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Renowned Cartoonist/Author Lynda Barry Delivers Keynote at 137th Commencement
Innovative cartoonist and author Lynda Barry delivered a spectacular -- and at times, musical -- keynote address at the University of the Arts' 137th Commencement ceremony, held May 14 at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall. "Boredom and uncertainty: that's where creativity is born," the Ernie Pook's Comeek and What It Is author told the Class of 2015 while holding up her cell phone. Barry also received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from UArts Interim President Kirk E. Pillow, who presided over the celebration. Other highlights included a moving valedictory speech by College of Performing Arts graduating senior Ella Rae Cuda BFA '15 (Dance) and a stellar performance of "With A Little Help From My Friends" by the UArts "Z" Big Band and graduating Vocal Performance majors.
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Student-Run Record Label Relaunches with 2 New Releases
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Students Transform Drab Street Corner Utility Boxes into Works of Art
Four Interdisciplinary Fine Arts students have brought a new vision of public art to the sidewalks of Center City Philadelphia's Washington Square West neighborhood by creating original works of art that transform the area's drab brown utility boxes. The designs, part of an independent project created in coordination with the Washington Square West Civic Association and Sculpture majors Monica Morris BFA '15 (Interdisciplinary Fine Arts), Lee Reed BFA '15 (Interdisciplinary Fine Arts), Corinne Sandkuhler BFA '15 (Interdisciplinary Fine Arts) and Stephanie Wademan BFA '15 (Interdisciplinary Fine Arts), were unveiled to the community on May 8.
Read more >>Read an article on PlanPhilly.com >>Above (l-r): Monica Morris, Lee Reed, Corinne Sandkuhler and Stephanie Wademan are pictured in front of one of Reed's brown utility box designs at 10th and Locust Streets.
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ID Alum Designs Illusion for Disney's Haunted Mansion
Daniel Joseph BS '06 (Industrial Design), who is a special effects designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, led the team that designed the illusion of the Hatbox Ghost for the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland. The character, one of the attraction's original 999 happy haunts, has been missing from the Mansion for the past 45 years and has been reinvented for the theme park's diamond celebration.
Read more >>
Watch a featurette on the project >>
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 Dance Student, Alumnae Cast in Broadway's 'Amazing Grace'
School of Dance student Uyoata Udi '16 (Dance) and alumnae Hollie Wright BFA '98 (Dance Education) and Sara Brophy BFA '08 (Jazz Dance) will star in the ensemble of the upcoming Broadway production of "Amazing Grace." Previews begin on June 25 at the Nederlander Theatre. Described as a "new original musical based on the awe-inspiring true story behind the world's most beloved song," "Amazing Grace" played a sold-out world premiere in Chicago that also featured Udi, Wright and Brophy in the ensemble.
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Professor Is Quarterfinalist for Grammy Music Educator Award
Adjunct Assistant Professor Randy Kapralick has been named a quarterfinalist for the Grammy's Music Educator Award, a $10,000 prize that recognizes educators who have made a significant, lasting contribution and commitment to music education in schools. Kapralick, who serves as chair of the UArts Trombone department, is among 213 music teachers chosen from more than 4,500 nominees from across the country. Semifinalists will be announced in September; the winner will be named during Grammy Week in February 2016.
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Alumni Association Welcomes UArts Class of 2015
On May 14, 2015, the Alumni Council welcomed the Class of 2015 into the Alumni Association, a community of over 18,000 UArts graduates spread out across the globe. Natasha Goldstein Levitas BFA '00 (Dance Education), alumna and chairperson of the Alumni Council's Mentoring Committee, extended her congratulations to the graduating class on behalf of the Association during the 137th Commencement ceremony held at Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center. Levitas encouraged graduates to remain connected to each other and to UArts. If you have an interest in connecting with alumni or would like to become more involved with the activities of the Alumni Association, please contact TJ Walsh BFA '07 (Graphic Design), manager of Alumni & Parent Relations, at walsht@uarts.edu or 215-717-6149.
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