By Anna Helhoski

2/11/13

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – “Nurse Jackie” actress Anna Deavere Smith will give the keynote address at a conference on creativity Saturday, March 2, at The College of New Rochelle.

The college's first annual “Inquiry, Innovation and the Possibilities for Social Imagination” gathering brings together imaginative thinkers and practitioners from a range of fields. The day-long series of presentations and workshops will question the status quo, move ideas and best practices forward and share innovative perspectives.

The conference runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. followed by a reception from 5 to 6 p.m. at The College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Place.

In addition to starring in the Showtime series, Deavere Smith is a professor at New York University and winner of a MacArthur Award. Her most recent work deals with the subject of health care, and her one-woman show “Let Me Down Easy” ran six months at New York’s Second State?? Theater.

The conference will also feature a special performance of “Sleeping Beauty” by David Gonzalez and Daniel Kelly. Poet, musician, storyteller Gonzalez uses rhymed verse to tell the classic fairy tale. The performance also features live music of Bach played by award-winning composer and pianist Kelly.

To register for the conference e-mail: instituteinfo@cnr.edu by Feb. 18.  Pre-registration general admission is $25, and $20 for alumnae. Walk-ins are $35. This includes continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments. 

Checks should be mailed to The College of New Rochelle, Attn: Vera Mezzaucella, School of Arts & Sciences, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10805.

For a complete schedule or more information, visit events.cnr.edu.