COFAC TODAY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION FALL 2019 FALL

COFAC TODAY COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION DEAR FRIENDS, FAMILIES AND COLLEAGUES, INTERIM DEAN, COLLEGE OF This year, the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) embraced the college theme FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION Arts without Boundaries. Through artistic explorations and commentaries outside the typical Greg Faller boundaries of a specific artform, this theme encourages us to find common threads that unite EDITOR and connect, rather than divide and limit. From podcasts and art exhibitions to the move- MARISSA BERK-SMITH Assistant to the Dean ment of the Cuban ballet and the sounds of the symphonic band, each department played College of Fine Arts and Communication a role in a successful fall semester. WRITER The Center for the Arts Gallery and the Asian Arts & Culture Center spent this semester Rebecca Kirkman Communication Strategist focusing on themes related to sustainability and recycling, crossing boundaries between the arts and sciences. Sandy Winters’ exhibition, Creation and Destruction, explores nature, and CONTRIBUTING WRITERS humankind’s deep connection with the plant kingdom. Reclaimed Creations, an exhibition by Sedonia Martin Kyle Hobstetter Sayaka Kajuta Ganz, uses found plastic objects to create large sculptures of flying horses, birds Briana Richert ’20 and sea creatures. The spring semester will start off with Collected Watershed, an installation CONTRIBUTOR by eco-artist Stacy Levy that will bring students from TU sciences and the Department of Michele Alexander Art + Design together to tell the ecological story of the watershed areas around Baltimore. Marketing and Public Relations Manager College of Fine Arts and Communication In addition to the incredible visiting artists and lectures, our students are out getting real-

DESIGNER world experience, rubbing elbows with the stars. Music major Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon ’19, Lori Marchetti earned his spot in the top six performers on the reality series American Idol. Electronic Media Towson University Creative Services & Film major Maria Olney ’20 landed an internship at Steven Spielberg’s LA production PHOTOGRAPHY company, working with TU alumna and head of physical production Shelly Strong ’91. Kanji Takeno, Lauren Castellana Towson University Photographic Services Through collaborations near and far, the Department of Dance broke through boundaries both physical and cultural. In a summer seminar, TU hosted Maestra Ramona De Saa, director of the Cuban National Ballet School, for a workshop focused on cultural exchange TABLE OF and dialogue through the teaching of Cuban ballet methods. In addition, students from the TU Dance Company and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) have come CONTENTS together in an unprecedented collaboration uniting students and artistic directors from both schools to create EMERGE. Still others are pushing artistic boundaries through experimentation. Phil Davis, from the 2 A PASSION FOR STUDENTS Department of Art + Design, curated the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Film Festival, a three- day juried international film festival showcasing unique, experimental and cutting-edge AN “AMERICAN IDOL” animations. Along these same lines, David White, from the Department of Theatre Arts, 6 RETURNS TO TU shattered the perceptions of Shakespeare in this fall’s rendition of Hamlet, casting five

8 RUTH AND ARNO different students to portray the title character. DRUCKER FUND We also reflect on the legacy of Arno Drucker and the impact of the Ruth and Arno Drucker Fund, which provides educational opportunities to music students. And in a profile of Music 10 LEARNING TOGETHER Professor Chris Cicconi, we learn how his student-centered approach to teaching empowers students to push their own boundaries, reaching potential they didn’t know was possible 12 THE 5 FACES OF HAMLET without his support. 14 COLLECTED WATERSHED To read more about our students and the wonderful projects and events happening in our college, please visit www.towson.edu/cofac. BRIDGING CULTURES 16 WITH BALLET

A TIGER IN TINSELTOWN 18 TU PROFESSOR BRINGS Greg Faller, Interim Dean 20 “SWEATY EYEBALLS” College of Fine Arts and Communication TO BALTIMORE

GREEK MYTHOLOGY ON THE COVER: Phil Davis, Professor (right) 21 AND JAPANESE and student, Michael Lueras-James ’20 PHILOSOPHY Photo by Kanji Takeno A PASSION FOR STUDENTS

With his student-centered approach, Assistant Professor of Music Christopher Cicconi builds relationships inside and outside of the classroom By Rebecca Kirkman

Christopher Cicconi has an open-door policy. And a music student deserves, in my Visit the assistant professor’s office in the opinion, to have someone fully vested music department and you’ll likely find a in them. My kids have that with me.” student or two hanging out, talking through Cicconi’s student-centered approach a challenge they might be facing in school or to teaching and challenging perfor- just giving him a good-natured ribbing for mance repertoire has his students being a Steelers fan. enrolling in symphonic band and It’s the type of environment and relationship symphony orchestra year after year, Cicconi experienced with his college band although only one term is required director Stephen Gage as a music education for graduation. student at Youngstown State in Ohio, and one In his seventh semester of symphonic that he works hard to create for his students at band, Joshua Fleming ’20 credits Towson University. Cicconi’s passionate conducting for schoolers, so the chance to play music like “After working with him for four years, I keeping him coming back. “Every semester this is amazing.” wanted to be a college band director [too],” I think, ‘Maybe I should take a break from Cicconi pairs his supportive approach Cicconi says. “I want to give my kids here what ensembles?’ Then I see an email from him with high expectations. The combination I got in undergrad. The way that I come across over the summer, see the amazing rep that gives student musicians the confidence to to people is a direct reflection of how he came we’re about to do, and just remember that do their best. across to me.” familial aspect that the symphonic band “He’s definitely made me want to be a better gives me,” says the french horn player In his fifth year as director of bands and musician, because his standards are really and senior music performance major. orchestras and assistant professor of music high for the group, but also [for] individuals, “I honestly wouldn’t trade it for anything.” education, Cicconi was drawn to the position and that motivates me to meet him at the for its combination of band conducting and Students describe working in Cicconi’s expectations he has for me,” says Leah teacher prep opportunities. But it was an ensembles and playing the music he selects Kwiatkowski ’22, a music education major interview with current students that made as a “privilege.” and french horn player. “I think I can do the him take the job. Colleen Michael ’20 says she likely won’t things that he thinks I can do because he “The thing that really sold me on it was the have the opportunity to play the type of music believes in me.” culture of the kind of kid that was here,” she performs as a clarinetist in the symphonic “The caliber of the ensemble is incredible, and Cicconi says. “It's the Towson kid that really band much after graduation. “The repertoire it’s all really thanks to his direction,” Kwiat- fuels my energy for what I do. And I waited he picks for us to play is like no other,” Michael kowski adds. “His support and dedication to Photos by [for the right position to find] that. Because says. “As a music educator, I’ll probably the group really motivates people to meet his Kanji Takeno there have been jobs that weren't that way. be teaching Hot Cross Buns to elementary expectations, because I think we in general try

