January 2014

Save the Date: Art Unleashed 2014

Join us for the fifth anniversary edition of Art Unleashed, the University's largest fundraiser, set for April 9 - 15 in Hamilton Hall. The exhibition and sale raises money to support the Sam S. McKeel Promising Young Artists Scholarship Fund with artwork in all media from talented students, faculty and alumni.

Preview Party (admission charge)

April 9, 5 - 8 p.m.

Public Sale (free admission)

April 10 - 15, 12 - 5 p.m.

Joanna Settle Named New Head of Brind School of Theater Arts

Joanna Settle

The University of the Arts has appointed Joanna Settle (right) as the new director of the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts in the College of Performing Arts. Settle, a freelance theater director and educator, will begin her tenure on January 13, 2014. "We are excited to welcome Joanna to UArts," said Provost Kirk E. Pillow. "She brings a rich history in and an extensive knowledge of all aspects of theater. Her leadership and her broad experience as a nationally recognized director will help the Brind School achieve even greater levels of success."

UArts Launches New 'Quick Takes' Video Series

The University of the Arts has launched a new series of short videos called "Quick Takes," promoting our programs and what UArts has to offer to prospective students. The first two videos in the series include "Animation - Meet Elliot," featuring Animation faculty member Elliot Cowan (right), and "College of Art, Media & Design Core Courses," which spotlights CAMD's Core Studies program with Fine Arts Associate Professor Michael Grothusen. More videos are currently in the works.

Watch "Quick Takes: Animation" >>

Watch "Quick Takes: CAMD Core Studies" >>

'Make Good Art' on 'New York Times' Best-Selling Education Books List

Make Good Art, a hardcover book by award-winning author and graphic novelist Neil Gaiman based on his inspirational 2012 Commencement address to UArts students, is included on The New York Times' list of 2013's Best-Selling Education Books. Called one of the best commencement speeches of 2012, Gaiman's first-ever university address urging the young artists to "make good art" went viral.

See the list >>

Dance Faculty/Alum's Broadway Debut Praised in 'New York Times'

UArts Dance alum and faculty member Virgil Gadson CERT '07 (Dance), aka "Lil' O," gets raves from The New York Times for his two-man dance routine with partner Julius "iGlide" Chisolm in the hit jazz revue "After Midnight," currently on stage at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theater. The Times review says, "These men force time to slow and speed. Their bodies curve in ways that would stagger Newton."

Read the review >>

Read more >>

Gadson is pictured top and right with partner iGlide.

Photo Student, Faculty, Alumni Named 'Artists on the Rise' by 'Al Dia'

Al Dia cover

Al Dia, the leading Spanish-language newspaper, has named faculty member/alum Jordan Baumgarten BFA '06 (Photography), alumna Kelsey Martin BFA '13 (Photography) and student Marcus Branch '14 (Photography) "Artists on the Rise" in Philadelphia. They are among the eight young artists that Al Dia says have "followed the path set by their dreams - not someone else's - and it has worked."

Read the article >>