When the University of Houston's arts programs join forces, the results are nothing short of impressive. Houstonians soon will discover this firsthand during an engaging and dynamic afternoon of performances, music, art and readings.

On Thursday, Oct 1, the community is invited to the very first UH Arts Open House, a showcase of the university's creative offerings and student talents.  Presented by the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, this free event runs from 4 - 7 p.m. in the UH Arts Quadrangle (Entrance 16 off of Cullen Blvd.).

Among the event's activities and performances are: 

• A costume and stage prop "petting zoo" presented by the UH School of Theatre & Dance
• Site specific collaborative performances from UH Dance students directed by Teresa Chapman, associate professor of dance
• Screen printing and artwork by UH School of Art student Jay Giroux
• Live music from the Moores School of Music including the Spirit of Houston Marching Band and UH Jazz Trio with Robert Wolf (guitar), Glen Ackerman (bass) and J.D. Guzman (drums)
• Readings from Creative Writing Program students Tiffany Thor, Ashley Capps, Jane Koh, Carrie Oeding and Hannah Gamble
• Inflatable sculpture installations by UH School of Art student David Graeve
• Performances from UH improv troupe Scatter

Free food and beverages will be available, and attendees can enter a raffle drawing to win a custom screen print shirt by Giroux, a Flip camera and arts gift bags.

The UH Arts Open House is presented in conjunction with Blaffer Gallery's "Red Block Bash," the museum's annual fall kickoff event.

For additional details on UH Arts Open House, call 713-743-5548 or visit www.mitchellcenterforarts.org.