Catch up here with a few alums in the spotlight. Let us hear from you through the CVAD Alumni Update form.

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Four alumni, "Eight Hands"

The UNT CoLab gallery showcased the exceptional artistic talents of Phil Samson, left, Susan Seaborn, Marianna Seaton, and Jim T. Wilson in their exhibition named "Eight Hands." This exhibition serves as a tribute to the artistic journeys of individuals who made the inspiring decision to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree later in life within the College of Visual Arts and Design. It reflects the diverse and enriching life experiences that have shaped these artists and inspired them to express themselves through their chosen media.

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Congratulations on the new job!

Tracy Campos
2022, B.F.A., Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies
LinkedIn: Tracy Campos 
Instagram: Tracy Campos 
General Manager, School of Rock Dallas

Appointed as the School of Rock Dallas general manager, Campos completed her degree at UNT CVAD and is committed to elevating the School of Rock's initiatives and cultivating a lively community. Driven by her belief in the transformative influence of music, Campos aims to instill both life lessons and musical proficiency in students.

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Nasher Sculpture Center awards two CVAD alums Nasher Artist Grants

The Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas, offers a grant program that invests in the art community of North Texas. In presenting these grants, the Nasher recognizes the great artistic talent residing in North Texas and their "privilege and responsibility to support it." Nasher Sculpture Center Artist Grants are small-sum awards for artists to further their personal or professional development.

Felicia Jordan
2022, M.F.A., Studio Art: Metalsmithing & Jewelry
Jordan explores themes of trauma and healing. Based on the artist’s lived experiences and research on how Black people are treated when seeking medical care, Jordan is creating a series of quilted surfaces that share the narratives of Black people experiencing health crises through stories she is collecting through her online survey, Blackness, Trauma and Healing.

Sarita Westrup
2012, M.F.A., Studio Art: Fibers
2024 Resident Artist, Penland School of Craft, Penland, N.C.
Westrup creates sculptural basketry inspired by the Rio Grande Valley, where she was born and raised. Her art reimagines the harder border line into meandering tunnels and archways employing techniques and materials native to Mexico. Upcoming exhibitions include Jan. 23–28 in Art Palm Beach through Cluley Projects, Beverly Hills, Calif., and Feb. 17–March 23 at Erin Cluley Gallery, Dallas.

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Talley Dunn Gallery awards Nuestra Art Collective the Equity in the Arts Fellowship – including five CVAD alum

Congratulations to the following CVAD Studio Art alums of the Nuestra Art Collective. Read more. 
Melissa Gámez Herrera, 2020, Photography, left, Karla García, 2019, Ceramics; Tina Medina, 2004, Drawing & Painting; Tesa Morin, 2002, Printmaking and Lupita Murillo-Tinnen, 2001, Photography. 
 

"We're in touch, so you be in touch!" We would love to include you in April's "Friends of CVAD" edition! Email us at CVAD.Marketing@unt.edu. Let us know how your degree is working for you!

Bevin Butler
2010, B.A. Art History, 2012, M.A., Art History 
Assistant Professor of Art History, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, Tenn.

I participated in an Art History Study Abroad opportunity in the Summer of 2009 (the summer before my senior year in undergrad) in London and Paris with Dr. Mickey Abel and Dr. Denise Amy Baxter. In addition to forming and strengthening lifelong friendships with my peers, I was inspired by my travels and experiences with Dr. Abel to continue with graduate studies in Medieval Art History and pursue a career as a college professor. Initially, I planned on working in museums or galleries, but that trip changed my mind completely!

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Cyrus Coleman
2016, B.F.A., Communication Design: Graphic Design
Senior Product Graphic Designer – NBA Uniforms, Nike, Beaverton, Ore.

Art and athletics have always been the focal point of my life and interests. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, so football was my sport of choice. These ingredients are what led me to UNT. Read more.

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Rance Jones
1985, B.F.A., Art, UNT
Illustrator, fine artist

The energy and pace of New York City were constant sources of inspiration for Jones as he pursued his career in illustration, producing work for the "New York Times" and many magazines, including a cover for the "National Review." Read more.

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Danielle Naylor
2013, B.A., Art History, M.A., Art Education
Art Fair Director, Texas Vignette, Dallas
Administrative Assistant, Sociology and Anthropology Department, University of Texas at Arlington

Through a slew of events, I made the choice to take a chance on a job that wasn't directly related to my degree and wasn't something I'd ever considered doing before. It was the best decision I've made because it gave me the awareness that I am good at what I "trained" to do in my undergraduate and graduate programs, and I can apply those skills and knowledge to other things.

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Julie Barnofski Portfolio
2009, M.A., Art History, M.F.A., Studio Art: Photography
Website: Julie Barnofski Portfolio
Interim Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, University of Hartford, Hartford, Conn.

Julie Barnofski Portfolio, an artist, educator, and writer, currently serves as the interim director of the Office of Sponsored Programs of the University of Hartford, Hartford, Conn. She believes that fostering creative thinking is pivotal in successful fundraising endeavors and provides insights into the world of grant writing. Read more.

