SAVANNAH, GA – Savannah State University’s (SSU) Visual and Performing Arts program will showcase senior students in a senior thesis dance performance scheduled for April 23, and in a senior thesis art exhibition which runs April 20 - May 13. Both events are free and open to the public.

“The War is Not Over,” a live senior thesis dance performance by Zhakyra Nelson is a 28-minute routine featuring contemporary, hip hop and African dance styles. During Nelson’s earlier years of taking dance classes, she says she was encouraged not to pursue dance because others felt she wasn’t good at one genre. She says this experience built her character, and caused her to keep pushing forward. In collaboration with Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, and as a part of Telfair’s Family Day, the performance will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 2 p.m. in the Neises Auditorium, located in the Jepson Center, 207 W York St. An artist talk will follow the performance.

“Kwaab,” a senior thesis exhibition featuring the artwork of Ashutosh Dave, is a series of digital photo illustrations representative of the artist’s attempt to simplify his dreams and hopefully find purpose behind them. The exhibition will be on display through May 13 in SSU’s Access Gallery, located on the first floor of the Social Sciences building, 3219 College St. An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, April 20 at 6 p.m., following an artist talk at 5 p.m.

For more information, contact the Department of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Wellness by calling (912) 358-3342 or emailing arts@savannahstate.edu.