CONTXT 2025

2025

6 THE HEART OF RINGLING COLLEGE Stories of creativity and care from across the College

SPRING 2025

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ARTISTS ON AI

PROGRESS REPORT: GROWTH IN ACTION!

Updates from the Field

Community initiatives and achievements at Ringling College and Sarasota Art Museum

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PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING GRAD LANDS FULBRIGHT AWARD

ROLE-PLAYING SUCCESS How Catherine Mougalian transforms ESOL at Ringling College

Jesse Clark ’23 is immersed in Trinidad’s Carnival traditions and contemporary culture

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INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AT RINGLING COLLEGE

THE ART OF GIVING

Three projects highlight the range of possibilities from INDEX

GIVING

Meet some of Ringling’s generous donors

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GENERATIONS IN MOTION

AWARDS Our brightest achievements from the last year

Ringling’s Motion Design major fosters a multigenerational network

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THE LAZARUS ENGAGED LEARNING ASSISTANTSHIP

2024-25 TRUSTEE SCHOLARS: DREAMING IN TECHNICOLOR

A history of building connections and support throughout the region

15 remarkable students brighten our campus

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FROM PORTFOLIO TO PEACEBUILDING

RINGLING COLLEGE’S FILM CIRCLE

Summer break for a Ringling student

Go behind the scenes with the donor group that helps bring films to life

44 ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES Updates from the alumni community

ON THE COVER This issue of CONTXT highlights the College’s Motion Design major. The cover features the thesis project of Josh Young ’23, Motion Design.

Building a Creative Community Reading through the pages of this issue of CONTXT, I am reminded of what makes Ringling College of Art and Design truly exceptional: our people. This issue is a celebration of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who make this College such a special place—where creativity thrives not just in the classroom but in the everyday interactions that build a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative community.

At Ringling College, kindness isn’t just a value—it’s a practice. From the faculty who go above and beyond to nurture potential, to the staff who create a welcoming environment, to the students who lift each other up, our shared values are rooted in a commitment to one another’s success.

It’s this environment of support that sets Ringling College apart and that fuels the creativity that leads to incredible achievements.

In this issue, you’ll read stories that showcase the strength of our community—whether it’s students forging meaningful connections with one another that later transform into professional relationships or faculty who engage learners in innovative ways. These stories remind us that it is the PEOPLE who make this institution great, and it’s through our collective efforts that we continue to grow and evolve.

As I reflect on all that we have accomplished together, I look forward to the continued success and growth of this community. Thank you, members of the Ringling College community, for being an essential part of our ongoing journey and for helping to make this place a true home for creativity, kindness, and collaboration.

Larry R. Thompson President, Ringling College of Art and Design

Dr. Larry R. Thompson in the Alfred Goldstein Library

Ringling College Expanded Through its expanding community of organizations, Ringling College of Art and Design is dedicated to supporting and engaging people of all ages throughout the region. Each of our partner institutions offers unique experiences, opportunities, and educational programming to diverse audiences.

Sarasota Art Museum

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College OLLI attracts people who want to learn simply for the joy of learning. Through engaging classes, lectures, and workshops, OLLI members form close bonds with one another. For them, being part of a community is as important and valuable as the learning experience itself.

Some members find romance, others make new friends, some choose to teach or volunteer, and some reconnect with people they may have lost touch with over time.

Since opening in 2019, Sarasota Art Museum has welcomed over 250,000 visitors to experience world-class contemporary art across all media. With an endless rotation of inspiring indoor and outdoor exhibitions, hundreds of public programs and studio art classes, and lovingly re-imagined historic architecture, Sarasota Art Museum has become an essential landmark within our region’s thriving arts and cultural scene.

Film Circle The Film Circle comprises a group of donors who are passionate champions of Ringling College’s Film Program. Members support Film students in three major ways: annual and endowed scholarships, ensuring access to industry-grade equipment in state-of-the-art facilities, and the Green Light Fund, which gives students additional resources for the films they produce as part of their hands-on education and unique opportunities to work with industry professionals.

Read more about the Film Circle on page 34.

Ringling College TOWN HALL Speaker Series Ringling College presents this annual speaker series for the community featuring internationally acclaimed speakers in world affairs, government, economics, business, social welfare, medicine, arts, entertainment, and more. This year, they kicked the season off with a talk by Academy Award-winning director, producer, screenwriter, and actor Ron Howard.

Ringling College Galleries and Exhibitions Ringling College’s seven on-campus galleries celebrate the work of students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists. The Galleries host exhibitions that include work from local to international artists from diverse backgrounds working in diverse mediums. Community members can attend exhibitions and talks at no charge.

Ella Satterfield ’26, Film, is a two-term Student Government Association President.

Walk across Ringling College of Art and Design’s campus on any given day, and you might stumble upon a fantasy tea party on the library’s third floor, a foam dance party erupting in Scott Plaza, or any number of spontaneous creative gatherings.

“There’s always something to do,” says Ella Satterfield ’26, Film, two-term Student Government Association (SGA) president. “If you want to be busy, you can be, and the people running those events are so sweet and kind and welcoming.”

For Melanie Thomas, who has worked in Institutional Technology (IT) at the College for 16 years, these constant activities and interactions create “a culture of creativity that thrives wherever.” During summers when students are away, she says, “it feels like a ghost town, but when they’re here, there’s such vibrance. You can feel it radiate from person to person.”

The roots of this welcoming, creative environment aren’t in the buildings or the studios, but in the people. When Ringling College President Dr. Larry R. Thompson first interviewed here in 1999, he wasn’t sure what to make of the College, so he sat down at a picnic table to talk with students.

“I asked them, ‘Tell me about this place. What do you think? What do you like? What don’t you like?’” Dr. Thompson recalls. “I was shocked. They loved it. They were looking at these somewhat rundown buildings but said, ‘Forget that. It’s all about the teachers and the faculty. Yes, they’re demanding, but they have our best interests at heart.’ I was like, ‘Wow. What is this place?’” Reflecting on that conversation 25 years later, he says, “What makes it unique here? Number one, it is almost like family here. It’s all very, very friendly.”

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“They feel truly at home here; they’re treated like family.”

— Seongwoo Nam

Entertainment Design faculty member Seongwoo Nam connects with students across all majors, facilitating a supportive community for international students.

This familial atmosphere is particularly meaningful for international students. Through expanded scholarship programs, including a partnership with the Davis United World College Scholars Program, Ringling College has grown from having just 6% international students when Dr. Thompson arrived to over 22% today. Entertainment Design faculty Seongwoo Nam, who has taught at Ringling College for 24 years, describes how international students tell him they feel truly at home here; they’re “treated like family” in a way that distinguishes Ringling College from their experiences elsewhere.

The challenges begin before they even reach campus.

Nam describes how dealing with immigration and border control can be an unwelcoming, even hostile experience.

These accumulated frustrations often make international students initially hesitant to engage. Understanding this, Nam makes a point of meeting with every international student during orientation week. “They want to meet me just to see my face,” he says. “They feel a little relieved because they know I’m here. If we understand that they start their new journey here with such big frustration, that is quite important.”

Illustrated by our student: Daniella Barone ’26, Illustration

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This welcoming spirit extends beyond welcoming friendliness. Nam recounts the story of a Korean student with hearing difficulties. A study abroad agent had recommended Ringling College because “that’s the only college who cares about students.” The College rallied to support the student, with IT developing special closed captioning solutions and fellow students helping ensure he made it to class on time. “When he graduated,” Nam recalls, “he was full of joy.”

The College’s commitment to supporting the whole student distinguishes it from many other art schools.

“We have done a great job of melding the academic environment with the student life environment,” says Dr. Thompson. This includes comprehensive counseling services, diversity initiatives, and robust residential life programs—services that might be expected at a large university but are unusual for a specialized art college.

Satterfield believes strongly that “you can’t make art without having experiences.” She encourages fellow students to engage in campus life, noting that, “The best ideas come when you least expect it,” often while participating in one of the many student-led events that fill the calendar. What makes these events special, she adds, is that “they reflect what people are interested in, because students are the ones making it happen.”

Melanie Thomas, Greatness Beyond Measure (GBM) Founder, scholarship honorees, and alumni commemorating 15 years of GBM at Celebration of Greatness annual scholarship dinner.

Standing, Melanie Thomas, with Liem, Fallon, and Madison Thomas, explore Chat GPT at the event “A.I. and Future Me” hosted by GBM and Rick Dakan, Chair of AI Task Force at Ringling College.

The abundance of student-driven activities and initiatives is a defining characteristic of campus life. This extends to formal leadership as well. Through the Student Government Association (SGA), students have direct lines of communication with college leadership. “It is really nice to have so many people high up in the College be open to feedback and want to talk to us,” Satterfield notes.

“Ringling students strive to do their best within their work, so then we all want a College that reflects the quality of effort we’re putting into the school.”

The impact of Ringling College’s culture extends beyond graduation. Thomas runs Greatness Beyond Measure, an organization that connects young people from the surrounding community with opportunities at the College.

She recalls one particularly moving story about a high school student who had lost her mother at a young age.

The girl’s aunt, whom Thomas knew from community events, reached out explaining that her niece had become withdrawn following the loss, but she showed a passion for art. “At first glance at her work, I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is not average. This girl is really gifted here,’” Thomas remembers.

She helped connect the student with Ringling College’s teen studios program, then PreCollege.

The student’s father, a widower, worried that he couldn’t afford to send his daughter to the school. But the College rallied to support this promising artist, helping her secure a scholarship. Today, she is a senior Illustration major, thriving in the College’s creative environment. It’s just one example of many similar stories.

At a recent reunion of students that Thomas has helped connect with the College over the years, she found them scattered across the country—from Chicago to Houston to LA—all succeeding in their chosen fields. “It’s all because they came to events here on the Ringling campus,” she says, “and they were able to be in that environment that cultivates genius talent. Because Ringling is such a shining example of creativity and brilliance,” she says, “I feel very fortunate that I am able to carry that torch and pass it on.”

As Ringling College has grown from a small art college into a leading institution, it has maintained its supportive culture while embracing innovation. Nam notes how the College’s reputation has grown internationally, with one forum recently calling it “the most honorable teaching institution in the United States.” Yet growth hasn’t changed the fundamental character of the place.

The strength of Ringling’s community is well illustrated by how it responds to challenges. During recent hurricane evacuations, students demonstrated remarkable solidarity and support. “Every student had their plan, they executed it, they got off campus by the time we said they needed to be off campus,” Dr. Thompson notes. “They heard us, they adapted, they came back, we changed the academic calendar, and it was business as usual.”

This spirit of mutual support appears in daily life as well. Satterfield emphasizes how student organizations work together to create a more vibrant campus. “Campus Activities Board and SGA are all a team together,” she explains. “It’s not as much of a separation as it was in the past. It’s more ‘Can I support you? How can I help you?’”

“I believe that the people who work here and graduate from here are the ambassadors to help make that happen wherever they go,” Dr. Thompson says.

“This world needs it. There needs to be an appreciation for diversity in all forms and a love of people as people.”