2 COFAC Today COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION 3 “The other thing that I’m maybe more passionate about is their experience on the way to that success.”

to give back to him in rehearsals as much as science major and euphonium player in the school and elementary school band programs he gives to us, [both] in rehearsals and outside symphonic band. around the state, especially if one of his former students is involved. of rehearsals.” When asked how he gauges himself as a In his classes, Cicconi covers a wide range successful teacher, Cicconi looks to how well “I've become highly reflective,” Cicconi says. of topics, from teaching music education his students are doing. “Because my kids, our kids, here at Towson deserve to have the best person in front of students strategies for success when leading “If it's a great concert, I love the fact that my their own bands or ensembles one day, them. And you may be the best, but you won't kids pulled off an amazing concert,” he says. be the best forever if you don't continue to to ensuring they have tools to cope with “If things went poorly, I'm also highly reflec- grow with them. You can be the fastest runner, the stress that comes along with being a tive, and look back at myself, like, How could but if you stop practicing, eventually you're college student. I have prepared them better? Did I give them not going to be anymore. And so it's that. It's When he detected a heightened level of stress music that was too hard? Was it appropriate? that highly reflective nature about myself.” among the symphonic band during a mid-se- All of that.”  mester rehearsal, Cicconi devoted part of the But for Cicconi, there’s more to teaching class to an open discussion, inviting students than student success. “The other thing that to talk through what was bothering them and I'm maybe more passionate about is their offering suggestions for managing their stress. experience on the way to that success. There's “He told us the reason that he comes to going to be failures and successes along the campus on the days he doesn’t have band or way. But what did they gather, or what kind of class is because he might run into one of us,” life skills do they get?” Kwiatkowski recalls of that day, “and that just Part of Cicconi’s student-centered approach really stuck with me.” to teaching means he never stops learning. Cicconi does everything he can to support If a rehearsal doesn’t go well, he’ll record students inside and outside of the classroom. the next one to check his own behavior for And they feel it. potential problems. He asks students for their “He’s the kind of teacher that pushes you feedback, and invites outside professionals to be better than you think that you can be, and colleagues to sit in on his classes and while making sure that you’re OK as a human offer an evaluation. And he stays busy outside being,” says Brennan Traube ’19, a computer of the classroom, regularly visiting high

Photos by Kanji Takeno

4 COFAC Today Opposite: Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon on "American Idol." Photos by ABC/Eric McCandless. Right: Harmon signs the wall after his first radio interview at WTMD. Below: Harmon recording a session at WTMD. Photo by Roy Henry.

Singer-songwriter Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon has been performing for most of his life—in "I never experienced such a welcoming community church choirs, music festivals, national venues and Towson University’s Center for the Arts [as] at the school of music at TU. [The faculty] while working toward his degree in voice have been really instrumental in all the change performance. that has happened in my life. I have nothing But in New York City last September 2018, Harmon gave his most life-changing but love for Towson.” performance yet—his “American Idol” audition for celebrity judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. can lead to new opportunities. “I am thrilled to “I was able to audition with an original see one of our own music majors competing in song, so that was a great opportunity for me such a high-profile and life-changing arena,” to put my music out there,” says Harmon, says Collister. “I am cheering him on with 27, a Catonsville native who transferred to every note he sings and every new avenue of TU in 2017. “It was so exciting to be able to expression he opens as a result of this amazing sing in front of the judges—it was a surreal experience.” experience.” Harmon returned to Baltimore with a national And it was just the beginning. On “Idol,” fan base. Over the summer, he performed at Harmon became known for his powerhouse the Hard Rock Cafe, Oriole Park at Camden vocals, original music and openness about Yards and TU radio station WTMD. his personal faith and his coming out story. Back on campus for his final term, Harmon His performances wowed the judges and the received a standing ovation from his peers nation week after week, earning him a spot after performing two songs off of his upcoming in the final six competitors. album, "Namesake," during the Department of AN “AMERICAN IDOL” Perry called him "a really important Music Convocation in September. contribution from the universe to music," At TU, the singer says he's found support and while Grammy, Tony and Emmy award- community when he needed it most. “My time winning singer Cynthia Erivo described at Towson has had a strong impact on me,” his voice as "unstoppable." Elton John said RETURNS TO TU Harmon explains. “I never experienced such Harmon was an "amazing talent" whose a welcoming community [as] at the school rendition of "We All Fall In Love Sometimes" of music at Towson. [The faculty] have been After earning a spot in the reality series' top six performers, music major "took my breath away." Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon is back on campus for his final semester really instrumental in all the change that has Department of Music Chair Phillip Collister happened in my life. I have nothing but love By Rebecca Kirkman says Harmon is an example of how courage for Towson.” 

