Art Svenson
Dancer
Art Svenson is a man of many talents and passions. By day, he is the David Boies Professor of Political Science at the University of Redlands. By night, Art is an active professional violinist who has performed for 34 years (and counting) as the Principal Second Violin with the Redlands Symphony.
Art has twice been named Mortar Board Professor of the Year by University of Redlands students. In addition to many other awards, Art was awarded a Fulbright Schoolarship in 2011 to teach constitutional law at Renmin University in Beijing, China.
As a musician, Art describes his tenure with the Redlands Symphony as “joyful, sublime, ridiculously passionate, challenging, and filled with moments that will last a lifetime.”
Art and his wife Nancy (who also works at the U of R) have lived in Redlands for 34 years and have been blessed with two children adopted from China: Elle, age 11, and angelic CeCe, who died of leukemia at the age of 9 in 2012.
Art says he is happiest when traveling with his family, “exploring the planet’s great cities, open spaces, and vistas.” He’s also an avid road/mountain bike “warrior” and can recite the route, time, and his personal rate and miles for every ride he’s taken since 1984. Art is a member of Town and Gown and a past member of the City of Redlands Cultural Arts Commission. Art describes himself as a passionate Yankees fan, an aspiring chef, and a “failed but earnest” tomato grower, among other interests.
“I consider the Redlands Symphony Orchestra my BFF,” says Art , “I’m delighted to have yet another way to support this wonderful organization.”