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VIEW IN AUGMENTED REALITY

Download the Artivive app and scan photo

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1 Michael Stanley ’22, The Lumen Icons: Augmented Reality Photography 2 Steven Dvornik ’23 and Yael Bloom ’23, Sustainable Fashion 3 Taylor Kirsch ’23, Bipedal 4 Yael Bloom ‘23, creating stop-motion elements for a motion graphic project.

5 Josh Young ’23, Thesis 6 Faculty Christian Huthmacher ’17 instructs students in the green-screen lab.

5 Lucia Alonso Eiras ’26, Nike Style Frames

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Jessica Buck ’23 (left) as a student in the Motion Design department.

Motion Design Department Head Ed Cheetham establishes a sense of community among many generations of majors.

Generations in Motion

A COMMUNITY OF DESIGNERS

Watch videos by Motion Design students

By Jessica Buck ’23, Motion Design Often called the “Swiss army knife” major, the Motion Design department at Ringling College of Art and Design combines the best elements of art, design, and animation in a versatile way.

The comprehensive course-work pushes students to excel as motion designers across a diverse range of disciplines.

Ranked No. 1 in the world for motion graphics

by The Rookies for the second year in a row, the department consistently earns accolades and countless awards for producing outstanding work. The successes are due to the students’ dedication, the committed faculty, and a strong focus on fostering a supportive community. From day one—even before students enroll—this close-knit community takes shape, extending into a lifelong network of alumni of all generations, who remain connected and invested in the growth of each other and the program.

To understand how this major cultivates a cross-generational community, I looked to the program’s foundations—its evolution and the ways it’s shaped its alumni, and the lasting legacy of the community that Ringling’s Motion Design department has created.

Building the Foundations of Motion Design Originally launched in 2009 by Ed Cheetham, with its first graduating class in 2013, the Motion Design program laid a strong foundation by creating a supportive network of faculty, all sharing the goal of preparing graduates to excel in the newly emerging and rapidly evolving motion design industry.

Visual effects artist and animator Christian Huthmacher ’17, Motion Design, returned to the department as a professor in 2022. Of those early years he said, “I was part of one of the early graduating classes, so the alumni network wasn’t as large back then. This created a close-knit bond among my class and the ones nearby, as we really leaned on each other.”

Huthmacher shared how the strong sense of community that the program had from the very beginning has fostered an environment that students and alumni have continued to build upon in subsequent years. “It may sound cliché, but this department truly has the potential to feel like a second family.

During my time as a student, I made lifelong friends, met my future wife, and grew alongside world-class artists who would later become my coworkers. We never worked in isolation— supporting one another was integral to our experience, and that spirit of collaboration continues to shape our careers and lives to this day.”

These strong foundations allowed the program to flourish from the start, while also allowing for flexibility to adapt and grow stronger over time.

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Anastassia Kovach ’24, City of Glass title sequence

Evolution Through the Decades The Motion Design department remains a leading program by continuously adapting its curriculum to align with industry updates, integrating technologies like augmented reality, 3D animation, and AI tools to provide students with hands-on experience to face real world challenges with the latest advancements.

“Ringling provided a chance to not only share common experience with alumni, but be part of a collective of people that have each other’s back, even with the ebbs and flows of our industry.”

- Doug Alberts ’20, Motion Design, and founder of Noodle

At the same time, the program fosters a collaborative environment that prioritizes mentorship and peer support, enabling students to explore new technologies and push their creative boundaries while staying connected to a community that evolves alongside the industry.

Noodle studio owner and founder and Motion Design alum Doug Alberts ’20 explains how trends and technology affected his time at Ringling College and how he was taught to adapt and evolve with the times. “During my time in the program, there was a huge design trend of colorful, saturated, 3D characters and as fast as it came about, it left.

During school, I was so obsessed with it and while it was fun, my instructor at the time (friend now) Joe Donaldson said there’s a ‘trend-ulum’ that swings between 2D and 3D and if you time it right, you can be ahead of the next trend. The same is true today and styles that were super hot four years ago are no longer what brands are looking for.

Above all, Ringling taught us to think ‘like a designer’ so no matter where trends go, we can still be relevant and bring something fresh to the table.”

The focus on and ability to adapt and evolve with the motion design industry has allowed this program to thrive for over a decade, promoting a large and connected community of students and alumni.

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Short film Ripe by Douglas Alberts’ studio, Noodle

Douglas Alberts ’20, Bugged

Jessica Buck ’23 and Sol Bourdeau Garcia ’23, Hall of Femme

The week long FutureProof - The Motion Design Conference at Ringling College event serves as a platform for fostering professional industry engagement and strengthening connections with alumni. Motion Design alumni are invited to attend presentations and interact with current students through professional talks, demonstrations, and networking sessions. Many graduates return not only to participate in the events but also to contribute their own expertise through presentations, sharing insights about their professional development and creative journeys.

This meaningful exchange continues to strengthen our industry connections while maintaining lasting community between past and present students.

Cheetham highlights how these lasting relationships contribute to the program’s reputation and influence, saying, “The enduring relationships formed within the program are critical to its legacy and ongoing success. Graduates carry their sense of community beyond campus, willingly engaging with current students through virtual classes, visits, and presentations. They want to extend the same support and camaraderie they experienced, bridging the classroom with the industry. This robust network allows alumni to confidently recommend fellow Ringling College motion designers for roles, knowing they are well-prepared and professional.”

These connections create a ripple effect in the industry. Alumni support one another and help maintain the program’s reputation for excellence. Cheetham says that this collaborative spirit has helped recruiters associate Ringling College with professionalism and high standards, often prioritizing its graduates over others.

Alumni connect with current Motion Design students at the annual FutureProof conference.

A Legacy of Connection

“While individual work is essential for academic success, the real world expects collaboration.”

- Ed Cheetham, Motion Design Department Head The importance of connection begins in the classroom, where faculty emphasize the value of collaboration and building relationships. Motion Design Department Head Ed Cheetham explained, “Our program’s community-oriented approach equips students for the collaborative nature of the current motion design industry by emphasizing teamwork and communication. We encourage students to ask questions and seek help, fostering an environment where collaboration is valued. Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. This mindset not only enhances their ability to work in teams but also contributes to an overall successful career.”

These principles extend far beyond the classroom walls and continue long after graduation. The program’s strong community focus creates a supportive network where students and alumni connect, collaborate, and share resources both virtually and in person. Alumni stay involved through guest lectures, participating in the department’s annual FutureProof conference, or simply stopping by to reconnect with faculty and current students.

Huthmacher perfectly captured the department’s evolution, stating, “When I was a student, the program was very different from what it is today, but one thing has always remained constant: collaboration has been at the heart of the Department of Motion Design.”

Motion Design’s commitment to fostering a strong community has built enduring relationships through mentorship, collaboration, and friendship. This network spans generations, as alumni continue to invest in the program by giving talks, participating in events like FutureProof, or visiting to reconnect with faculty.

Every student and alumni impacted by the program helps ensure that it continues to thrive for future generations. As many have said, the program truly feels like a family—one that shapes individuals into the best artists, designers, animators, and overall motion designers that they can be. This legacy of connection is what makes Motion Design not just a major, but a lifelong community.

Lucia Alonso Eiras ’26, To Be as Sweet as Mango Pie Jessica Buck is a freelance motion designer based in Tampa, Florida, and a proud Ringling Motion Design alum. Her time in the program helped spark her passion for design, animation, and storytelling while building connections that still inspire her work today.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS

1976 alum wins Silver 2024 Charlie Award for Best in Traditional Illustration

2015 alum wins the Children’s Favorite Winner for graphic novel

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL

1989 Illustration alum wins Winsor McCay Award ANNIE AWARDS

1995 Computer Animation alum wins Best Animated Short Film Oscar

1995 alum wins Schneider Family Book Award AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

1998 grad wins Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program

2002 Computer Animation alum directs Sonic the Hedgehog 3

A team of 2024 Motion Design alum won the Young Ones Student Bronze Cube

2016 Computer Animation alum creates Netflix animated series

Two 2024 Motion Design alumni earned the Bronze Telly Award

2017 alum named one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30

2024 Film alum wins Directors Guild of America Grand Prize

2018 alum wins Emmy for Outstanding Graphic Design

2019 alum illustrated Lee & Low Books’ New Voices Award-winning book

2025 Illustration student wins a Concept Art Award FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

2026 Computer Animation student earned a Young Leader Service Award NAT’L HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE ORG.

2019 alum wins the Coretta Scott King Award

2026 Motion Design student wins a Gold ADDY

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS

Ringling College recognized for nonpartisan democratic engagement

2006 Illustration alum wins Christopher Award for book illustrations

2023 Photography and Imaging alum awarded Fulbright Scholarship

2010 alum wins Lone Star Emmy Award

2023 Motion Design alum wins the Young Ones Student Portfolio Award

First Year Program faculty wins Colorado Juvenile Literature Award

2024 Film alum gets funding for full-length film adaptation

Motion Design faculty wins Silver at Collision Awards

2010 alum’s illustrated book recognized as a Gold Standard Selection JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD

ALL IN CAMPUS DEMOCRACY CHALLENGE

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in the U.S. for Visual Effects

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Film program makes the list of the Top 25 Film Schools

THE ROOKIES

in the world for Motion Graphics THE ROOKIES

Illustration School in the U.S. ANIMATION CAREER REVIEW

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Top Graphic Design School

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GDUSA

Film program ranked #24 in Top 50 Film Schools

3D Animation School in the U.S. for Production Excellence

in the U.S. for Game Design and Development THE ROOKIES

in the U.S. for 2D Animation

# in the U.S. for Concept Art THE ROOKIES

THE ROOKIES

THE ROOKIES

THE WRAP

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# Top Creative Schools worldwide (#2 in U.S.) THE ROOKIES

Named a Top 30 Film School in the U.S. and Canada MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE

# in the U.S. for Production Excellence in Immersive Media— Virtual Reality Development THE ROOKIES

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In September of 2024, Ringling College of Art and Design hosted the first annual AI Symposium at Morganroth Auditorium. The two-day event was dedicated to supporting artists and designers as they navigate the ethical, legal, and industry concerns surrounding Artificial Intelligence in the arts. We’ve asked two presenters from the symposium, Amelia Winger-Bearskin and Kurt Paulsen, AI artists and thought-leaders, to share updates on what is happening in the field, lingering issues and concerns, and their perspectives on the future of AI.

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V2.0 By Amelia Winger-Bearskin

Still from Amelia Winger-Bearskin’s I would like to be midnight / I would like to be Sky, 2023 digital video

AI-generated art is art. It follows a recipe and has inputs and outputs. Developing the recipe is art, and using the recipe to bring something new into the world is also art.

They’re both art. Why is this controversial?

I imagine it’s because when most people think of art, they imagine banger hits— those oil paintings you see on mugs, T-shirts, and keychains—water lilies, sunflowers, the Mona Lisa. Most people know far less about “modern art.” Art by living humans can often be seen as bananas, abrasive, nonsensical, ugly, or, for some other reason, unlovable.

