Skip to main content

WVU Creative Arts Center 50th Birthday to be celebrated April 12 – 14

CAC 50th Birthday Logo

The West Virginia University Creative Arts Center, the beloved home of WVU’s College of Creative Arts, is where thousands of creative students have earned their education, countless families have made memories at a show and regional and national performers have delighted their fans. The building, known to many as the CAC, turns 50 in April. To celebrate, WVU’s College of Creative Arts is hosting a birthday celebration for the building April 12 - 14. 

“Since its dedication in 1969, the CAC has been North Central West Virginia’s largest, most prominent performance venue and arts education building,” said Keith Jackson, dean of WVU’s College of Creative Arts. “50 years of history, memories and education deserves to be celebrated as we look forward to the next chapter in the building’s history.”

The CAC 50th Birthday Celebration schedule is:

A Birthday Party

12 p.m. April 12, CAC Lobby

Cake will be served at noon in the lobby of the Creative Arts Center. Limited edition ceramic mugs, handcrafted by the WVU Ceramics Studio, will be available for purchase. Alumni and friends of the College are encouraged to stop by and celebrate with current students.

Dedication of the Peyton Terrace at the Art Museum of WVU

4:30 p.m. April 12, Art Museum of WVU

Join President E. Gordon Gee and Provost Joyce McConnell for the dedication of the Peyton Terrace, honoring donors Harvey and Jennifer Peyton.

Clay Theater Photo

Creative Arts Center 50th Birthday Reception and Art Museum Exhibition Opening

5 p.m. April 12, Art Museum of WVU 

There’s so much to celebrate! Join classmates, faculty and friends of the College for an evening of mingling, celebration and reminiscing the last 50 years at the CAC, while hearing about the building’s future from Dean Jackson. "Collective Insight,” an exhibit that celebrates the expertise and foresight of collectors Harvey and Jennifer Peyton with a selection of more than 60 paintings, prints, and drawings that represent some of the most important artistic movements of the twentieth century—including American modernism, social realism, and mid-century abstraction. 

Theatre Performance, "You Can't Take It With You"

7:30-9:30 p.m. April 12, Gladys G. Davis Theatre

Theatre performance provided by the School of Theatre & Dance. Americans pride themselves on their freedom and liberty, but what would happen if a family did whatever the heck they wanted to? “You Can’t Take it With You,” plays throughout the weekend, with tickets available at a discounted rate by calling 304-293-SHOW.

Find even more events at the CAC from April 12 - 14 including a World Music Concert and acting workshops by visiting our calendar at calendar.wvu.edu/sites/ccarts. The College of Creative Arts has also partnered with WVU Athletics to offer discounted tickets to a WVU Baseball game vs. Texas Tech during the weekend - use promo code CAC50. Combo tickets are available for the Spring Football game and a baseball game for a discounted price.

All CAC Birthday events are open to the public. Some events require RSVP or ticket purchase. To RSVP to events, visit http://bit.ly/cac50.