UAM to showcase national pianist
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Division of Music will present a piano concert featuring Misha Galant, the 2025 National Federation of Music Clubs’ Young Artist winner at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 in the Harris Recital Hall in the music building.
This event is free and open to the public, according to a news release.
The concert, which will last approximately an hour, is presented in collaboration with the Southeast Arkansas Concert Association, National Federation of Music Clubs, Monticello Music Club and Pine Bluff Musical Coterie.
“Born into a family of musicians, Galant began piano lessons at the age of six with his mother, Olya Katsman,” according to a news release. “During high school, he studied under Sharon Mann and Yoshikazu Nagai of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He went on to graduate from Columbia University, where he participated in the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange, studying piano with Joseph Kalichstein while earning degrees in data science and Russian literature.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In 2023, Galant completed a master’s degree in piano performance under Viktor Valkov, followed in 2025 by a master’s degree in atmospheric sciences from the University of Utah under John Horel.
Galant has performed as a soloist with the Fort Worth, Rochester, Utah and Oakland symphonies, among others, and has won prizes at the Gina Bachauer, New Orleans, Eastman and inaugural Van Cliburn Junior International Piano Competitions.
In 2020, he was named one of only two Gilmore Young Artists in the United States. In March 2022, he organized and performed a benefit concert for Ukraine, raising $8,500 in humanitarian aid.
Beyond his musical and academic achievements, he enjoys hiking, skiing and trail running and was a member of Columbia University’s Division I swim team.
For more information about the concert, contact Mark Sullivan at sullivanm@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1060.
Police host ‘Drive Aware’ campaign
With the start of the school year underway, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office reminds motorists to be more aware of pedestrians and bicyclists on roadways. To help achieve this goal, the “Drive Aware” campaign will run from Aug. 18-24, according to a news release.
According to recent data, pedestrian fatalities in Arkansas reached a 10-year high in 2020, with 81 deaths. However, in 2023, although there was a 9% decrease in pedestrian fatalities, they continue to remain high at 74 fatalities. Also in 2023, statistics reveal there were 11 bicyclist fatalities, which is nearly double the number of fatalities in 2022. Urban areas remain particularly hazardous, accounting for 70% of pedestrian and 67% of bicyclists fatalities.
The “Drive Aware” campaign will focus on critical safety tips for motorists and vulnerable road users. For motorists, the campaign highlights the importance of avoiding distractions, adhering to speed limits and being particularly cautious at crosswalks. Cyclists are urged to wear helmets, check their brakes and follow rules of the road, while pedestrians are reminded to use sidewalks, cross at designated areas and remain vigilant of their surroundings.
Details: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety or https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety or (501) 618-8136.
Nationwide youth art contest set
Arkansas Virtual Academy, a tuition-free statewide online public charter school, encourages Arkansas students to enter the national K12 Art Competition, which offers more than $15,000 in prizes.
Hosted by K12, an online learning provider, this free-to-enter competition is open to all United States residents enrolled in grades K-12. Digital art, physical 2D and 3D creations (uploaded as a clear photo), or photography may be submitted. Each will be judged on creativity and originality, technical skill, composition and impact, according to a news release.
Three winners will be selected in each grade level for each category: first place ($250), second place ($100) and People’s Choice ($50). Each winner may choose cash or an Amazon e-gift card.
Entries must be original, created after July 1, 2024, and not previously published or awarded. Entrants must upload a .jpg, .jpeg or .png file under 50 MB. AI-generated images will not be accepted.
For additional details, eligibility information and terms and conditions, visit https://enrichment.k12.com/art-competition/. Entries will be accepted until 4 p.m. Aug. 25.