Spring 2015 S Pr Ing 2 01 5 N O .1 5 the Magazine of the University Of

the magazine of The University of the Arts edg e of magazine the edge Spring 2015 T he U niversi t y

t he A r t s Spring 201 5 no.15

5/12/15 4:33 PM Scott McMahon BFA ’95 (Photography) & Ahmed Salvador BFA ’95 (Photography) Kirk E. Pillow interim president

Josephine Burri publisher vice president for advancement

Paul F. Healy editor associate vice president of university communications

Benjamin Brotman BFA ’13 art director & designer

James Maurer production manager

Dana Rodriguez contributing editor

contributing photographers contributing writers Benjamin Brotman BFA ’13 Anisa Haidary Jason Chen BFA ’08 Paul F. Healy Ian Douglas Sara MacDonald Mark Garvin Moni fa Moore CJ Harker BFA ’14 Sima Rabinowitz Claire Iltis Dana Rodriguez Paola Nogueras Liz Saccardi B. Proud Kristen Scatton TJ Walsh BFA ’07

cover image Winter Dance Series, December 2014 Photo: Ian Douglas

postmaster: send address changes to: Edge c/o University Communications The University of the Arts 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102

edge, Volume 1, Number 15 Edge is the magazine of the University of the Arts. Readers are encouraged to submit ideas for original articles about University students, facul ty and alumni; advancements in arts and arts education; and visual, performing and media arts. The submission of artwork for reproduction is also encouraged. Please include contact information when submitting art. Unless requested, artwork will not be returned.

Please send all comments, kudos and criticisms to: Edge c/o University Communications, Letters to the Editor, 320 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102; or email [email protected].

1 edge

Edge15_cover_filesforprint.crw2.indd 2 Response Time #5 2014 N e w M e x i c o l a n d s c a p e ta k e n w i t h a p i n h o l e c a m e r a , t h e n w r a p p e d i n t i n f o i l & w h i m s y ; i n k j e t p r i n t f r o m c o l o r n e g at i v e

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 1 5/12/15 4:38 PM FROM THE PRESIDENT

At the University of the Arts, as in ‘14 BFA Harker CJ In the other articles in this issue of all things, change is inevitable and, Edge magazine, you will find a theme if approached in the right manner, that threads its way through each, a can bring with it great opportunity. theme based on a bold concept: “UArts So it is as the end of another exciting = Philly Arts.” Bold indeed, but un- and eventful academic year moves deniably true, in both qualitative and nearer. quantitative ways. Look in any corner of the region’s arts and culture scene Heading the list of changes at UArts and you’ll find University of the Arts is the presidential transition now alumni or faculty—and often both—in underway. Former President Sean leadership roles, both artistically and Buffington’s departure in January administratively. to take a position with the Henry Luce Foundation in New York City From larger, established institutions offers us the chance to celebrate the that have set the pace in a myriad of bold changes that occurred over disciplines for many years, to ground- the past seven years under Sean’s breaking entrepreneurial startups that leadership; and it provides the opportunity to choose a are reimagining the futures of their fields, members of new leader to move the University into the next stage of the UArts community are there with their hands on the its evolution. wheel.

UArts’ innovative new curricula, our new colleges and In those stories, we focus on just a small sample of the schools, and the academic programs we have launched leaders and innovators who are helping to drive and to have positioned the University uniquely among our peer form the vibrant creative environment that has inspired institutions and helped to put us on an exciting path publications as diverse as Business Week and The Huffing- forward. That journey will be mapped out in large part ton Post to call Philadelphia one of the top U.S. cities for by the next UArts president. The process to select that arts and culture. individual is being led by a presidential search committee, with the assistance of a top consulting firm and the I hope you enjoy this issue of Edge. We welcome both input of a wide range of University of the Arts constitu- your feedback and your ideas for future themes and encies. You can learn more about the search on page 5. stories.

Warm regards,

Kirk E. Pillow Interim President

3 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 3 5/12/15 4:30 PM TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURED UARTS = PHILLY ARTS

5 Looking to the Future

11 13 15 From ‘Mad Men’ A Thriving Community Choreographing to Twitter… and Beyond of Artists the Future of Dance

19 21 23 The Philadelphia Sound… UArts Sets The Outsider Courtesy of UArts the Stage Is Now In

25 A Coach in Philly’s ‘Gym for Innovators’

29 UArts News

36 Supporting UArts

41 Alumni Notes

51 In Memoriam

53 From the Archives

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 4 5/12/15 4:30 PM LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The search for a new president is underway

Jason Chen BFA ’08 BFA Chen Jason After seven-and-a-half years of leading the Universi- define and implement a new approach to teaching the ty of the Arts through a period of significant strategic next generation of creative leaders. As a result of that change, President Sean T. Buffington stepped down effort, an innovative new curriculum was developed, at the end of December 2014, and a search for UArts’ championing risk-taking, exploration, the crossing of next leader is well underway. disciplinary lines, collaboration and entrepreneurship. New strategic and master plans were created to define Buffington was appointed vice president for planning the University’s goals academically and financially, and and strategic initiatives by the Henry Luce Foundation to envision the physical campus required to make those in New York City. Provost Kirk E. Pillow is serving as aspirations a reality. interim president to ensure a seamless transition while a national search is conducted. Dr. Pillow’s appoint- UArts Board of Trustees Chair Jeffrey Lutsky ment began on January 1, 2015. expressed confidence in the University as the search for a new president is ongoing. “We’re in a strong posi- Sean T. Buffington “I’m proud of what the UArts community has accom- tion,” Lutsky said. “UArts is on solid financial ground; plished over the past seven years,” Buffington said. we’ve attracted nationally acclaimed talent to our “It has been a privilege to lead this institution, to work faculty; our curriculum has been transformed to be the each day with such tremendously committed and first in the country for an independent art and design talented artists and educators, and to do so in the heart college to truly deliver interdisciplinary learning; and of the city of Philadelphia, which boasts one of the our faculty and alumni are defining the creative econo- country’s most vital arts scenes. I will miss the Univer- my in Philadelphia and beyond.” sity and Philadelphia enormously.” And Lutsky says UArts is in good hands as the search for Taking the reins at UArts in 2007, Buffington was one the next president continues. “Provost Kirk Pillow is of the youngest college presidents in the nation and, an experienced and capable leader. He worked closely at the time, one of the few openly gay ones. Aware with Sean and the leadership team to implement the of dramatic changes shaping both the near and far University’s curricular transformation in recent years. futures of the arts, Buffington launched a process to He is continuing to move the University forward in an exciting direction during this time of transition.”

5 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 5 5/12/15 4:30 PM The Presidential Search

A Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Trustee and former Board Chair Ronald Naples, is working CJ Harker BFA ‘14 BFA Harker CJ with Korn Ferry, one of the nation’s leading executive Kirk E. Pillow search firms, to identify the best possible candidates. The Committee members represent a range of Univer- sity of the Arts stakeholder groups—trustees, faculty, academic and administrative officers, and alumni. Members of the UArts community were offered the Accomplishments opportunity to submit nominations of individuals they believed would be excellent candidates to lead the Uni- Naples Ron Courtesy Photo With an Eye to the Future versity into the future.

Academically, many strategic changes have occurred Those stakeholders were also invited to a series of Town over the past seven years. The College of Media & Hall Meetings to learn more about the search process, Communication merged with the College of Art & to offer their views on the opportunities and challenges Design to form the College of Art, Media & Design, and facing UArts, and to provide input on the attributes Schools of Art, Design and Film were created. New most desirable in the University’s next president. undergraduate programs were launched in Photo + Film Media, Film + Animation, Film Design + Production, A section has been created on the University’s website Design, Art + Technology, and Music Business, Entre- (uarts.edu/presidentsearch) to keep the UArts commu- preneurship + Technology. The Division of Liberal Arts nity updated on the progress of the search process. Ronald Naples launched its first degree programs, Creative Writing and Naples, the Search Committee chair, says the panel’s Film + Media Studies. And the School of Dance, under goal is “to find a proven and innovative leader to guide the direction of Director Donna Faye Burchfield, the University’s growth and development; to increase developed a groundbreaking, dynamic new curriculum. its visibility nationally and internationally; to ensure the resources necessary to fulfill its mission; and to Buffington also oversaw the launch of new programs serve as an effective and enthusiastic University am- on the graduate side, including Master of Design de- bassador and advocate for arts education, the role and grees in Design for Social Impact and Product Design; power of creativity in our economy, and the impact of through the Division of Continuing Studies, a Master of technology on these.” Education in Educational Program Design and a Master of Education in Educational Technology; a 5-Year BM/ According to Naples, the new president will have the MAT in Music Education degree and a 5-Year BFA/MAT opportunity to leverage UArts’ academic and artistic in Visual Arts/Art Education degree; and an MFA in excellence as well as the institution’s points of distinc- Devised Performance through a partnership with Pig tion in raising the profile of the University and forging Iron Theatre Company. more connectivity to both the Philadelphia arts community and the broader landscape of arts education. The past seven years also saw UArts reaching out to “In doing so,” he says, “the president will draw from create partnerships with a wide range of institutions the rich and vibrant fabric of the University, made up of in the community, including NextFab, Philadelphia’s its talented students, dedicated, accomplished faculty cutting-edge, high-tech fabrication workspace, and celebrated alumni.” contract fabricator and rapid prototyping center; the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and In addition to the updates on UArts’ website, informa- Design at Drexel University; and the Curtis Institute tion on the search will be communicated on an of Music, among others. ongoing basis via the University’s email newsletter, Verge, and on its social media platforms The most recent, and one of the most exciting for UArts Facebook.com/uarts, Twitter.com/uarts and students, is the collaboration with neighboring Peirce Instagram.com/universityofthearts. College, a strategic educational partnership to add greater depth to each school’s educational offerings and to better prepare students for the current job market. Peirce, a leader in career-related education for 148 years—and conveniently located directly across the street from UArts—offers a range of management, marketing and other courses for UArts students.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 6 5/12/15 4:30 PM 7 edge illustratio n b y John Brickly ’15 (Illustration)

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 7 5/12/15 4:30 PM UARTS = PHILLY ARTS

University of the Arts faculty, alumni and students lead the way

For almost 140 years, the University of the Arts and the Many of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival’s most in- creative life of Philadelphia have been linked intrinsical- teresting productions were the work of UArts faculty, ly. From its days as the first institution—in fact, the alumni and students, from performers to directors, first building—on what is now South Broad Street, to choreographers to sound and lighting artists, includ- today, with its legion of visual and performing artists, ing alumni Gunnar Montana BFA ’11 (Dance) and designers and writers, the stories of University of the Brian Sanders BFA ’92 (Dance), who presented Arts alumni, faculty and students are the stories that new dance-theater works in the Neighborhood Fringe; define Philadelphia’s thriving arts and culture landscape. “(some) LOVE AND (some) INFORMATION,” a joint production of UArts’ Brind School and Headlong Dance While William Penn, Quaker that he was, might dis- Theater; and Brind School Professor Aaron Cromie’s approve of the boldness of that thesis, the truth of it, lauded direction of the unique “Body Lautrec” at the as later leaders in Philadelphia might put it, is indeed Mütter Museum. self-evident: the UArts community is a leading driver of the creative economy in Philadelphia and beyond, from In the fall, the Institute of Contemporary Art presented stage, screen and studio to entrepreneurial start-ups a major exhibition featuring the work of alumni and administrative leadership. Nationally renowned Jayson Musson BFA ’02 (Photography) and faculty and alumni are not only shaping the creative Alex Da Corte BFA ’05 (Printmaking). leaders of tomorrow, they’re actively shaping the Phil- adelphia arts scene today. Opera Philadelphia’s 40th anniversary gala was headlined by School of Music grad Stephen Costello BM “It’s extraordinary when you realize the depth and ’03 (Voice), whom The Wall Street Journal has called breadth of the influence University of the Arts alumni “a Philadelphia kid who sings like he’s from Milan.” and faculty have in the region’s arts and culture scene,” says UArts Interim President Kirk E. Pillow. “That’s UArts students swept the prizes in the Philadelphia been the case for a very long time, and now as we look Museum of Art’s 2014 Collab Student Design Compe- ahead to the University’s 140th anniversary in 2016, we tition, with Jude Marks ’16 (Industrial Design) will be working to ensure that everyone else knows it.” taking first place—the third time in the past six years that a UArts design student has won the top prize in the The list of accomplishments by members of the UArts prestigious competition. community is exceptional. The opening show of the Wilma Theater’s 2014/15 season was directed by And copies of the new book First Comes Love: Portraits Ira Brind School of Theater Arts Director Joanna of Enduring LGBTQ Relationships by Adjunct Associate Settle. Brind School alumni and faculty received more Professor of Photography Barbara Proud were sent than 30 Barrymore Award nominations, with 10 taking to each of the U.S. Supreme Court justices as part of an home trophies. In addition, alumna Jennifer Childs invitation to attend the upcoming exhibition “Speak- BFA ’90 (Acting)—founder of 1812 Productions, the ing Out for Equality: The Constitution, Gay Rights & region’s iconic comedic company—continued to make the Supreme Court,” which will be on display at the Philadelphia theatergoers laugh, as she has since National Constitution Center June 5 – September 7. 1997, while 11th Hour Theatre—co-founded by alumna The books were signed by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Megan O’Brien BFA ’05 (Applied Theater Nutter and other dignitaries. Arts)—broke new ground with each production. In this issue of Edge, we look at a few extraordinary members of the UArts community who represent the much larger body of visual artists, performers, designers, writers and others who have set the pace for the thriving creative environment in Philadelphia.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 8 5/12/15 4:30 PM Featured Faculty Artist Senior Lecturer, Liberal Arts Anabelle Rodriguez

9 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 9 5/12/15 4:30 PM Island #7 (Melaza para Puerto Rico) 2014 watercolors , g o u a c h e , g l i t t e r , s u m i i n k o n a r c h e s a q u a r e l l e

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 10 5/12/15 4:30 PM FROM ‘MAD MEN’ TO TWITTER… AND BEYOND

Philadelphia advertising legend Berny Brownstein’s still at the top

11 edge PHOTO: CJ Harker BFA ’14

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 11 5/12/15 4:30 PM FROM ‘MAD MEN’ TO TWITTER… AND BEYOND

He’s been dubbed the “Dean of Philadelphia Advertis- ing,” even the “King of Broad Street,” but one thing Berny Brownstein BFA ’57 (Advertising Design) has never been called is timid. CJ Harker BFA ’14

Sitting in his corner office—the walls of which feature Brownstein says that when he graduated in 1957, the photos of him mingling with luminaries such as Bill country was going through a creative revolution. Clinton, the halls outside lined with more awards than can “The first ad campaign for Volkswagen, which is iconic be easily counted—the 78-year-old Brownstein looks the now, was wildly innovative, the antithesis of traditional part of a modern-day ad man in a stylish bright-yellow car ads, and it was wildly successful. I knew I wanted and green plaid shirt, sleeves rolled up just so, leaning to get into that. And I had the bug to do it my own way.” back in his chair and exuding confidence. Many things So after working as an art director at an agency and then have changed since he cut his teeth in the hard-driving for a department store, he launched Brownstein Group Berny Brownstein “Mad Men” era of advertising—but not others. from his home. As the business grew, it moved in 1980, settling in to its current home at 215 South Broad, adja- cent to UArts’ Terra Hall. Today, it boasts 75 employees Berny shows off a recent “One thing and $12.5 million in annual revenue, and the agency Philadelphia Inquirer feature celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014. on Brownstein Group Berny Brownstein “When I started out, much of the work being done in Berny Brownstein early in has never been Philly…well, it was as if there was an invisible dog fence his career around the city, and no one realized there was a much, called is timid.” much bigger world out there,” he says. Brownstein was adamant that he was going to bring the quality and creativity of Madison Avenue to the City of Brotherly “My mantra is ‘create breakthrough work,’” he says Love. And he did just that, now calling such giants as with a smile, his eyes lively and sharp. “Always has IKEA, Microsoft, ESPN, eBay, Comcast and Western been. It was my passion when I started my own agency Union clients. “Today, some of the best work is being in 1964, and it hasn’t ever changed.” done in smaller agencies outside New York,” he says, “in Denver, Seattle, in Portland, Ore., Richmond, Va., and Boulder, Colo.”

