Department of Art & Art History graduate student, Abigail Martin, has been awarded a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship to study Chinese Language for six weeks of intensive study at Nankai University, one of the most prestigious universities in China.  Nankai University is located in Tianjin, China’s fourth largest city and 90 minutes away by train to Beijing. 

“I am extremely lucky to have this opportunity to be submerged in new art, language, and culture”, said Martin. “It is experiences like these that help shape a person and make life more interesting.  I have been lucky enough to do many study abroad programs for French– Montreal, France, and Switzerland (where I lived for a year), so I wasn’t hesitant to travel to China.”

The Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships program provides academic year and summer fellowships to institutions of higher education to assist meritorious undergraduate and graduate students undergoing training in modern foreign languages and related area or international studies.   Winston Kyan, Assistant Professor in the Art History area said of the importance of the award, “The discipline of art history is becoming increasingly internationalized. The FLAS award allows our students to take part in this trend by generously supporting the study of language and works of art in their original contexts.”

FLAS Fellows receive tuition reimbursement, a stipend for their period of study, as well as flight awards to study abroad participants. The University of Utah has awarded 24 FLAS Fellowship awards for the Summer 2013 semester and 2013-2014 Academic Year. Students awarded are from various majors, including Art History.

Martin will study Mandarin for six weeks at Nankai University. And after, she will travel to Beijing, Xi’an, and Dunhuang where she will be working on her thesis research on Chinese Buddhist art in the Mogao Caves.   After receiving an undergraduate degree in French with a minor in Art History, Martin decided to continue in graduate studies in Art History with a focus on Chinese art.   The College of Fine Arts is proud to have such dedicated scholars as Abby and wish her the best on her travels.

The University of Utah has awarded 24 FLAS Fellowship awards for the Summer 2013 semester and 2013-2014 Academic Year.
Students awarded are from various majors, including:

Art History
Asian Studies
Chinese
Communications
Economics
Environmental Studies
International Studies
Japanese
Linguistics
MIAGE
Operations
Pre-architecture
Russian

FLAS Fellows receive tuition reimbursement, a stipend for their period of study, as well as flight awards to study abroad participants.

More information on the FLAS program can be found here:

Drawing Lab

an interactive, participatory exhibition for all ages

May 17, 2013–August 25, 2013

Students from the University of Utah Department of Art & Art HIstory created a collaborative drawing, titled I See the Fish Finally, in a three-day “marathon” May 6–8, as part of the UMFA’s new Drawing Lab exhibition, which opens May 17.

Image courtesy of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Participants: Jake Chamberlain, Jared Walker, Brianna Thaxton, Michelle Matyja, Ena Kojima, Alyce Carrier, Abigail Sloan, Austin Riddle
 
A new hands-on, interactive exhibition at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) invites visitors to create the artwork themselves. Drawing Lab, which opens May 17, is inspired by the idea that mark-making is a fundamental human impulse and that there is no wrong way to do it. Museum visitors of any age or artistic ability are welcome to participate. The exhibition, which also features a collaborative drawing by University of Utah art students (pictured above), will be on view until August 25 in the Emma Eccles Jones Education Gallery in the UMFA’s Marcia and John Price Museum Building.

“I think the desire to make a mark grows out of the same impulse that drove prehistoric people to make cave drawings or that inspires people now to lie in the snow and make impressions of their bodies,” says Kerry O’Grady, UMFA director of public programs—and an artist who devotes her own practice to drawing. “It’s all about saying: ‘I am here.’”
 

UMFA educators developed five drawing stations to encourage visitors’ creativity: participants can contribute to a chalkboard drawing Museum staff have begun, do free drawing directly on a coffee table, draw from objects in the Museum’s permanent collection, create drawings with tape and paper, or contribute to a “metamorphosis” scroll drawing that will take shape over the course of the exhibition and incorporate the creativity of all participating artists. Each station will be accompanied by suggested starting points, but each visitor-artist is encouraged to pursue his or her own creative direction.

“Drawing is thinking. It is empowering. All perspectives, all expressions, all marks and styles are important contributions,” says O’Grady. “The drawing happening in this show will create a bit of a portrait of our visitors. I urge them to boldly be themselves when they come.”

U & the Arts – Free admission to all College of Fine Arts events for U of U students!

Download the FREE Arts Pass App

As a student at the university of Utah, you are part of the U & the Arts Program.  The College of Fine Arts offers access to the arts to all students of the U in order to support and enrich the educational experience of all U of U students.

What does this mean?

• Free Access to all College of Fine Arts events!
• Kingsbury Hall Present’s series tickets for just $5!
• Pioneer Theatre Company offers two free tickets for any production one hour before the show!
• Free admission to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts!

