(MURRAY, Ky.) — Murray State University’s College of Humanities and Fine Arts will host its annual fundraising gala later this month, bringing together community members for an evening of performances, fine dining and philanthropy.
A Taste of the Arts, scheduled for Oct. 30 in Lovett Auditorium, raises scholarship funds for students pursuing degrees in the fine arts. The event begins with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m.
“A Taste of the Arts is a scholarship event that provides vital support for talented students in our fine arts majors,” said Dr. Nicole Hand-Bryant, interim dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. “The impact of the Taste of the Arts goes far beyond fundraising. This event brings our community together to celebrate the arts and their role in enriching our lives.”
Last academic year, the scholarship fund supported 44 students studying fine arts at Murray State.
The evening will feature performances by current fine arts students, a catered dinner by Sodexo, and a live auction led by professional auctioneer Tanner Roberts. FNB Bank is sponsoring the event.
Cunningham Duo to Receive Alumni Honor
This year’s Outstanding Alumni in the Fine Arts award will go to husband-and-wife performers Dustin and Courtney Cunningham, both Murray State graduates who have built successful careers in musical theater and cruise entertainment.
The couple met while studying music at Murray State in 2000 and have since performed together across the country and around the world. Their credits include national tours of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Miracle on 34th Street,” as well as lead vocalist positions on luxury cruise lines including Oceania, Silversea, Holland America and Celebrity Cruises.
Dustin Cunningham, a 2006 graduate originally from Louisville, earned his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and has performed as a featured classical soloist with symphonies in Nashville, Paducah and Daytona Beach. Courtney Cunningham, a 2004 graduate from Bowling Green, holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal music and theatre from Murray State and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida.
Their professional theater work has taken them to venues including the Alhambra Theatre, Gaylord Resorts and the Kentucky Opera, with starring roles in productions of “South Pacific,” “Guys and Dolls,” “The Pirates of Penzance” and “Bye Bye Birdie.”
“Dustin and Courtney were wonderful students and are excellent performers,” said David Balthrop, a Murray State theater professor who directed both in a production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” “They were both incredibly professional, great to work with, and performed expertly.”
Fellow theater professor Lissa Graham added, “Dustin and Courtney were both amazing students. They were extremely supportive of the department. I had the pleasure of working with them many times and their talent was undeniable.”
Event Details
Individual tickets cost $75, with full tables of eight available for $550. Advance registration is required, with reservations due by Oct. 15 or until capacity is reached.
To reserve seats or for more information, contact Aviva Yasgur in the Office of Development at 270-809-4518 or visit https://murraystate.edu/homecoming/. Direct contributions to the scholarship fund can be made by contacting Rebecca Dyer at 270-809-3940 or rdyer@murraystate.edu.
