UNC’s College of Performing and Visual Arts is hosting the 36th annual Gala on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Union Colony Civic Center. Themed “A Celebration of Student Artists,” the event is a showcase of diverse talent from each of the college’s three schools: the School of Art and Design, the School of Music, and the School of Theatre Arts and Dance.

The two-part event includes an art reception in the Tointon Gallery at 6 p.m., and a main-stage performance from a variety of small and large ensembles at 7 p.m. in Monfort Concert Hall. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit student scholarships in the arts.

The annual Gala has evolved in recent years to more prominently feature leadership and original work from current students. This year’s lineup includes original student compositions and arrangements, student-led dance troupes and chamber ensembles, and students conducting UNC’s large ensembles.

Another new addition to the concert hall stage is the inclusion of presentations from Southard award-winning visual artists. Students Trevor Seymour and Lindsey Howard will present brief talks on their portfolios of original work. “We’ve seen huge success from our Southard Awards program, and our students are making very high-quality work,” said Andrew Liccardo, Director of the School of Art and Design. “This is a great opportunity to show the Gala audience what our visual art students are creating.”

Seymour and Howard’s work will also be on display in the Tointon Gallery art exhibition alongside a collection of work from 20 student artists and alumni. This year’s exhibition was juried and selected by Megan Gafford, a Denver-based artist in residence at the RedLine Contemporary Art Center.

Tickets are on sale now for the Gala online or by calling the UCCC box office at 970-356-5000.