The advertising industry has undergone significant changes since the days of Don Draper-types and three-martini lunches, including the development of digital marketing and social media. Brownstein says that although it’s more of a challenge to break through the clutter today, the key, as always, is to know where the client’s audience is and how to reach them. And for Brownstein Group, the hits keep on coming: this year, the firm won 15 ADDY Awards, Philadelphia’s highest industry honor.

And he has no plans to stop. “Here I am at my age,” he says, “and I’m still here in the office, still in the action.” Another smile spreads across his tan face. “It’s my nature to sell, so I’m going to keep on selling.”

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 12 5/12/15 4:30 PM A THRIVING COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS

Alumna and faculty member Julianna Foster helps lead a vibrant collective scene

13 edge PHOTO: CJ Harker BFA ’14

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 13 5/12/15 4:30 PM A THRIVING COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS

Vox Populi—Latin for “voice of the people”—is the “So many great granddaddy of all artist collectives in Philadelphia. Since 1988, it has been the creative home to some of the people have moved city’s most compelling and provocative artists, contin- uously raising the bar with their thought-provoking, here, and great boundary-pushing work. things are happening.” “When I moved to Philadelphia, I was intrigued by the level of work at Vox,” says UArts alumna and Photogra- According to Foster, who stepped down from Vox phy Senior Lecturer Julianna Foster MFA ’06 (Book recently after seven years as a member, the most Arts + Printmaking), one of many UArts faculty and important aspect of the organization is being around alumni who have been members of the influential artists who are making challenging and provocative organization, including current member Alexander work. “There’s a real sense of community-building,” Rosenberg, head of UArts’ Glass program. she says. “Because it’s artist-run with no curators, it creates a space for experimental work and allows for “I was teaching in North Carolina when my husband more openness and freedom. It provides opportunities got a job at the Fabric Workshop here in Philly in 2000,” to build your practice and to experiment.” Foster says. “I had been a member of a small gallery Julianna Foster MFA ‘06 collective in Winston-Salem, so I had already been And that approach has gained recognition far beyond (Book Arts + Printmaking) introduced to co-ops.” the borders of the City of Brotherly Love. In 2010, Vox Populi was invited to take part in a festival at the Tate “Orbs II” from Foster’s Foster was invited to join Vox Populi, whose member- Modern gallery in London featuring 70 independent “Swell” series, 2013 ship, she says, is typically capped at 20 to 25 artists and non-commercial art spaces from around the world. rotates, and quickly decided that she wanted to take Foster says that Philadelphia is a vibrant and exciting The Vox Populi collective an active role, especially as the collective was planning place to be right now. “So many artists are doing so a move from its old space on Cherry Street to its new many wonderful things, in visual arts, dance, theater,” quarters on North 11th Street. “I became chair of the she says. “And there are opportunities for artists when Facilities and Communications/Public Relations com- they finish school here. When we first moved here, we mittees,” she says. “It was exciting to be involved in the thought we’d stay a few years and then see what’s next. layout and design of the new gallery, and to help get it We’ve been here for 12 years, and we stay because there up and running.” are so many opportunities. And I’ve seen the arts scene here grow. Smaller co-op spaces have sprung up—since Vox moved into its new building, five or six smaller galleries have opened.”

Although she cites funding as an ongoing issue for artists in Philadelphia, she believes the growth of independent arts spaces will increase, “with people opening up their own spaces, print shops, etc., and collaborating. It’ll continue to get bigger and better.”

Foster says the University of the Arts plays a major role in that growth. “UArts is a vibrant environment, exciting, with great people doing really great work. I’ve collaborated with several other alumni, in fact.

“I have a very positive outlook on the artists’ community here,” she says. “So many great people have moved here, and great things are happening.”

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 14 5/12/15 4:30 PM CHOREOGRAPHING THE FUTURE OF DANCE

UArts’ School of Dance touches every corner of the city’s dance scene

15 edge PHOTO: CJ Harker BFA ’14

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 15 5/12/15 4:30 PM CHOREOGRAPHING DouglasIan THE FUTURE OF DANCE

When it comes to the reason why Philadelphia has such a rich and celebrated dance culture, Donald Lunsford BFA ’83 (Modern Dance) believes it’s all in a name.

“Philadelphia is the city of brotherly and sisterly love, and dance is love,” says Lunsford, a faculty member in the University’s School of Dance, as well as the “The city is an extension of our studios and class- Left to right: artistic director of Danco 2, the apprentice company rooms,” says Burchfield, rattling off the names of Kim Bears-Bailey BFA ’84 of the groundbreaking professional dance company organizations and companies with whom the School (Ballet), Donald Lunsford Philadanco. “That’s what’s shared between dancers and of Dance has a relationship, including the Pennsylva- BFA ’83 (Modern Dance) and audiences. Philly attracts, supports and feeds dancers nia Ballet, Philadanco, the Painted Bride Art Center Donna Faye Burchfield with that love.” and more. “It’s one thing to talk about something, it’s another thing to go out and see it and experience it. Winter Dance Series 2014 UArts’ School of Dance has been sharing and nurturing We’re really trying to make this city our laboratory, so that love since the late 1970s, when the Philadelphia being in [Philadelphia] is essential to the dynamic we Dance Academy merged with the Philadelphia College are trying to create.” of the Performing Arts, the predecessor of the current College of Performing Arts. Burchfield has also overseen significant changes within the School of Dance’s classrooms, restructuring the Nearly 40 years later, the School of Dance counts among curriculum to abolish the rigidly structured “silos” that its alumni and faculty some of the most influential and forced dancers to choose a major area of focus and ex- recognizable names in the Philadelphia dance commu- panding the styles to which students are exposed. “Our nity—Brian Sanders BFA ’92 (Modern Dance), freshmen take hip-hop and ballet every day. That’s founder of the dance/physical theater company not a common practice,” she says. “But it’s not okay to Brian Sanders’ JUNK; Kim Bears-Bailey BFA ’84 train in singular ways anymore. The world is too com- (Ballet), assistant artistic director of Philadanco; plex. It’s not just about teaching dancers to be moving Ronen Koresh, founder and artistic director of Koresh bodies, but thinking, reflective young artistic citizens in Dance Company; and many more. Meanwhile, the a world that is in constant transition.” rosters of Philadelphia’s top professional dance companies—Philadanco, JUNK, Koresh, BalletX, Sharp All of which bodes well for the continued healthy Dance Company—are a who’s who of UArts alumni. presence of UArts alumni in the Philadelphia dance community, says Lunsford. Empowering dancers to take advantage of the diverse opportunities in Philadelphia and around the world “Dancers come here to train and get the best of what has been School of Dance Director Donna Faye the city has to offer, and then they give it back. They Burchfield’s mission since taking the helm in 2010. come in with their own prior experience and knowledge, and that enhances the knowledge base for the “The professional field of dance is incredibly expansive whole community,” he says. and expanding,” says Burchfield. “Today’s dancers have no problem swinging between the traditional and the But it’s not just the School of Dance’s innovative experimental. It’s essential that our dancers see the curriculum and impressive faculty roster that will keep possibilities of ways to be in dance.” drawing young dancers to Philadelphia, but the city’s energy as well. And School of Dance students see those possibilities everywhere in Philadelphia, by participating in perfor- “The dancers that come here…we’re all on the same DouglasIan mances, workshops, master classes and internships, and frequency, and it’s intense and vital,” says Lunsford. learning from the city’s most notable professional dancers. “That’s what dancers feed on here, the vitality of our community.”

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 16 5/12/15 4:30 PM Featured Alumni Artist Ben Dibble BFA ’00 (Musical Theater)

17 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 17 5/12/15 4:30 PM Barrymore Award-winning role as Leo Frank in Arden Theatre Company’s production of “Parade.” 2014 P h o t o b y M a r k G a r v i n

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 18 5/12/15 4:30 PM THE PHILADELPHIA SOUND… COURTESY OF UARTS

Faculty and alumni drive the region’s music industry

19 edge PHOTO: CJ Harker BFA ’14

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 19 5/12/15 4:30 PM THE PHILADELPHIA SOUND… COURTESY OF UARTS

To say that the University of the Arts’ School of Music plays an integral leadership role in the Philadelphia music scene is akin to declaring that “Gone With the Wind” was a nice little movie.

For decades, UArts faculty, alumni and students have Concerts by the famous Philly POPS orchestra tend to had a seminal impact on every facet of the music indus- look like a UArts reunion. Besides Kerber and Gallagher, try in Philadelphia. From solo artists to pit musicians, among the many other UArts representatives is Associate composers to music directors, to the teachers who help Professor Jeff Kern, conductor of the Voices of the POPS, develop the next generation of those talented artists, a 12-voice professional group that sings with the orches- the UArts community continues to serve as the city’s tra. He also leads the POPS Festival Chorus, a 125-voice musical vanguard. chorus that joins the POPS for their holiday concerts and features some 30 current and former UArts students. Performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra? Check. The Philly POPS? Check. Backing up everyone from Patti LaBelle to Ben Folds, Tony Bennett to Idina Menzel, “The UArts community Elvis Costello to Sarah McLachlan? Yup. Pit orchestra for just about every Broadway show that hits Philly? Yes, continues to serve as the indeed. Left to right: city’s musical vanguard.” Faculty/alumni Ron Kerber, “We joke about how many UArts musicians are request- Matt Gallagher and Chris ed to play in the pit for those shows,” says saxophonist Farr Ron Kerber BM ’80 (Saxophone), associate dean of Kerber says UArts’ reach extends to the top players in the College of Performing Arts. Trumpeter and Assistant all the local recording studios, even to what we hear in Almost two dozen UArts Professor Matt Gallagher MM ’01 (Jazz Studies) movies and on our TVs and radios every day. He cites alumni and students were agrees. “I looked down the row during rehearsal for Senior Lecturer Chuck Butler as the top commercial featured in the Philly POPS’ “Motown: The Musical” earlier this year and out of six and jingle composer in Philadelphia, whose work is April concert horns, four were UArts guys.” Gallagher, by the way, heard worldwide. Butler has scored campaign commer- was hand picked this past year by the world-renowned cials for presidential candidates, provided music for TV Some of the UArts faculty Boston Symphony Orchestra to play solo trumpet for a programs including “Oprah!” and “The Today Show,” who perform with the Philly special performance of “West Side Story.” and has scored several independent films. POPS (l-r): Matt Gallagher, George Rabbai, Mark Allen, That UArts influence has been the case for a very long “The great thing is that the people who’ve graduated Ron Kerber, Marjorie Gold- time, according to sax player and Assistant Professor from UArts and are out in the professional world make berg, Joseph Nero Chris Farr BM ’94 (Saxophone), MAT ’95 (Music sure they set an example for the students of how to be a Education). “We had so many guys recording at the professional,” says Gallagher. “We take them out there Sound of Philadelphia Studios, with the Spinners, the and get them experience while they’re still in school. Stylistics, the O’Jays, you name it,” he says. Professor Every student I’ve recruited, I’ve taken out on gigs with Evan Solot BM ’67 (Trumpet), BME ’67 (Compo- my band,” he says. sition), MM ’75 (Composition) and the late trom- bonist and faculty member Richard Genovese, who According to Kerber, the secret to success—besides passed away in August, are prime examples, according exceptional talent—is the flexibility and adaptability of to Farr, who himself spent last summer on tour with UArts musicians. “Jazz, like classical, is a very specific Rihanna and Eminem—the musical director for both form,” he says. “But a good jazz musician understands of whom happens to be alumnus Adam Blackstone other forms, like blues, R&B, etc.” ’04 (Instrumental Performance). “And [Master Lecturer] Larry McKenna’s been the face of jazz sax- As a result, in the world of music in Philadelphia, the ophone in Philadelphia for 50 years,” adds Kerber. UArts beat goes on.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 20 5/12/15 4:30 PM UARTS SETS THE STAGE

Philadelphia theater takes its cues from Brind School alumni and faculty

21 edge PHOTO: Paola Nogueras

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 21 5/12/15 4:30 PM UARTS SETS THE STAGE

If you want to know how the University’s Ira Brind School of Theater Arts influences Philadelphia’s theater scene, flip through the program of the next local production you attend and count the names of the Brind School alumni, faculty and students who are involved in the show. Or Google “UArts Barrymore Awards” and Philadelphia’s reputation for a supportive community scroll through the names of honorees from the UArts and diverse work piqued the interest of Brind School family. Director Joanna Settle when she was considering a move from New York. “It seems like you can’t turn around in a theater without seeing someone from the UArts community,” says “I was looking at the vibrancy of Philadelphia the- Jen Childs BFA ’90 (Acting), founder and produc- ater—the city has great spaces and audiences who are ing artistic director of Philadelphia’s 1812 Productions. hungry for theater in all its forms,” says Settle, who “It’s not just actors—it’s directors, designers, stage joined UArts in January 2014. “So when I got the call managers, choreographers.” from UArts, I was super excited. As I explored the Brind School, I got more excited.” Brind School production of It wasn’t always this way. “Philadelphia used to be very “Places of Pilgrimage” different for theater artists,” says Childs. “You came Settle channeled that enthusiasm into establishing here, studied and left,” and headed to a more estab- relationships with local theaters like the Wilma, where Jen Childs BFA ’90 (Acting) lished theater city like New York or London. Childs she directed its 2014-15 season opener “Rapture, Blis- initially followed that path, but when she returned to ter, Burn” and which now holds a “UArts Day” during Brind School production of Philadelphia in the late 1990s, she found an emerging productions, as well as launching the Performance In- “Mad Forest” theater scene, thanks to companies like the Arden cubator, which brings companies like Headlong Dance Theatre Company, the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for Theater, the Berserker Residents, the Bearded Ladies Meghan O’Brien BFA ‘05 New Plays and Pig Iron Theatre Company, with whom Cabaret and 11th Hour (many of which include UArts’ (Applied Theater Arts) UArts recently partnered to create a new MFA in De- alums) to campus to develop work with Brind School [left] and her 11th Hour vised Performance. Childs and friend Pete Pryor BFA students. Theatre co-founders ’90 (Theater Arts) joined the revolution, establishing 1812 Productions in 1997. Settle says that opportunities to work with professional Ira Brind School of Theater theater artists are essential to students’ training. “The Arts Director Joanna Settle By the time Megan O’Brien BFA ’05 (Applied The- idea is to be curious and explore. Students need to come ater Arts) graduated, Philadelphia’s theater scene in contact with great artists and all the various shapes had exploded. But she noticed there was something and forms in which they come. We’re giving them ex- missing. amples of what a life in the arts should be.”