But you can draw a line from today’s generative art back to the beginning of modern art: Marcel Duchamp. You may know him as “the guy who put a urinal in a gallery and called it art.” That is correct.

He forced new ways of looking at the objects around us—shovels, urinals, bicycle wheels—which he termed “ready-mades.”

In the early part of the 20th century, many of these prefabricated items were still new enough to feel unfamiliar and strange. At the same time, they were

quickly becoming so ubiquitous as to be all but invisible. What an amazing time! It reminds me of AI, which is also uncanny and pervasive.

Duchamp’s ready-made artworks brought manufactured objects to view in a new way and caused audiences to ask new questions, such as: Is this even art? What am I looking at? What did the artist actually do here? What is “a work of art” anyway? And should we not maybe restrict the definition a bit?

Artists have been probing these same questions for at least a century now. The consensus is that we should not restrict the definition of art; we should expand it. Art doesn’t even need to have a physical form—it can even be invisible or ephemeral.

What matters is the artist’s process, how the public interacts with it, and what it means to the community and culture from which it springs.

In AI-generated art, it might seem like the computer is making all the decisions.

It is possible an artist doesn’t understand everything the algorithm is doing.

(The developers who coded it probably wouldn’t say they understand everything that happens inside these processes.)

But nothing at all will happen without input from someone. That’s the moment where you’ll find the art—when a person researches and builds machine learning (ML) models, makes decisions about training data, or as Yoko Ono said about her algorithmic artwork, “it has something that starts moving—the closest word for it may be a ‘wish’ or ‘hope.’”

Before an artist can make interesting decisions with AI, they’d have to spend years studying and gaining proficiency in a new technology. Critics, curators, and the art-going public, in general, would have to develop new ways of interacting with the work, and new criteria to look for in it.

A new art form will form new art. When has it been any different?

Winger-Bearskin questions the ownership of the sky in her series of work SKYWORLD/CLOUDWORLD.

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By Kurt Paulsen

Data Governance for Generative AI

I was honored to be invited to the inaugural Ringling College AI Symposium to present on behalf of Spawning. Spawning’s mission addresses one of the most pressing concerns of the AI era: respecting artists’ rights while fostering innovation.

During my presentation, I discussed the tools we’re developing that empower artists to control how their work is used for AI development. We are also building new datasets grounded in respect for copyright and consent, with the intent of allowing artists to create and own models in their own styles. These efforts are crucial as we navigate the transformative potential of generative AI in creative fields. The audience’s reception revealed a hopeful vision for how technology and artistic ethics can intersect.

In the months following the symposium, the pace of AI development has only increased. Generative AI has ushered in an undeniable paradigm shift, and with it comes the necessity to ensure that this technology supports, rather than undermines, the integrity of creative professions. To preserve an equitable future for artists and designers, we must engage with generative AI while also maintaining professional ethics and our artistic values.

This duality of embracing innovation while safeguarding core principles is the challenge and opportunity of our time.

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The AI era is not a distant prospect; it is already here, reshaping the creative landscape. To adapt, artists must place greater emphasis on authenticity and intentionality. AI excels at producing massive volumes of novel content, but it is the human touch—the unique perspective and personal style—that will continue to distinguish exceptional work. Developing a personal style is as relevant today as ever, though it may manifest in new ways.

Custom-trained personal AI models and individualized workflows are likely to become key avenues through which artists assert their identity in an AI-driven world.

This evolution underscores the enduring value of creativity as a deeply personal and irreplaceable process.

Central to the conversation around AI use in art and design is the data on which it is trained. The quality, diversity, and ethical sourcing of this data determine the capabilities and biases of AI systems. For artists and designers, this means expanding their understanding of the workflow itself as a product as much as a process.

Every stage of work in a creative practice becomes part of a larger narrative—not just as an isolated creation but as potential content for personal and private training datasets. In this context, an artist’s body of work holds immense value as a generative substrate to inform future creativity.

Students entering creative fields should begin organizing their sketches, drafts, and finished works with their future value as training material in mind.

Kurt Paulsen, Monster Maker’s Oasis

Kurt Paulsen, Bazaar before the Storm

Artists need to start viewing each piece of art not only as an end product but also as a building block for future creations. The data embedded in their work—styles, techniques, themes—can be leveraged to train models that reflect their unique vision. This is a profound shift in perspective, but one that aligns with the realities of the AI era. Data is the cornerstone of generative AI, and good data is essential for developing new and meaningful models. While the significance of a single artwork may diminish over time, the collective value of an entire portfolio increases, especially as a source of high-quality data for training purposes.

At Spawning, we’ve seen firsthand how empowering artists with tools to manage their data can reshape their relationship with AI. Tools that allow artists to license their work for specific uses or to create personalized datasets to ensure they remain in control of their creative legacy. Our work building a foundation model trained on public domain images will allow artists to freely fine tune and own models representing their own unique style. By prioritizing consent and transparency, we aim to build a framework where artists can benefit from AI without feeling exploited.

As we move forward, it’s clear that collaboration will be key. Artists, industry leaders, policymakers, and educators must work together to address the challenges and opportunities of

this new era. Open dialogue and shared resources can bridge gaps and foster a more inclusive understanding of what AI can and should be. Initiatives like the Ringling College AI Symposium play a crucial role in this process, bringing diverse voices to the table to discuss how the next generation of professionals will influence the evolution of AI. One of the most exciting aspects of this collaboration is the potential to redefine the creative process itself. With AI, artists can experiment with expanded styles, explore hybrid workflows, and iterate at previously impossible speeds.

However, this potential can only be realized if the underlying systems are designed with care and respect for the communities they serve. Ethical AI development is not just a technical challenge but a cultural one, requiring a commitment to values that prioritize human authorship and agency.

Products by Spawning Have I Been Trained?

Find out what data has been used to train AI PD12M The largest image-text dataset made of only public domain images, designed for ethical AI training Source.Plus A tool suite for searching, building, and curating datasets for AI training from public domain and CC0 sources Spawning Browser Extension A browser extension that automatically adds images, text, video, code, and to Spawning’s Do Not Train registry while the user surfs the web

Looking ahead, the role of the artist will continue to evolve. While the tools at our disposal may change, the essence of artistry—the ability to inspire, provoke, and connect—remains constant. AI is a powerful addition to the creative toolkit, but it is not a replacement for the educated artistic mind that employs it. And yet, this technology must still be applied thoughtfully and ethically, and if we can do so, we can ensure that the future of art remains vibrant, diverse, and deeply human.

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GROWTH IN ACTION! PROGRESS REPORT

Enrollment and student support updates Our students come from 47 states across the United States and 54 countries around the world.

In Fall 2024, 20.8% of our new students were international, a 0.8% increase from Fall 2023.

42.2% of our first-year students for the 2024-25 academic year

One of the foundational qualities of Ringling College of Art and Design is our campus culture of care. Promoting that culture is part of our mission, our core values, and our strategic planning. As we continue to build upon two of our core values—diversity and community—we’ve compiled a list of achievements, milestones, and statistics in an effort to promote transparency, accountability, and celebration!

Student Life initiatives The College started a new podcast, Rising Together, to spotlight the transformative power of art and design in shaping inclusive spaces, communities, and mindsets in 2024. www.ringling.edu/risingtogether

come from historically underrepresented groups, a notable 9% increase from the previous year.

105 Student Life events focused on inclusivity were held

22% of our students are Pell Grant recipients and are supporting

on campus during the 2023-2024 academic year, with 34 event collaborators and 2,951 event attendees.

their college education with grants, loans, and part-time jobs.

From 2023-2025, the College supported over 2,160 students with scholarships, including our Crossing the Finish Line Scholarship, which helps students experiencing unexpected financial hardship finish their Ringling education.

41% of our incoming first-year students this year were firstgeneration college students.

Student Access Services worked with 24% of our student population for campus life and/or academic accommodations this year.

5% of our students are veterans or come from military families.

Ringling relaunched the DEEP (Diversity, Equity, Education, and Professionalism) Certificate Program.

The College received a grant from the Florida Arts and Culture Initiative Partnership program and Baird Foundation in support of the exhibition War Paint: the Greatest Generation.

The grant also supported a student presentation by officers from the Veterans Club about veterans transitioning to art students at Del Webb Community Association of Veterans and Military Supports, along with a panel discussion on the experiences of military life.

Launched a Portfolio Prep campaign to support prospective students from underrepresented communities who may lack the educational resources to help them build a strong portfolio.

Hosted a series of portfolio webinars, supporting over 100 prospective students Created an email campaign sharing advice from professionals Streamlined portfolio prep resources for a web page refresh Students who attended a National Portfolio event, both on or off campus, were offered a fee waiver for their application Opposite: Trenton Doyle Hancock (American, born 1974). Undom Endgle and the Souls’ Journey (Sculpture) (detail), 2018. Styrofoam, epoxy, steel, automotive paint, silicone, and wood base, 82 ½ x 70 x 31 ½ in. ©Trenton Doyle Hancock 2023. Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan, New York.

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SARASOTA ART MUSEUM Community initiatives With major support from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the Museum added an additional component to its long-standing, monthly Free Second Sundays program, Welcome to SAM, to deepen connections with community groups facing systemic barriers to arts participation. The Museum provides trolley participation and customized tours, before members enjoy the day’s free Museum access, arts activities and performances, and continues the engagement by sending Studios at SAM teaching artists into their communities.

Awol Erizku (Ethiopia, 1988). Asiatic Lilies, 2017. Part of The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion, at Sarasota Art Museum, May 17-September 17, 2023. Photo: Ryan Gamma

Exhibitions Sarasota Art Museum (SAM) presented an expansive range of exhibitions that demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion by highlighting a broad spectrum of voices, experiences, and cultural narratives.

Stephanie J. Woods: my papa used to play checkers underscored the strength and resilience of African traditions that have continued in Black American communities, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural continuity across generations.

The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion celebrated the intersection of art, fashion, and Black identity, amplifying the work of photographers who push against conventional norms and represent a dynamic and diverse range of Black experiences.

Carlos Bunga’s Reassembling Spilt Light invited reflection on the fragility and transformation of both space and self, offering a powerful metaphor for the ways in which marginalized communities navigate and reshape their environments.

Chakaia Booker’s Surface Pressure confronted the complexities of social relationships and environmental concerns, using her sculptures made with rubber tires to engage with themes of identity, labor, and resilience.

Juana Valdés: Embodied Memories, Ancestral Histories explored migration, gender, memory, and material history through the lens of the artist’s Cuban and African heritage, providing a platform for underrepresented voices and histories.

Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat reflected a broad range of contemporary concerns, featuring diverse artists whose work addressed social and political issues critical to understanding the world today.

