A world of opportunities

With a wide range of venues both on and off campus, finding culture in Bloomington is merely a matter of keeping your eyes open. Because the vitality of this area permeates deep into the IU experience, we here at the Arts desk have dedicated ourselves to reflecting the vibrance of the arts community. \nOn campus, the Neal-Marshall Education Center, IU Auditorium and the Musical Arts Center exhibit student talent for student audiences where ballets and operas are held as well as plays and other entertainment. For visual art, the IU Art Museum displays pieces from around the world, while the School of Fine Arts gallery showcases modern art and often the talents of IU students.\nOff-campus, the Bloomington Playwrights Project gives local playwrights a chance to show their work as well as a place for local talent to thrive. The Buskirk-Chumley Theater presents a variety of different arts events. The John Waldron Arts Center also holds a multitude of exhibitions throughout the year.\nWith all the events and information bombarding students within the first week of class, it can be hard to choose what to do. The following are just some ideas to make that decision a bit easier.\nUmphrey's Magee will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Buskirk-Chumley. The band offers "high-energy dance music," according to its Web site. Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door.\nAt the SoFA gallery, artist Jason Salavon will be presenting a lecture preceding the opening reception of his exhibit "The Trouble with Wendy, Dan and Nardo and Flatland: Billboards in the Crossroads of America" at 6 p.m. Sept. 5. The reception lasts from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.