“Companies like the Walnut [Street Theatre] and the Those benefits extend to post-graduate life. “Having Prince [Music Theatre] were doing large-scale musicals, that connection is a great entrée into this world of but no one was doing small, intimate musicals,” says Philly theater,” says Childs. “Other people have done O’Brien. Along with her brother and a friend, O’Brien this and have knowledge they can share with you.” co-founded 11th Hour Theatre Company, producing their first musical within a month of her graduation. Childs shared her knowledge as a faculty member at UArts during the early 2000s. One of her pupils was “I don’t think that would have been possible anywhere O’Brien, who is now looking at how she can strengthen else,” says O’Brien of founding 11th Hour right out of and expand the UArts universe in Philadelphia. college. “Somewhere like New York, it would be diffi- cult because of the cost and how competitive it is. But “I feel like it’s part of my duty, to find opportunities to here, we were embraced by the community. They were help keep [UArts students] in Philly,” she says. “I want really supportive of us. Philadelphia is unique in that to continue to make this a place where those students sense.” can graduate and work, because I was able to do that.” PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 22 5/12/15 4:30 PM THE OUTSIDER IS NOW IN

After decades of proselytizing for self-taught art, John Ollman’s voice is heard—loud and clear

23 edge PHOTO: CJ Harker BFA ’14

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 23 5/12/15 4:30 PM THE OUTSIDER IS NOW IN

Talk about blazing a trail. When John Ollman BFA But he says it wasn’t easy in the early days. “The early ’67 (Sculpture), owner of Philadelphia’s pioneer- 1970s were a very different time to be an art dealer. Try- ing Fleisher-Ollman Gallery, started out in the gallery ing to sell self-taught artists was very challenging, even business in the early 1970s selling work by 20th- more so because at that time you could count the good John Ollman BFA ‘67 century self-taught artists, he faced one problem: galleries in Philly on one hand.” And that meant that (Sculpture) the market for that work didn’t exist. “The material those who were serious collectors went to New York to didn’t sell,” he says with a rueful smile. make their purchases. “It was disheartening,” he says. Exhibit by artist But 10 to 15 years ago, the Philadelphia art market Paul Swenbeck at But Ollman’s uphill path to success has been worth began to change for the better, according to Ollman, Fleisher-Ollman Gallery the climb: today he is one of Philadelphia’s premier and the pace of that process has been increasing over gallerists, leading perhaps the world’s top source for the past five years. “College grads are moving to Phil- self-taught art. “It took 20 years for it to catch on—not adelphia rather than to New York because it’s much until the ’80s in New York,” he says. “Finally, in 2013, more affordable,” he says, “and the influx of young the Philadelphia Museum of Art presented a major ex- artists has led to a new energy—new artists’ studios and hibition of self-taught artists, and Fleisher-Ollman put collaboratives such as Black Floor and 1026 have joined most of it together.” established ones like Vox Populi. There are more opportunities now for young artists. The one negative is that we still have too few independent commercial galleries, “It took 20 years for and that’s an issue.”

self-taught art to catch on.” While still important, what was once a necessity for Ollman’s gallery—going to major art fairs in New York, Chicago and elsewhere to sell his “outside-the-norm” Ollman’s path into the gallery world was not his initial works—has become less of an imperative thanks to one. “After I got my BFA [at UArts], I got an MFA at technology. “The Internet has changed the game sig- Indiana University in sculpture with a minor in art nificantly,” he says. “Our biggest client lives in London history,” he says. “I came back to Philly and started and has a huge collection.” teaching. I learned quickly that I was not cut out to be a teacher.” He landed a job as assistant director at These days, Ollman’s recognition reaches well beyond what was then the Janet Fleisher Gallery in Philadel- the borders of Philadelphia. He was among the lumi- phia, becoming the director within a year, and a career naries profiled in the 2011 book by private art dealer and was born. “Working in the gallery turned out to be a author Richard Polsky (I Sold Andy Warhol) titled The wonderful collaboration between Janet and myself. I Art Prophets—The Artists, Dealers and Tastemakers Who Claire Iltis had strong interests in Ethnographic art, particularly Shook the Art World. Native American, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian and self- taught art, which was then called ‘Outsider Art,’ and “I came to [UArts] from an unsuccessful attempt at a she supported those interests.” more traditional university,” says Ollman. “I started out as an education major as a freshman, with teaching as my backup plan, until one of my professors pushed me toward fine arts. It was never anything I had thought of doing, but it was a monumental decision for me. In

the end, you have to see what’s important to you and to Claire Iltis find the right situation.”

It seems clear that, through an arduous but exciting four decades, John Ollman has done just that.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 24 5/12/15 4:30 PM A COACH IN PHILLY’S ‘GYM FOR INNOVATORS’

Christine Zapata rides the cutting edge of design and entrepreneurship

25 edge PHOTOS: CJ Harker BFA ’14

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 25 5/12/15 4:30 PM A COACH IN PHILLY’S ‘GYM FOR INNOVATORS’

Christine Zapata BS ’11 (Industrial Design) sees a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs—and a rapidly growing cast of industrious innovators willing to reach for their own brass rings.

One of the new generation of design industry leaders, Zapata heads up the education and textiles departments at NextFab, Philadelphia’s cutting-edge digital design and fabrication lab/co-working space. Every day, she’s surrounded by and helping to advance the visions of creative entrepreneurs working to move their startups forward.

Those entrepreneurs receive a major assist from Known as “Philadelphia’s Gym for Innovators,” NextFab’s state-of-the-art facility, home to services NextFab quickly outgrew its original space at the such as laser cutting and engraving, HD 3D print- University City Science Center and in 2012 moved ing, textile processing, electronics, photography and into its current 21,000-square-foot building on 2D printing. In addition to all of the top-of-the-line Washington Avenue, barely a mile from UArts. The equipment and the expertise to help startups design facility has quickly become a tremendous resource for Christine Zapata and prototype products, the “makerspace” has added local entrepreneurs, artists and designers alike—includ- BS ‘11 (Industrial Design) a business-incubation program to help creatives with ing students in UArts’ College of Art, Media & Design, at NextFab an idea to turn their concept into a startup. through a partnership that began in the fall. NextFab studios Zapata, a former incubator coordinator at the Uni- “A lot more people are versity’s Corzo Center for the Creative Economy, says that the rapid advance of technology and the rise of launching startups digital media have led to a wave of entrepreneurship, in particular here in Philadelphia. “More and more people in Philly…it’s exciting believe they can start their own companies, and in fact, many people have built successful businesses that to be a part of that.” way,” she says. “I’m seeing a lot more people launching startups in Philly. Many of them are working at NextFab, and it’s very exciting to be a part of that.”

Zapata says that young people with a passion for blazing their own trails have more paths in front of them now than ever before. “They no longer have to stay on the traditional track of ‘go to college, get a job, stay there until you retire,’” she says. “As long as someone has a good idea, there are an increasing number of options to help them transform that idea into a successful business.”

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 26 5/12/15 4:30 PM Featured Student Artist Joy Dilworth ’15 (Craft + material Studies)

27 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 27 5/12/15 4:30 PM Gibbrella Hollow 2014 h a n d - d y e d n y l o n f a b r i c , w o o l r o v i n g , p o l y e s t e r f i b e r f i l l

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 28 5/12/15 4:30 PM UARTS NEWS

AROUND UArts Is Center Stage at CAMPUS Fringe Arts Festival More than two dozen members of the UArts community UArts Names New VP for Enrollment, were either front and center or behind the scenes in a Retention & Student Affairs wide range of exciting, cutting-edge productions during UArts has announced the appointment of Richard the 17th annual edition of the Fringe Arts Festival held M. Longo as vice president for Enrollment, Reten- in Philadelphia last fall. Among them, alumni Felicia tion & Student Affairs. Longo, who began in January Kalani Anderton ’15 (Musical Theater), Dare 2015, joined UArts from Montserrat College of Art in Harlow BFA ’13 (Dance), Amanda Kmett’Pendry Massachusetts, where he was most recently executive BFA ’13 (Dance), Kelsey Ludwig BFA ’14 (Dance), vice president, having previously served as dean of Erin McDowell BFA ’14 (Dance), Gunnar Admissions and Enrollment Services there since 2009. Montana BFA ’11 (Dance), Kali Page BFA ’14 He has spent his career in admissions, with a focus on (Dance), Kate Raines BFA ’08 (Acting), art and design schools. Longo began his career at the Emily Rea BFA ’07 (Directing, Playwriting + Pratt Institute as an admissions counselor and went on Production), Bayla Rubin BFA ’09 (Directing, to leadership positions at the Swain School of Design at Playwriting + Production), Brian Sanders the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth, the School BFA ’92 (Dance), Matteo Jones Scammell BFA of Visual Arts in New York, and the Maine College of Art. ’11 (Acting), Dejha Ti BFA ’08 (Multimedia) and He is himself an art school graduate, having earned a Sam Tower BFA ’10 (Acting); and faculty members BFA in Communication Design from Pratt. Jen Childs BFA ’90 (Acting), Aaron Cromie, Manfred Fischbeck, Meredith Glisson, Rosey Hay and David O’Connor. WHYY’s Newsworks gave a rave review to Fringe Fest production “The Body Lautrec,” which featured Cromie, Rubin and Raines.

Borowsky Prize in Glass Arts Awarded to Bryan McGovern Wilson Glass artist Bryan McGovern Wilson was named the winner of the University’s second annual Irvin J. Borowsky Prize in Glass Arts, given to an artist whose work advances the field of contemporary glass art. The prize carries with it a $5,000 award and a residency and lectureship at UArts. A visual artist who works across disciplines, Wilson holds a BFA in Glass from the Rhode Island School of Design and has also trained at the Pilchuck Glass School, Penland School of Crafts and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, among other schools. The Borowsky Prize in Glass Arts is made possible by a substantial gift from Emeritus Trustee Irvin J. Borowsky, who recently passed away (see story page 52), and his wife, Laurie Wagman, a current trustee. The gift also enabled UArts to establish the Irvin Borowsky Center for Glass Arts, expanding the Uni- versity’s Glass facilities and its capacity to promote the study of the historical and contemporary significance of glass art.

29 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 29 5/12/15 4:30 PM WHAT’S NEW

2-Week Short Course Takes STUDENT UArts Students to Spain Eleven students from across the University spent early NEWS January in Spain as part of a new two-week short course with Master Lecturer and alumnus Jason Lemp- ieri MID ’04 (Industrial Design). Participating students included Robin Alcantara ’15 (Illus- tration), Edward Barks ’15 (Graphic Design), Jenna Bittner ’17 (Acting), Hyemin Chung ’16 (Illustration), Han Sol Kim ’15 (Graphic De- sign), Hee Jung Kim ’15 (Illustration), Jaclyn Kloog ’16 (Illustration), Brittany Meyer ’15 (Graphic Design), Sarah Six ’17 (Photography), Jordyn Staar ’15 (Multidisciplinary Fine Arts) and Jamie Williams ’17 (Illustration). An exhibit of their sketchbooks showcasing their time abroad and reflections from their experience is in the works. Students Sweep Philadelphia Museum of Art Design Competition Project by Sculpture Seniors Students from the University’s College of Art, Media Beautifies Philadelphia Streets & Design were top winners in the 2014 Collab Student This spring, Monica Morris ’15 (Interdisciplin- Design Competition held at the Philadelphia Museum ary Fine Arts), Lee Reed ’15 (Interdisciplinary of Art in November. Jude Marks ’16 (Industrial Fine Arts), Corinne Sandkuhler ’15 (Interdis- Design) was named the first-place winner, Chun Lin ciplinary Fine Arts) and Stephanie Wademan “Eddie” Yeh ’15 (Industrial Design) won second ’15 (Interdisciplinary Fine Arts), all seniors in place and Colleen Daniels ’15 (Craft + Material the Sculpture concentration, installed their original de- Studies) took home third place. In addition, work by sign motifs on Philadelphia’s ubiquitous brown utility Glasgow School of Art exchange student Sarah Gray boxes in the city’s Washington Square West neighbor- (Industrial Design) and juniors Lena Felicia- hood. The project, developed during a special indepen- no-Hansen ’16 (Industrial Design) and Tito dent study project in coordination with the Washington Williams ’16 (Industrial Design) was included in Square West Civic Association, features concepts in Collab’s weeklong “People’s Choice Award” exhibition response to specific environmental cues, including on display at the museum. architecture, commercial signage, tree and plant life, surface patterns, light, and shadow. Theater Student Wins Top BroadwayWorld Philadelphia Award Student Band Tours with Ira Brind School of Theater Arts freshman Steven King Crimson Drummer Burke ’18 (Directing, Playwriting + Produc- Experimental rock band Out of the Beardspace, featur- tion) was named Best Director of a Musical for “The ing School of Music students Sam Gutman ’18 (Key- Who’s Tommy” in the 2014 BroadwayWorld Phila- boards), Zach LoPresti ’18 (Guitar) and Jeremy Savo delphia Awards, announced in January by Broadway- ’18 (Guitar), recently performed on a “mini tour” with World.com. Other winners included Brind School Pat Mastelotto, longtime drummer for progressive rock master electrician and double nominee Troy Mar- group King Crimson and founding member of 80s pop tin-O’Shia, who took home his second award for Best band Mr. Mister. The tour, which took the student band Lighting Design, and UArts accompanist Christopher to Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Dunellen, N.J.; Phila- Ertelt, who won the Best Music Direction award for delphia; and New York City, also featured UArts School multiple-winning production “The Addams Family.” of Music faculty member Tom Motzer, as well as noted Congratulations also go to junior Jason Armstrong musicians Julie Slick and Marco Machera. Out of the ’16 (Musical Theater), who was nominated for Best Beardspace was also recently nominated for a Tri State Actor in a Musical for “The Who’s Tommy.” Indie Music Award for Best Indie Jam Band of the Year in the Philadelphia, Central Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and D.C. regions. 30