6 COFAC Today COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION 7 DONOR PROFILE

The Ruth and Arno Drucker Fund By Rebecca Kirkman

Ruth Drucker sits perched on a chair in the also taught at the Peabody Conservatory, living room of her mid-century home that’s serving as a faculty member for two decades. FRIENDS OF THE ARTS DONOR LISTING 2018-2019 tucked into a wooded lot just minutes from In addition to concertizing around the world, Towson University’s campus. As she recounts the couple played together in the Towson We are deeply grateful to our donors for The Presser Foundation investing in Towson University’s College of Joanne P. Vatz ’78 & Richard E. Vatz moments from her nearly 70-year relationship Chamber Players, a summer program held Fine Arts and Communication. We recognize with her husband Arno, Drucker alternately at Towson University and the Baltimore the following alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations and other $1,000 to $2,499 laughs and wipes away tears. Museum of Art of which Arno was the organizations that supported the college Beth Marie Arman & Robert M. Mintz founding artistic director. through the Towson University Foundation An accomplished vocalist and Towson with annual gifts of $1,000 and above from Marsha Perry Becker ’99 & Gordon Becker July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. Curtis H. Behrent University music professor emeritus, Drucker When Ruth retired from Towson University Garry R. Bolan ’75 taught in the Department of Music for nearly in 1995, the couple established the Ruth $50,000+ Robert J. Burleigh, Jr. Estate of Harold J. Kaplan, M.D. three decades beginning in 1967. Wherever and Arno Drucker Fund, which has been Cynthia A. Cooper & Jody D. Morrison ’84 Drucker was, Arno, an accomplished pianist transformational for the music department, $25,000-$49,999 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and educator who died on July 15 at age 85, according to Chair and Professor Phillip Steven E. Lane ’77 Arno P. Drucker * could often be found nearby. The couple Collister. The fund provides educational Ruth L. Drucker built their successful careers as teachers experiences for voice students on an $10,000 to $24,999 Carl L. Fredericks * James Muse Anthony and performers side by side. annual basis. Internationally acclaimed Judy A. Fredericks Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences Patricia A. Kisicki & Donald R. Kisicki tenor Lawrence Brownlee will present a “His passion was me,” says Drucker with John G. Dreyer Beth C. Littrell & Keon W. Littrell ’98 masterclass in the spring term. a smile, who met her husband while the Keith L. Ewancio ’94/’07 Edward F. McDonald ’78 two were studying at the Eastman School “Towson has always been a great home for Sally G. Heaphy & David P. Heaphy William C. McNamara ’94/’98 of Music in Rochester, N.Y. “Arno was such me, and giving back has always been a part William Murray ’08/’11 Bonnie J. Montcalmo & Anthony J. Montcalmo PNC Bank a good pianist, he made himself available of our lives,” Ruth Drucker says, pointing to Brian K. O’Connell ’87 PNC Financial Services Group Susan E. Picinich & Stanley M. Max to accompany me. That’s how the her family’s arrival in the U.S. from Austria Devon Pinkett & Stephen Pinkett, Sr. $5,000 to $9,999 romance started.” as refugees during WWII. “And we give Michele G. Renaud ’85 Linda S. Adams to our passion, which was music.” Nancy E. Wanich-Romita ’00 & Victor J. Romita Their school day romance bloomed into a Peggy & Yale Gordon Charitable Trust Allan G. Scott bond that would take them around the world. The Baltimore Musicales, a nonprofit Ira J. and Mary K. Basler Foundation, Inc. Mary F. Shock ’75 The Druckers earned dual Fulbright grants organization based in Roland Park The Allan G. Scott Charitable Gift Fund to Ruth’s native Austria while working on that builds community through song, $2,500 to $4,999 Vira Jo Denney The Romita Fund their graduate degrees, then spent two years dedicated its October performance to Erica Marie Ferguson ’18 Robin A. Tracy ’77 & Patrick Tracy ’76 touring Europe while Arno played in the 7th Arno Drucker’s memory. Marlyn Setren Ferguson Cyntria M. Vinson Army Symphony Orchestra. “Arno and his wife, Ruth, formed the ultimate Andrea S. Fine & Sam Fine ’03 Barbara C. Vollmer & Richard Vollmer Nancy E. Wanich-Romita ’00 & Victor J. Romita The Druckers settled in Baltimore after Arno duo, and their nuanced interpretations serve Allan J. Greenberg Wyllyn L. Hoffman ’76 earned his Ph.D. at the Peabody Conservatory as a model of excellence for singers and *Deceased Macben LLC in 1970, studying with famed pianist Leon pianists everywhere,” writes executive director Great care was taken to ensure the accuracy Photos courtesy Mitzvah Fund for Good Deeds of Ruth Drucker of this listing, and we would appreciate your Fleisher. Arno went on to teach at Peabody, Thea Tullman Moore in the concert program. Patrick H. O’Connell, Jr. sharing with us any errors or omissions. Please as well as build the music department at the “[His] musicianship, artistry, integrity and Stephanie L. Papadopoulos & Nickolas Papadopoulos direct inquiries to Alison Armstrong, Manager of Donor Engagement, at 1-866-301-3375 or University of Maryland Baltimore County, dedication to the song repertoire will continue Kathleen Shiota & Yoshinobu Shiota [email protected]. where he taught for three decades. Ruth to inspire for years to come.” 