With major support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, SAM launched its “Access for All, Everyday” initiative to better serve visitors with physical and cognitive challenges. This included: Staff and volunteer training with Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center, Easterseals of Southwest Florida, Rise Up Cafe, and Ringling College Student Access Services, to expand knowledge on welcoming visitors with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as Remake Learning Days workshops for educators Forming an Accessibility Advisory Council in partnership with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, made up of community members who have or serve people with cognitive and physical disabilities Customized field trips for young people with disabilities, including multisensory experiences in the Museum and art-making activities with an accessibility specialist Led a series of special tours for people with visual impairments, with descriptive audio tours, tactile tools, and other multisensory ways of experiencing the works SAM started a bilingual art-making workshop series, Momentos Creativos en los Estudios de Arte de SAM. The Museum created a series of resources for educators to use in conjunction with Museum visits or in the classroom, including projects designed with affordable budgets in mind.

Teaching Artists collaborated with the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative on the creation and facilitation of the Syllabus of Color curriculum. The workshops took place at partner institutions like Sarasota Housing Authorities and the Boys and Girls Club.

Embracing Our Differences celebrated kindness with 14 large-scale artworks that were exhibited on the Great Lawn.

The Community Gallery exhibits artwork collected and created from partnerships between SAM, community groups, and different schools throughout the region.

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Building Communities Through Service in the Lazarus Engaged Learning Assistantship

By Betsy Grimes ’26, Entertainment Design

For 20 years, the Lazarus Engaged Learning Assistantship has provided students with opportunities to develop professional experience working with nonprofit partners on projects based on real-world problems requiring innovative solutions. In addition to the technical skills they learn at Ringling College, Lazarus Scholars hone their artistic, professional, and leadership skills through their dedication to enacting positive change through volunteering.

Betsy Grimes ’26, Entertainment Design, and third year Lazarus Engaged Learning Scholar

For her capstone project, Betsy is partnering with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to implement experience design principles into their outreach resources, which engage families with the marine environment.

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This year’s cohort, consisting of 19 students, is the program’s largest to date in its current form. Though the Lazarus Assistantship began as a way for students to develop single projects with nonprofits over a finite period of time, the program has since transformed into a comprehensive four-year program that allows students to create long-lasting, meaningful contributions to the Sarasota community.

Throughout their time at Ringling College, these students forge relationships with a wide range of local nonprofits, implementing creative solutions to uplift causes such as youth mentorship, food insecurity, women’s rights, hospice and grief care, and ocean conservation. Each Lazarus Scholar’s work for the betterment of the community is outlined in a capstone project that provides sustainable solutions that further the initiatives of each student’s nonprofit partner.

Each capstone project is the culmination of not only the scholar’s time as a volunteer at Ringling College but their academic career as well. Recent Lazarus Assistantship

Students working on a mural project in the local community.

alumna Kaylee Tan ’23, Computer Animation, implemented a capstone project that allowed her to use her computer animation skills to uplift Children First, a Sarasota nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, for which she created a children’s book, You Can. You Can!. Over the course of her partnership, Kaylee recruited several other Ringling students to create the picture book and raised funds for the organization, ultimately producing 120 books.

When asked about her experiences in the Lazarus Assistantship, Celi Mitidieri ’24, Film, shared that “more than any other job I had on campus, Lazarus allowed me to get to know the needs of my community. It taught me how to effectively work with clients by listening to their concerns and addressing them through art.” Since graduating, Celi has brought her filmmaking and leadership skills to Academy GOLD Rising, a talent development program focusing on creating professional pathways in the film industry.

In addition to their nonprofit volunteer and design work, Lazarus Scholars engage in professional training with a variety of campus services to enhance their ability to make an impact on both the campus and the larger local community. Through group and individual reflection, research, and service philosophy and analysis, students are able to define how their service is meaningful both to the larger community and to themselves, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their work and determine how to move forward, keeping service in mind throughout their time at Ringling College and beyond.

As a member of the Assistantship, my time as a Lazarus Scholar brought me closer to the larger Sarasota community in ways I never could have expected. Being able to go out into the community and get my hands dirty building houses, maintaining community gardens, and keeping our waterways clean allows me to make a tangible difference.

I have been able to connect with so many people across the city and have grown to understand it much more, which vastly enhances my time at Ringling College.

Through the Lazarus Engaged Learning Assistantship, I have been able to act on my passion for environmentalism through my partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, implementing my skills as an experienced designer to create innovative interactive outreach tools that engage the community with the environment.

Ringling College is bursting with creative and skilled students, and the Lazarus Assistantship enables those talented students to create connections with the local community, allowing our talents to support them. Through extensive service work, commitment to artistic, servant leadership, and aware-ness of the difference that can be made as community members, Lazarus Scholars bring immeasurable value to the Ringling College community.

The Lazarus Engaged Learning Assistantship is made possible by the generous support of The Rudi Lazarus Foundation.

By combining my classwork with the Lazarus Assistantship, I have been able to harness my project management class curriculum to develop my capstone further, using the organizational and management skills I learned to create a roadmap to creating a complete project. Because of my work as a Lazarus Scholar, I have been able to take the invaluable skills I have learned at Ringling College and immediately put them to work through service to the community.

I’ve been able to integrate my Lazarus Scholar work into my classroom experience as well, utilizing the collaborative skills I have developed throughout my work with nonprofits to coordinate projects involving groups of students developing work for clients.

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By Jenna Olson ’25, Creative Writing Trustee Scholar Photography by Matthew Holler ’11, Photography and Imaging Art Direction by Ivy Jenkins ’26 and Daniel Mainou ’26, Graphic Design

I have never been the best at speaking. My comfort has always been sitting in a chair and listening, picking up on details within a story, or clapping whenever another offers a valuable piece of their life. But what happens when a listener is asked to be a speaker?

On a peaceful Florida fall day, 15 creative individuals found themselves in a massive showroom surrounded by thick curtains and hundreds of chairs. The room was dark, casting colorful objects in a grayscale. Repetitive whispers bounced between the walls, and nervous smiles crept between the ears. The chairs looked very tempting.

However, one by one, these 15 individuals marched through the dark into a singular spotlight where a small microphone was perched between two pieces of clear glass. The importance of the particular night they were rehearsing for was running high in many minds, but with each smile and every clap, these nerves diminished—even mine. Fifteen powerful voices rehearsed 15 unique, story-driven speeches that brightened the room, changing the gray tones into pastel colors. After the last speech, the entire room shared a supportive smile, but with the event quickly approaching, my nerves returned.

I remembered back to a busy day in April when 15 third-year students representing every major received an email with a couple of sentences that would change the course of their senior year—a note stating that they had been selected for the Trustee Scholar, the highest award at Ringling College of Art and Design. These 15 students dedicated countless hours to their respective majors, brought their passion to campus, and gave what they’ve learned back to the community.

With the opportunities provided by Ringling College, these students now have the chance to share their narratives and celebrate their achievements.

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With the event finally approaching, my nerves pushed me to arrive early. Outside was a row of tables with a wide array of food and drinks, and on the other side stood a couple of tall monitors that slowly rotated pictures of each Trustee Scholar. The screens illuminated the area in vibrant blues, purples, and pinks, but as my picture rolled by, I was suddenly reminded of my upcoming speech.

The doors to the event room swung open, and a crowd rushed to their chairs. I found my chair in record time.

As Ringling College President Dr. Larry R. Thompson concluded his speech, the first Trustee Scholar walked onto the stage.

So, what happens when a listener must become a speaker? Well, it’s a little difficult to answer.

Some will continue to experience nerves, while others, such as myself, will stumble on words, but as the night progressed, it became clear that we all had a story worth telling. Every speech was widely different, but there was a dream in each. A type of passion that brightened up the room, changing the gray tones of the world into something more vibrant and alive. On stage, these 15 creatives were no longer just listeners but had officially become leaders.

HAYLEY KIRK

SIERRA SONBERG

JENNA OLSON

OLIVIA DUMAS

MICHAELA COWAN

VALERIA GUERRA–GARCIA

SHREYA KADUKAR

JAYDEN BADILLO

AVERY FROST

SKY CHANDLER

DIANE LEE

MORGAN SCOTT

VANILOPE TANG

NOSIPHO VILAKAZI

CAPRI EASTERDAY

Business of Art and Design

Fine Arts

Motion Design

Computer Animation

Game Art

Photography and Imaging

Creative Writing

Graphic Design

Virtual Reality Development

Entertainment Design

Graphic Design

Visual Studies

Film

Illustration

Student Life

Jesse Clark ’23, Photography and Imaging

Photographs courtesy of the artist 26

By Genevieve Hill-Thomas, Ph.D.

When most people think about Carnival in Trinidad, they describe a lively event with beads and feathers. This contemporary and commercialized view, however, obscures the history and traditions that are rooted in organized resistance. This is exactly what Ringling College of Art and Design graduate Jesse Clark ’23, Photography and Imaging, set out to elucidate through his camera lens, and he was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Student grant to do exactly that.

It’s been several months since he arrived in Trinidad, and I’m checking in with Jesse over Zoom to catch up on how he is doing. When his camera connects, I see him smiling and wearing a green baseball cap with the word INTROVERT stitched in white—surely an irony for the ebullient Ringling grad I know!

As we begin to talk, he immediately jumps into how his Fulbright experience so far has been “eye-opening.”

Only halfway through his award, it’s clear that he’s no longer the student I knew a short time ago; he has grown into a confident yet reflective graduate-level academic and professional artist.

So far, the Fulbright award has supported him well. From the professors and students at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) to the Public Affairs staff at the U.S. Embassy to his landlord who has become his “uncle,” many people are welcoming him into their community in Trinidad. This semester, Jesse audited two graduate-level classes at UTT— Caribbean Carnival and Culture and Mas Camp Studies—that are unlike anything available to him at home in Florida. As he begins to tell me about these classes, we quickly depart from the interview and digress into lengthy discussions about the ethics of research, the method of participant observation, and decoloniality. Then, of course, we look at multiple photographs that he’s taken of his travels, his new friends, and several artists that he has begun working with.

Jesse is very conscious of how research and photography often go hand-in-hand with extractive practices; indeed, one local artist told him that folks come, photograph, and “take.” To this end, he has been spending time—which he notes is our most valuable commodity—with Carnival artists to build his relationships first before taking out his camera. He’s meeting artists who, despite the limited resources that come with being a young artist in any country, are making space for what motivates them—poetry nights, dance events, and jam sessions are among a few examples he lists. Of course, he’s also making time to lime (a local expression for

hanging out) with other artists from the small bands (groups of artists) that organize the more tradition-based practices of Carnival. Diverse conversations from these sessions have helped him reframe his photography project, which is now tentatively called The Evolving Moment: Expressions of Rebellion.

All these activities are framed by the mentorship he’s receiving in Trinidad. Jesse introduces me to the latest Carnival studies book that one of his UTT professors has written, and then shows me photographs he took with a local photojournalist who has taken him under their wing. He talks about the artists in three different bands who have welcomed him. With one, he will learn how to construct his own unique Carnival costume that he will be able to wear and take to the street alongside them.

I’m happy to hear how his years at Ringling College helped to prepare him for his Fulbright project. He’s noted how valuable his photography training has become—not just for him, but for other photographers around him. There are currently few if any degree-granting photography programs in Trinidad, and so he has been helping other local photographers build their technical skills. Additionally, he notes that the Fulbright application process has taught him the art of grant writing and already he is using those skills not only as he looks ahead to his next steps after the Fulbright, but also as he teaches these skills to Trinidadian artists.

