Hotline // November 30, 2022

‘One Step Closer’ artist talk today

Laken Ashlee, a fifth-year senior at Valley City State University, will have her artist talk presenting her senior exhibit, One Step Closer from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. Her virtual artist talk is scheduled for Nov. 30 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and can be viewed on VCSU Art Department YouTube and Facebook. A reception will follow in the Center for the Arts Gallery. For anyone that is not able to attend the show, a virtual exhibit is available on the VCSU YouTube Channel.

Laken’s artwork consists of close-up photos of flowers insects, animals and much more. When Laken first started taking these photos, she was excited! Photography has always been one of those things that brought joy to her life. When it came time to choose a topic for her art show, Laken knew right away that she wanted to incorporate her close family dynamic into her photos. By combining her love for the little details and her relationships with her family, the concept of close photography was formed. One thing that fascinates Laken about close photography is the thrill of seeing how close one can get to their subject.

Laken’s art show invites you as the viewer to look within your surroundings and be able to take One Step Closer. After graduation, Laken is excited to pursue opportunities and hopes to find professional work as a photographer in the region. She is looking forward to what the future holds for her.

Valley City State University To Host Eastern Dakota Conference Music Contest

480 High School Students To Participate in Percussion and Wind Instrument Categories on Dec. 1

Valley City State University will host the 2022-2023 North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) Eastern Dakota Conference (EDC) contest for wind and percussion soloists.

The contest begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Center for the Arts on the VCSU campus. More than 480 soloists are expected to participate. Faculty from VCSU are helping facilitate and judge the event.

“It is a great event, and we enjoy hosting some of the most talented high school musicians in the state,” Jerrold Heide, Chair of the VCSU Department, said. “Our faculty and staff look forward to this event every year. It’s a busy day, but we are happy to be an active part in making the contest a success.”

High schools participating in the contest include Wahpeton, Fargo Davies, Shanley, Fargo North, West Fargo, Grand Forks Red River, Grand Forks Central, West Fargo Horace, West Fargo, Fargo South, Valley City and Devils Lake.

“The EDC contest is a great example of partnership between VCSU and area high schools. It’s a wonderful event and it is a great opportunity to bring talented young musicians on our campus and community,” VCSU President Dr. Alan LaFave said. “This event is also a perfect fit for our brand-new Center for the Arts.”

VCSU offers multiple degrees relating to music including a Music Education Bachelor’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with Audio Production Concentration and Performance Concentration. The University also offers multiple music related minors including Music Audio Production and Piano Pedagogy.

VCSU hosting Barnes County Tournament

Valley City State University is hosting the annual Barnes County Girls Basketball Tournament on Dec. 6, 8 and 9 at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse. Girls basketball teams and fans from Maple River, LaMoure/Litchville-Marion, Enderlin, Barnes County North, Richland and Wyndmere-Lidgerwood will be on campus for the event. 

The tournament schedule and results can be found at: https://www.vcsuvikings.com/2022girlsbct

Meet Connor Aanderud

Connor Aanderud, senior, was interested in coding and computer science but wanted a smaller campus and educational experience. As he prepares to graduate in December of 2022, Aanderud reflects on the opportunities and skills he has gained as a student in the Computer Science and Software Engineering program at VCSU.

Read more about Connor at https://www.vcsu.edu/connor-aanderud/

Book the President's House for your next event

Did you know the President’s House at VCSU is available for meetings, events and even overnight stays? The house has a full kitchen, multiple gathering places and an ambiance that cannot be beat. Volunteers spend hours decorating the house for the holidays.

Plan your next meeting or event, or book a stay at https://www.vcsu.edu/about-vcsu/campus-facilities/presidentshouse/ or call Brooke at the Student Center for more information at (701) 845-7122.

Viking Sports Update

Women’s Basketball
Nov. 23: VCSU 100, Oak Hills Christian College 61
The VCSU women’s basketball team improved its record to 6-2 overall with a win last week. The Vikings host Trinity Bible College on Wednesday before beginning conference play on Saturday against Dickinson State.

Men’s Basketball
Nov. 23: VCSU 115, Oak Hills Christian College 54
Nov. 26: Augustana University 88, VCSU 48 (exhibition game)
VCSU men’s basketball improved its record to 4-5 with a big win last week against Oak Hills. The Vikings host Trinity Bible College on Wednesday and then host Dickinson State on Saturday. 

Track & Field
The Valley City State University track and field team opens the indoor season this Friday at the Dakota Alumni Classic hosted by NDSU in Fargo. Events begin at 1 p.m. at the Shelly Ellig Indoor Track and Field Facility. 

Upcoming Events
Nov. 30: WBB/MBB vs. Trinity Bible College, 5:30/7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2: Track & Field at NDSU Dakota Alumni Classic, 1 p.m.
Dec. 3: WBB/MBB vs. Dickinson State, 3/5 p.m.
Dec. 7: WBB/MBB at University of Jamestown, 6/8 p.m.

What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...

Find out what’s happening in the community on the Valley City Community Calendar: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/

Find out what’s happening at the VCSU Center for the Arts: https://www.vcsu.edu/center-for-the-arts/fine-arts-calendar/

November 30
2 p.m. Artist Talk for Laken Chase’s Senior Art Exhibition, VCSU Art Gallery (Center for the Arts)
3 – 4 p.m. Reception for Laken Chase’s Senior Art Exhibition, VCSU Art Gallery (Center for the Arts)
5:30 & 7:30 p.m. WBB/MBB vs. Trinity Bible College

December 1
8 a.m. EDC Music Contest, Center for the Arts
6 p.m. Parade of Lights, Central Avenue

December 2
1 p.m. Track & Field at NDSU Dakota Alumni Classic
7:30 p.m. Christmas at St. Catherine’s

December 3
3 & 5 p.m.WBB/MBB vs. Dickinson State

December 7
6 & 8 p.m. WBB/MBB at University of Jamestown

Community Club meetings

• Valley City Community Band – every Thursday, VCSU Center for the Arts Room 171
• Kiwanis – Wednesdays at noon, Valley City Town & Country Club
• Optimist Club – Thursdays at 7:00 a.m., Vicky’s Viking Room
• Rotary Club – Tuesdays at noon, VCSU
• Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals – 2nd Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church
• Barnes County Wildlife Federation – 2nd Wednesday of the month
• Grief Journeys for Adults Support Group – meet virtually, call Hospice at 701-845-1781 to take part

Go to https://www.valleycitynd.org/calendar.php to see more events happening in and around Valley City.