8 COFAC Today COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION 9 LEARNING TOGETHER An unprecedented collaboration unites TU and CCBC dancers on one stage By Rebecca Kirkman Each term in the TU Dance Company, students work with guest choreographers and prepare a concert complete with lighting and costume design. It’s part of Dance Company Artistic Director Runqiao Du’s efforts to create a company curriculum that will prepare students for life after graduation. “This is like a simulator, if you will,” says Du from a studio in the Center for the Arts where you don’t have a whole semester to [learn] full-length work, because most academic work the company is rehearsing for its fall concert, something. We tried to mimic [that], to create a is built around a 9- to 15-minute piece.” Emerge. “We create an industry standard, live industry speed for those dancers to absorb, as much as we can, of the concept of the In addition to preparing students for profes- to learn and to perfect.” company. So when students graduate and go sional life, Du hopes to send a message with into the industry, they will not be unfamiliar For students, Emerge has provided an opportu- Emerge, which was inspired by a sunset he with the practice.” nity to learn in new ways. witnessed while teaching a summer dance intensive in South Africa and explores the idea But this fall, Du and his colleagues have come “It's something I personally haven't really done of light emerging from darkness. together to create something unprecedented: yet,” says TU Dance Company member Kaelen a 45-minute piece combining works from four Gouveia ’21. “But it's also very exciting because “With so many people from different schools, choreographers at two institutions. you get to see many different backgrounds and different backgrounds, [together] on stage, choreographic styles come together. And it's that is powerful,” he says. “It’s a sense of unity, For Emerge, Du partnered with TU faculty really interesting to see how your stylistic voice sense of community, sense of togetherness, Alison Seidenstricker and Vincent Thomas can fit or goes together with the new choreog- that to me is valuable as well.” as well as Community College of Baltimore rapher. It's a very eye-opening experience.” County Associate Professor Melinda Blom- Senior dance major Kayla Clancy says Emerge quist to piece together a half-evening length In November, students from the CCBC and TU has given her the opportunity to push herself piece that will incorporate dancers from both dance companies first performed a section of physically and emotionally with a longer piece. institutions. Emerge at CCBC and later the full-length piece “I hope that [the audience is] inspired by joined by Vincent Thomas’ Modern Repertory A professor exchange allowed Du to work our hard work, but also the message and the class in the Stephen’s Hall Theatre. with CCBC students as a guest artist, while emotion that we bring, sharing ourselves and Blomquist came to campus to teach a section “Artistically, the opportunity to work with our stories on a stage and together,” Clancy of choreography to TU’s Dance Company. four different choreographers and have four says. “And I hope they're surprised by this “With this sort of collaboration, the dancers different artistic challenges all within the same different thing that we're bringing this semester Photos by Kanji Takeno and Lauren Castellana have the opportunity to work with new people work is a really unique experience,” Blomquist that we've never done before.”  in a short amount of time. In the real world, says. “And then also this opportunity to be in a