All this with a valid UCard

 
 
I grew up surrounded by the arts. My mom plays viola professionally in the Ballet West

Olivia Vessel, College of Fine Arts Advisory Board and Department of Theatre Scholarship recipient

orchestra and my dad makes instruments for a living. They made sure I had my own experiences in the arts. Somehow, with their artists incomes, my parents made it possible for me to take violin and singing lessons, acting classes, and dancing with the University of Utah’s Children’s Dance Theatre.   I had many opportunities to perform at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Kingsbury Hall, and the Capital Theatre, and yet, I took it all for granted. I didn’t realize how out-of-the-norm it was to grow up fostered by such an artistic atmosphere. Read More about Olivia

Please view the video below to see Olivia in the Department of Theatre’s production of All My Sons in 2012.

All My Sons from U of U College of Fine Arts on Vimeo.

Congratulations to the University of Utah School of Music Graduate String Quartet on being accepted into the Julliard String Quartet Seminar – one of the most prestigious in the country- for the weeklong intensive May 20-24, 2013!  The U of U quartet was chosen among applicants from around the world by submitting an audio recording of selected works. 

“This particular constellation of players seemed to have the talent and drive to try out for something this ambitious,” said director, Hasse Borup, Associate Professor and String Area Head who encouraged them to apply.  “This quartet is a symbiosis of four highly talented and accomplished string students, who has hit a very successful combination of ambition and ability. I am very proud of their achievements and desire to perform some of the greatest repertoire written at the highest level.”

During the seminar, the quartet will receive intensive coaching and mentoring with members of the Juilliard String Quartet, have a rehearsal studio, and perform in a public concert at Juilliard.  The Juilliard Quartet is the longest serving and most illustrious quartet, and the knowledge they stand to gain from this experience is irreplaceable and will shape them as musicians. Members Melissa Combe, Violin, Jakob Hofer, Violin, Sunny Johnson, Viola, and Lauren Posey, Cello are elated at the opportunity.  “Its like working with music celebrities,” said Combe, “we’ll come back a much better group.”

 

 
Started in 2008, the School of Music Graduate String Quartet program offers dedicated string players serious quartet experience and the chance to log extensive performance opportunities on and off campus as musical ambassadors for the U of U.  Combe, Hofer, Johnson, Posey have been playing together since August of 2012, and say this group “just works.”

 
 
 
The quartet has worked hard to secure funds for the trip, as they are responsible for their own accommodations, meals, and incidental expenses while in New York City.  But it will be well worth it. “Spending an entire week with such the Juilliard Quartet is amazing,” said Combe, “Usually you only get a one-time coaching, but an entire week will really help us get dig into the pieces we are working on.”
 
Find out more about the Juilliard String Quartet Seminar

The quartet will return to Salt Lake City in time to work with renowned Emerson Quartet violinist Philip Setzer at the School of Music Chamber Music Workshop June 16-20.  The summer Chamber Music Workshop has a long history of bringing distinguished artists to campus and Setzer is at the top of the list.   Setzer will perform in concert June 18^th at 7:30pm in Libby Gardner Concert Hall.  Accompanied by Jason Hardink, piano and Hasse Borup, violin Setzer will perform works by Bartok, Ravel and Beethoven.   

For more information on the Chamber Music Workshop click here. 

U & the Arts- Your Passport to the ARTS

September 4th 2013 11:00am-2:00pm on the Marriot Library East Plaza

Come and get you official “Passport” from the info booth, then get it stamped from all the tables at the BASH.  Once your passport is full, you can get your free Arts Bash t-shirt.   

Take your shirt to the Print Club booth to get a winning design screened on it.

Students from the departments of Ballet, Modern Dance, Music and Theatre perform live on stage.

Performances start at noon.

Want to be a film actor? Sign up at the Film & Media Arts table to audition to for Student Films!

The Art & Art History Department will have two interactive art booths.  They will have a screen-printing booth so bring your T-Shirts, bags, what ever you can think of to get the winning design screened printed on your swag! Or check out our pottery students throwing clay on the wheel.

Plus- a special performance by actors from Pioneer Theatre Company!

 Come for food, fun and the photo booth!

Check out the video from the 2011 Arts Bash

U & the Arts Program

The School of Music Presents:

The Piano Area is proud to present the winner of the American West Symphony competition

Presenting:

Buy Tickets

The Department of Ballet Presents:

 The graduating senior class!

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

The School of Music Presents:

The University of Utah’s talented piano students will present a program of
much-loved  songs in a monster piano spectacle at Libby Gardner Hall. Up
to 12 pianos and 24 pianists will be on stage at the same time, performing piano
arrangements of popular songs in ensemble form, all to benefit and
provide financial support for the Piano Area, which funds the annual SummerArts
Festival and Competition.

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Rachel was selected from a “pool of highly qualified nominations” by the awards committee after receiving the nomination from Dr. Liz Leckie, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Fine Arts.
 
“I am extremely honored and humbled to be the 2013 Student Mentor of the Year. This award means so much to me, as it validates that people feel comfortable approaching me with their comments, questions and concerns, knowing that I have the desire and capacity to hear their thoughts and assist them in any way possible.
 
I am so thankful to those who nominated me for their constant encouragement and support.”

One of the highlights of Rachel’s leadership efforts include her work with connecting students in her home department.  Rachel sought out College of Fine Arts’ Emerging Leader funding to organize the Department of Ballet Mentorship Program.  To create this program, she organized focus groups to learn about her peers’ needs and concerns; met regularly with administrators to ensure she could provide her peers with accurate and timely information; and developed a year-long curriculum, so returning ballet students had the information needed to mentor incoming students.
 