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Stephen Zhang 
1994, M.F.A., Communication Design
Assistant Professor, CVAD Department of Design: Communication Design: Graphic Design

A graphic design teacher, Stephen Zhang is also an accomplished water media artist and design educator passionate about creating large-scale watercolor paintings that showcase his fluid, expressive, and empathetic style. Zhang illustrates the reactionary process of watercolor painting through historical narrative and active demonstration. Zhang describes watercolor painting as inherently unpredictable, highlighting a prioritization of process over product. In this video, artists are implored to relinquish control and embrace spontaneity through the practice of water-based painting. This fall, Zhang was selected for inclusion in a biennial exhibition showcasing artists in the mid-South. He is among 35 artists selected for the “2023 Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition,” organized by The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, Pine Bluff, Ark.

Through the Onstead Institute's Virtual Learning Studio, Zhang turned from graphic design to share his watercolor prowess!
Watch the video!

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Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. We’re proud to call your attention to a few of our alumni who generously shared their backgrounds. Read about who they are and how their heritage shapes their art.

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The CVAD Department of Art Education is partnering with the UNT College of Information to offer the Latino Art, Museums, and Preservation Fellowship to offer a museum-based fellowship to support 18 students seeking a graduate academic certificate and preparing for careers in museum studies. This fellowship benefits students pursuing advanced studies in American Latino life, art, history, and culture. The project, supported by a new Institute of Museum and Library Services initiative, provides professional coaching, mentoring, and financial support for students advancing careers in Latino museums and cultural preservation studies and laying a foundation for academic success in graduate school. The multi-disciplinary training approach allows student fellows to develop teamwork skills through real-life museum projects and apply their archival, art education, library science, language, and cultural competency training received from classes. Download the application from the LAMP web page. 

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We The People: The 2024 State of Black Design Conference and Career Fair

The SOBD is a groundbreaking conference and career fair that aims to increase the employment of Black professionals in the design industry. Founded and organized by Omari Souza, CVAD associate professor of Communication Design: User-Experience Design, the conference, convened annually since 2020, addresses the longstanding lack of diversity in the industry’s workforce and professional practice. The conference’s designer-focused career fair connects numerous job seekers with recruiters from dozens of firms nationwide.

In collaboration with the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas, Intuit, and The Design Observer, SOBD 2024 will be the first in-person conference with students, designers, academics and professionals anticipated to attend in-person, and additional opportunities for hybrid and live-streaming participation around the world. The only national effort dedicated to establishing young black professionals and recent college graduates in design careers, The State of Black Design has quickly become a premier event for networking, professional development, industry innovation, and job opportunities. Email info@TheSOBD.com and visit the SOBD web page on CVAD News and Views for more information. 

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Ailie Pankonien, TFC collection manager, left, and Annette Becker, TFC director and primary investigator.

The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded the Texas Fashion Collection $9,994 to support assessment and preservation training in the Gloria and Bruzzy Westheimer Research Gallery. This first NEH grant for the TFC was written by Annette Becker, TFC director and primary investigator. It will fund textile conservator Melanie Sanford’s evaluation of the nearly 1,000 artifacts housed in the gallery, review of their storage and care, creation of a storage plan, and training programs for TFC staff and UNT learners. Sanford will work with TFC student assistants and TFC collection manager Ailie Pankonien to assess all artifacts in the study space, documenting their condition and specific storage needs. This process benefits all, as it ensures the longevity of our artifacts and provides professional development for TFC folks. The award will support the purchase of archival supplies for the recommended housing and storage plan. 

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Creative U Returns to Inspire Young Artists, Designers and Scholars

In June 2023, CVAD launched its first-ever summer arts program, Creative U. The program, in development at the college over the last few years, is a collaboration between the CVAD Foundations program and the Onstead Institute for Education in the Visual Arts and Design.

The Foundations program encompasses a coursework track to provide a framework for visual problem-solving and critical-thinking strategies. It incorporates the study of culture, history, and practices of various art and design forms across disciplines to prepare students for rigorous college courses in visual art, design, art education and art history. The Onstead Institute provides services and resources for the college’s K-12 art and design education efforts. The two units partnered to establish Creative U, which welcomed 20 aspiring high-school artists to the college for two weeks of studio activities and on-campus excursions.

Creative U students undertook several projects in the program, allowing them to gain exposure to various aspects of drawing, color theory, collage, design, and production of small artbooks called zines and other artistic elements, techniques, and practices. Students were enthusiastic about their experiences in the program. One student remarked, “This camp has helped me improve how I see art. I often move too fast. I am learning to slow down and fully analyze the piece I am looking at.” Another observed, “The program is so interactive and free to allow us to explore and connect. I love my instructors and peers.” Read more.  

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CVAD Fashion Design Junior Earns 2023 U.S. Congressional Award

Luis Fraga was notified that he is one of 574 students in the nation to earn the 2023 Congressional Gold Medal Award from the U.S. Congressional Award Foundation in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Award recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in America's youth and is Congress's award for young Americans; it is Congress's only charity. To read more about Fraga's accomplishments, visit the CVAD News and Views article.  