10 COFAC Today COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION 11 Michael Oduro ’22 | GRIEVING HAMLET hard to imagine that you wouldn’t do the things that Hamlet does. One of the things he wanted to achieve by all of these different Hamlets is to BFA acting major Michael Oduro opens the show with the show that anyone could be Hamlet.” first introduction to the main character, “Grieving Hamlet.” In his first Shakespeare production, Oduro steps into the The new rendition of a classic allows students to be closely involved in role of Hamlet as the character learns of his father’s death the creative process. “It’s a lot of good analysis, a lot of good Shakespeare and feels wronged by his uncle. Grieving Hamlet feels the experience. But also, our director has been very open to everything pain of loss and betrayal so strongly, and revenge seems to be a task too so he’s really let us be creative and think of things that can add to the great to handle alone. production,” Scherini says. “I think that [Grieving Hamlet] realizes he won’t be able to right this wrong on his own, so he’s calling on other parts of himself,” says Oduro of the Cherelle Matthews ’21 | DAMNED HAMLET emergence of the many sides of the character's personality. This iconic BFA acting major Cherelle Matthews stars in her second character is no small feat to take on, even with four other actors to help Mainstage production as “Damned Hamlet,” who out. “It’s terrifying. Because, you know, it’s just Hamlet. No pressure,” he deals with the aftermath of all of the previous Hamlets’ says with a laugh. “It’s a lot of fun. But I’ve never done any Shakespeare decisions. Now, it’s up to “Damned Hamlet” to deal production before, so it’s interesting to get into this type of theater that with the consequences. “He’s a prince, things just go everyone’s familiar with. But, there’s a whole lot more to it than the his way naturally. And now he has murdered someone that was really general public thinks.” important to someone who is really important to him, and it’s just a lot,” Photo by Katie Simmons-Barth Matthews explains. “So ‘Damned Hamlet’ really has a lot going through Kerinne Walls ’21 | DANGEROUS THEATRE HAMLET his head.” With the show being so unique in style, Matthews has enjoyed seeing the production come together naturally throughout the rehearsal In the role of “Dangerous Theater Hamlet,” Kerinne Walls process. “We’re basically creating the show as we go instead of just plays the Hamlet who devises a plan of revenge. In her doing what the script tells us to do. We’re molding things day by day first Mainstage role, the BFA acting major describes and it’s really awesome to be in the process because I know the show the exhilaration of the experience and the impact she is going to be amazing.” hopes it will have on the audience. “I hope that they are shocked,” Walls says. Along with the exhilarating experience for the audience, the actors also Gina Mattucci ’20 | MARAUDING HAMLET gain a valuable experience by working on the show. “It is an invaluable With an emergency recasting, the final Hamlet, THE 5 FACES learning experience for me because I’m a junior now and I’m able to “Marauding Hamlet,” takes on an even larger sense apply a lot of the skills I have learned in my classes up until now [to this of urgency. Now played by BFA acting major Gina production]. I have the chance to apply them here and that is very Mattucci, this role encompasses all of the character’s beneficial to me as an actor and as a professional out in the real world,” unhinged impatience and desire for revenge to finally OF HAMLET Walls adds. be carried out. Five students embody the title “I like to think of the last Hamlet as the ‘boiled over’ Hamlet. He has role in a loud, bold interpretation High school English has provided most of us with the basic knowledge of William Grant Scherini ’21 | RIGHTEOUS HAMLET watched his other versions fail at their tasks, or he's watched them do Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but Towson University Theatre Arts Productions shattered nothing at all, over and over again, and he’s frustrated with them, which of the Shakespeare classic from The third Hamlet, “Righteous Hamlet,” is played by BFA those perceptions in its rendition in October at the Mainstage Theatre in the Center also means he’s frustrated with himself,” Mattucci says. “So, he pops his TU Theatre Arts Productions acting major Grant Scherini. This Hamlet displays the for the Arts. lid off and the water comes boiling out, scalding hot and dangerous.” character’s sense of entitlement and is the personality that By Briana Richert ’20 Director and Theatre Arts Professor David White takes a new approach to the story with drives the character into a downward spiral through the Stepping into the role just two weeks before opening has proved an a modern setting and by dividing the protagonist into five roles cast with five actors. murder of Polonius, portrayed by Department of Theatre important trial in the career of the veteran Mainstage actor. “The experi- Richert is a senior majoring in English and Electronic ence of this show will be one of the most important COFAC experiences Media and Film. She is a student writer for University Loud and exhilarating, the production featured periods with more than one Hamlet on Arts Professor Peter Wray. Communications and Media Relations. that I will ever have. I threw myself willingly into this role two weeks stage, and various other elements of surprise. For a glimpse into this wild interpretation In his first Mainstage production experience, Scherini describes Director before opening, which made me discipline myself and utilize my tools of a classic, we spoke with the five actors portraying the title character. David White’s interesting take on the character as a whole. “One thing our discovered in several semesters of acting, voice and movement classes director has talked about is that if you were under the circumstances, it’s to give this production the best that I could give.” 

12 COFAC Today COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION 13 on the Schuylkill River, and city and state municipalities on the Hudson River to name a few. Levy believes the watershed around TU is COLLECTED an interesting area because of the obvious relationship between the rain water running into the streams, on to the Chesapeake Bay and finally into the Atlantic ocean. WATERSHED Students will collect water samples in jars without lids for the exhibition. Levy wants Students and nationally recognized artist create natural art exhibition the work without lids because there’s a more visceral connection to the water. The By Sedonia Martin containers will be open vessels and not sealed compartments. Visitors to the exhibition will visualize the work as a map on a rug. Stacy Levy describes herself as an eco-artist and environmentalist using the language of the landscape to tell the Her work and research give visual form to ecological story of a site, drawing on art and science. That’s exactly what she and students from TU’s Department natural processes that would otherwise remain of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education as well as students from the TU sciences and social sciences plan to invisible. To build these visual metaphors, Levy meshes the clarity of diagrams, the beauty of create with the exhibition “Collected Watershed.” natural forms and the visceral sense of the site. Her art is motivated by imaging what is too The exhibition, on view in the Center for the Most of Levy’s projects are large-scale public integrates the beauty of art with site design to small to be seen, too invisible to be considered Arts Gallery from January 31 through April 25, installations, some of which are permanent create memorable installations. or too vast to be understood. “I hope students 2020, is curated by J. Susan Isaacs and Erin and others temporary. Visitors to the TU According to Levy, “When I start a project, will never drive their car across a little bridge Lehman, and by TU scientists Susan Gresens temporary exhibition will see a dendritic I study the natural phenomena I’m working and ignore the creek below,” Levy says. “I want and Sarah Haines. Regularly bridging art pattern, a pattern essential to the entire natural with, [such as] water, wind, tides, but I also to give them a sense of how the water runs with science, Levy’s research often includes world and to everything within human bodies. research the particular site where the project across the land like capillaries in our bodies, Photo courtesy of Stacy Levy collaborations with scientists, as is the case “The pattern is universal, from trees to blood issuing to be installed.” bringing life-giving force that sustains our with the TU exhibition. vessels,” Levy says. drinking supplies, our landscapes, our farms As a sculptor making large-scale public instal- Levy, a nationally recognized artist, studied Pennsylvania. Her many projects can be To create “Collected Watershed,” Levy, with According to Levy, “This pattern is how not and our fisheries.” lations in rivers, streets, parking lots, airports at the Architectural Association School viewed on her website: www.stacylevy.com the help of TU students, will be collecting only water is carried but how blood moves and nature centers, Levy frequently works “People often think that nature ends where of Architecture. She graduated from Yale water samples from the watershed areas through our bodies, how nutrients move As part of the exhibition, additional lectures as part of a collaborative team seamlessly the city begins,” Levy says. “My projects are University with a B.A. in sculpture, studied at around TU from the Gunpowder Falls to through trees, and how electricity moves and discussions, Family Arts Day, interactive merging sculpture into the architecture, the designed to allow a site within the built envi- Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, the Chesapeake Bay. as lightning in the sky. Part of my work as concert, Lemonade Project, water quality topography and the storm water requirements ronment to tell its ecological story to the people and graduated from the Tyler School of Art at an eco-artist is to draw attention to this environmental conference and community “I will begin collecting water with students of the site. She works closely with building that inhabit it. As a sculptor, my interest in Temple University with an M.F.A. in sculpture. water clean-up are planned. one week before the show opens,” says Levy. incredibly intricate, well-designed pattern architects, landscape architects, engineers, the natural world rests both in art and science. She has numerous commissions, collections, “That process will be a great opportunity for of conveyance." horticulturalists and soil scientists to create I use art as a vehicle for translating the patterns According to Levy, “Without water we are solo and group exhibitions throughout the students to learn the locations and conditions “Collaborating with nature requires a artworks that allow natural systems like the and processes of the natural world.” literally nothing and these little, often United States, Canada and Europe and has of the streams that flow unseen through their multi-disciplined approach in order to find infiltration of rainwater to function and thrive. unnamed and unnoticed streams are the In addition to the exhibition, Levy will present served as a visiting scholar and artist, lecturing daily lives. So many of the waterways that we answers to the site’s issues,” says Levy. Her conduits for freshwater across the planet.”  Levy has worked with the Frick Environmental a lecture Thursday, January 30, at 6:30 p.m. throughout the country. She is the recipient live with are culverted or sent underground artwork interacts with the natural world and Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (a Living in the Center for the Arts Art Lecture Hall. of numerous awards, fellowships and honors. and made invisible. This installation is about her projects reveal the hidden natural world Sedonia Martin is the former Senior Commu- Building Challenge Project), the Coast Guard The exhibition and lecture are free and open When not traveling and constructing installa- nications Manager, University Marketing & bringing those waterways back into view.” in the urban environment. She seamlessly on the Ohio River, the Army Corps of Engineers to the public. tions, Levy lives on her 80-acre farm in central Communications.