Finally, our conversation turns to the lighter aspects of living abroad. “Florida man” surprisingly has an international reputation, yet Jesse’s friends are bewildered by the vintage I-4 interstate sign hanging in his home. The way he’s living has changed; less AC, no need for a clothes dryer, and fresh produce from local farmers are changing his relationship with sustainability. This line of conversation again takes us back to the topic of community that is the heart of the Fulbright’s mission. He feels so grateful to be part of his Trinidadian community—and is very aware of what a privilege it is to have an education in the arts.

He explains that our artist community fostered at Ringling College isn’t bound to Sarasota; we go on to build our community wherever we are in the world.

To Ringling students about to graduate, he advises:

Liberal Arts faculty member Genevieve Hill-Thomas holds a PhD in the history of art from Indiana University, Bloomington. Her dissertation, Faso Dan Fani: Marka Textiles in Burkina Faso, was supported by a Fulbright fellowship. Her essay on Burkinabè fashion and politics was recently included in the book Pathé’O. CONTXT | SPRING 2025

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By Dr. Ryan Van Cleave | Portrait by Matthew Holler ’11

For Catherine “Catt” Mougalian, teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about creating an environment where students thrive. A dedicated faculty member at Ringling College of Art and Design for over a decade, Catt has improved the ESOL program with her innovative use of immersive learning and role-playing techniques.

Her passion and dedication continue to inspire both students and peers, reimagining the way English is taught.

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A Journey to Transformative Teaching Catt’s journey to ESOL teaching began with a love for language and a knack for helping others. “I had dabbled in teaching and tutoring various subjects—Math, Spanish, English—but as soon as I started teaching at a small English institute in San Diego, I knew this is how I wanted to spend my career,” she explained.

“Working with students and seeing their skills progress and their confidence grow is so exciting to me, and I love being part of it.”

Her teaching philosophy centers on a supportive environment, a critical component of language learning. “If students feel at ease in the classroom and with the language, they’ll be more open to receiving feedback. They’ll be able to turn their egos way down in order to laugh off silly mistakes and internalize corrections.

Generally, the more this happens, the faster students learn.”

Immersive Learning: A Game-Changer Catt’s approach took a bold turn when she incorporated the Reacting to the Past (RTTP) pedagogy into her courses. Inspired by Ringling Liberal Arts Program Director Dr. Stephanie Seketa, Catt read Minds on Fire by Marc Carnes, and other works, sparking an idea. “Both roleplaying and content-based learning are big with ESOL pedagogy,” she said. “RTTP is both of these things, kind of intensified.”

Working closely with her Liberal Arts colleague Barb Kosanovich, Catt adapted the RTTP materials into a simplified, accessible format specifically tailored to Ringling College’s ESOL students. She said, “I couldn’t have done any of this without Barb. She dedicates so much time and expertise, meeting with me every week to ensure we’re making the best possible experience for our students.” Together, they developed an approach that resonates with the unique needs of ESOL learners.

In a typical immersive learning class, students transform into their roles.

“The game begins when the students put on their character name tags,” Catt explained. “That marks ‘the arrival’ of their characters and the beginning of the game.” Students engage in group discussions, give presentations, and negotiate with peers to achieve their characters’ goals—all in English. This structured play encourages students to step out of their comfort zones.

One particularly memorable moment stands out. A previously silent student astonished the class during an RTTP game by advocating for saving a church from destruction, complete with priceless artifacts and lives at stake.

“Surprising everyone in the classroom, this student stood up, volunteered to speak, raised her voice confidently, and spoke her piece,” Catt recalled. In the reflection assignment that followed, this student expressed that it was easier and far more fun to speak as a character than as themselves.

Catt knew she was on the right track with this new approach.

The Impact of Immersion The results of these methods are undeniable.

“Any engaging, concentrated English practice is going to improve students’ language skills,” Catt noted. While students may initially hesitate, their enthusiasm grows as they embrace their roles. And the group she has this year is very supportive of each other, with the more outspoken students continually encouraging the timid ones to participate more actively in discussions.

In addition to building confidence, students develop practical skills. Weekly conversations with tutors from the Student Learning Center complement the immersive activities, giving students additional opportunities to practice English in real-life contexts.

Recognition and Refinement Innovative methods like these soon caught the attention of her peers, leading to Catt’s recognition at the Faculty/Staff Appreciation event. “I was floored,” she admitted. “We work with so many amazing faculty who are dedicated to the students and to their profession, that I cannot believe I was chosen out of the bunch. I was honored, of course, and I obviously felt very proud to have all the work I’ve done here over the past decade and more recognized.”

Another of Catt’s significant contributions was changing the ESOL Skills class into a for-credit course. “Our now for-credit English language class gives students a space and more purpose to learn the language in a focused manner,” she explained. By prioritizing conversational and academic language use over traditional grammar drills, Catt and Barb have created a program that resonates with the real needs of students.

Learning and Growing A commitment to professional development is another hallmark of Catt’s teaching. She and Barb attended two influential conferences last year, including the Reacting to the Past Conference at Barnard College, where they deepened their understanding of role-playing pedagogy and explored ways to enhance its application. “We saw how games could succeed and how some games could fail based on participants’ preparedness,” she said. They also presented at the Northern New England TESOL Conference, sharing their insights on using RTTP in ESOL. As she reflects on the success of RTTP, Catt is focused on further tailoring these methods to meet her students’ evolving needs. “Fall 2024 was only our second semester using this pedagogy, and we’re still refining it to make it more effective for our students,” she said. Her advice to other educators is clear:

“It’s a lot of work to get started, but…do it! Most students love it.”

Through her dynamic teaching, Catt is leaving a lasting mark on her students, empowering them to communicate with confidence and creativity. Her thoughtful methods and dedication exemplify the best of Ringling College’s faculty, inspiring both students and colleagues alike.

Artwork credits on back inside cover.

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Directed by Wilderley Mauricette ’24, Film

Your support brings creativity to life.

Zhaojin Jiang ’21, Visual Studies

At Ringling College of Art and Design, creativity is the driving force of all that we do. It inspires every aspect of our daily lives, even beyond the artwork so beautifully created by our students.

Creativity empowers us to reimagine how the world works. It changes lives. And your support makes it possible.

The emerging artists and designers of Ringling College have talent beyond measure and a true passion for their craft. They are dedicated to achieving great things, but they can’t always do it alone. The generosity of donors helps alleviate financial hardships for students, provides cutting-edge resources for faculty, and fosters an entire community of creativity. We hope you will join us as we navigate a new world—one where creativity comes to life.

Ren Anan ’22, Fine Arts

Creative Writing student collaboration

Anastassia Kovach ’24, Motion Design

Soo Min Shim ’25, Tyler Palermo ’25, Entertainment Design 30

Amanda Mai ’24, Computer Animation

Luna Krizan ’22, Film, and Sophie Schönbach ’22, Business of Art and Design

Julien Crespo ’25, Photography and Imaging

Sky Chandler ’24, Illustration

Alex Levielle ’23, Graphic Design Robert Day ’24, Virtual Reality Development

Tse Jen (Vivian) Tan ’24, Game Art

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FROM PORTFOLIO BUILDING TO PEACE BUILDING Summer Break for a Ringling Student

By Nosipho Vilakazi ’25, Visual Studies

Students at the Sikhutsele Primary School in Barberton, South Africa.

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For many students at Ringling College of Art and Design, summer break provides an opportunity to grow as artists by showcasing their talents through internships, residencies, and summer jobs.

These experiences help develop portfolios with real-life work experience. Through the College’s collaboration with Davis Projects for Peace, this time can also be used to create meaningful change in the world. Choosing the latter path, I spent my entire summer break— which is South Africa’s winter— conducting a support program for neurodivergent children in the mining town of Barberton.

Barberton, a town in Mpumalanga province known locally as “the genesis of life,” was introduced to me by inclusive education specialist and personal friend Nomfundo Mhlanga, who lives and works in the area. During her time teaching at Sikhutsele Primary School, Mhlanga observed how undiagnosed learning disabilities often led children to drop out of school, making them vulnerable to being groomed into gang activity and crime.

“Many of these children aren’t struggling because they can’t learn,” Mhlanga explained to me. “They’re struggling because their learning differences aren’t recognized or supported.”

This insight sparked an idea: creating a support program for neurodivergent children at Sikhutsele Primary School. The program was conceived in acknowledgment of the harsh reality that many families cannot afford proper diagnostic services for learning disorders, nor do they have the resources to find affordable ones. What began as a conversation evolved into a concrete plan and then into a proposal submitted to the College’s Projects for Peace selection committee. Every year, Ringling College receives proposals from students across majors who are looking to conduct projects that promote peace in different places around the world. My project, the Lekelela Initiative, was selected to represent the College for the 2024 cohort of Davis Projects for Peace summer grant recipients.

The collaboration between Ringling College and Projects for Peace enables students to address critical needs in communities worldwide. I saw an opportunity to promote peace by supporting vulnerable children early in their education, stopping the cycle that often leads to involvement in crime.

The Lekelela Initiative aims not only to create peace but also to address the roots of its absence: the lack of educational support that can alter the trajectory of young lives.

Students receive specialized support in the Lekelela Initiative.

In previous years this collaboration with Projects for Peace has supported equally impactful programs in regions such as Latin America and the Middle East. In 2022, Visual Studies student Sam Siso established a summer program in Iraq facilitating rehabilitation for war survivors. The following year, Mafer Bencomo created Venequeteca, a digital archive of LGBTQ Venezuelan testimonies that serves as a crucial resource for those seeking refugee status in LGBTQ-friendly nations.

Skills learned at Ringling College prove to be relevant to these peace-building initiatives as well. For instance, both the Lekelela Initiative and Venequeteca utilized lessons from the Business of Art and Design department’s Project Management class. These applications emphasize the relevance of art and design, even in peace-building and leadership.

As this project takes shape in Barberton, it joins a growing number of Ringling-supported projects that continue to contribute to peace worldwide. These initiatives connect Ringling College with communities beyond Sarasota, making the Ringling community one of global citizens.

The Davis Projects for Peace summer grant has shown me that being a leader means identifying opportunities for change and building bridges between resources and needs. Working this summer to implement this program and support these children’s educational journeys, I’m optimistic about breaking the cycle of limited opportunities and creating lasting positive change in South African communities.

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Film Department Head Patrick Alexander and actress Laura Linney.

Come Behind the Scenes with

The Ringling College Film Circle

Would you like to learn more about the Film Circle?

Contact Katie Flaherty, Director of Annual Giving, at kflahert@ringling.edu or 941-309-4051.

By Tricia Mire

Imagine you’re on a buzzing film set. Three-point lighting illuminates the soundstage; sound operators hold boom pole microphones overhead; and actors ready themselves for their next take. You’re part of a “video village,” where directors, producers, and decisionmakers take in the action from multiple vantage points.

You hear, “Quiet on the set!” Actors take their places, the director calls, “Action,” and before your eyes, a screenplay comes to life.