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 30 5/12/15 4:30 PM UARTS NEWS

Seniors Publish YA Fantasy Book Series Illustration Faculty/Alum Wins Caitlyn Averett ’15 (Dance) and Meghan Loeb Prestigious Advertising Award ’15 (Animation) have released the first book in their The Society of Illustrators has awarded Illustration young adult fantasy series, The Underhill Series. Lecturer and alumnus Jonathan Bartlett BFA ’07 Titled Restitution, book one is available for purchase on (Illustration) a Gold Medal in Advertising for a piece Amazon’s CreativeSpace.com, for Kindle and Nook, and he created for Ralph Lauren’s Denim & Supply flagship at the UArts School Store. The students, now seniors, store in New York City. The mural was part of Denim & started writing the series as sophomores after deciding Supply’s Art Wall Project, an initiative that transforms it would be fun to combine the characters from Aver- the store’s façade into a large-scale work of art. The ett’s novel and Loeb’s short story. The idea took off from award included having his work displayed in the annual there and instead of co-writing the single novel they had “Illustrators 57” exhibit at the Society’s Museum of planned, an entire YA series was created. The pair also American Illustration. The Brooklyn-based artist also collaborated with alumnus David Romero BFA ’14 received the Society of Illustrators’ Silver Medal in (Animation), who illustrated the cover of Restitution. Advertising for his poster work with the Bridge Theatre Book two, Divided, is set for release this summer. Company and was named a winner of the Art Directors Club Young Guns 9, both in 2011. Music Students Perform with Top Jazz Orchestra Professor’s New Book Questions Who Congratulations to Instrumental Performance majors Discovered America Jimmy Boyle ’16 (Trumpet) [lead trumpet], Evan Kil- Did Marco Polo set foot in Alaska 200 years before gore ’15 (Saxophone) [tenor sax alternate, 2nd year], Columbus sailed? A recently released book by Liberal Nick Lombardelli ’15 (Trombone) [lead trombone, Arts Professor Benjamin Olshin titled The Mysteries 2nd year], Zack Lutz ’16 (Saxophone) [baritone sax] of the Marco Polo Maps (University of Chicago Press) and Connor Saltzer ’16 (Drums) [drum set alternate], says the answer may be “yes.” Olshin, a historian of who were selected for the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Collegiate cartography, was interviewed about the book in several Jazz Orchestra (MACJO), recognized as the premier publications, including Smithsonian Magazine, The Daily orchestra for the East Coast’s finest college jazz musi- Telegraph of London and Italy’s Corriere della Sera. A cians. The MACJO Orchestra performed this January at review from John Hessler, curator of the Geography Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola as part of the program at Jazz at and Map Division at the Library of Congress, says that Lincoln Center in New York City, led by Sean Jones, lead Olshin has produced “not only a careful and serious trumpeter for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. study, but also a compelling and fascinating story.”

Theater Faculty, Alumni Take FACULTY Top Honors at 2014 Barrymore Awards Faculty and alumni from the Ira Brind School of Theater NEWS Arts were big winners at the 2014 Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre, Philadelphia’s most presti- Brind School Director Helms gious theater honors, held October 27 at the Universi- Wilma Theater’s Season Opener ty’s Merriam Theater. Adjunct Assistant Professor and Ira Brind School of Theater Arts DirectorJoanna Settle alumnus Ben Dibble BFA ’00 (Musical Theater), made her Philadelphia theater debut as director of Gina who earned three nominations out of UArts’ total of Gionfriddo’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play “Rapture, more than 30, was named Outstanding Leading Actor in Blister, Burn,” the opening production for the Wilma a Musical for his role as Leo Frank in “Parade.” This is the Theater’s 2014/2015 season. The show, which enjoyed an first lead actor Barrymore for the 11-time nominee. Other extended run due to popular demand, featured orig- faculty member winners included Larry Fowler inal music by Tony Award-winning composer Stew, and Tony Giruzzi BFA ’04 (Musical Theater), as well as recent alumna Meaghan O’Hare BFA ’14 who took home the Virginia Brown Martin Philadelphia (Acting) and Brind School faculty members Kris- Award for Theatre Horizon’s “I Am My Own Wife.” ta Apple-Hodge and Larry Fowler. Settle was interviewed about the hit play and her role at UArts in American Theatre magazine and The Philadelphia Inquirer. 31 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 31 5/12/15 4:30 PM WHAT’S NEW

American Ballet Theatre Showcases Film Faculty’s Work Choreography by Dance Professor Gets International Attention The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) showcased “The Realm of nothingness” by School of Film Master new work by Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dance Lecturer Kathy Rose was named the first place winner Jillian Peña as part of its Innovation Initiative, in the Video/Animation category at the 2014 East/West a one-night-only performance that featured works in Art Awards held last October in London. The film was process choreographed by members of ABT and outside also screened at the Contemporary Venice – It’s LIQUID creators. The performance by ABT dancers was held International Art Show held in Venice, Italy, this win- November 16 at Columbia University’s Miller Theatre. ter, along with another of her pieces titled “Rapture of the Petals.” Rose was also interviewed during the show. Liberal Arts Professor Releases Fifth Book Longtime Liberal Arts Professor and Distinguished Teaching Award recipient Toby Zinman has released her fifth book,Replay: Classic Modern Drama Reimagined (Methuen Publishers), a study of the many reworkings and adaptations of classic plays on the modern stage. Recognized in 2011 by American Theatre magazine as “one of the nation’s most influential theater critics” for her work with The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadel- phia City Paper, Zinman was a Fulbright professor at Tel Aviv University, a visiting professor in China and has won five grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. She publishes widely and lectures interna- Award-Winning Lecturer/Alumnus tionally on American drama. Releases New Books Award-winning author/illustrator Greg Pizzoli MFA Professor to Create New ’09 (Book Arts + Printmaking), senior lecturer in Work for Rowan with $10K NEA Grant the Interdisciplinary Fine Arts and Illustration pro- Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Professor Jeanne Jaffe grams, has released three new children’s picture books: has been commissioned to create a new sculpture by Just Itzy (Candlewick Press, February 2015), Tricky Rowan University Art Gallery for an exhibition in 2015. Vic: The Impossibly True Story of the Man Who Sold the The commission is made possible by a $10,000 National Eiffel Tower (Viking Children’s Books, March 2015) and Endowment for the Arts “Challenge America” grant Templeton Gets His Wish (Disney-Hyperion, May 2015). awarded to the gallery. The installation focuses on the UArts hosted an exhibition, lecture, reception and book work of Nikola Tesla, who pioneered modern electrical signing in conjunction with the books’ releases this engineering, and is a collaboration with Rowan’s Col- March. Pizzoli’s debut children’s title, The Watermelon lege of Engineering. Seed (Disney-Hyperion), won the 2014 Geisel Award for the most distinguished American book for beginning Art + Design Education readers. Celebrates Professor’s Book Release The Art + Design Education department hosted a book Work by Illustration Faculty/Alum signing celebration last October for Adjunct Professor Featured in Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Susan Rodriguez, author of the recently released Work by Illustration faculty member/alumnus book The Special Artist’s Handbook (Crystal Productions, Dominick Saponaro BFA ’98 (Illustration) is second edition). A seasoned professor who specializes featured on the website for the future Lucas Muse- in special needs, inclusion, multicultural diversity, and um of Narrative Art, a new project by director George museum and elementary education, Rodriguez and her Lucas that is currently in the design phase in Chicago. book were featured in NAEA News (the National Saponaro’s digital illustration piece titled “Swash- Art Education Association’s newsletter), The Midwest buckle Dom” is included alongside works by Norman Book Review, Desde Cero magazine, and on Rockwell, Lucasfilm Ltd., Charles Schultz and Pixar the-art-of-autism.com and CrystalProductions.com. Animation. 32

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 32 5/12/15 4:30 PM UARTS NEWS

Alumna Uses the Arts to ALUMNI Stop Sex Slavery in Africa Alumna Brittanie Richardson BFA ’09 (Acting), NEWS who will receive a 2015 Silver Star Alumni Award at this year’s Commencement ceremony, was featured in an Faculty/Alumna Opens Solo Exhibit at October 20, 2014, article by Reuters titled “Kenyan Girls Philadelphia Museum of Art Trading Sex for Food: One Woman’s Battle to Help.” “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” a solo exhibition of The 23-year-old, who ran a rescue center for children work by faculty member/alumna Shelley Spector in the Kenyan town of Mtwapa for two years, creat- BFA ’94 (Sculpture), opened at the Philadelphia ed the charity Art and Abolition, which aims to help Museum of Art on March 7, 2015, and runs through Sep- “sex slaves” through the performing arts, therapy and tember 27. The colorful exhibit features a walk-through education. presentation of wood and textile-based sculpture that reflects on the universal quest for hope, home and Work by Crafts Alumna connectedness. A master lecturer in the Interdisciplin- Featured at Philly Airport ary Fine Arts and MFA in Studio Art programs at UArts, “Connections with Strangers,” a 15,000 pin-back Spector has been actively engaged in Philadelphia’s arts button installation by Mackenzie Pikaart BFA community for years as a respected artist, innovative ’11 (Craft + Material Studies), was selected to gallery owner and champion of emerging talent. Her be shown at Philadelphia International Airport from sculptures, paintings and works on paper have been February through August 2015 as part of its Art at the exhibited in many solo and group shows and are part Airport program. Created from images taken from LIFE, of several private and public collections, including the National Geographic, Philadelphia Weekly and many Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Free Library other donated and trash-picked magazines, the buttons of Philadelphia and the Pediatric Pavilion at Memorial represent the brief moments that are the starting point Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. or trigger of a larger picture or memory.

Film Grad Shoots Alumnus Recognized in ’Most Tweeted About’ Super Bowl Ad International Illustration Book Award-winning cinematographer Andrew The late Roger Hane BFA ’61 (Advertising Wheeler BFA ’01 (Film), who recently appeared Design), the namesake of the Illustration department’s on Variety magazine’s list of up-and-coming indus- Roger T. Hane Scholarship Award, is a featured artist try stars, worked with comedy duo Tim & Eric on the in the recently released book 50 Years of Illustration “oddly appealing” Loctite Super Glue commercial, this (Laurence King Publishing, London). Hane’s successful year’s most tweeted about Super Bowl ad. His growing and tragically short career included receiving the Artist collection of achievements and awards also includes of the Year Award by the New York Artists Guild in 1974, winning a Student Oscar and a Student Emmy for his two weeks before he was murdered in New York’s Cen- American Film Institute graduate thesis project “Thief.” tral Park for his bicycle. Other films that Wheeler has lensed include “Cheap Thrills,” an Official Selection of the 2013 Philadelphia Voice Alum Headlines Film Festival and winner of the SXSW 2013 Audience Opera Philadelphia Gala Award, and “Here and Now,” which won Canon’s Proj- Tenor Stephen Costello BM ’03 (Vocal Perfor- ect Imaginat10n Film Contest, judged by Oscar-win- mance) and his wife, soprano Ailyn Perez, headlined ning director Ron Howard. Opera Philadelphia’s 40th Anniversary Gala, held in September at the Academy of Music. The duo performed an intimate recital on the Academy stage, followed by dinner and dancing under the stars in a tented ballroom on the Avenue of the Arts. The dynamic husband and wife pair also released their first CD,Ailyn Perez and Stephen Costello: Love Duets, last summer.

33 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 33 5/12/15 4:30 PM KEEPING IT REAL

UArts Students, Alums Take Over Reality TV

If it seems as though every time you turn on the TV, For a while now, you’ve been hearing the names of you’re hearing a UArts student or alum’s name, it’s UArts dancers on the Fox hit show “So You Think You because you are. Can Dance” (SYTYCD), most recently students Rudy Abreu ’18 (Dance), Stanley Glover ’16 (Dance) You most recently heard the name—and the incredible and Bridget Whitman ’16 (Dance). Chosen from voice—of Matt McAndrew BM ’13 (Vocal Perfor- more than 150 contestants, all three made it into the mance). The 24-year-old singer/songwriter and music dance competition’s Top 20, with Abreu advancing to teacher was the first runner-up on Season 7 of NBC’s the Top 8 and Whitman to the Top 10. Season 11 also Matt McAndrew hit singing competition “The Voice.” McAndrew, a fan featured a return performance by singer/songwriter BM ’13 (Vocal Performance) favorite who chose Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine as Christina Perri ’08 (Communication), whose his coach, continually wowed both viewers and all four music career skyrocketed on “SYTYCD” five years ago Courtney Lapresi superstar coaches with his heartfelt performances, each with the debut of her hit song “Jar of Hearts.” BFA ’11 (Ballet) of which landed on the iTunes Top 200 Singles chart. His original song, “Wasted Love,” which he debuted on In 2009, Russell Ferguson ’12 (Dance Certifi- Shane O’Neill the live finale, held the No. 1 spot for several days after cate) was named the Season 6 winner of “So You Think ’94 (Illustration) knocking Taylor Swift’s megahit “Blank Space” from You Can Dance.” The Roxbury, Mass., native won the the chart’s top position. show’s top prize of $250,000 despite suffering an injury Justin Guarini ’01 during a performance the night before the finale. (Musical Theater) A featured vocalist at the University’s 2013 Commence- ment ceremony, McAndrew is the only “Voice” finalist While DJ Smart BFA ’10 (Ballet) did not advance to to ever crack the iTunes Top 10 four times. He was the “SYTYCD” competition, he was invited to perform recently signed to Republic Records. his audition piece during the show’s seventh season, blowing away the audience with his contemporary Jimi Milligan BM ’01 (Instrumental Perfor- dance solo that was called “gorgeous,” “amazing” and mance), who also auditioned for Season 7 of “The “eye-popping.” Voice” but did not get selected, earned high praise from the coaches and a torrent of support on social media. In 2012, Shane O’Neill ’94 (Illustration) was crowned the winner of Spike TV’s “Ink Master” reality show. O’Neill, owner of Infamous Tattoo Company in Delaware, defeated nine other elite tattoo artists to win $100,000 and a profile inInked magazine. More than 1.5 million people tuned in to watch O’Neill take the title during the first season of the show, which is hosted by Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro.

