The Architecture of EnlightenmentThe Tibetan Monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery return to Western Maryland for an extraordinary five-day residency endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.Mandala sand painting has its roots in the tantric legacy of Buddhist India, extending back more than 20,000 years. In Tibetan, this art is called dul-tson-kyil-khor, which means “mandala of colored powders.” The lamas painstakingly lay millions of grains of colored sand to create the traditional iconography of ancient spiritual symbols. They begin by drawing an outline of the mandala on a wooden platform. Over the next five days, sands are delicately poured from traditional metal funnels called chak-purs. Upon completion, the sands are swept up and placed in an urn. To fulfill the function of healing, half of the sand is distributed to spectators while the remainder is dispersed in a nearby body of flowing water to carry the healing blessing to the ocean; from there it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing.Mandala Opening Ceremony Tuesday, April 29 | Noon The monks consecrate the mandala site with traditional chants, music and mantra recitation. Mandala Creation Daily Schedule Tuesday, April 29 | 1-6 PM Wednesday - Friday, April 30-May 2 | 10 AM-6 PM Saturday, April 30-May 3 | 10-11 AMMandala Closing Ceremony Saturday, May 3 | Noon The monks dismantle the sand mandala for dispersal in Wills Creek at Canal Place. Half of the sand is distributed to observers as blessings for personal health and healing.This engagement is presented in partnership with the Allegany Arts Council.CES is supported in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, and receives financial support from he Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.

Interested faculty, staff, and students will gather for a discussion on a current topic in the news focused around politics, government, and our democracy.

Explore Tibetan philosophy and culture and gain a deeper understanding of the monks' sacred traditions.With changes in reality, marked particularly by the influence of social media and increasing globalization, the world has become a much smaller place. These changes by themselves are neither good nor bad but do represent a marked acceleration in the pace of our lives and access to almost anything. Our environment, in turn, has become more volatile and our lives more vulnerable, and this calls for an unprecedented need for responsibility and belonging. How do we achieve this? What role can each of us play?Tibetan Monks of The Mystical Arts of Tibet is presented in partnership with the Allegany Arts Council.CES is supported in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, and receives financial support from the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.

Legally Blonde The Musical takes Frostburg by Pink StormFSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present the energetic and upbeat Legally Blonde The Musical, based on the adored film featuring Reese Witherspoon.Directed by Shea-Mikal Green with Music Direction by Michaela Hale and Orchestration by Peter Lewis, performances will take place in the Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center April 25, 26, May 1, 2, and 3 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on April 26 at 2 p.m.Coined by The Independent as “ridiculously enjoyable from start to finish,” Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she and her dog Bruiser move from Southern California to Harvard Law School, where she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!Tickets to the award-winning musical can be purchased online at https://frostburgtix.universitytickets.comTickets are $7 FSU students, $10 youth 14 and older, $17 senior citizens/FSU employees, and $20 general public.For additional information or to inquire about group sales, call the Theatre and Dance Box Office at 301.687.7462