Are you in an industry mecca like Hollywood, New York, or Atlanta? Even better. You’re part of the Ringling College Film Circle, watching Film majors produce work as part of their rigorous hands-on education, in the Ringling College Studio Labs Soundstage and Post-Production Complex.

The Film Circle is a committed group of donors who share a passion for film and the education and career paths of Ringling College of Art and Design students. Members give to fill three distinct needs: annual and endowed scholarships, industry-grade equipment, and the Green Light Fund, which gives students the green light to invest in professional actors, composers, and other production values to take their academic film projects to the next level.

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These short films typically range from two to 15 minutes in length and are a core component of senior-year coursework. Films enhanced with Green Light funds give students that “wow factor” as they enter the industry.

They also afford opportunities to work on outside projects, provide funds for film festival entries and awards consideration, internships, and more.

Ringling College graduated its inaugural class of Film majors in 2011—talented young filmmakers attracted to the program for its experiential learning approach and access to industry professionals. In a crowded field of over 300 film schools in the United States, Ringling College’s undergraduate Film program consistently ranks in the top 25— competing largely against institutions with graduate programs. We’ve earned a distinguished reputation for preparing students for a range of industry careers through their academic filmmaking pursuits and for lifechanging opportunities to learn from real-world professionals.

Over the years, household names like Woody Harrelson, Sissy Spacek, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Smith, Beau Bridges, Roman Coppola, Helen Hunt, Elijah Wood, Werner Herzog, who visited us three times, Forest Whitaker, and Aubrey Plaza, who visited us twice, have led student master classes.

Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor John Lithgow summed up his visit, “It’s jaw-dropping. I am starry-eyed. The place has such a clear vision of where it’s going. It delivers people right into the business— my business.”

This past fall, award-winning television, film, and stage actress Laura Linney led a master class with Film majors from all four years. In the evening, Film Circle members enjoyed a private meet and greet with the Ozark star before a sold-out Q&A program. The event was part of a new annual fundraiser for the Green Light Fund. Earlier that year, Bridgerton Director of Photography Alicia Robbins gave students hands-on direction in cinematography. Department Head of Film Patrick Alexander described the impact that these visits have on the students:

Thirteen of our 2024 graduates gained firsthand experience on the crew of the full-length production Playing Through, filmed on location in Sarasota and post-produced at Ringling College. Playing Through is a fictionalized account of the life of Ann Gregory, an under-recognized civil rights pioneer who helped break the color barrier in women’s golf.

Written by Curtis Jordan, Playing Through has swept film festivals nationally and internationally. Our Film Circle members followed the film’s development and enjoyed the first private screening. The final cut is streaming now on Amazon.

Students gained firsthand experience as crew members of Playing Through.

Film Circle members also have the opportunity to give notes on student films before they complete post-production. Their feedback is invaluable for students to gauge what lands with audiences, and what still needs tweaking.

One of the screenplays previewed by Film Circle members, Spare Me, written and directed by Wilderley Mauricette ’24, Film, was awarded funding to be adapted into a full-length feature film by the streaming service Mometu. Mauricette shared, “I’m very excited, driven, and determined to make the best out of the opportunity while working and helping as many of my classmates I went to school with,” he said, “and while collaborating with new people.”

Laura Linney gave Film students a master class on storytelling.

“Having Laura Linney and Alicia Robbins work with our students was transformative. Linney’s extraordinary master class was a defining moment for our film program—her insights into the director-actor relationship, drawn from working with legends like Peter Weir and Kenneth Lonergan, gave our students profound lessons in emotional storytelling. Her transition into directing offered our students a unique perspective on how deep understanding of performance enriches filmmaking,” he shared.

“Similarly, Robbins, as the first woman to become a fulltime Director of Photography on a Shondaland series and now the visionary behind Bridgerton’s stunning visuals, inspired women in the program, showing that they can break through traditional industry barriers.

These aren’t just classroom lessons; they’re real-world blueprints from industry leaders who are actively reshaping film and television.”

In 2017, Ringling College opened a state-of-the-art film complex that led to a major boost to the Film program. Spanning a city block, it comprises five soundstages and a post-production suite on par with some of the most acclaimed film production houses. This hybrid commercial and academic facility is our Film students’ home base, and attracts independent filmmakers who have the option to hire students to crew on their projects for academic credit.

Celi Mitidieri ’24, Film, and Milena Montero ’24, Film, creators of the program’s first student-made documentary, Culture War, have gone on to win an Emmy Award amongst others. The film is traveling far, but began with a preview by the Film Circle.

The Film Circle season culminates with the Senior Thesis Watch Party, where films created by our soon-to-be graduates are screened for students, family, and friends. Film Circle member Nancy Shapiro said, “It is so meaningful to experience a film you’ve seen in production in its finished form, and to know you’ve played a part in creating a work of art and a filmmaker’s future.”

Also at the Watch Party, the winner of the prestigious Carl Foreman Award is announced—a graduating senior who demonstrates a singular achievement in screenwriting, producing, or directing. The Foreman Award was established in 1983 in conjunction with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts by industry veterans Eve and Michael Williams-Jones, in honor of Eve’s late husband, whose film legacy includes High Noon and Bridge on the River Kwai. Upon experiencing the excellence of our Film program, the Williams-Joneses brought the Award to Ringling College in 2023.

As the ranks of our Film Circle grow, so does the excellence of our Film program. We’d love to welcome you behind the scenes as a member.

For more information on these and other films produced by Ringling College Film majors, please visit www.ringling.edu/film.

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Industry Experience at Ringling College INDEX (Industry Experience) is Ringling College of Art and Design’s experiential education initiative that gives students opportunities to gain professional experience while still in college. Students can build their portfolios, strengthen their resumes, and become familiar with industry best practices.

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Student illustrated wine labels for Porter Family Vineyards

Adventurous Vintages

By Hannah Wallace

Tom Porter, co-owner of Napa Valley-based Porter Family Vineyards, first came to Ringling College of Art and Design in 2014 with a simple, one-time idea: Ask students to design a label for the winemakers’ new Bordeaux blend. The project would be “giving back to society,” he reasoned.

Porter, who spends time in Sarasota, had recently learned of a family connection to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, along with a blue-andwhite-striped family crest titled Barre Azure. That background became the marketing inspiration—and the name—for the new wine.

Ringling College’s Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Jeff Schwartz, then Head of the Illustration Department, set up a meeting. “I think he had five or six of his Illustration students there,” Porter remembered. But the results, even from such a small group, inspired him. Almost immediately he decided to create a new label for every year, turning their little onetime-only project into an annual competition open to all Ringling College students.

“Last year we had 45 people show up to the kickoff meeting,” said Porter. “The first year, I had two paragraphs [of instructions]. Now we order in pizza, there’s a PowerPoint presentation. I give the background information and the genesis of the label. Then I talk about how winemaking is an art as well, so this is the marriage of two different art forms.”

And “giving back to society” has turned out to be a boon for the vineyard, as well.

“From a business perspective, this partnership has been a home run. We have people who collect every single one of these bottles,” said Porter. “One of the huge advantages is the diversity of submissions we get. You have 45 really creative people working independently to come up with a new label. You don’t get that from a commercial marketing place.”

Product designs by students for Kodak Moments

Kodak Moments

By Hannah Wallace

Artists know the importance of framing. So, too, does Kodak Moments, a company that specializes in creating meaningful, artistic prints and presentations for personal photographs.

In partnering with INDEX, the Kodak Moments team hoped to produce a new collection of product designs that simultaneously represented the brand’s established identity while attracting a younger crowd. “The challenge,” said Laura Howell, the creative director for Kodak Moments Global Marketing, “was to design content that appealed to peers in their student demographic who value individuality and personal expression.”

Bella Race and Bella Thompson (both ’26, Graphic Design) to the rescue. “The Bellas,” as they came to be known, combined their own insights about their generation with a deep dive into trend research. They gleaned preferences for DIY-inspired wall art, film photography, and tactile, tangible objects—things that counterbalanced a digital lifestyle and appealed to people transitioning through variouslife stages.

But beyond their research, the Bellas were able to apply their skills to fulfill the most important aspect of the brief: emotional resonance. The final designs, including posters, magnets, and minicanvas products, achieved that sense of youthful independence while underscoring Kodak Moments’ brand identity. The company pros called the project “incredibly rewarding.”

“By working closely with student designers, we aimed to provide professional feedback, real-world experience, and a context to explore fresh ideas beyond a school project,” said Howell. “The final collection serves as a testament for how young designers can reinvigorate legacy brands with fresh perspectives.”

Kodak Alaris LLC uses the Kodak Moments trademark under license from Eastman Kodak Company

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Above: Students pitch concepts to the team at Sarasota Children’s Museum.

Left: Initial concepts for a tactile, mobile children’s museum, dubbed ‘The STEAM Machine.’

The STEAM Machine By Hannah Wallace How INDEX students combined work and play to design a mobile children’s museum from the ground up.

At the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester, Ringling College of Art and Design students in Greg Randle’s Entertainment Design class started their studies on the classroom floor. The class, predominantly sophomores, had been tasked with a seemingly simple assignment: “Play.”

Despite the fun to be had, this activity also marked the students’ introduction to a surprisingly complex and challenging semester-long project. The class had been chosen for a Ringling College INDEX (Industry Experience) partnership with the Sarasota Children’s Museum, a start-up nonprofit that aims to build a center for tactile, experimental, and experiential learning for kids of all ages.

While the museum had yet to find a brick-and-mortar home, it had acquired a 24-foot, solar-powered trailer. The students’ job? To design a mobile education center, inside and out, within the trailer’s existing parameters.

“Keeping [the Sarasota Children’s Museum] local has been key,” said Christina Fredericks, one of the museum’s founding members. “We want that collaboration, we want involvement from the community. We are a bunch of moms and fathers and grandparents. We don’t know about technology and engineering. We turned to Ringling for that and obviously for this mind-blowing creativity from these students.”

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The mini museum, dubbed “the STEAM Machine,” would need a welcoming, attention-grabbing exterior as well as multiple, versatile, hands-on learning stations that were engaging, fun, and educational. Hence the lesson in play.

“It started from the ground up,” said Fredericks. “What does ‘play’ mean? What does it look like?”

“We didn’t just talk about play,” added Beth Housewert, a children’s museum consultant working with the Sarasota nonprofit. “We played.”

At first, Fredericks was unsure of how much instruction to give the students, lest she limit their imaginations. “I want to leave room for creativity, so should I not give them too much?” she asked. “But the faculty were like, ‘Give them a lot, tell them a lot of things, explain it all.’ The creativity just organically blooms.”

Fredericks, Housewert, and other Sarasota Children’s Museum leadership proceeded to give the class countless factors to consider. Designs had to fit within the precise physical dimensions of the trailer, including some existing features to embrace (one side opened up into a stage with an awning) and others to mitigate (a covered wheel well protruded into the interior). The exterior design needed to double as a moving billboard for the museum itself—eye-catching, but with clearly marked signage.