14 COFAC Today COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION 15 “It’s about embracing another culture, showing others how their efforts are valued and that we see the impact they have on dance across the world.” —Catherine Horta-Hayden

In Towson University’s Center for the Arts, the warmth of the people, the aesthetics, into a beautiful experience to be here. The same about two dozen ballet students warm up at this ballet form.” way that I have taught, I have learned from everyone who has been here,” she says. the barre in a sun-drenched dance studio. The seminar's 25 available spots were filled A spry, petite figure weaves between them, quickly, showing a keen interest from the Horta-Hayden hopes to resume the program stopping to adjust the position of a hand here, dance community. Attendees include ballet again next year, and one day expand it to a shoulder there. instructors at public schools, private studios, include an educational exchange program The woman is 80-year-old Maestra Ramona De pre-professional programs and in higher where TU dance students could travel to Saá, director of the internationally renowned education from Maryland, Virginia, Cuba to take classes at the Cuban National Cuban National Ballet School since 1965. One Pennsylvania and Georgia. Ballet School. of the most respected figures in the pedagogy “Just being in the room and having the “This idea of opening your doors, your heart, of dance in the contemporary world, De Saá Photos by opportunity to learn from Maestra de Saá sharing this knowledge across cultures, is part Lauren Castellana is here as part of TU's Cuban National Ballet was remarkable. She is a true gem in the of Towson University’s mission of inclusivity School Teaching Seminar. It's the first time dance world,” says Megan Logee ’03, owner and diversity,” Horta-Hayden says.  she's taught such a seminar in the U.S. and artistic director of the Carroll County A four-day program designed to highlight and Dance Center and Ballet Conservatory, and a share the distinct Cuban ballet methodology graduate of TU’s B.F.A. in dance performance with dance instructors in the U.S., the seminar and choreography. was made possible through a partnership “Her generation is getting older and there is so between TU’s Department of Dance and much value in the history and knowledge that Community Dance Center, along with the she has to share,” she adds. “I am so pleased Ruth Page School of Dance in Chicago. that TU is committed to fostering all kinds “I am Cuban American, and it was always a of partnerships and collaborations across BRIDGING dream of mine to connect with the Cuban disciplines and cultures and that TU is still National Ballet School,” says Catherine Horta- providing educational opportunities for me.” Hayden, professor and chair of the Towson The heart of the program is about more University Department of Dance. “It really than just dance. It’s about cultural exchange CULTURES is a methodology that is coveted worldwide. and dialogue. They develop some of the best trained dancers in the world.” “It’s about embracing another culture,” Horta- Hayden says. “Showing others how their efforts Horta-Hayden explains how the infusion are valued and that we see the impact they WITH BALLET of Cuban culture into the country's ballet have on dance across the world.” methodology makes it unique. “One of the TU dance department welcomes Cuban National Ballet School director for summer teaching seminar many intriguing notions of the curriculum is Despite teaching ballet for more than a how they make it distinctly Cuban. They have half-century, De Saá sees the seminar as an By Rebecca Kirkman found a way to infuse the culture of the island, opportunity to continue learning. “It’s been

16 COFAC Today COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION 17 “I didn't realize how many people there are out there from Towson.”