In 2002, Justin Guarini ’01 (Musical Theater) was the runner-up to winner Kelly Clarkson on the first season of “American Idol.” School of Music faculty In September 2014, the Fox TV reality cooking competi- member/alumna Nicole Tranquillo BM ’08 tion “MasterChef” named alumna Courtney Lapresi (Vocal Performance) competed on Season 6 of BFA ’11 (Ballet) its Season 5 winner, earning her a “American Idol,” making it to the semi-finals and into cookbook deal and $250,000. Lapresi, who competed the Top 24 while still a student at UArts. An active song- against 21 other amateur cooks for the top prize, won writer, performer and teacher in the Philadelphia area, over the show’s three judges, including TV personality/ Tranquillo has since worked with and opened for such restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, chef Graham Elliot and artists as the Roots, John Legend and Snoop Dogg. restaurateur/vineyard owner Joe Bastianich. She credits her artistic background with helping her to better In 2013, another singing competition, NBC’s “The handle the competition’s challenges, telling the New Sing Off,” featured alumna Kate Schwarz BFA ’08 York Daily News, “It’s surreal. This time last year, I was (Musical Theater) and her group Element compet- cooking in my tiny little electric-stove kitchen with my ing against nine other top a cappella groups during the cat. With a ‘MasterChef’ title, the sky is the limit.” show’s fourth season. 34

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 34 5/12/15 4:30 PM ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni Flock to Miami This Winter for Art Basel Miami Beach Artists from around the world flocked to Miami Beach last December for the annual Art Basel Miami, the world’s premier modern and contemporary art show. Former UArts President Sean T. Buffington and Assistant Professor and Fine Arts Program Director Stuart Elster BFA ’88 (Painting), along with Trustee Brian Effron and his wife, Sherry, warmly welcomed UArts alumni and friends at a breakfast held during the four-day event. In addition to Elster, other exhibiting alumni included Jason Chen BFA ’08 (Animation) and Sara McCorriston BFA ’09 (Theater Design + Technology), owners of The University of the Arts Philadelphia’s Paradigm Gallery; Patrick Blake BFA ’07 (Photography); Alex Eckman-Lawn BFA ’07 (Illustration); Matthew Girson BFA ’88 (Painting); Yis Goodwin BFA ’08 (Film); Caitlin T. McCormack BFA ’10 (Illustration); John Oll- man BFA ’67 (Sculpture), owner of Fleisher-Ollman Gallery; Emi Ozawa BFA ’89 (Crafts/Wood); Abby Elizabeth Schmidt BFA ’04 (Crafts); Alvin Sher BFA ’64 (Sculpture); and Fred Snitzer BFA ’73 (Sculpture), owner of Fredric Snitzer Gallery. Save the Date for Alumni and Family Weekend: October 16-18 LA-Area Alumni Mix and Be sure to join us in Philadelphia for Alumni and Family Mingle in Culver City Weekend, October 16-18, 2015. We are planning great The Southern California chapter of the UArts Alumni opportunities for alumni to connect with one another Association brought together alumni for a happy hour on and around campus, including the opening of the in Culver City, Calif., in February. Alumni were able to annual “Making It” alumni exhibition. An alumni and mix and mingle with fellow L.A.-area graduates and faculty concert with very special guest performers is also met UArts Interim President Kirk E. Pillow, also being planned and details will be announced soon. along with College of Performing Arts faculty and leadership, including Marc Dicciani BM ’75 (Percus- DC-Area Alumni Happy Hour: May 29 sion), dean of the College of Performing Arts; Micah Join other D.C.-area alumni for a happy hour on May 29, Jones MM ’99 (Jazz Studies), director of the School 2015, at the Sitar Arts Center in Washington, D.C. Come of Music; Matt Gallagher MM ’01 (Jazz Studies), out to mingle with your fellow graduates and also meet Trumpet program chair and director of the UArts “Z” UArts Interim President Kirk E. Pillow, along with Big Band; Randy Kapralick, Trombone program Lori Spencer MFA ’90 (Printmaking), director of chair and director of the Kerber Tribute Big Band and the School of Art. the UArts Summer Jazz program; Brian Kremer, Voice coordinator; and Amy Dugas Brown, head of Directing, Playwriting + Production.

35 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 35 5/12/15 4:30 PM SUPPORTING UARTS

Introducing a New Leader

“I am inspired by our students, faculty and alumni, and am honored to be part of the UArts team. I am deeply grateful to UArts donors who are impacting the arts in ways we can only begin to imagine.”

—Josephine Burri

UArts welcomes Josephine Burri to the University of the Arts as vice president for Advancement. She comes to UArts from the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia where she was director of Development.

Burri is a talented musician (she holds a BM summa cum laude in flute performance from Temple University); an experienced fundraising professional (she implemented a $35 million capital campaign at the Wistar Institute, one of the nation’s premier scientific research institutions); and a passionate arts advocate (she served in development positions at the Portland Opera in Oregon, the Philadelphia Theatre Company and Opera Philadelphia).

Over the last 15 years, Burri has raised millions of dollars to support world-leading biomedical research and innovative artistic endeavors. She has dedicated her career to raising funds that will change lives through the means and methods that inspire physical and emotional health and that support the strength of families and communities through artistic engagement.

“Josie understands our mission and is clearly committed to helping our students succeed. As an artist herself and an accomplished fundraising professional, she brings a remarkable combination of skills to UArts,” says Kirk E. Pillow, interim president of UArts.

Burri oversees Development, Alumni & Parent Relations and Univer- sity Communications efforts at UArts. She will focus, among other endeavors, on deepening bonds with alumni and promoting UArts in Philadelphia and across the country.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 36 5/12/15 4:30 PM SUPPORTING UARTS

Art Unleashed 2015 The University of the Arts celebrated the sixth anniversary of Art Unleashed, the University’s largest fundraiser, with an exhibition and sale April 9–14. Hundreds of pieces of art in all media—jewelry, ceramics, photography, crafts, furniture, painting, sculpture, illustration and more—by student, faculty and alumni artists were on display and for sale, raising more than $270,000 for the Sam S. McK- eel Promising Young Artists Scholarship Fund.

A gala Preview Party on April 9 kicked off the six-day event, with nearly 600 art collectors and art lovers enjoying a festive evening that featured one-of-a-kind artwork from established and emerging artists, food and drink, and performances by students from Art Unleashed 2015 also featured Neighborhood the UArts School of Music and School of Dance. Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 11, with a “street crew” from exclusive radio sponsor 101.1 More FM Among the attendees was Alumni Spotlight Artist in front of Hamilton Hall playing music and offering Dan Walsh BFA ’83 (Painting), a renowned painter, giveaways. Godshall’s Quality Meats was also on printmaker and book artist whose work was recently site giving out samples of its premium turkey bacon featured in the prestigious Whitney Biennial in New to UArts’ neighbors. York City. Exhibiting student, faculty and alumni artists were also on hand to discuss their work. Philadelphia’s Fox 29 TV, Art Unleashed’s exclusive television sponsor for the third consecutive year, partnered with UArts to promote the event by broadcasting live from Hamilton Hall on the morning of the Pre- view Party. The station also promoted the event on its morning news program—including Fox 29 personalities wearing jewelry from the sale on the air.

The success of such an enormous and important event as this is due in large part to the dedication and hard work of so many, in particular the 2015 Art Unleashed Committee, led by co-chairs Clara Hollander, Fred Manfred, UArts Trustee Alan Rubin and Aleni Pappas.

Stay tuned for dates for Art Unleashed 2016. CJ Harker BFA ’14

37 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 37 5/12/15 4:30 PM The Art of Living…and Giving “When are you going to get a real job?” his parents asked Wesley W. Emmons, Jr. BFA ’54 (Jewelry), 20 years into his successful career as a jewelry designer in Philadelphia. Emmons, who created original jewelry and religious ornaments for Eleanor Roosevelt, Buddy Rich and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as a beautiful altar for Old Zion Church on Broad Street, excelled not only at the job he loved—making art—but at the art of living.

A selfless teacher and mentor, Wesley’s passion for crafts and his compassion live on through his family’s generous planned gift to UArts. Before his death, he established the Wesley and Ellen Emmons Scholarship Fund for Jewelry and Metal- work, to which his two sons and wife of six decades, Wesley W. Emmons, Jr. Art supplies…inspiration Ellen, continue to contribute. A member of the UArts BFA ’54 (Jewelry) There is nothing artists can make without something Legacy Society, Ellen has left a portion of her estate to make it with. Thanks in part to the generous support to the scholarship fund, increasing the family’s gift, of Blick Art Materials, the nation’s leading provider of augmented by contributions from UArts alumni who high-quality art products and a major sponsor of the continue to recognize Wesley’s impact through gifts to University’s annual Art Unleashed exhibition and sale, the scholarship fund. UArts students continue to develop their artistic skills and have unique opportunities to showcase their work. “My dad worked very hard and we did struggle at times,” says Wesley’s son, Hoyt Emmons, an environ- “We’re proud to be a longtime sponsor of UArts,” says mental health professional. “But it was amazing to grow Bob Buchsbaum, CEO of Blick. “Support for schol- up with someone who had such a spark of wonder and arships is one of the most important things we do as amazement about life. Giving back was very important a company. We’re committed to strengthening arts to him, supporting younger artists, setting an example. education locally and nationally, and we believe that He would stay up all night helping a young artist com- UArts helps talented emerging artists to make their plete a design promised to a client.” work available to the public.” Wesley, who taught at UArts and worked with student Students have the opportunity to show their work at interns in his store on 16th Street at Spruce, was award- Art Unleashed, which has become one of Philadelphia’s ed the UArts Silver Star Alumni Award (a silver medal- most popular and prominent art exhibitions. Funds lion he designed), presented to outstanding graduates. generated through ticket sales and sale of artworks Nonetheless, he was less interested in accolades than in support the Sam S. McKeel Promising Young Artists his awe for life. “He taught us to appreciate both the in- Scholarship Fund. fluences of nature’s art and the beauty of human-made objects,” says Hoyt. Blick is a highly valued UArts partner. In addition to major sponsorship of Art Unleashed with cash and To improve his health in middle age, Wesley, known in-kind donations, Blick offers UArts students regular locally in Philadelphia as “the jogging jeweler,” turned discounts on materials and supplies, and prizes and himself into a competitive runner. His longest run: incentives through student events and activities—a a 267-mile, six-day ultra marathon. Longevity and partnership of artistic vision and material needs. Blick stamina mattered to Wesley, as evidenced by his per- also generously provided a capital contribution in 2009 sistence to pursue his art and his planned gift to UArts. for facilities. “My parents were not wealthy,” says Wesley’s son Wes, “but a planned gift of any size is a valuable asset. It “We’re very grateful to Blick. They have generously helps the school sustain its programs and grow. My dad supported Art Unleashed from our inaugural event six had a wonderful life and he wanted to make sure that years ago to this year’s event,” says Josephine Burri, future students of UArts could have a chance for the vice president for Advancement. same joy, pleasure and success.”

To learn more about including UArts in your estate plans or other planned giving, please contact Anisa Haidary at [email protected]. 38

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 38 5/12/15 4:30 PM SUPPORTING UARTS

Imagination As Destination Philadelphians David and Linda Glickstein have published their informative newsletter The Discerning Traveler since 1987. If you’re traveling on the East Coast, you’ll want to read what they have to say about where to stay and what to see from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Cape Hatteras, N.C. (Subscribers to The Discerning Trav- eler may access all back issues online. Condé Nast and Gourmet magazine have called the Glicksteins’ contributions to the travel industry “superb.”)

Yet, their most important travels happen while they’re Theater as the site of new ideas, stories and sitting still—the journeys they take through theater, performance opportunities motivated the opportunities to experience diverse perspectives and Glicksteins’ generous gift to the Ira Brind School of unknown or imagined landscapes. The Glicksteins Theater Arts’ Performance Incubator. The project attend hundreds of performances every year in the U.S. brings accomplished theater artists to UArts to develop and around the world (France, Belgium, Canada, Scot- new work in collaboration with its students. Newly land) and are generous supporters of innovative theater appointed, nationally acclaimed Brind School Director programs, including programs at UArts. “Theater mat- Joanna Settle staged an astonishing first season ters,” says Linda. “You’re transported to another world of the Performance Incubator featuring collaborations and experience lives you could not know about any among prominent and innovative choreographers, other way. Theater is one reason we love living in Phil- playwrights and theater companies such as Heather adelphia. Our city is a great incubator for some of the Raffo, Headlong Dance Theater, the Bearded Ladies, most exciting theatrical work being produced today.” 11th Hour Theatre Company and the Berserker Residents, the last two of which are alumni theater companies.

“Joanna is amazing,” say the Glicksteins. “We’re particularly pleased that she is using her resources to broaden UArts’ network of artists, exposing students to the many ways of experiencing theater.”

Linda and David have been passionate about the theater since they met in their 20s, four decades ago. Now, they’re focused on the decades ahead. “Young people’s work can change the world,” says David. “A play I saw about Anne Frank when I was a teenager has affected me to this day. We must support the students who represent the future of American theater.”

“Theater tells the stories of how people live and survive. The arts can help us have a deeper understanding of what is happening in Iraq or Syria or Afghanistan or across our own country,” says Linda. “It’s as important to us as food, shelter and travel.”

39 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 39 5/12/15 4:30 PM Grateful Students Thank Generous Donors at Scholarship Luncheon On March 25, the University of the Arts hosted the 2015 Scholarship Luncheon, providing scholarship recipi- ents an opportunity to meet and share samples of their artwork with their benefactors and exchange stories about their experiences at UArts. This annual event represents an important opportunity for scholarship donors to interact with these young artists, who so deeply appreciate the opportunities their scholarships have afforded them.

Morriah “Peanut” Young ’16 (Directing, Play- Olivia extended her heartfelt gratitude for the Geraldine Left to right: writing + Production), a recipient of the Ira Brind and Adolf Paier Scholarship: “You have made my uni- Natalia Jablonski ’16 (Illus- Scholarship Funds I & II, acted as the emcee for the versity education a conceivable reality, in spite of my tration), Olivia Whelan ’17 afternoon program. Peanut recognized that an endless family’s economic disadvantage. I cannot adequately (Printmaking + Book Arts) and list of obstacles exists in order for students to com- quantify in any clever combination of words or phrases Morriah “Peanut” Young ’16 plete their college education. “Most of the hardships how grateful I am for your help. Thank you, deeply, (Directing, Playwriting + Pro- we encounter as college students, we luckily have the kindly and sincerely for believing in me.” duction) power and the ability to solve and work out with time management, problem solving and simply prioritizing. Scholarship support is among the most meaningful Unfortunately, when it comes to finances, the bulk of contributions one can make to the University of the the issue is out of our control.” Arts. Approximately 85 percent of all students at UArts receive some form of tuition support, making a private Guests at the luncheon also heard from student speak- scholarship the single most significant element in ers Natalia Jablonski ’16 (Illustration) and a student’s financial aid package. This academic year, Olivia Whelan ’17 (Printmaking + Book Arts). UArts awarded over $1 million in named and A recipient of the Viola Foulke Scholarship and the Larry endowed scholarships to 273 students. Weiss Scholarship, Natalia shared, “For me and many of my peers, scholarships like these not only give a family We extend our sincerest thanks for the vision and relief and reassurance financially, but also help us generosity of friends and supporters who established aspire to be outstanding individuals in our unique fields. new scholarships this fiscal year, including the Giving these scholarships to specific individuals shows Stephen Berg Scholarship Fund; the Wesley and Ellen they deserve to be here, but mostly that they matter.” Emmons Scholarship Fund for Jewelry and Metalwork; Aleanna Luethi-Garrecht Memorial Scholarship; Ron and Suzanne Naples Endowed Scholarship; Evan Solot Scholarship Fund; and the Donald Stanley Wilf and Peter H. Arger Scholarship Fund.

