners.
- Dr. Don Pair: Director, Hainly Sustainability Institute and Sarah Richard: Director of Student Programs
- Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI: Director, MEEC and Tara Poling, MEEC Program Coordinator
- Dr. Amit Singh: Mann Endowed Chair
- Dr. Arne Romanowski and Dr. Carlos Gardeazabal Bravo
- Dr. Tom Williams: Associate Professor
- Department of Biology
- Department of Art and Design
Suki Kwon is using her passion for interdisciplinary studies to elevate the cultural landscape on the UD campus.
A new book collection in the University of Dayton Libraries highlights works by world-famous artists whose art is the books themselves.
Suki Kwon gathered with 14 other artists at the foothills of the Himalayas to create artwork celebrating “The Nature of Difference.”