Photos by Kanji Takeno In fact, it was an event through the department “When Shelly came [to speak at TU], she said “There's a lot more people out there from that made Olney’s internship at the Steven that she wanted to help students get more Maryland than I thought,” Olney says, Spielberg-led production company possible. opportunities, because it's hard to get a job recounting a story of the time her Tigers unless you know somebody already,” Olney During her sophomore year, Olney attended a sweatshirt was recognized in the Los Angeles adds. “I didn't know anybody out there.” talk by Shelly Strong ’91 as part of TU’s Women grocery store Ralph’s, and her realization that and Minorities in Media Fest, never expecting With guidance from Visiting Instructor Jena TU alumnus Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series that less than two years later she would be Burchick, Olney reached out to Strong, asking The Haunting of Hill House was produced stationed at a desk just outside Strong’s for advice on finding an internship. “I figured through Amblin’s television arm. office in Los Angeles. A TU alumna, Strong is the worst thing she could say is no, or just not “I didn’t realize how many people there are executive vice president and head of physical email me back.” out there from Towson.” production at Amblin, which develops and Olney got much more than just an email As she wraps up the first half of her senior year, produces film and television programming response. After an informational phone Olney is once again by her mentor’s side— under the Amblin Entertainment, DreamWorks interview and an in-person meeting while this time leading a Q&A with Strong for Pictures and Participant banners. A TIGER IN she was visiting Los Angeles over spring Jena Burchick’s “Reel World: Professional Some of its recent productions include The break, Olney was offered a paid summer Portfolio” class. Post, Ready Player One, and Jurassic World: internship at Amblin. “Don't be afraid to reach out,” Olney advises Fallen Kingdom. TINSELTOWN The networking didn’t end once she got the her peers. “When somebody is on this level, it's “The cool thing about physical production is job, either. “Shelly was really big on having me a little intimidating to talk to them or reach out once a film makes it from creative to physical, meet as many people as possible and get as to them. But [I remind myself] they're an adult EMF senior Maria Olney ’20 lands an internship at Steven Spielberg’s LA production company they basically make it. They find all the heads much experience as possible,” Olney says. “So in a job. One day, you're going to have a job By Rebecca Kirkman of the departments. They create a budget, she let me go and meet with the head of every that you go to every day and probably younger a schedule. They attach a director and a department there, which was really nice. And people are going to want your help.” As the first physical production intern at “It was like here. When we make a film at producer to the film,” Olney explains. then they let me take some time off to meet Armed with her summer internship experi- Amblin Partners, Maria Olney’s summer was Towson, we screen it to our class, and they with some people outside of Amblin, too.” A “So it was interesting to see an overhead ence, Olney is eager to head back to L.A. after full of exciting moments, from the first time give us feedback,” Olney explains. “And on post-production supervisor outside of Amblin view of how everything comes together. graduation in the spring. driving into a studio lot to early glimpses of this level, they screened it to an audience. who worked with the studio on A Dog’s Journey They call themselves the nervous system of not-yet-released films. They have everybody in the audience fill out helped Olney set up a tour of Panavision’s “I’ve wanted to do film for the longest time, this card, like, Did you like it? Did you know a film. I felt like every day was like another With one such moment—sitting in on a headquarters in Woodland Hills. [and I know] L.A. is the place to be. But I didn't who all the characters were? Did you under- learning experience.” want to just graduate, pack up all my stuff, and test screening of a film prior to its release— Despite being more than 2,500 miles from her stand the plot? Were there any plot holes? For the aspiring filmmaker, the internship was move out there without any experience—What Olney saw similarities to her classes in native Myersville, Olney says she was continu- Towson University’s Department of “And I was like, this is the same concept as also an example of the importance of building if I hated it?” Olney says. “So this was a nice test screening one of my films to my class, but on ally surprised by the connections to home she Electronic Media and Film. relationships in the industry. to see if I liked it, which I do.”  a much bigger level. That was really cool.” discovered in Los Angeles.

18 COFAC Today COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION 19 TU professor brings ”Sweaty GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND JAPANESE PHILOSOPHY Fall Exhibitions Focused on “Creation and Destruction” and “Reclaimed Creations” Eyeballs” to Baltimore by Sedonia Martin Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education’s Phil Davis curates three-day international animation festival at the Parkway Theater By Kyle Hobstetter

