UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, PROFESSORS DISPLAY TALENTS

Beau Jordan stood transfixed by the potter's wheel spun by Amy Kephart.

Kephart, an assistant professor of art at Southeast Missouri State University, demonstrated the art of pottery making Saturday at St. Vincent's seminary grounds as part of the school's Embracing Diversity symposium.

The university plans to turn develop the seminary grounds into a campus for performing and visual arts.

Marc Strauss, assistant professor of dance at Southeast, coordinated Saturday's events as the culmination of the week long Embracing Diversity program at the university. Sharing the grounds with Arts for All seemed like a logical move.

As Kephart spun the wheel, she described the art of pottery making to Jordan and several other young listeners. "I love explaining to the kids what I'm doing," said Kephart.

Jordan has a special interest in pottery. "I watched my first pottery show on television when I was four or five. Now I have my own pottery wheel." Jordan is partial to pieces with a Japanese connection because of his exchange student sister. "I highly recommend that everyone consider taking in an exchange student," said Jordan. She has really added a lot to our family."

Kephart and some of her students had their pottery for sale with 50 percent of each sale going to the artist and the other 50 percent to the art department to fund student trips and guest speakers.

Massage therapy is also an art form. Two therapists were kept busy during the day's activities. A new dance therapy class is being developed at the university.

Southeast students participated in a one-act play and a demonstration of stage combat with swords. A brass quintet and flute group provided musical entertainment.

There were croquet games and country line dance lessons for those wanting a little more physical activity.