To learn more about establishing a private scholarship at UArts, please call Anisa Haidary, director of Major Gifts & Special Projects, at 215-717-6147.

PHOTO: B. Proud 40

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 40 5/12/15 4:30 PM ALUMNI NOTES 1960s

Barbara Glickman BFA ’63 (Fibers/Textiles) exhibited in the Bank of America Festival of Arts, Books and Culture at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill, N.J., in No- vember 2014. Glickman mixes her weaving skills with pastel, oil pastel and acrylic medium to create her own personal palate.

School of Music professor, Composition department head and alumnus Evan Solot BM ’67 (Trumpet), 1950s BME ’67 (Composition), MM ’75 (Composition) was one of five composers commissioned by the Mural Children’s book series My Do You... By Helen Arts Program and the Philadelphia Chapter of the Amer- (Jacobson) Borton Dipl ’51 (Advertising De- ican Composers Forum to compose a piece in response to sign), which was originally published from 1959 to the “Peace Is a Haiku Song” mural honoring poet Sonia 1972, is being republished by Flying Eye Books, a British Sanchez. “If You Could Hear These Walls” was performed publisher based in London. My Do You… won recognition by the Singing City Choir in front of the mural in early from The New York Timesand others, including PMCA, October, preceded by a discussion of how the percep- which honored Borton in its 1961 “Directors’ Choice” tion of poetry, visual art and music changes when these exhibition. The latest publishing deal came about when various art forms intersect in response to one another. a designer for Flying Eye Books came across Borton’s illustrations splashed across the Internet by one of her William White BFA ’67 (Illustration) was British fans. awarded the 2014 Perry F. Kendig Award for his work as an individual artist. The award is given annually to an Richard Yeager BFA ’54 (Advertising Design) artist in the greater Roanoke, Va., region whose work exhibited at the Gallery at Westside Presbyterian, along and contributions to the arts has been long-standing with two other well-known artists, Chuck Hayden and and significant. White also recently had a solo exhibi- Wes Shaw. The three men first met more than 50 years tion titled “Life in the Studio” at the Rider University Art ago when they worked at large advertising firms and Gallery in Lawrenceville, N.J. The show surveyed White’s now have revived and enriched their friendships. Yeager work from the figure, still life and interior covering the called the exhibit “Together Again for the First Time.” period since his Pre-College Summer School days at the Philadelphia College of Art (now UArts) in 1962 to work Herb Snitzer BFA ’57 (Photography) had 13 just completed in 2014. of his iconic images of Nina Simone included in the new Netflix/Radical Media documentary film about the late jazz singer. Snitzer has been making photographs for over 55 years and has a gallery in St. Petersburg, Fla. His recent book, Glorious Days and Nights: A Jazz Memoir, can be purchased through Amazon.

41 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 41 5/12/15 4:30 PM Harry Naar BFA ’68 (Painting) exhibited work this winter in “Line, Color and Surface,” curated by 1970s Mel Leipzig at the Center for Contemporary Art in Bed- minster, N.J. Naar’s work focuses on the still life and Anthony Visco BFA ’70 (Sculpture) has been the landscape. invited to teach in Florence, Italy, and give back the combined lessons that he learned both in Philadelphia Victoria Pendragon BFA ’68 (Fabric Design) de- at the Philadelphia College of Art (now UArts) and in buted her one-woman show “Witness: The Psycholog- Florence, where he received a Fulbright Scholarship ical and Emotional Ramifications of Childhood Sexual based on his four years at UArts. Abuse and Incest” at Locality Arts Gallery in Bedford, Pa., in November. The show also had a two-week run at Joseph A. Nicholson BS ’71 (Industrial Design) the Gallery of the Shenandoah Arts Council in Virginia. recently led an MFA in Museum Exhibition Planning + Design effort with his new firm studioMUSarx and a diverse team of academics, architects, engineers, curators and film producers to complete their first major museum project “The Birthplace of Country Music Museum” in Bristol, Va. The new museum is a Smithsonian affiliate that tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and their lasting influence on country music by creating narrative spaces for exhibits enhanced with objects, images, interactive audios, videos and performance theaters designed to immerse visitors in a musical experience of the Bristol Sessions.

David Usner BFA ’71 (Photography) completed producing and co-starring in the narrative feature film “Roxie” (roxiemovie.com). The film played at festivals, winning Best Feature Film at the Bushwick Film Festival, and was an Official Selection at the Sonoma Internation- al Film Festival and the AMFM Film Festival. An L.A. the- Painter and graphic designer Toni Silber- atrical release took place on January 30 and was released Delerive BFA ’69 (Fine Arts/Painting) likes to on Amazon, iTunes, Hulu, Xbox and other platforms at show the world we live in from an aerial perspective, the same time. Since graduating, Usner has been act- thus flattening the picture plane and making the landing in theater and film. He trained with Gordon Phillips scape more graphic than representational. Her work is at the Wilma Studio in Philadelphia, going on to act on represented in private and corporate collections and has stage regionally and in New York City, Edinburgh, Berlin been shown in many exhibitions, including solo shows and Vienna. In 2004, he moved to San Francisco, where in New York at James Beard House, Rockefeller Gallery, he studied with Jim Jarrett at the Meisner Technique NY Studio Gallery in Chelsea, Interchurch Center, Blue Studio and is now on the faculty there. He now turns his Hill Plaza, National Arts Club and Speakeasy Gallery. A attention to writing, directing, producing and acting in selection of group shows includes Art Connections at film and is in pre-production for his next feature film. the George Segal Gallery at Montclair State Universi- ty in New Jersey; Kaller Fine Arts in Washington, D.C.; Michael Biello BFA ’73 (Crafts) and life part- and N.A.W.A. Small Works, National Arts Club, Sylvia ner, Dan Martin, were profiled in the July 2014 issue Wald and Po Kim Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, and Blue of American Theatre magazine. Their work synthesizes Mountain Gallery in New York. Additional information soaring contemporary melodies with quirky humor and and visuals can be seen at tonisart.com. buoyant fantasy: from “Breathe,” a cycle of fairy tales celebrating the LGBTQ community, to “Marry Harry,” a romantic comedy about a heterosexual couple finding love on their own terms.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 42 5/12/15 4:30 PM Cheryl Goldsleger BFA ’73 (Painting) had her work displayed in the C. Grimaldis Gallery’s annual summer group exhibition “Summer 14.” The exhibit was on view from July 16 to August 23 and featured contemporary sculpture, painting and photography from exhibiting and represented gallery artists.

Rich Bomze BFA ’74 (Graphic Design), who retired almost six years ago from his position as director of Special Services for Graphic Arts & Audiovisual at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, has been exhibiting his fine art photography collections at both Bucks County and Philadelphia venues. Until recently, the exhibits have focused primarily on the canyons of the Judith Barbour Osborne BFA ’74 (Art Edu- American Southwest—Arizona, Utah and New Mexico— cation) exhibited her most recent body of work, “Clos- and beyond. His latest exhibit, “Here and There: Two er Alignments,” at Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Worlds Apart” held at the Bucks County Visitors Cen- Vt., in October 2014. Since the 1990s, Osborne’s work ter in Bensalem, Pa., from September 21 to October 31, has consisted of abstractly written poetry and spiritu- 2014, included scenes from Yellowstone National Park al texts using small handmade brushes, mops, brooms and the Canadian Rockies, as well as scenes of China, and other non-traditional tools. Unfinished monotypes including Beijing and the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and mixed-media works on paper from the last 20-plus and the Yangtze River. “My intent is to contrast imag- years served as the foundation for Osborne’s latest work. es of two unlike environments to show their respective It was her intent to embrace an earlier vision and from characteristic beauty. Both collections comprise a vari- that platform, build a more mature aesthetic and spir- ety of scenes one encounters when visiting these places. itual expression, which is why she called the body of Hopefully this will inspire others to see them firsthand. work “Closer Alignments.” Every image captured with the camera lens was ‘eye candy’ for the photographer.” Many of the prints are Anne Belov BFA ’77 (Painting) recently pub- silver-halide quality photographs, but captured digital- lished her first wordless picture book titledPandamor - ly. The largest images are ink prints. phosis, a love story to pandas and to the belief that magic can happen when you least expect it. It’s about the pow- Wesley Mancini BFA ’74 (Art Education) er of wishing and what can go wrong when you don’t received the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award think about how your wishes will be fulfilled. The book is from the International Textile Market Association available in print through Amazon and as a Kindle eBook. (ITMA). He accepted his award at the association’s 50th Anniversary Gala. The award is voted on by ITMA members from over 200 mills worldwide. His company, Wesley Mancini, Ltd., a textile design firm, has been contracted by the world’s largest decorative fabric mill throughout its existence and has had a dominant influence in American textiles for over three decades. Manci- ni’s studio has designed over 20,000 textiles, rugs and trimmings since its inception over 32 years ago.

43 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 43 5/12/15 4:30 PM John David Simon BM ’82 (Saxophone) released his third CD, Phantasm, in the fall of 2014. The album is available on CD Baby and iTunes.

Andrea Krupp BFA ’84 (Printmaking) showed her Iceland-inspired woodcuts and monoprints in the exhibit “North of Here” at Twenty-Two Gallery in Philadelphia, October 10 to November 9, 2014. This bold, graphic collection of 24 works on paper distilled the artist’s experience of a two-month painting residency in Iceland.

Staycee Pearl BFA ’86 (Dance) performed “Octavia” at Cheyney University’s Marian Anderson Music Center on October 20, 2014. Pearl began the Staycee Pearl Dance 1980s Project in 2009.

“Up Land,” a series of new bronze sculptures Gregg Klein BS ’88 (Industrial Design) and pastel drawings on photographs by 2008 Silver was promoted to vice president of Business Opera- Star Alumni Award recipient Charles Long BFA ’81 tions for major league lacrosse team the Ohio Machine. (Painting + Drawing), was on display at the Tanya As part of his new role, Klein oversees the day-to-day Bonakdar Gallery in New York City from September 11 running of the team’s front office while also continu- to October 18, 2014. The series marked Long’s 10th solo ing to lead the club’s corporate sponsorship efforts. exhibition at the gallery. He joined the Ohio Machine in 2013 as the club’s director of Corporate Sponsorship. Debra Reilly BM ’81 (Viola) was nominated for a 2015 Grammy Music Educator Award. The Parkland (Pa.) School District teacher was one of 10 finalists chosen 1990s from among more than 7,000 nominations submitted from all 50 states. The $10,000 award recognizes edu- Marjorie L. Reppert MAT ’92 (Art Education) is cators who have made a significant, lasting contribution celebrating the 30th year of her shop and small works and commitment to music education in schools. Reilly is gallery called Rosemary Remembrances II in Jim Thorpe, also a professional violist with the Allentown Sympho- Pa. Rosemary Remembrances II features Reppert’s as- ny, Bach and Handel Orchestra, Southside Sinfonietta at semblages, collages, shadow boxes and shrines. Zoellner Arts Center and the Valley String Trio. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Dejesse Ellen Soffer BFA ’81 (Painting) had two paint- BFA ’93 (Illustration), currently stationed in Kabul, ings displayed in a benefit exhibition at the Bridgette is on his second tour of Afghanistan as a civil affairs officer Mayer Gallery in Philadelphia. working to protect the region’s cultural heritage. He is one of the Army’s “new generation of Monuments Men” who help preserve sites and cultural property in combat zones and advise troops on heritage. His work there was profiled in the February 2015 issue of The Art Newspaper.

Hiro Sakaguchi BFA ’93 (Painting) had a solo exhibit titled “Avert, Escape, or Cope With” at the Del- aware Center for the Contemporary Arts from Novem- ber 1, 2014, to April 26, 2015. The vibrant and complex paintings, drawings, sculpture and videos reflect issues of environment, ecology, science, world history, peace, conflict and popular culture.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 44 5/12/15 4:30 PM “Response Time,” an exhibition by alumni photographers Scott McMahon BFA ’95 (Photography) and Ahmed Salvador BFA ’95 (Photography) that was on view in the University’s Sol Mednick Gal- lery from January 9 to February 6, 2015, was reviewed in Philadelphia art news blog “DoNArTNeWs” and on the Knight Arts website. (See image on inside front cover.)

Senior Lecturer Christian “Patch” Patchell BFA ’95 (Illustration), who teaches in the University’s Illustration, Creative Writing and Pre-College programs, wrapped up production on “The Brothers Brimm,” his first animated short. The film is an adaptation of a comic that he has been working on for a few years. Kate Garchinsky BFA ’97 (Illustration) was named a Don and Virginia Eckelberry Fellow for 2015. Collaborating video artists and 2015 Guggen- The endowment helps support the efforts of wildlife heim Fellows Matthew Suib BFA ’95 (Photogra- painters, sculptors, printmakers and other artists to bet- phy) and Nadia Hironaka BFA ’97 (Film) created ter acquaint themselves with the natural world through “Ghosts of Philadelphia Industry,” the Mural Arts Pro- both museum and field research. gram’s first long-running moving-image mural, which was screened on the façade of Anderson Hall for three Faculty member/alumna Michele Kishita BFA weeks during Mural Arts Month last October. The piece ’97 (Painting), MFA ’10 (Painting) had two exhibi- was inspired by Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry Mu- tions shown in Connecticut recently. “Fluent: The Lan- rals” and Philadelphia’s history as an industrial hub city. guage of Paint,” a group exhibit that featured Kishita’s elegant works on wood panel, ran from November 15, 2014, through January 24, 2015, at the Drawing Room Art Gallery in Cos Cob, Conn. “Essential Impermanence” featured her mixed-media work from January 17 to Feb- ruary 28 at the Windsor Art Center.

The South Philly home of Adam Wallacavage BFA ’95 (Photography), which includes his sought-after octopus-themed chandeliers, was featured in the Janu- ary 9, 2015, issue of The Philadelphia Inquirer in an article that asked, “Is this Philly’s weirdest home?”

Nadine Saylor BFA ’96 (Photography) has recently accepted a position at Southern Illinois University as a lecturer in the Glass department.