Towson University Associate Professor The Art Gallery in Center for the Arts Phil Davis has a passion for animation. and the Asian Arts & Culture Center presented exhibitions during the fall He loves drawing. And as a filmmaker, he was semester based on Greek mythology tired of dealing with actors and he loved the and Japanese philosophy with a strong fact he could create a feature film without focus on sustainability, recycling and having to leave his desk. discarded materials. “I want to have maximum control over the thing Artist Sandy Winters presented “Creation I make, and I want to make it in my bedroom,” and Destruction” in the Center for the Arts laughs Davis. “I just toiled away on pieces of Gallery. Winters, an established painting, paper to make a film. And I think that's what's so beautiful about it, too, is that you can make drawing and printmaking artist, has taught at Cornell University, Yale and the City something with such limited means. Emergence by Sayaka Ganz / 2013 The Glass is Half Full by Sandy Winters / Flash acrylic, College of NY, and has exhibited, written “And it can be really powerful, and really graphite, newspaper collage on Arches paper / 2016 and is published extensively. For the last beautiful, and moving and interesting.” 40 years, her art work has been exhibited That passion for animation led Davis to create widely in group and solo exhibitions scenarios. Students, faculty, staff and and the global and local awareness of the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival, which through the United States. Her TU exhibition the public had an opportunity to hear plastic consumption which are contributing Winters discuss her painting, drawing and to our environmental difficulties. Shinto is took place Oct. 4 - 6 at the Parkway Theater in Photo by Kanji Takeno explored nature, and humankind’s deep the Station North neighborhood of Baltimore, connection with the plant kingdom which printmaking creative process when she a Japanese philosophy in which all things thanks to funding from COFAC and BTU – Part- by artists that are on the cutting edge of the He credits TU’s supportive environment she perceives as an overwhelming force, presented a lecture in early September. have spirits. Ganz believes, if her objects could speak, they would want to return nerships at Work for Greater Baltimore initiative. medium, experimenting, trying new things, both with helping him develop as both a teacher perpetually giving birth to and at the same The Asian Arts and Culture Center presented visually and with storytelling.” and artist. to earth and sea and become parts of And while most equate animation with Disney time continuously overcoming the world “Reclaimed Creations,” an exhibition by living creatures again. Her mediums include and Pixar movies, Sweaty Eyeballs offers a more Davis has been presenting an iteration of Sweaty “If I didn't have this job,” Davis says, “I don't of order, artifact and fantasy. Her mediums artist, Sayaka Kajita Ganz. Ganz, who was spoons, spatulas, hangers, combs, clips, “adult” take on the art form. Eyeballs to Baltimore audiences since 2012, think I would be making as much work as I'm include oil, acrylics, graphite, collage and born in Yokohama and grew up in Japan, other household objects and old toys. where he was asked to curate a one-off event making. And I don't think I would be curating block prints to extend the boundaries on Brazil and Hong Kong, created fantastical The three-day juried international film festival Ganz believes her work creates energy at the Creative Alliance in Highlandtown’s a three-day international animation festival, a canvas in every direction to create new, organic sculptures of airy flying horses, showcased unique, experimental and diverse and harmony from discarded plastic objects, Patterson Theater. because it wouldn't have the infrastructure huge paintings. Winters translates stories birds and sea creatures for her exhibition voices in the field of animated filmmaking with transmitting a message of hope for our future and stability to be able to pursue these kind into her art using narratives and clever a focus on innovation in craft, storytelling and “It took eight years to really build the audience composed from reclaimed and found plastic of creative endeavors. titles. For over 30 years, Winters’ theme by showing how beautiful these discarded work that questions preconceived notions of for it,” Davis says. “And now the audience is objects. Ganz began her sculpting career for her work revolved around the myth of materials can be and what can be done what animation can and should be. there. And I think people are really excited “TU has been great at providing me resources, with metal. She began collecting, cleaning Dionysus, considered with mundane objects and materials. Ganz about it.” space to develop these things, and also students and welding sculptures from discarded pieces “I'm trying to highlight that this art form is a patron of the arts. In her fantastical works, presented a gallery talk during the opening to bounce ideas off of. Yeah, I got no complaints. of metal from a courtyard as a student at extremely expansive and diverse, and there are Davis has been part of Towson University’s faculty Winters morphs mechanical objects with reception in September for students, faculty, I love it here.”  Indiana University. Her Shinto-inspired lots and lots of really interesting artists who for 10 years, first in the electronic media and film staff, AA&CC patrons and friends.  strange plants and bodily organ-like objects sculptures urged viewers to consider their are making interesting work out there in the department, and then in the Department of Art + and casts them in vast, detailed, busy awareness of the impact of discarded plastics world,” Davis says. “This is animation made Design, Art History, Art Education.

20 COFAC Today 1119.1644

by Lynn Nottage by TU Department of Mass CommunicationTU Department and TU PRSSA Spring Networking Fair Spring Networking 8 April Village Ballroom C West TU Department of Theatre Arts Sweat 9 30 – May April Mainstage Theatre TU Department of Dance Mood 6 – 10 May Hall Theatre Stephens TU Department of Art + Design, & Art Sale Spring Pottery 8 – 9 May Ceramics Studio Art History, Art Education

TU Department of Music TU Department Bill & Helen Murray Jazz Murray Bill & Helen Concerts feat. Ellery Residency Eskelin ’81 1 & April April 3 Hall Recital TU Department of Music The Pirates of Penzance Gilbert & Sullivan by 17 – 19 April Hall Theatre Stephens TU Public Communication Center Annual Public Speaking Competition 23 April Hall Recital

TU Department of Theatre Arts TU Department March 5 – 12 March Theatre Studio of Music TU Department PRISM: A Musical Collage 7 March Concert Hall Kaplan Harold J. TU Community Art Center Arts Day Family 28 March Center for the Arts Atrium Lasso of Truth by Carson Kreitzer Carson by Lasso of Truth

22 –

F 410-704-6026 8000 York Road 8000 York P 410-704-3288 towson.edu/cofac Towson, MD 21252 Towson, College of Fine Arts College and Communication @tucofac | @tucofac | @tucofac cofac.tu locations times and to change subject or cancellation. dates, Programming, 15 Galleries closed March events.towson.edu February 13 – May 16 February 13 – May TU Asian Arts Gallery TU Asian Arts & Culture Center Exhibition | Afarin Rahmanifar | of Shahnameh, The The Women of Afarin Rahmanifar Women TU Department of Electronic Media & FilmTU Department of Electronic Media the World 12th Annual Bridges to International Film Festival 6 February 7 – March Hall Auditorium Bokkelen Van Center for the Arts Gallery Center for the Arts Art History, Art Education Art History, Art Levy: Stacy Exhibition | Collected Watershed 25 – April 31 January Visit us online at towson.edu/cofac to find out more about these and other events. these and more about to find out online at towson.edu/cofac Visit us of Art + Design,TU Department Spring 2020 Event Highlights 2020 Event Spring towson.edu/main/artsculture