CONGRATULATIONS RACHEL!

Buy Tickets

April 11-May 3

Alvin Gittins Gallery

Opening reception: April 11th 6-8:00pm with Awards presentation at 7:00pm

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Student Curated Exhibition to Open

with Salt Lake Gallery Stroll- with new Gallery hours!

• Art & Art History BFA exhibition

• 11am-6pm Monday-Saturday

• Felt Building, 341 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT

• Opening with SLC Gallery Stroll

Every year the senior students at the University of Utah Department of Art & Art History curate the Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition as part of their graduation requirements. The 2013 BFA Exhibition event will take place Fridays and Saturdays April 19^th through May 6^th in the Felt Building at 341 S. Main in downtown Salt Lake City.  This is a great opportunity to view the state of Utah’s most innovative and contemporary emerging artists and art works.
Special extended exhibition to move to Gateway Mall this summer- stay tuned for more info!

And the winners are…

Here is a list of the awards given by Meri DeCaria from Philips Gallery

Best of Show: Alexander Morris-Release

For Printmaking:
Honorable Mentions: Amelia Sardoni-Imprint #3, and Julian Sagers-Female Bodied
3rd Place: Betsy Auwerda-Untitled
2nd Place: Amelia Sardoni-Wool Over My Eyes
1st Place: Trishell Jeffery-I’m Going to Miss You So Much

For Photography:
Honorable Mention: Morgan Donovan-Overgrown, and Etsuko Kato-Fittonia 2 weeks
3rd Place: Amelia Sardoni-Youth
2nd Place: Natalie Kirk-Transcendence 2
1st Place: Becky Hansen-Projection #4

For 3-Dementional
Honorable Mention: Anthony Burbaano-Untitled, and Ta-Hung Kua-Inevitable
3rd Place: Lyra Smith-Creeping Jenny
2nd Place: Dan Vu-Dinner With a Friend
1st Place: Anthony Burbaano-Untitled (ceramic)
1st Place: Joseph Christensen-Spaces

For Painting and Drawing
Honorable Mention: Kristen Bernabe-Collector, and Kit Osborn-Shirokuma
3rd Place: Elise Kitter-Wintertur
2nd Place: Aerin Collett-Disillusionment
1st Place: Alexander Morris-Release

This is a major event for the students in the department and is a critical part of their educational experience. Upcoming graduates are looking forward to presenting work to the local art-loving community. “We hope to attract local gallery strollers as we open the night of April’s gallery stroll”, said Aerin Collett, a BFA student in charge of this year’s event said, “along with anyone interested in viewing up and coming emerging artists, and of course family and friends.”

Graduating students in the Art & Art History Department write a grant for funds to acquire an exhibition space and pay for expenses, such as advertising, supplies and a juror. They also do a small fundraising campaign toward food, awards, and entertainment.  This year the exhibition will be juried by Phillips Gallery’s Mari De Caria, and opening night, there will be food and entertainment by two live bands: Luna Lune, and The Zero Summers, both local emerging Utah artists who are up and coming in the local music circuit.

The Felt Building, LLC has graciously donated this 15,000 square foot space for a fraction of the price making it possible for the students to deliver an exquisite event this year.  In 2010 the curators were able to acquire the Felt Building and it quickly became a favorite of the students due to the location, size, and ability to accommodate many works of art.

The exhibition will open Friday, April 19^th from 6:00-9:00pm, with an opening night reception at six and awards at seven.   Gallery will be open to the public April 20, 26, 27 and May 3 and 4^th from 11:00am- 6:00pm.   Don’t miss your opportunity to see the work of emerging artists in our community as part of the Downtown Gallery Stroll this April and May.

The Department of Theater Presents:

Spring Awakening:

Spring Awakening is an extraordinary musical that celebrates youth and rebellion in a daring fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll. Set in repressive 19^th-century Germany, a group of teenagers are caught between their sexual urges and society’s contradictory teachings. Revealing their alluringly melancholy story of self-discovery and coming-of-age anxiety, they attempt to reckon with the thrilling, complicated, and confusing time of their sexual awakening. Inspired by Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play about teenage sexuality and society’s efforts to control it, the piece seamlessly merges past and present, underscoring the timelessness of adolescent angst and the universality of human passion.

Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score.

Please be advised that this production contains strong language and explores mature themes. If you have questions about the content of this production, we encourage you to explore the Parent’s Guide provided by the official Spring Awakening website, as well as video testimonials given by parents and teens who saw the show on Broadway, and the documentary Kyle Riabko: The Lead filmed by Bravo Canada, profiling teenagers whose lives were changed by the show. All of these resources are great for teachers and parents who want to use the show as a platform for discussion, as well as for those deciding whether to see the show by themselves or together with their teen(s).

Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater Music by Duncan Sheik Based on the play by Frank Wedekind Directed by Denny Berry

BUY TICKETS

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR