Radford University’s 2009 - 2010 visual and performing arts season begins the New Year with two art exhibitions: “Wish You Were Here! F/T: Fiber Transformed” and the annual “Student Ceramic Show.” And on Saturday, Jan. 30, “The String Extravaganza” will be presented as part of RU’s Centennial Celebration event series.“Wish You Were Here” opens Thursday, Jan. 21, in The Gallery at the Covington Center and continues through Thursday, Feb. 12. The exhibition features works of art and other fiber narratives created in response to personal travel. Each piece reflects the artists’ personal styles, mastery of techniques and visual vocabulary. The opening reception is 5 p.m., Jan. 21. The Gallery at the Covington Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon - 4 p.m.

Gallery 205 in Powell Hall exhibits works from the ceramic show beginning Thursday, Jan. 28 and continuing through Friday, Feb. 19. Pieces by students in professor Drew Dodson’s class will be featured. Gallery 205 is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - noon and 1 - 5 p.m.

Admission to both exhibitions is free. To learn more, call the RU Art Museum at 540.831.5754.

“The String Extravaganza” takes place Saturday, Jan. 30, at 4 p.m., in the Performance Hall of the Covington Center. This concert, part of a series of events honoring RU’s Centennial year, will feature all string ensembles in the Renaissance Music Academy:  suzuki violin, cello and guitar groups; junior orchestra; and RMA chamber orchestra.  The performers range in age from four years through adult. The String Extravaganza is particularly appropriate for families and children. The event is free and open to the public.

The Renaissance Music Academy of Virginia is the oldest, largest and most established nonprofit community music school in the region, where students of all ages and levels of ability can develop their talent and a sustaining love for music. More than 350 students from throughout the New River Valley are enrolled in music lessons in the RMA, including many families from Radford. Scholarships for music study are available to families demonstrating financial need. Please visit www.rmahome.com to learn more about the academy.