It is the experiences we share—whether on stage or screen, in a gallery or walking by a public mural, at a festival or in a classroom—which create community. A recent study has even shown that our heart rates sync up when we are watching or listening to the same thing, even if we are doing so at completely different times and in distant places. Our students are training to create art, curate and design experiences, objects and spaces, and use the arts to educate, heal, and solve problems…all to build a more vibrant local and global community.
The joy of feeling this sense of community again has driven the FSU College of Fine Arts—through the ups and downs of the last year—to accomplish all that is highlighted here in this 2021–2022 Year in Review, and much more.
My thanks go out to each one of you for playing a starring role in these accomplishments—as volunteer leaders, mentors, donors and collaborators. We are moving forward together, through our shared passion for and commitment to the arts and design.
James Frazier, MFA, EdD Dean
FSU’S INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN PROGRAM RANKS 3RD IN TOP 15 BEST BACHELOR’S IN INTERIOR DESIGN 2022
Above: “A Bridge to the Stars” - Interior Architecture and Design MFA students Hannah Smith and Alana Houston and alumna Sarah Rifqi (MFA 2021) won the Goodwood Museum & Gardens competition to a create a memorial to all people enslaved on the property from approximately 1832 until 1865.
Left: A lighting maquette project by undergraduate student Ashlee Burkett.
Right: Graduate student alum Zuleydi Gonzalez explains a medical clinic solution in the Studio 4 class.
DR. KAREN WILSON-AMA’ECHEFU
FSU School of Dance and Civil Rights Institute Partner for creative residency with Dr. Karen Wilson-Ama’Echefu
Known as blues woman and story midwife, public performing intellectual Dr. Karen Wilson-Ama’Echefu led a ten-day creative residency on the subject of “Repair, Reparation and Healing” in February 2022 as part of their ongoing creative research as dance, song, story collective, ‘Structures for Change.’ Wilson-Ama’Echefu is a Harlem child of Virginian parentage who specializes in the cultural production of Africans in the United States over its 400-year history.
THANK YOU TO OUR DEAN’S SOCIETY
FSU College of Fine Arts Dean’s Society recognizes donors that make annual, cumulative contributions of $250 or more to programs in the College of Fine Arts. For recognition in the Dean’s Society, make a gift today at give.fsu.edu/art.
GOLD ($2,500+)
Maggie Allesee/Strum Allesee Family Foundation
Shari & Stephen Ashman
Ronald L. Banyay
Ronnette Belizaire
Chandler & Brad Bonney
Doug Bradbury
Fred D. Chappell
Peter & Jennifer Collins
Robert Contreras & Ellen Berler
Warren Coville
Sandy & Jim Dafoe
Beth & Phillip Emery
Andrew & Michelle Feinberg
Steven & Blanche Gordon
Christine & Andrew Gumberg
Sherry & Michael Guthrie
Elece Harrison
Barbara Heard
Joy A. Hermanowski-Smith
Charles L. Huisking, III
Michael Fornaro & Christopher Iansiti
Rick & Cathie Johnson with Interior Architecture & Design students and Johnson Scholars, Karin Okamura and Haley Valdez
EMERITUS PROFESSOR FRED CHAPPELL ENDOWS SCHOLARSHIP FOR THEATRE ACADEMY LONDON
After his 2020 retirement from FSU School of Theatre, Emeritus Professor Fred Chappell knew that giving back to students would be a big part of his post-teaching days.
“I want all our students to exit FSU with the best foundation possible. Yet in my 34 years as a professor, I witnessed far too many students who struggled and turned down opportunities for growth due to financial issues.”
One of those oft-missed opportunities is Study Abroad.
“This investment in my education is something I can never say thank you enough for. I am acquiring the skills needed to share my talent and passion with the world, and I could not be more excited!”
- Allison Crawford, BFA Acting Class of 2023, Inaugural Recipient
“In the early 90’s, I had the opportunity to teach at FSU’s London Study Center. What a fantastic and unique experience for a student to study where English-speaking theatre has its roots!” Coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of FSU’s London Study Center, Chappell made a gift to endow the Fred Chappell Scholarship for London Theatre Study. As an endowed gift, the principle is invested by the FSU Foundation so that interest earned can be used annually to support a student. In this way, Chappell’s gift will provide a legacy of support long into the future.
ART THERAPY IN PRISONS PROGRAM
Since January 2020, a groundbreaking partnership between FSU’s Art Therapy Program and the Florida Department of Corrections has provided young adult inmates with special needs and obstacles the opportunity to earn their General Education Degree (GED) while also addressing topics such as mental health and emotional and behavioral challenges through art therapy.
Dave Gussak, program coordinator for FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program, has been involved in bringing art therapy into correctional settings for more than 30 years and has conducted various research studies in Florida correctional settings since arriving at FSU in 2002. The program was so successful that a new three-year contract has doubled the program’s size from four to eight institutions.