Work by Todd Keyser BFA ’98 (Photography) and UArts Professor Emeritus David Kettner was on display in the exhibit “Smart Play” at the Gross McCleaf Gal- lery in Philadelphia February 4-28. With a cut and a tear, a shape and a line, Keyser and Kettner create works that reflect an impulse to play, to imagine and to understand.

45 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 45 5/12/15 4:30 PM Joshua Marowitz BFA ’98 (Photography) and Jennifer Schick BFA ’02 (Painting/Drawing), 2000s co-founders of PHAIR, Philadelphia’s Maker Market, brought their Franklin Square Holiday Market to the Kevin Mcdevitt BFA ’00 (Painting + Drawing) Franklin Square Holiday Festival this past holiday sea- and his wife welcomed their son in the spring of 2013. son. Produced in collaboration with Historic Philadel- phia, Inc., the market featured a select group of artists Richard Monteleone BFA ’02 (Fine Arts) and and makers selling a variety of handmade goods, includ- Patricia Durante had a staged reading of “The Bonnie ing photography, clothing, jewelry, food, hand-knit Project” sponsored by Mazeppa Productions on July 14, textiles, children’s toys and clothing, and more. Among 2014, at Christ Church Neighborhood House. “The Bon- the featured artists was Morgan Jamison BFA ’09 nie Project” focuses on Bonnie and her friend, Ree, who (Jewelry/Metals) of Old Blood Jewelry & Wears. go through life together from the late 60s to the year 2000. Over the past year, Monteleone and Durante have Christina Papola Day BFA ’99 (Crafts) had a been holding readings and workshops to hear their work. solo show titled “Fifth Wall” this past fall at the Phila- delphia Art Alliance. Rachelle Lee Smith BFA ’02 (Photography), a current School of Design staff member and former Pho- Ryan Hancock BFA ’99 (Theater) was recent- tography program faculty/staff member, was featured in ly hired as of counsel at Willig Williams & Davidson, a Philadelphia Magazine’s “G Philly” blog last November. Philadelphia labor and employment law firm. He was Smith talked about her recently released book, Speaking formerly assistant chief counsel of the Pennsylvania OUT: Queer Youth in Focus, and the pop-up exhibit of the Human Relations Commission. He currently oversees book’s images that were on display in the windows of the the University of Pennsylvania Law School’s Crimi- vacant Robinson Luggage store on the corner of Broad nal Record Expungement Project legal clinic, while and Walnut Streets. Promotion of the book’s release also supervising pro bono legal staff and law student vol- included a book launch party at the William Way LGBT unteers in helping people clear their criminal and/or Community Center in October, where an exhibit of her arrest bonds. Hancock is also a member of the Young photos was on display. Smith also brought her book to Professional Advisory Board for Philadelphia’s Bethes- the Society for Photographic Education Conference in da Project, which provides shelter, housing and oth- New Orleans this March, attending with Photography er support to chronically homeless men and women. Adjunct Associate Professor Barbara Proud, who was also there to promote her book, First Comes Love: Por- traits of Enduring LGBTQ Relationships. The pair also participated in book signing/reading events at Ninth Street Book Shop in Wilmington, Del., and Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia. Other book parties were held at Big Blue Marble Book Store in Mount Airy, Pa., and Bluestockings Book Store in New York City.

Jean Burdick MFA ’03 (Painting) exhibited her work this winter at the Pennswood Art Gallery in New- town, Pa. Burdick’s work shows layers of textures and images that reference the observations she makes about Ashley Peel Pinkham BFA ’99 (Photog- the interconnectedness of systems in the natural world. raphy) opened a jewelry store, Philadelphia Inde- She uses drawing, painting and silk screen to make pat- pendents, in May 2014 in Old City. The grand open- terns, layers of color and texture—magnifying, overlap- ing featured local fave Franklin Fountain giving away ping and obscuring. free samples of their locally made ice cream. Phil- adelphia Independents is co-owned by Ashley’s Kevin Finn BFA ’03 (Film) and James Rolfe BFA friends, Jennifer Provost and Tiffica Benza, and fea- ’04 (Film) premiered “Angry Video Game Nerd: The tures items that are all handmade by local artists. Movie” nationwide in 2014, including to sold-out crowds at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, Pa., and Mark Wangberg MFA ’99 (Book Arts + Printmak- the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. Other screenings ing) had an exhibit titled “Stumbling Toward Ecstasy: included select theaters in Boston, Atlanta, San Francis- Huge Altered Textiles, Poetry & Book Art” at the Risk co, Chicago, St. Louis, Montreal and Toronto throughout Press Gallery in Sebastopol, Calif., last August. In addi- July and August. The comedy, based on the popular web tion to the exhibition, Wangberg hosted a book art pan- series of the same name, was released on DVD, Blu-ray el discussion and presentation with local book artists. 46

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 46 5/12/15 4:30 PM and video-on-demand in late 2014. “Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie” is a completely fan-funded film, made possible thanks to an extremely successful Indiegogo campaign that raised more than $325,000.

Ben O’Neill BM ’04 (Music Performance) was the featured artist for “Sittin’ In,” the free monthly jam session at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. O’Neill is a Grammy-nominated artist who has played Jen Devor BS ’06 (Communication) and Brind for some of the best-known names in hip-hop, pop and School staff member Max Vasapoli BFA ’08 (Musi- gospel music, including Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Christina cal Theater), MEd ’16 (Educational Program Aguilera and Tye Tribbett. Design) were named two of Philly’s 55 “Connectors & Keepers” by Leadership Philadelphia. Selected from al- Katie O’Neil BFA ’04 (Craft + Material most 1,200 nominations, the alumni have each embarked Studies) and her South Street boutique Mushmina on a two-year civic engagement process designed to were profiled in Philadelphia’sWeekly Press newspaper recognize, empower, connect and retain young talent in in August 2014. O’Neil and her sister opened the store Philadelphia. Vasapoli was also named an emerging arts in 2012 and sell an international collection of handmade leader by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance in clothing and accessories. October.

“Die Hexe” (German for “The Witch”), a solo exhi- Work by Photography Senior Lecturer/alumna bition by alumnus Alex Da Corte BFA ’05 (Print- Julianna Foster MFA ’06 (Book Arts + Print- making), was on display February 26 through April 11 at making) was featured in the December 14, 2014, issue Luxembourg & Dayan in New York City. This is the Phil- of Cleaver Magazine, spotlighting her “Swell” series. (See adelphia-based artist’s largest installation to date and story on page 13.) was described by BroadwayWorld.com as “an implau- sible cross between a dollhouse and a haunted house.” “Die Hexe” precedes Da Corte’s first major museum solo exhibition at the Massachusetts Museum of Contempo- rary Art opening in March 2016.

Nathan Distefano MFA ’05 (Painting) exhibited his work with fellow Bucks County artist Joseph Barrett at the Doylestown Frame Factory in November 2014.

Michele McKeone BS ’05 (Communication) was profiled in the January 13, 2015, issue of thePhiladelphia Business Journal after moving full-time into her growing business, Autism Expressed, a digital literacy program for autistic teens. A $10,000 incubator grant from the University’s Corzo Center for the Creative Economy “Bridges We Burn,” a song by Mary Scholz BFA ’06 helped get the company off the ground in 2012. In 2013, (Musical Theater) from her newest album titled The Autism Expressed also received a $20,000 grant from Girl You Thought You Knew, was nominated for a 2014 the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Ed- Hollywood Music Media Award. ucation and the Milken Family Foundation’s Education Business Plan Competition. Sara Bakken BFA ’07 (Crafts) had one of her sculptures displayed in an exhibit for the 9th Interna- In addition to landing a recurring role opposite Jeffrey tional Shibori Symposium at the China National Silk Tambor on Amazon’s new Golden Globe-winning se- Museum in Hangzhou, China. ries “Transparent,” Daniel Robaire BFA ’05 (Act- ing) also recently booked a job acting alongside the very James Dessicino BFA ’07 (Sculpture) had his funny Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen and Steve Zahn in an epi- sculpture “The Edward Snowden Statue” on display at sode of ABC’s hit TV show “Modern Family.” Robaire is “Art in Odd Places” in New York City’s Union Square. repped by JLA Talent and Full Circle Management. The statue was also exhibited at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts from November 2014 through January 2015.

47 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 47 5/12/15 4:30 PM Jessica Hoffman MFA ’10 (Printmaking + Book Arts) had a show at Osprey Letterpress in Seattle this fall titled “Slow Communication,” a body of work that investigates collective memory, communication and interpersonal relationships through found objects and printmaking. For the exhibition, Hoffman drew a range of ephemera for her source material—family letters, a stack of library calling cards and a broken typewriter—to invoke the impermanent nature of communication.

Traci Maturo BFA ’10 (Illustration) has worked as a freelance illustrator for the Garden State Harmonic Club and as a preschool teacher, which inspired her to earn her teaching certificate from Caldwell College. After earning her certificate to teach art, Maturo has become an instructional aide and a teaching consultant with AI Stu- dios. Most recently, she is employed with Pinot’s Palette.

Maggie Schreiter BFA ’07 (Crafts) appeared on “Jeopardy!” this January. Schreiter, who was in the lead throughout most of the game, came in second place.

Paradigm Gallery + Studio, a Philadelphia-based artist space founded in 2010 by Jason Chen BFA ’08 (Ani- mation) and Sara McCorriston BFA ’09 (Theater Design + Technology), was named “Best Art Gal- lery” in the Philly HOT LIST contest sponsored by local Jackie Starker BS ’10 (Industrial Design) TV outlet PHL17. The contest featured more than 6,300 has opened Amelie’s Bark Shop, a new dog bakery and local businesses competing to be named best. boutique on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadel- phia. The shop, named after her almost 8-year-old dog, Andrew Huot MFA ’09 (Books Arts + Printmak- opened for Small Business Saturday on November 29, ing) recently designed a carousel book that was this 2014. Amelie’s Bark Shop carries Starker’s homemade year’s Radish Award recipient. Huot does highly spe- dog treats made in-house at the shop and handmade and cialized work for clients out of his bindery, Big River recycled dog and cat products, many of which are made Bindery, in Davenport, Iowa. At Big River Bindery, Huot locally in Philadelphia. Starker first started selling dog offers classes for people who want to learn the art and treats online a few years ago under the name Pupcakes science of bookbinding, including hands-on workshops and after outgrowing her kitchen, decided to take her in which participants can make prints and learn book- business to the next level. binding techniques. 2010s

Angelica Cassimiro BFA ’10 (Dance Education) completed three full contracts as a mainstage performer and dance captain with Disney Cruise Line. Cassi- miro was also one of two performers selected to be part of the first U.S. leg of Australia’s Strange Fruit—a Mel- bourne-based company with a remarkable style of work Gina Delia BFA ’11 (Photography) was awarded that fuses theater, dance and circus—using a unique el- one of six solo show opportunities with the Monmouth evated medium. She continues to travel throughout the Museum’s Emerging Artist Series in Lincroft, N.J. De- world with the company. lia’s work was on display at the museum throughout the month of July and into early August 2014, with an opening reception held on July 11 and an artist’s talk on July 23.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 48 5/12/15 4:31 PM Jill Keys BFA ’11 (Theater Design + Technology) Francis Bicker BFA ’12 (Printmaking) participated created a “fat suit” for Theatre Exile’s recent production in an exciting opportunity in Tianjin, China. He taught at of “The Whale,” a play about a morbidly obese man named Beneath the International, a school for high school- or Charlie who hides away in his apartment eating himself college-age Chinese students who are applying to west- to death. The costume, designed to make a 275-pound ern art colleges. He is an art teacher and covers many actor look like he weighs 600 pounds, took her more topics, from color theory to modern art, and helps stu- than 75 hours to make and was covered by a size 10X grey dents create interesting artwork for their portfolios. His sweat suit during the entire show. “I’m a crafty person—I emphasis when teaching is on creativity and individu- do all kinds of weird projects, so this is an everyday build ality, which many Chinese schools do not value. Bicker for me. It’s definitely the largest thing I’ve ever worked learned a lot about China and appreciates the colorful, on, but it’s not daunting,” Keys told PhillyVoice.com. vibrant culture and history of the region. He was in Tian- jin from November 2014 to May 2015. Caitlin Leary BFA ’11 (Modern Dance) recently completed national tours with both “Beauty and the Adriana Lopez BFA ’12 (Directing, Playwriting Beast” and “Elf.” Leary has recently joined the cast of + Production) was recently hired as chief advisor of “Mama Mia!” and has been made an Equity member. the Arts and community deputy director of Latin Amer- ican for “Next,” an international think tank. Kelly Meissner BFA ’11 (Illustration), creator of the innovative clothing line Ugly Appar- “Intrusive Thoughts,” an exhibition by faculty mem- el, launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to ber/alumna Kristine Strawser MFA ’12 (Studio help raise funds for producing sleeve wrap prints and Art), was on display in the President’s Office Gallery tees. The Philadelphia-based company got its start at UArts from July through September 2014. The unruly thanks to a Wells Fargo Fellowship Grant from the work in “Intrusive Thoughts” was made to acknowledge University’s Corzo Center for the Creative Econo- Strawser’s world, urban and rural, spliced together in my as a part of its annual Creative Incubator program. attempts at better work. “Intrusive Thoughts” is unre- fined, unedited, unvarnished.

Marc Crousillat BFA ’13 (Dance) and Amanda Kmett’Pendry BFA ’13 (Dance) were featured in the November 15, 2014, issue of The New Yorker in a glowing review of Netta Yerushalmy’s new work titled “Helga and the Three Sailors.”

Leigha Kato BFA ’13 (Musical Theater) performed as Little Red Riding Hood in Sondheim’s musical classic “Into the Woods” at Norristown’s Theater Horizon this winter. Kato says that she relates to Red’s wanting to be grown up and thinking she knows more than she does. “I always had this independence and I was kind of a know-it-all with my brother and cousins.” Andrew Cameron Zahn BFA ’11 (Multime- dia), MFA ’13 (Studio Art), a lecturer in the Design, Art + Technology program, recently opened CRUXspace, Philadelphia’s only new media art gallery. The opening show, “Mediating Technology,” was curated by former UArts Multimedia faculty member Katherine Ben- nett and featured her own work as well as the work of other artists. CRUXspace also featured “PeevesPlay- HAUS,” the first solo exhibit by Martin Peeves MFA Jessi Cosgrove BFA ’13 (Acting) attended the ’13 (Studio Art), and an exhibit by experimental artist International Stunt School in Seattle and received cer- G. H. Hovagimyan BFA ’08 (Sculpture). tification as an apprentice stunt performer through the United Stuntmen’s Association in August 2014. She is currently workshopping her first full-length play, “Dulcimer,” which illustrates the lives of young people in the Appalachians. She intends to have it staged by summer 2015.