And then there were the activities. The student groups were to create engaging, hands-on play stations centered on the five aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Not only did those activities have to be fun, they needed to appeal to a range of ages, sizes, and learning styles. On top of that, the games should offer numerous sensory experiences (visual, aural, tactile, etc.). At the same time, anything too complicated or delicate might be prone to breaking, so durability was also a priority.

The layout needed to maximize the existing space while allowing an easy, safe flow of foot traffic (the pesky wheel well, for instance, could be a tripping hazard). And of course, they needed to account for storage, too. Any outdoor activities, toys, or other moving parts had to be easily securable for travel.

Lastly, the museum leadership requested a creative way to include donor names in the design, in order to honor patrons who helped fund the project.

And with that long list of requirements, the student groups got to work.

This STEAM Machine project marked the second Ringling College partnership with the Sarasota Children’s Museum. Earlier in 2024, four INDEX students worked independently to create the museum’s logo and brand materials. The final logo, designed by Bella Race ’26, Graphic Design, depicts a multicolored circle divided into five sections, each one visually representing a STEAM concept.

(Engineering, for instance, takes the form of a red, toothed gear; art is represented by a blue painter’s palette.)

“That first semester, we were speechless,” said Fredericks of the branding designs. “We had no idea what to expect, how much we were going to get. They just completely wowed us, not only with the logos, but with visual renderings, what the inside of the museum could look like, what [the logo] would look like on the side of building.

It’s not just like, ‘This looks really cool.’

It’s so much more expansive than that.”

As the Fall 2024 semester came to a close, Randle’s Entertainment Design class gathered in the INDEX building on the Ringling College campus to present their final designs to the Sarasota Children’s Museum leadership group. One by one, in teams of four or five, the students stood alongside projector-screen slideshows and pitched their visions for the STEAM Machine.

Their ideas did not disappoint. In fact, on top of addressing the issues that had been initially presented to them, the groups managed to solve problems and innovate in ways that hadn’t even been requested—exactly what the museum representatives had hoped for.

One group envisioned the museum’s new logo as five STEAM mascots, marketing characters that could also be turned into adorable fundraising merchandise. Another built their mobile museum around a “shrink-ray” concept, with a jumbo art station, giant building blocks, and plenty of Honey, I Shrunk the Kidsstyle “Instagrammable moments”—a free marketing hack.

A third group ran with the “STEAM” theme, turning the mobile museum into a 21st century steam engine, complete with a model train running the perimeter of the trailer’s interior and a “Conductor Piper” sandpiper mascot. A student in the group performed the introduction with old-timey conductor gusto, describing, in his own words, the design’s “wacky whimsy.”

Throughout the hour, there were slides with colorful sketches and 3D renderings of porthole windows, energy-transfer stations, music-making train tracks and steam whistles, pulleys, textured ceilings, dioramas of Florida wildlife, color-mixing light boards, and puzzle-piece magnets containing donor names.

The project had been, like the museum itself, a multi-disciplinary learning adventure.

For each group, a half-dozen museum co-founders and board members, along with the consultant Housewert, went down the line, each giving positive feedback, along with the occasional caveat regarding practicality, expense, or other concerns. Their response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

“Again, here we are, just sitting there, wowed from the things they’ve come up with,” recalled Fredericks.

From there, the museum leadership had decisions to make. They would convene throughout the following weeks to decide which concepts best suited their needs. The final version, they told the students, would likely combine ideas from every group. They hope to have the finished STEAM Machine ready for a back-toschool reveal at the start of the Fall 2025 semester.

The Entertainment Design students will, of course, be front and center for the debut.

“It’s fun to see their excitement,” said Fredericks. “They own that project. There’s feeling behind it. And it’s even more impactful for us as a client. We take that passion and make it part of the museum.”

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DEAR FRIENDS,

Portrait by Matthew Holler ’11

As we reflect on another remarkable year at Ringling College of Art and Design, I am filled with gratitude and awe at the extraordinary culture that defines our community.

Every corner of our campus resonates with the vibrancy of innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for the transformative power of art and design.

At Ringling College, creativity is more than a skill—it is a way of life. It is evident in the studios where students transform ideas into breathtaking realities, in the faculty who mentor with boundless dedication, and in the community with outstanding programs at Sarasota Art Museum, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), TOWN HALL Speaker Series, Englewood Art Center, and our seven on-campus Galleries and Exhibitions.

These programs inspire creativity daily in our community.

This past year, our community came together in ways that underscore the power of connection and collaboration. Through our Catalyst for Creativity Campaign, individuals supported scholarships for talented art students, curriculum development, thoughtprovoking exhibitions and programs, and laid the foundation to build a new Signature Academic Building for our campus and community.

As Vice President for Advancement, I have the privilege of witnessing the generosity and dedication of our supporters—alumni, donors, and friends like you—who make it possible for Ringling College to remain a beacon of creativity and opportunity in the Gulf Coast region. Your belief in our mission enables us to provide students with an education that is as enriching as it is empowering and programs in our community that elevate creativity, foster innovation, and build a future shaped by the arts.

This issue of CONTXT shares stories that celebrate the heart of our institution: the people and ideas that make Ringling College a community unlike any other. As you turn these pages, I hope you feel inspired by the impact of art and design on the world.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we’ve seen firsthand how creativity can bridge divides and inspire innovation. These moments reaffirm our belief that the greatest achievements are born from a shared commitment to excellence and exploration.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Sara Curtis Robinson Vice President for Advancement

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Sam and Dona Scott PARTNERS IN SUPPORTING EDUCATION

By Gayle Guynup | Portraits by Matthew Holler ’11

Sam and Dona Scott’s dedication to the arts, education, and community welfare initiatives exemplifies the transformative impact of philanthropy.

Sam and Dona were first introduced to Ringling College of Art and Design by their dear friend and member of the Board of Trustees, Willie Stanfield.

He invited Sam to meet with Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College. Dr. Thompson offered Sam a seat on the Board, a position he has now held for four years.

Both Sam and Dona were highly impressed when they met Dr. Thompson. “He is a dynamic leader with a great personality and a tremendous commitment to the College. Today, Ringling’s reputation for excellence speaks for itself,” Sam said.

Sam and Dona are from New Jersey—Sam is a proud native of Jersey City, and Dona is from northern New Jersey. Sam attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey where he obtained his engineering degree and his Master of Business Administration. Dona earned her Bachelor of Science from Dominican College in Orangeburg, New York.

Sam joined CPC International, Corn Products Division (now Ingredion), in 1973. They met in 1983 when Dona joined the company. At the time they met, Sam was vice president of sales for the Corn Products Division and subsequently worked his way up the company ladder. In 2001, Sam rose to chairman and CEO, a position he held for seven years.

From the time Dona joined the company in 1983, she held several positions, eventually serving as coordinator in the pricing and marketing department. They moved to Chicago in 1988, following the division’s move to Argo, Illinois. Dona retired in 1988, and the two were married in 1989.

It was then that she became involved in philanthropy, specifically with organizations related to education.

In Chicago, Dona served for almost 20 years on the board of Providence St. Mel, a private school for African-American students. She also was a board member of After School Matters, an organization that has extensive afterschool programs for high school students.

Sam served on publicly traded Fortune 500 boards including Motorola Solutions, BNY Mellon and Abbott, as well as a number of not-for-profit organizations.

While living in Chicago, Sam and Dona were frequent visitors to Florida’s Gulf Coast. In 2015, friends of theirs introduced them to Longboat Key. “We visited, liked what we saw, and bought a condo. We then moved from that condo to a house on Longboat Key in 2017, and are now in the process of moving to a condo in downtown Sarasota,” Dona said. In addition to their involvement with Ringling College, Sam and Dona serve on several corporate and not-for-profit boards.

The support of Sam and Dona serves as a testament to the significant impact of philanthropic generosity.

How have you supported the programs and students at Ringling College of Art and Design?

Sam Scott: Approximately four years ago, I was elected to the Ringling College of Art and Design’s Board of Trustees. I serve on a number of standing and ad hoc committees. We have launched the Catalyst for Creativity campaign to continue the growth and sustainability of the college.

Dona Scott: In 2023, I was one of the co-chairs for Avant-Garde, the largest fundraiser for the College, which raises funds for the Crossing the Finish Line scholarship. I was also on the committee to select the student finalists for Avant-Garde 2024, and for the past few years, I have served on the committee for Sarasota Art Museum’s Art Bash gala. We both support the College by attending campus events and giving our financial support. We enjoy learning about art by joining Ringling College’s Art Tours as well as developing deeper relationships with fellow board members, spouses, and staff.

What impresses you the most about Ringling College of Art and Design?

Ringling College is one of the top arts colleges in the country and continues to impress us with the number of disciplines, technology, a very strong and committed leadership team led

by Dr. Thompson, and a dedicated faculty. We have heard many stories of faculty going the extra mile to ensure that their students are successful.

What is the importance of art and design colleges in today’s society?

We believe colleges of art and design play a major role in society by providing balance to the STEM world, adding creativity to almost every facet of life.

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Deb Kabinoff BRINGING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY TO RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

By Gayle Guynup | Portrait by Matthew Holler ’11

Even as a young child, Deb Kabinoff had a strong need to achieve and succeed. Deb’s father had started his own company before passing away at age 38, and Deb says she always felt responsible for taking care of the family in his absence. After earning her undergraduate degree, she went on to earn her Master of Business Administration at Cornell University, where Deb’s father had earned his doctorate.

“I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” she said. She then went to work for a group of professors at Yale University, which is where an idea for her future company was born.

“I worked with professors who were developing a new methodology for analyzing healthcare data and using that data to solve problems related to healthcare,” she said. “I felt fortunate to be able to utilize the newly evolving power of computers.”

Deb and some partners started her first company when she was 28 years old. “I lived in New Haven, and there was a train that went from New Haven to New York City, so I started cold-calling every corporation along the Amtrak line, telling them that my company could analyze data for them and help them manage their healthcare costs.”

When Deb was 30, Metropolitan Life bought the company, fulfilling her desire to be able to provide help for her family.

Two years later, she started another, bigger company—a company she kept for about 10 years. When she sold that, Deb was 42. She retired to Sarasota and began her involvement in philanthropy, which eventually led her to Ringling College of Art and Design.

“Because my career was based on using technology to solve problems, my philanthropy is focused on using technology to help not-for-profit organizations. Access to the right technology can help not-for-profit organizations solve problems, engage their constituencies, and push toward the future,” Deb said.

“Ringling College is the ultimate model of how to harness technology and achieve tremendous results. I have established the Deb Kabinoff Fund for Innovative Technology at Ringling College. I look forward to helping the College take advantage of technology and realize major accomplishments in art, film, environments, and many other fields.”

How and when did you first become aware of and involved with Ringling College of Art and Design?

When I first moved to Sarasota in 1991, Ringling was a small art school that joked about producing starving artists. When Dr. Larry R. Thompson came to town, all that changed. I had known Larry from Cleveland, Ohio, where he accomplished the nearly impossible task of creating the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was a huge project that was so innovative, and when he moved to Sarasota, I was confident that he would bring great vision to the school. From the day he arrived, I knew I wanted to be involved with Ringling College. I knew Ringling College would be incredible because of his vision and his ability to implement the programs he envisioned.