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The City of Denton selected a CVAD student to draw a mural to encourage recycling

Kaci Martin
Junior, B.F.A., Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies, minor in Drawing and Painting
Marketing Intern at the City of Denton
Instagram: KaciDraws
Linkedin: Kaci Martin

This summer, Kaci Martin was selected to design and paint a mural for the Denton Recycle Center. Martin was able to undertake the project during her internship with the City of Denton, where she combined city services and art through a mural embodying Denton’s recycling efforts. This artistic endeavor was a collaborative effort involving students from DISD campuses. 

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Front row, left, Jasmin Randle, Katie Whelan, Pracheeta Chordia; middle row, left, Luz Villarreal, Chaewon Yang, Diana Ruiz, Katie Branning, alum, Angie Stutsman, alum; back row, left, Reagan Hamilton, Jeannine Vail, assistant professor, Audrey Pace, alum from KAI Enterprises, Jason Mellard, alum, Trinity Holloway, and Jillian Brooke.

UNT Alums, now working interior designers, led a workshop and tour for Interior Design students

The CVAD Interior Design program, in conjunction with the Interior Design Student Association, the Association for Learning Environments, and Corgan, Dallas, recently orchestrated an immersive visioning workshop concentrating on educational environments. The Interior Design students also took a tour of a Corgan construction site, affording students in-person, real-life opportunities to see various stages of interior design. On the tour at the Dallas College Richland Campus in Richardson, Texas, students saw the nearly finished 98,500 sq. ft. education facility in various stages of completion and engaged with industry experts. Students were from Assistant Professor Jeannine Vail's interior design course. 

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Terry Barrett, Ph.D.

b. 1945–d. 2023
2009–2014, CVAD Art Faculty

In the quiet corners of Bradenton, Florida, an artist's legacy flourished, echoing the vibrant strokes of a life passionately dedicated to art and education. Dr. Terry Barrett, a luminary in the realm of artistic expression, left an indelible mark upon the canvas of countless lives.
His journey was a tapestry woven with dedication and unwavering commitment. It began with humble strokes as a high school art teacher, where he sculpted young minds and kindled the flame of creativity. For four decades at the Ohio State University, his tenure resembled a masterpiece, a symphony of inspiration orchestrated through his unwavering devotion to art and art education. After his time at Ohio State, he transitioned to UNT in 2009 and retired in 2014.

At the core of his being was an unyielding belief: art transcends boundaries. From the halls of Columbus, Ohio, to the sprawling international landscapes of Turkey, Iran, Singapore, and China, he sought the universal language embedded in artistic expressions. His fervor for exploration found solace in the Netherlands, a tapestry of inspiration that fueled his artistic soul.

Retirement did not dim the vibrant hues of his passion. With his cherished wife, Susan Michael Barrett, by his side, Florida became a sanctuary for creativity. Amidst the sun-kissed shores, Dr. Barrett continued to write and create, encouraged by the love of family and the laughter of nine adored grandchildren. Yet, his legacy extended beyond his own artistry. Dr. Barrett was a beacon, advocating tirelessly for the democratization of art experiences. His words resonated through his writings, inviting individuals from all walks of life into the enchanting world of art. His works were not mere compositions; they were gateways, welcoming everyone to find their unique path amidst the diverse tapestry of artistic expression.

He crafted a living memorial in his final days, embracing technology to bridge distances and connect with cherished family and friends. He wrote, spoke, and shared moments of gratitude, leaving a legacy of love and appreciation woven into the fabric of his existence.

Dr. Barrett's brilliance extended beyond academic halls; it reverberated in unexpected places. He shared his wisdom at the Nasher Sculpture Center and illuminated the lives of those residing in assisted living facilities, ensuring that art's transformative power reached every corner, regardless of circumstance.

His books and many articles bore the imprint of a collaborative spirit; Susan, his cherished partner, adorned his words with visual narratives, enriching his artistic vision.

In the grand gallery of life, Dr. Barrett's canvas remains an everlasting testament to the power of art. His strokes of wisdom, vibrant palette of experiences, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity continue to inspire and resonate — a testament to a life well-lived, dedicated to spreading the universal language of art to the hearts of all.

Barrett lived a fascinating life; his autobiographical web page describes it best. To support Dr. Barrett's legacy at UNT CVAD, please make a gift to the UNT Terry Barrett Scholarship Fund.

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Dec. 21: Georgia "Billie" Gough 103rd Birthday
Dec. 25–29, 2023: Winter Break – campus closed
Jan. 1: New Year's Day Holiday – campus closed
Jan. 2: Return to Campus
Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – campus closed
Jan. 16: Classes begin
Jan. 30–Feb. 10: Voertman Competition Exhibition, Cora Stafford Gallery, Room 100, UNT Art Building
Feb. 6–May 10: "Everybody's Bolo" Exhibition, CVAD Gallery, Room 160, UNT Art Building
CVAD Upcoming Events | UNT Alumni Calendar | UNT Events Calendar | Gallery Exhibitions

Gif courtesy of alumna Megan Lockhart, Class of 2010

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