January 16, 2011

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Madonna University is holding several events this month and next that are open to the public.

They are:

“The Richness of Global Diversity,” a panel discussion on MLK Day, at 6:45 p.m. Monday in Kresge Hall.

The panel discussion is part of a Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration being held in cooperation with the city of Livonia. The panel discussion will explore how we, as a society, have met King’s challenge to rise above the cultural, social and religious differences in our country. Among those speaking will be representatives from Ghana, China, India, Brazil and Latvia.

“Beautiful Creatures,” an art show on display now through Thursday in the Madonna University Gallery. A reception will be held 5-8 p.m. Thursday.

Artists from Livonia and across metro Detroit have come together to offer a gallery of three dimensional art work that borders on the bizarre, but is entrenched in a unique beauty. The “Beautiful Creatures” exhibit features pieces from six artists that work in various ways to create figures that “reflect a lot of things going in Detroit right now,” said show curator Bill Hunter. “These pieces twist what we consider normal and provide a mixed message on life. They take what is constantly seen and make it strange and elegant,” he said.

Guest lecture on religious diversity at noon Monday, Feb. 7, in Kresge Hall.

Madonna benefactor Deepinder Uppal, professor of English and communication at Southwestern Michigan College, will present a free guest lecture about religious diversity, with a special focus on Sikhism. Sikhism, a monotheistic religion, ranks as the fifth largest in the world. “This is an opportunity to promote a dialogue,” Uppal said.

Classical guitar concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, in Kresge Hall.

Internationally renowned Belgian classical guitarist Raphaella Smits will visit Madonna for a master class and performance. Smits plays on eight-string guitars and historical instruments in venues around the world. She has made 17 albums, many of them being listed as indispensable to refined music lovers.

Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students.

Madonna University is at Schoolcraft and Levan in Livonia.