49 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 49 5/12/15 4:31 PM Daniel Hartig BM ’13 (Instrumental Perfor- mance), Dan Berkery BM ’11 (Instrumental Per- formance) and Jesse Minikes BM ’13 (Instrumen- tal Performance) performed with their band City Bandits at the Cutting Room in New York City alongside Matt McAndrew BM ’13 (Vocal Performance), first runner-up on Season 7 of “The Voice.” Hartig is a second-year graduate student at Teachers College, Co- lumbia University, pursuing his master’s degree in Mu- sic Education. He has been teaching in several different programs in New York and received Columbia’s Zankel Fellowship Award.

Work by Olivia Jones BFA ’13 (Craft + Material Studies), Alex Lozier BFA ’10 (Craft + Material Cody Freeman BFA ’14 (Musical Theater) was fea- Studies), Amy Rope Lyons BFA ’82 (Crafts), Vin- tured in the October 16, 2014, issue of Time magazine in cent Master BFA ’14 (Craft + Material Studies) an opinion piece titled “Hook-up Apps Are Destroying and Colin Pezzano BFA ’14 (Craft + Material Gay Youth Culture.” Studies) was included in the 38th annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show, held Novem- Alina John BFA ’14 (Musical Theater) was fea- ber 6-9, 2014, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. tured in the August 9, 2014, issue of The Philadelphia Inquirer in a story about the summer workshop she at- Bryan Black BFA ’14 (Musical Theater) recently tended at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. appeared in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Candlelight The- Taught by the Broadway Dreams Foundation, John was atre in Wilmington, Del. He has also recently appeared given a scholarship from the cast of the national tour of in “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” “The Book of Mormon” that allowed her to attend the at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, N.J., “Burt and Me” workshop for the second summer in a row. at the Delaware Theatre Company and “Dogfight: The Musical” at 11th Hour Theatre Company in Philadelphia. Kelsey Ludwig BFA ’14 (Modern Dance) was profiled on Philly.com in January about “5x7 Space Show- Work by Marcus Branch BFA ’14 (Photogra- ing,” her living room art show that outgrew her Rodman phy), Chelsea Griffith BFA ’14 (Photography) Street house and found a new home at Hy-Lo Labs in Old and Jessica Landau BFA ’14 (Photography) was City. Named for the 5-by-7-foot rug Ludwig originally featured in FOTOmania, Bulgaria’s primary photography set up for performances, “5x7” has presented more than magazine. After a meeting, Associate Professor Harris 50 artists in the last 16 months and will likely continue, Fogel and the magazine’s editor decided to expand the even though Ludwig has moved to Brooklyn. original feature story on the UArts Photography program into alumni photographers being featured individually Colin Pezzano BFA ’14 (Craft + Material across several issues. Studies), a 2014 Windgate Fellow, was featured in the September 2014 issue of American Craft Magazine. The Amy Lyn Brand MFA ’14 (Studio Art) exhibited article spotlighted the Wood major’s “anthropomor- “The Feed Me Project,” which was funded by a Leeway phized furniture.” Foundation Art and Change Grant, at the Upper Perkio- men Community Life Center in March 2015. “The Feed David Romero BFA ’14 (Animation) and Annelise Me Project” is an interactive show of sculpture and text Williams BFA ’14 (Animation) were named winners on breastfeeding and contemporary motherhood. Brand in the 2014 Bucks Fever FilmFest, an annual, juried festi- is continuing the project with a website devoted to the val of short films coordinated by the Central Bucks (Pa.) topic of breastfeeding. Chamber of Commerce. Romero’s senior thesis piece, “Midnight Snack,” took home the top College Anima- Kennedy Dickerson BFA ’14 (Photography) tion prize, while Williams’ senior animation titled “Dust served as an assistant to National Geographic photogra- with Flour” earned an honorable mention. “Midnight pher Catherine Karnow, who was shooting a major fea- Snack” was also the Grand Jury Prize winner at the 2014 ture story on Philadelphia artists for National Geographic Community Underground Film Festival (CUFF), host- Traveler magazine. ed by the Community College of Philadelphia last No- vember. Other CUFF winners included “Atelamise” by Tracey Laguerre BFA ’14 (Animation), named Best Film Directed by a College or University Student.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 50 5/12/15 4:31 PM In Memoriam

Alumni

Genevieve Patricia Holmes Edward Wismer Genevieve Patricia Holmes CERT ’38 (Illustration) passed Edward Wismer DIPL ’51 (Art Education) of Ocean City, away on January 18, 2015, at the age of 98. Holmes, called Patricia or N.J., passed away on January 2, 2015. Born in Reading and raised in Pat by family and friends, was an award-winning artist who exhibit- Philadelphia, Wismer graduated from Simon Gratz High School with ed widely in the Philadelphia region and lived in Rosemont, Pa. Her a full scholarship to what is now known as the University of the Arts. artwork featured brilliant splashes of color, whether in her still lifes, He gained a lifelong appreciation for music with a foray into opera, landscapes or people disposed in various postures, including crowds performing with the Philadelphia Opera and the traveling company at Penn’s Landing. Her use of color brought her subjects into vivid life. of the Met. He taught art in the Millville Schools where he met his Holmes won awards from such prestigious galleries as the Woodmere wife, Joan. After teaching in Millville, Wismer moved with Joan to Art Museum, but her greatest satisfaction might have come from Ocean City, where he took a position as an art teacher at Central Jr. the paintings she donated to the Sunshine Foundation to help the High in Atlantic City and taught for 32 years. He also taught at the organization, which fulfills the dreams of chronically or terminally Jewish Community Center, Atlantic City Arts Center and with pri- ill children. She attended Friends Select School and the University of vate students. Wismer was a former president of the Society of New the Arts. She also studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Jersey Artists. Arts. Holmes was a member of the board of the Wayne Art Center and belonged to several watercolor societies. Anne K. Zaslow Anne K. Zaslow DIPL ’57 (Fabric + Textile Design), loving Charles Ober wife of 57 years to Jerry Zaslow, passed away on January 1, 2014. As a Charles Ober BFA ’49 (Illustration) of Cumberland, Va., fabric designer, Zaslow conceived an upholstery fabric that was used passed away on December 12, 2014. Ober was born in Philadelphia and in a 1950s Chevrolet. She is survived by three loving daughters who studied at the Philadelphia Museum School of Art (now UArts), gradu- grew up to marry and become wonderful soul mates to their hus- ating in 1949. He entered the U.S. Navy and after four years of service, bands and children. Although she was a stay-at-home wife, mother he settled in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. Ober had a career and grandmother, she devoted much of her time to various causes working as an advertising artist, art director and creative director for and charities. several advertising and public relations agencies. He also freelanced for five years as a light-show artist and producer for discotheques, concerts and business presentations from North Carolina to New York David P. Milby and Portugal. In addition, he opened his own visual arts studio, One David P. Milby BFA ’62 (Art Education), formerly of Cam- Point Six, in 1980. He created stained-glass works, paintings and den, N.J., and Philadelphia, passed away on January 6, 2015. Milby photography under that name for 15 years. In 1988, he began his own graduated from the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University company, Word Weavers, Inc., offering creative services and desktop of the Arts) in 1962 and also from the University of Pennsylvania in publishing for business clients. Ober’s professional awards include 1964. He was the J.S. Guggenheim Fellow for painting from 1966 to a National Addy Award, a Gold Medal from the New York Film & TV 1967 and was a longtime professor of Integrative Arts at Pennsylvania Festival, Best-in-Show awards from advertising and art-related exhi- State University, Abington Campus. bitions, a Desi Award for Graphics from Graphic Design magazine, and various other honors from printing and advertising organizations. Estelle Schaeffer Estelle Schaeffer BFA ’68 (Art Education), a retired art John C. Graham teacher and sales professional from Fort Washington, Pa., passed John C. Graham DIPL ’51 (Advertising Design) was a leading away on November 4, 2014. Schaeffer taught elementary school art in figure in science education in Philadelphia for many years as director of Mount Laurel, N.J. She also worked as a window designer for high- the Wagner Free Institute of Science in the 1970s and ’80s, as well as an end retail shops in Chestnut Hill. influential teacher and mentor to thousands of young people. He passed away on December 23, 2014, at the age of 92. As an artist, Graham began by making wood-block prints, then moved on to painting in acryl- ics, sculpture and mobiles. He also enjoyed creating collages. Graham served five years in the military and after his discharge, attended the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts). He is survived by his wife, Susan, a daughter and a son, and three grandchildren.

51 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 51 5/12/15 4:31 PM Trustees, Faculty & Staff

Irvin J. Borowsky Raymond K. Metzker

Longtime UArts Trustee Irvin J. Borowsky, a benefactor of the University and an outstanding business leader and philanthropist, passed away on November 25, 2014, at the age of 90. Irvin and his wife, Trustee Laurie Wagman, were instrumental in the cre- ation of the University’s Borowsky Center for Glass Arts and the prestigious Irvin J. Borowsky Prize in Glass Arts, awarded annually

to an artist whose work advances the field of contemporary glass City Whispers: Philadelphia, 1983, Ray K. Metzker, gelatin silver print. The J. Paul Getty Museum art. An innovator and leader in the publishing industry, Borowsky launched the weekly television magazine that would become TV Photographer Raymond K. Metzker, a longtime UArts professor Guide and founded the North American Publishing Company. He was called “one of the nation’s greatest photographers” by The Phila- a generous patron of the arts, and through the Borowsky Gallery in delphia Inquirer, died on October 9, 2014, at the age of 83. Metzker the University’s Gershman Hall, he presented the works of painters, served as chair of the Photography/Film program and founded the sculptors and book artists. He was also the founder and chairman of University’s Sol Mednick Gallery. A master of light and shadow, the National Liberty Museum and founder of the American Inter- he captured scenes from gritty city streets, sunlit beaches, the faith Institute. He was a member of the Academy of Religion and the Southwestern desert and idyllic rural landscapes in black and white. Society of Biblical Literature, and lectured worldwide on diversity, His career spanned six decades starting in the 1960s, with his first faith and cooperation. solo exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1967. New York’s Laurence Miller Gallery hosted a retrospective of Metzker’s work titled “One and Only” last fall.

John Klinzing Former longtime Dean of Students John Klinzing passed away in Florida on January 9, 2015, at the age of 75 as the result of a fall. Klinzing served as dean from 1989 until his retirement in May of 2004. Prior to his time at UArts, he taught in public schools on Long Island, N.Y., and held posts at Union County Technical Institute in New Jersey and Pace University and Pratt Institute, both in New York City. A memorial for the Marietta, Ga., resident was held in Atlanta on January 16 and at UArts on April 3.

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 52 5/12/15 4:31 PM FROM THE ARCHIVES

UArts Always Equaled Philly Arts

53 edge

Edge15_insides_filesforprint.crw2.indd 53 5/12/15 4:31 PM FROM THE ARCHIVES UArts Always Equaled Philly Arts

In keeping with the theme of UArts’ impact on the Class of 1931 alumnus Raymond A. Ballinger (1907- Philadelphia arts scene, this installment of “From the 1985) was a longtime faculty member in what was then Archives” will look at that impact through archival called the Advertising Design department. His book, eyes. Space compels us to keep a very long list of pos- Layout, originally published in 1956, is still a classic, and sibilities to just a few. he wrote and designed numerous other publications. At the time of Ballinger’s death, Dean Richard Rein- We can start with a quintessential Philadelphian, hardt said, “The world has lost a real fine designer. Elizabeth Duane Gillespie (1821-1901), a great- Ray was one of the pillars of the program here for three Layout (1956) by granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin. Gillespie played decades. I would guess half the advertising art being Raymond Ballinger key roles in the successes of several 19th-century done in Philadelphia is currently being done by artists Philadelphia public endeavors such as the Great Central who studied with Ray.” Eli zabeth Duane Gillespie Sanitary Fair of 1864, a fundraiser for the U.S. Sanitary Commission, which was a forerunner to the Red Cross. Among the many notables in the UArts School of Music, Leslie William Miller The 1876 Centennial Exhibition may not have hap- alumnus and retired faculty member Dr. Donald pened without Gillespie and her national committee of Chittum BM ’56 (Music Performance), MM Olga Samaroff women, who successfully raised a large percentage of ’57 (Music), DM ’63 (Music Theory) is a stand- the money for the Centennial, and without the Centen- out. College of Performing Arts Dean Marc Dicciani Dr. Donald Chittum nial, the Pennsylvania Museum & School of Industrial BM ’75 (Percussion), when asked about Chittum, Art (PMSIA, now the UArts College of Art, Media & replied, “Dr. Chittum is truly a one-of-a-kind icon Design) would not have been founded. Gillespie served who has affected the learning and the lives of thou- as president of the PMSIA Committee of Women from sands of students, faculty and colleagues. For more than its founding in 1883 until her death; she attended every 60 years, and in so many ways, this great composer, commencement ceremony, handed out diplomas and theorist, teacher, administrator, leader, scholar, sage awards, raised money for scholarships, and is very and father figure has been an inspiration to musicians likely the person who shamed the PMSIA founders into everywhere.” Dr. Chittum earned his degrees from admitting women from the beginning by writing a no- the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music (PCM), a UArts holds-barred letter to the newspapers protesting the School of Music predecessor. omission of women. Olga Samaroff (1880-1948), who taught at PCM Another PMSIA notable with far-flung Philadelphia from 1928 to 1948, had an international career. A influence was the school’s first principal, Leslie Wil- noted concert pianist who debuted at Carnegie Hall liam Miller (1848-1931), who served in that position in 1905, Madame Olga was the first woman to play all from 1880 to 1920. In addition to his national and in- of Beethoven’s sonatas in recital, the first American ternational lecturing on industrial art education, Miller woman to win a scholarship to the Paris Conservatoire, served in various cultural organizations such as the Art and the first woman music critic for the New York Eve- Club of Philadelphia and the American Philosophical ning Post. Like her PCM colleague Vincent Persi- Society, and he served as secretary to the Fairmount chetti, she also taught at Juilliard. She was married to Park Art Association, which was instrumental in the Leopold Stokowski for a number of years. The 1947 PCM development of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. When yearbook was dedicated to her “in sincere appreciation he retired, the University of Pennsylvania awarded him of her many years of unselfish devotion to the cause of the first honorary doctorate of fine arts, Temple Univer- the aspiring artist and teacher.” sity awarded him an honorary law degree and the Art Club awarded him a gold medal. Good friend Thomas If you have questions or comments, please write to Eakins came often to 320 South Broad Street to paint Sara MacDonald, UArts Libraries Public Services a portrait of Miller in a classroom; that portrait can be Librarian, at [email protected]. seen at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

5/12/15 4:33 PM edge the magazine of The Universit y of the Arts Spring 2015 no.15

PAID US Po US stage Non Profit Org Permit No. 1103 Philade lphia, PA s t r A he t

y t niversi U he T 320 South Broad Street Philadelphia, 19102 PA UArts. edu Edge15_cover_filesforprint.crw2.indd 1