The Visual Arts Society (VAS) has started monthly movie nights, which are held on the first Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m. in the Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG).  
“We would like to provide the Southeastern Louisiana University community a venue for viewing an alternative to the big budget, Hollywood blockbuster style movies many people are accustomed to,” said Michael Aldana, VAS faculty advisor.  “Instead, we show films that are contemplative by nature, film as a means of artistic expression, where the viewer is not spoon-fed plot lines, but rather is called to question the motives of the film’s essence.”
Movie nights are free of admission, however, the VAS does accept donations to help with the organization and their artistically motivated projects and opportunities offered to Southeastern students and the members of the community.
“Eraser Head” by David Lynch is the next movie planned for showing on Wednesday, Oct. 3 in the Clark Hall Annex. “This may be my personal favorite of the films offered this semester,” said Aldana.  
A collection of Maya Deren films were shown on the first movie night of the semester on Sept. 5, which according to Aldana, was successful. Following the first movie night, incorporation of artistically inspired documentaries was considered for future showings.
“I was surprised by the number of non-art majors in attendance,” said Haley Cutrer, VAS president. “We’re expecting an even bigger movie night for October, especially since pizza will be provided.”
Aldana encourages students to take advantage of the opportunity to bring a guest to the viewing. Like the CAG, the movie screenings are open to everyone. Films will be shown on dividers to the right of the gallery; guests will not be able to see the screen or other viewers during initial entrance.
Anyone is eligible to join VAS and attend its weekly meetings every Monday. VAS offers several activities and events in addition to Art Night including monthly art shows, demonstrations and workshops. Art Night is an event sponsored by the VAS that includes other art organizations
“The next one is going to be a juried art show,” said Cutrer. “It’s a great resume line to be in a juried art show, especially if you’re applying to grad school or otherwise. This we do have to charge for and that is $10. Coincidentally it’s the same as membership dues so it’s like buying your way into the VAS.”
Art Night is a major event for the VAS and includes many other areas of concentration to participate in activities and exhibitions of artwork. Art Night is currently scheduled for Oct. 25 and is open to the public. Although admission is free, there are activities that require individual charges such as T-shirt printing.
For more information and upcoming events like the VAS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sluvas.