College of Fine Arts / Arizona Arts

A big shout and thank you to Medici Scholar Mackenzie Haensgen (School of Dance) and JustArts Fellow Nicolette “Niko” Gomez (School of Art) for representing the College of Fine Arts at last week’s reception for the Arizona Board of Regents’ meeting. The pair got to meet new University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella (shown here with Niko Gomez).

Yumi Shirai, PhD, director of the outreach program with the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Family & Community Medicine and the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, bridges the worlds for adults with developmental disabilities and medical students through collaborative projects. Read about how her dance training is used to improve the lives of aging adults and those with developmental disabilities. https://bit.ly/48bjtp8

Medici Scholar Eliza Hitch spent a week as a performance apprentice working with Broadway’s brightest stars, thanks to support from the College of Fine Arts Medici Circle. Eliza, a BFA musical theatre senior, spent a week at the Broadway Dreams Summer Intensive in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended classes and rehearsals and assisted faculty. The week culminated in a Broadway-style showcase presented at the Booth Playhouse at the Blumenthal Arts Center. “I feel so much more prepared to enter into the professional world with the connections and friendships I made and cannot wait to return to Broadway Dreams.” Medici Circle support allows talented artists and scholars like Eliza to pursue an educational summer project beyond the classroom. “This exciting week would not have been possible without the generous support of Barbara Molotsky! Thank you for your consistent support of Arizona Arts, the Medici program, and aspiring artists like me!” https://lnkd.in/gYWSTSrY

Medici Scholar Isabella Santoni took a three-week combat training intensive last summer, thanks to support from the College of Fine Arts Medici Circle. Isabella, a senior pursuing a BFA in Acting and a BA in Creative Writing at the University of Arizona, trained in three new weapon styles – sword & shield, knife and smallsword. She also took masterclasses in fighting for film and intimacy coordination for theater. “This program taught me more than just how to fight with new weapons,” she said. “I got a more holistic understanding of both the power and weight of using violence as a storytelling tool. I got to connect with women and non-binary teachers working in the combat industry and understand the unique challenges—and joys—that come with it. Medici Circle support allows talented artists and scholars like Isabella to pursue an educational summer project beyond the classroom. “A massive thank you to Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino. Your generosity provided me with invaluable access to training that will continue to serve me throughout my education and into my career.” https://lnkd.in/gnPmJrEa

Witness an indelible performance far beyond a traditional magic show with illusionist, mentalist, and performance artist, Scott Silven. Scott Silven is a master of illusion and imagination, blending mind-bending mystery with profound insight. Named a “Critic’s Pick” by The New York Times and praised by Vogue as a “world-renowned mentalist,” Silven’s performance Wonders takes audiences on an unforgettable journey beyond traditional magic. Nov. 20-23, 2024 | Tornabene Theatre Arizona Arts Live at University of Arizona https://lnkd.in/gWfPY8qn

Today, on #NationalPhilanthropyDay, arts patron and cherished supporter Barbara Molotsky was presented with the “Spirit of Philanthropy Award” at the University of Arizona by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global).? ? Arizona Arts and the School of Theatre, Film & Television send Barbara our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your unwavering, invaluable support of our TFTV students.? ? Lillie Langston, TFTV and College of Fine Arts 2023 Fall Outstanding Senior, was awarded the Start Up to Stardom award and a $10,000 prize from Barbara Molotsky.

??? 2025-26 Udall Center Fellowship applications are now open!! Take a semester away from teaching to focus on research in one of the following four research tracks: ?? Biosciences and Public Policy (in partnership with the University of Arizona BIO5 Institute) ?? Environment and Public Policy (in partnership with Arizona Institute for Resilience) ?? Fine Arts and Public Policy (in partnership with College of Fine Arts / Arizona Arts) ??? General Public Policy (in partnership with University of Arizona Research, Innovation & Impact) ????Applications are due January 31, 2025!???? Details and application instructions here: https://lnkd.in/eK7_rY6K

Join us for an engaging presentation by Dr. Tyina Steptoe: “Soul Stories: Music and Community through History,” Nov. 15 (10a) at the Center for Creative Photography as part of the AIAR Speaker Series. Steptoe hosts a weekly radio program called “Soul Stories” on KXCI Community Radio 91.3 FM. The show explores the roots and branches of rhythm and blues music. In this interactive presentation, she will discuss how her community engagement on KXCI relates to her work as a historian. She will demonstrate how she creates episodes of “Soul Stories,” while showing how music shapes her research and teaching. Steptoe is also an associate professor of history at the University of Arizona. Admission is free. #soulstories RSVP | https://lnkd.in/g9eVvFyZ

Today, we honor and thank those who have served our country.

Hanna Lawson is one of many School of Art students involved in Student-Made Arizona, a new online shop featuring student businesses at the University of Arizona. Hanna, a senior in studio art with an illustration, design & animation emphasis, has shown her artwork in galleries and has an Etsy shop. On Student-Made, she sells prints and stickers. “I wanted to join because I thought it was fun,” she said. “I also thought it would be a good exposure for my artwork.” Find Hanna (@_hippinnn) at studentmadearizona.com.