“Mindful Watercolor” – This image represents an success-driven process, encouraging clients to begin painting without a plan or intention, but rather remain present with their creation as they watch the color appear on the paper. This mindful practice is helpful in relieving stress and building positive coping skills.
DANCE PROFESSOR SELECTED AS ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE AT GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
School of Dance professor Ilana Goldman and Gabriel Williams (MFA Dance 2017) have been selected as artistsin-residence at Montana’s Glacier National Park to create a dance film focused on global environmental challenges and the effects of humans.
The artist-in-residence program seeks artists whose work is related to the park’s interpretative themes. It also seeks artists who support the mission of the National Park Service and the conservation of these public lands.
ARTNEWS’ 2022 DECIDER’S LIST INCLUDES FSU’S GRACE ANEIZA ALI
The yearly list recognizes individuals and institutions who are contributing to the cultural conversation in a pointed way—and moving that conversation forward. Ali is a Curator and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Art and affiliated faculty in the Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies Program, Department of Art History.
“Scholarships and financial aid can sometimes cover tuition and textbooks, but usually not supplies or materials. Fulfilling this need—and levelling the academic experience—was of utmost importance to us.” - Department Chair Dr. Jill Pable.
ART FIGHTING ALZHEIMER’S
Associate Professor of Digital Arts Keith Roberson teamed up with faculty and staff members from across the University to develop a project known as DeepCare, which will use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of life for those at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.
As part of this project, Roberson is developing a way for patients to use AI image generation, collaborating with the AI to create art through text prompts. Previous studies have shown that this type of art therapy, known as “art on behalf,” can be effective in improving quality of life measures for patients.
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES FUND FOR STUDENTS
Created with Crowdfunding from Alumni & Friends
Beginning college is an exciting time for new students – but it’s not without its struggles. The uncertainty of moving away, the rigors of academic programs, and taking out loans to pay for living expenses and supplies adds stress to what should be a smooth transition. For economically disadvantaged students, the situation is worse.
Students expressed in listening sessions that they had been embarrassed to present their work alongside their peers due to financial difficulties; some even described having to choose between class materials and food at times.
In response, Department of Interior Architecture & Design alumni and friends rallied together in the academic year to establish a new Materials & Supplies Fund, which will provide starter supply kits economically challenged first- and secondyear students. The kits contain 30 items necessary for the program, including mechanical pencils, templates, trace paper, a T-Square, and more.
20%
OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS PURSUING THE PROGRAM ARE PELL GRANT-ELIGIBLE
DEAN’S SOCIETY
GARNET ($1,000 - $2,499)
CONT.
Dave & Laurie Gussak
Jennifer M. Guy-Hudson &
Matt Hudson
IA Interior Architects
Interiors Trading Co., Inc.
Kathi Jaschke & Richard B. Dusenbury
Bobby Johnston & Paul Wilson
Emory & Dorothy Johnson
Joe & Cindy Johnson
Barbara A. Judd*
Jonathan Klepper & Jimmy Cole
Michael & Catherine Lambert
Cameron & Julie Lashbrook
Gregory J. Leaming
Virginia & Joseph Mallof
Douglas & Cricket Mannheimer
Mary A. McDonough
Sally McRorie
KC & Bob McWilliams
Lynn & Todd McWilliams
Russ & Genie Morcom
Kevin V. Mulcahy
Robb Pruitt
Laura & Sam Rogers
Marcia Rosal & Philip Fong
Emily B. Ruddell
Francis J. & Ann S. Salancy
David & Julianne Schulte
Brence & Janis Sell
Michael & Judy Sheridan
Michael K. Sheridan
Michael Stephens & Collen Reedy
Suzanne Stipek
Martha A. Strawn
Margaret Thayer & Jeffrey Joyce
David & Paula Warmath
Elise & Joseph Warner
Bill & Carol Weissert
Tirrell & Kristen Whittley
Charles & Susan Wilson
Wolf-Gordon
Carol A. Woodward
Jawole W. J. Zollar
THEATRE SHOWCASE
Spring showcases highlight FSU actors in NYC, LA & worldwide
A series of showcases this spring highlighted the talents of seniors from the undergraduate Music Theatre and Acting programs, as well as the graduate students from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training in Sarasota. In New York City, Los Angeles and online, these talented young actors demonstrated their talents before alums, donors and industry professionals.
FSU’S GREATGIVE
POWERS CLASSROOM-TO-CAREER SUCCESS
Philanthropic gifts power awards to support experiential learning for students studying in the arts at FSU. Thanks to annual gifts to the College of Fine Arts and its Career Preparation in the Arts fund through FSU Great Give and all throughout the year, students from across the College can apply for awards to help them pursue internships, residencies, conference attendance & presentation, and more. These student stories are just three examples of how your gifts ignited a career.
“I was able to present a workshop in five schools across the State of Florida, which helped students transition back to classroom environments after the isolation of this pandemic. Through an art experience—making a memorial flag—we intentionally engaged the students in selfcare strategies and studio practice.”
