Riverland Community College will sponsor “Big Arts in the Big Apple,” March 13 through 17, 2012, a 5-day study trip to New York City, one of America’s most vibrant and historic cultural centers. Led by experienced Riverland faculty members Scott Blankenbaker and Lindsey Duoos Williams, “Big Arts in the Big Apple” will feature theater, art, music and sightseeing. Participants will experience Chinatown, the Metropolitan Opera, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway shows, and more.

The opportunity, created for Riverland students, is open to the general public. Informational meetings are scheduled to review details about cost and preparations. There will be a meeting at the Riverland Albert Lea Campus at 7 p.m. in the Skylight Room. The Riverland Austin Campus will host two meetings; one at noon Monday in Austin East C124 and one at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Austin East, Room E106.

Big Arts in the Big Apple focuses on art, music, and theater offerings in New York City, one of the world’s most vibrant and historic cultural centers. Lodging is provided in the heart of Times Square for five days and four nights. Each day will begin with a brief informational session. Later, students may tour with faculty members or experience New York’s sights on their own, including Lincoln Center, the Guggenheim Museum, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more. An exciting addition to the 2012 trip is that participants will have an opportunity for an exclusive backstage tour of a Broadway show and question and answer session with a professional Broadway actor, as well.

The study trip is unique because of two pre-trip orientations classes. These orientation classes are designed to assist participants in maximizing their time in New York. Faculty present options for exploring NYC’s music, art, theater and historical offerings as well as provide practical travel advice for the trip. A tuition rate of only $20 per credit is available to seniors ages 62 and older.

For more information, contact Scott Blankenbaker at Riverland Community College, 507-433-0547 or email scott.blankenbaker@riverland.edu.

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is a regional comprehensive community college inspiring learning for living through a personalized educational environment. Annually, approximately 4,000 students are served through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 4,800 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Facilities are located in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna. Riverland may also be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 240,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 130,000 students in non-credit courses.