The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), during its 109th academic year, marks a magnificent moment in its history on Saturday, September 8, 2007, at 2 p.m. Community members are invited to join CSE for an Open House and Dedication of Annunciation Center, CSE’s First Performing Arts Center since its establishment in 1899, and the first building to be constructed on the campus in more than 40 years.

“Annunciation Center shines with promise and challenge. We started dreaming of a new facility years ago,” said Sister Francis Raftery, CSE President.  After seven years in the planning stage, $17 million dollars and 16 months of construction, dreams come true. And, the arts come alive at this celebratory event as attendees will witness student musicians and artists practicing their art; hear the sensational sounds of the Gary Ross Jazz Trio; be a part of the building cornerstone blessing lead by Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, prayer service, and ribbon cutting ceremonies. Attendees will dine on refreshments amidst the 44,000 square foot building’s terrace areas; as well as preview the first art exhibition for our new Maloney Gallery, “The Annunciation in Contemporary Art,” comprised of the work of 13 New Jersey artists. The milestone event will also feature mime entertainment amidst picturesque views and a lobby adorned with paintings, “Seasons of Learning,” commissioned by resident faculty member Sister Anne Haarer.

To R.S.V.P. to attend this historic event, call 973-290-4450. Visit www.cse.edu/annunciationcenter to find out more about the Annunciation Center, which features the Dolan Performance Hall, a 560 seat-theatre at the center; houses its Holocaust Resource Center, Maloney Gallery, and faculty and staff for the College’s theology, philosophy, music, and art departments; is surrounded by art and music studios, “smart” classrooms with overhead audio-visual equipment and a laptop at the podium, and a computer lab. Annunciation Center will also be host to an inaugural CSE doctoral program, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, as well as be host to performances and lectures for the public.

Reminiscent of Pollock; Sr. Anne’s Paintings

After four weeks and nearly 150 hours of painting, Sr. Haarer, art professor at CSE and normally a realistic landscape painter, finished three five-by-eight foot murals in the colorful, chaotic style of painter Jackson Pollock, entitled, “Seasons of Learning.” These now hang in the lobby of Annunciation Center.

Sr. Haarer came up with the idea of the paintings theme after contemplating the purpose of the new Center. “I wanted to symbolize the Center is a place for learning and learning is an ongoing thing, so I came up with the idea of tree and seasons.”  Each painting features color gradation from light to dark, conveying change and metamorphosis echoing the learning process. From icy light to dark blue, to one dotted with light to dark greens and pinks, and finally to one lit up with different hues of fiery reds, yellow and oranges  - these paintings mark a milestone: “We’ve been looking forward to our dream of a new Center materializing for a long time. And now we have it. I can’t wait to teach there,” Sr. Haarer said.