STEPHEN NEWBOLD
BA Art History 2006, PhD Candidate in Art Education
37
“I completed a project, as part of my ‘Business in Acting’ course, on the unique theatre and entertainment industry in Chicago, which allowed me to establish meaningful connections with agents and theatre companies.”
PAIGE KLOPFENSTEIN MFA Acting 2022
CLASS PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
on resume critiquing, interviewing and exploring careers
“As I extend my interest in arts accessibility in academic settings, I have been interviewing people who have modified art-marking workspaces. Thanks to my scholarship, I purchased equipment to create a podcast so their innovations can be shared nationwide for other art teachers and artists with accessibility issues. Since receiving the award, I have published two episodes!”
KAT CHUDY
MFA Candidate in Studio Art
ARTS CAREER FORUMS 6
FSU GO PACK
Targets
Sustainability in Hurricane Preparedness
Partnering with FSU’s Resilient Infrastructure & Disaster Response (RIDER) Center, FSU Art Professor Holly Hanessian is testing public libraries as a means of distributing sustainable emergency kits for citizens impacted by our region’s major climate catastrophe, hurricanes. The Go Pack initiative evolved from Hanessian’s Hurricane Emergency Art Kit.
STUDENT NEWS
SARAH MATHEISEN a doctoral candidate in Art History, received a Medieval Academy of America Dissertation Grant to support her dissertation project in which she examines the monumental decorative program of a rock-cut church in the Ihlara Valley of Cappadocia, Turkey and a Student Travel Grant from the International Center of Medieval Art.
ARIANNA DANTES an undergraduate student in Interior Architecture and Design was named to Metropolis Magazine’s Top 100 Future Designers 2022.
YATIL ETHERLY (MA Museum & Cultural Heritage Studies 2022) curated an exhibition for the WJB Art & Design Library. “Thinking in 3D: Utilizing the Future to Reimagine the Past” featured more than thirty 3D printed objects and artifact replicas created by Yatil himself! These replicas allow visitors to interact with them directly.
SYDNEY MARTIN an MFA Costume Design graduate student in the School of Theatre, won 2nd Place in the Southeastern Theatre Conference Costume Design Awards for her work on FSU’s Spring 2022 production of Men on Boats.
ALUMNI NEWS
ALEXIS ASSAM (MA Art History 2018), Curator of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, was named an ‘On the Rise’ Museum Curator by Culture Type.
DEBRAH SICKLER-VOIGT (BA 1992, PhD Art Education 2002) and RYAN SHIN (PhD Art Education 2002) were honored with 2022 National Art Education Association Awards for service.
MARIO CASERTA (BS Studio Art 1999) Launched Fancy VFX and O’Keeffe: One Hundred Flowers experience at Illuminarium Las Vegas and Atlanta.
RAMONE NELSON (BFA Music Theatre, 2021) made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning production of MJ the Musical
SEMINOLE ($500 - $999)
Barbara & Hector Aguirre
Tony Archer & Daniel Taylor
Walli Beall
Steve Been, Kathy & Joan McGuire
Michael & Rachel Ciaccio
Juan & Jessica Comas
Reshma Dalsania
Sara DuChene
Jo Ann Fain
Margie Fletcher
John & Alexis Fraites
Larry J. Gerber
David & Hilda Gilchrist
Michelle Greiner
Elaine Hackett
Carolyn Henne & Robert Goree
James E. Hennessey & M.K. Gibson
Micheal Hetsler & John Hinson
Jerry & Bobbi Hill
Lynn Hogan & Robin Fowler
Tanya Hollady
Mark & Nicole Howell
Richard & Linda Hyson
Bob & Janis Inzer
Bruce & Lynn Janasiewicz
Deborah & Ernest Kearney
John & Linda Kilgore
Russell Kohl
George Koraly
Dennis Kovach & David Logan
John & Jennifer LaVia
William & Susan Leseman
Mike & Heather Lister
Tony & Barbara Lombardo
Julie Lovelace & Burt Davy
Geof Mansfield & Jennifer Fitzwater
Sue & Tim Markham
Hayes P. Mauro
Preston & Yelena McLane
Philip & Gay Merrill
Marion & Martin Merzer
Jane & George Morgan
Steven Mudder
Richard & Betty Nimtz
Martha Olive-Hall & William Hall
Lucie Matthews Patton
Sunny Phillips
Larry & Joanne Pintacuda
Photo by Sandra Sellers. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Jay Newman with Newman Scholars Hannah Fazio, Mike Franz and Teresa Simone
2022 Theatre Patron New York Trip Dinner
JoAnn Fain with Music Theatre Student/Fain Scholar José Muñoz
Matty Mathieson and Carol Gilbert with Conservatory Students Joe Ayers, Zoya Martin and Imani Williams
Tirrell Whittley and Brett Player talk with a student