I knew it would result in something truly amazing.

What is it that impresses you most about Ringling College and its students?

Ringling College provides its talented students with an unparalleled experience in many areas of art and design.

The facilities, faculty, and programs are among the best in the world. The talent that Ringling College attracts and nurtures is stellar.

What advice would you give young people today interested in pursuing a career in the creative arts?

You no longer have to be a “starving artist.” Artists graduating from Ringling College have the talent and skill to provide leadership in creative activities of all kinds all over the world.

Do you intend to remain involved with the College and its programs?

This donation is just the start of the Deb Kabinoff Fund for Innovative Technology at Ringling College. It is meant to be the beginning of an ongoing effort to provide funds for many types of innovative technologies at the school.

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Matt and Shary Price LOVE OVER LOGIC

By Gayle Guynup | Portraits by Matthew Holler ’11

Both Matt and Shary Price are originally from Dayton, Ohio, though the two didn’t meet until after they graduated from their respective colleges.

Shary attended St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, while Matt graduated from Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

The two had a long-distance romance for nearly three and a half years and then decided to get married. Though they had only spent between 22 and 28 days together face-to-face (Matt says 22; Shary says 28), they both knew it was right.

When Shary decided to take a leap of faith and move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, she was working in marketing for a software company in Los Angeles. When she told her boss in sunny California that she was moving to Ann Arbor with near 0-degree temperatures to get married, her boss asked incredulously: “Why on Earth would you ever let love get in the way of logic?”

Whatever the reason, it worked, and the two have been married now for 43 years.

After Ann Arbor, the couple moved back to the Dayton, Ohio area, where they spent most of their married life and raised their three children. Matt moved from a major construction company to being an entrepreneur with his initial company focused on software development, printing, and publishing.

“After having our second child, we started working together. Matt was president and the heavy lifter managing operations and finance. I continued in marketing and sales and dabbled in human resources,” Shary said. Out of their 43 years of marriage, the two have worked together for 30-plus of those years.

In 2003, after selling their printing/publishing company, they became aware of the growing need for nurses and launched a travel nurse staffing company. The company grew quickly, and within several years it became one of the top 10 largest travel nurse staffing companies in the country. When they sold that company in 2017, Shary retired, while Matt, she says, flunked retirement. After only four months of not working, he started two new businesses, both of which he still runs today.

It was their three children who ultimately led them to Florida. “So many families we know in Ohio head south on I-75 for spring break and make a right-hand turn somewhere in Florida. Lucky for us, our turn took us to Siesta Key for about 11 years in a row. Along the way, we fell in love with Sarasota and all it has to offer; we eventually bought our first house on Bird Key in 2010.”

The sale of their company in 2017 allowed Shary and Matt to establish the Price Family Foundation, a philanthropic venture that focuses on children, education, and mental health. Among the nonprofits they supported was Ringling College of Art and Design, introduced to them by their friends, Rosa and Willie Stanfield, and their banker and friend, Brad Goddard. After touring the facilities, and meeting some of the students as well as Ringling College President Dr. Larry R. Thompson and his staff, they were impressed and made the decision to support the College and its students.

How and why did you first become involved with Ringling College of Art and Design?

We were first introduced to Ringling College as season ticket holders to the Town Hall Speaker series. We were truly impressed with the quality and technology of the animation shorts shown prior to the speakers’ presentations. We actively supported our colleges for years, watching young adults commit themselves to developing their knowledge base and personal skills in order to be successful in their lives and careers. We saw the same qualities in the Ringling students and wanted to get involved.

What impresses you most about the College and its students today?

Beyond the impressive students we have had the pleasure of meeting, is the idea that Ringling College is preparing students for high-demand careers. Ringling students graduate “ready to work,” and there are “plug-and-play” career positions typically waiting for them after graduation that allow them to be productive immediately while earning a good living.

What are some of the ways you have supported the students and programs of Ringling College of Art and Design?

In addition to attending Ringling events for years, Matt has recently become a member of the Board of Trustees. He was appointed to direct the Scholarship Committee, which gives him a first-hand view of the challenges facing students in their quest to obtain an advanced education, with a cost escalating well beyond the means of the average United States population. Presently, almost 90% of Ringling students qualify for financial needs or merit-based scholarships, so this issue is paramount for incoming students.

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1976 Regan Dunnick, Painting, commissioned by Florida Humanities FORUM Magazine, won the Society of Professional Journalism’s 2024 Sunshine State Award for Illustration for his work, Way of the Trailer, in August 2024.

Regan was also awarded Florida Magazine Association’s Silver 2024 Charlie Award for Best in Traditional Illustration for the same work in July. FMA also recognized Regan’s Game Changers—also presented in FORUM—with a Bronze 2024 Charlie Award. lindgrensmith.com

THE SEVENTIES 1970

Have news to share?

Send notes about new jobs and promotions, accolades, awards, exhibitions, film screenings, even life milestones like marriages, babies, and retirements – whatever you would like to share!

Send your notes to: alumni@ringling.edu

THE SIXTIES 1969 Roger Bansemer, Fine Arts, was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in February 2025, recognizing his “enduring influence on our state’s vibrant cultural legacy.” Based in St. Augustine, Roger and spouse Sarah produce a nationally televised series, Painting and Travel with Roger and Sarah Bansemer, for Public Television which reaches 91% of the United States, in 168 markets. paintingandtravel.com

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Jeff Barnhart, Fine Arts, exhibited in the group show, America the Beautiful at Gallery 50, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, from May-December 2024. He exhibited in People & Places also at Gallery 50 from January-April 2025. Jeff teaches art in the studio of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Linda Hunsaker, Fashion Design, exhibited her linocut, Midnight Theater in the group show, I Love L.A., at the Gallery of Hermosa in Hermosa Beach, California, in July 2024. She illustrated the book, Starfriends: The Alyssa Chronicles Book 2, by Valentine M. Riddell from Orenda Healing Publications, released in September 2024. Linda’s studio is in Sarasota. lindahunsaker.com Paul E. Ladnier, Graphic Design and Illustration, had his art selected for the 8th Annual Small Works Exhibition hosted by the American Impressionist Society in March 2024.

His painting, Old Joe, was one of 160 selected from over 1,000 submissions. Paul Ladnier Fine Art is located in Jacksonville, Florida. paulladnierfineart.com

1979 Jeffery Cornwell, Fine Arts, for Embracing Our Differences, curated Embracing Kindness on view at Sarasota Art Museum from October-December 2024. The exhibition was a special showcase of 14 original works created by his students from Booker High School for the Performing Arts and NewGate School.

Jeffery instructed art for well over 35 years in Sarasota, 33 of which were as Coordinator and Instructor for Ringling College’s summer Teen Studios program, from which he retired in July 2024. jefferycornwell.com

Jeffery Cornwell ’79, Change Drift, acrylic, 36” x 60”

1971 Dennis William Stuart, Commercial Design, exhibited a solo show, Litchfield Hills in Mind, at the Woodbury Public Library’s Gallery Space in May 2024; and group shows 2024 North East Watercolor Society Members’ Exhibition at Orange County Community College, Middletown, New York; Gunn Memorial Library, Washington, Connecticut; and, Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors, Old Forge, New York. He is also involved in painting workshops and demos, and jurying for local art leagues. dennisstuartartist.com

Jeffery Cornwell ’79, Evening Edge, acrylic, 20” x 24”

THE EIGHTIES 1980 Bill Farnsworth, Graphic Design and Illustration, earned the status of a Master Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America in December 2024. An Art Renewal Center Living Master, he is represented by Palm Avenue Fine Art Gallery in Sarasota, Gingerbread Square Gallery in Key West, and seven other galleries in the United States.

Having illustrated over 60 children’s books, Bill retired from illustration in 2025, and resides in Venice, Florida, with his spouse Debbie. billfarnsworth.com

1981 Eddie Tallent, Fine Arts, was inducted into the Caldwell County School’s Hall of Honor in North Carolina, recognizing his significant contributions to profession and community.

After a career in arts education administration, Eddie now teaches visual arts classes and helps students prepare portfolios for college and art school admission. His art is represented by Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

Instagram: ektallent

1982 Dari Williams Goggans, Fine Arts, was featured in the July/August 2024 issue of Sarasota Magazine, Dari Williams Goggans Is a Legend in the Sarasota Art World. For 18 years, she has owned and operated Jessica’s Picture Framing in downtown Sarasota. jessicaspictureframing.com

1983 Laura Avery, Fine Arts, retired as Manager of Exhibitions and Classes at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in April 2022. Laura’s studio is in Bradenton, where she also manages her spouse’s business, Realty Appraisal Services of Southwest Florida.

James Powell, Graphic Design and Illustration, was featured in An Inspiring Teacher Embraces His Artistic Self, by Metro Wake Forest 27587 Magazine in their Winter 2025 issue. James and spouse Janie relocated to North Carolina in August 2024. semajartstudio.com

1986 Michele (Graham) Vair, Graphic Design, exhibited a solo show of her photogravure at Main Street Art’s Stairwell Gallery, Clifton Springs, New York, from March-April 2024.

She also exhibited photogravure and mono prints in the 2024 show, The Mad Printers both at the Little Theater Cafe Gallery, Rochester, New York, in November 2023, and at the Dove Block, Geneva, New York, from September-October 2024. In addition to her studio work, Michelle teaches Children’s Saturday Morning Art Classes at Main Street Art. Instagram: mvair

1988 David Hammel, Fine Arts, exhibited, Robots, Rebar & Drawings, a sustainable large sculptural shenanigans and immersive art experience as part of Earth Day celebrations at Philippi Crest Club, Sarasota. David is represented by Novus Via Arts. novusviaarts.com/david-hammel

1989 Paul Arnold, Fine Arts, published his Annual Art Calendar for Anna Maria Island business and landmarks in his unique wavy cartoon style. Paul’s art can also be seen on signs on Anna Maria Island. He continues to do street chalk art at Ohio festivals. allaroundartist.wordpress.com Aaron Blaise, Illustration, was honored

by ASIFA - Hollywood at the Annie Awards on February 8, 2025, with a Winsor McCay Award in recognition of lifetime or career contributions. A long-time Disney Supervising Animator/Director and educator, Aaron’s Creature Art Teacher, The Art of Aaron Blaise studio is based in Apopka, Florida. creatureartteacher.com Vicki Chelf, Fine Arts, and her portraits of heroines who helped defeat the Nazis in WWII, Women of Resistance, became the inspiration for a theatrical piece with original music, dance, and storytelling. It premiered at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in April 2025, in collaboration with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. womenofresistance.org

Portraits for Women of Resistance by Vicki Chelf ’89: Hedy Lamarr, 36”x48”, mixed media on canvas; Nancy Wake, 36”x48”, mixed media on canvas; and Andree Peel, 36”x48”, mixed media on canvas.

Elizabeth Fox-Michelini, Fine Arts, exhibited a solo show, The Trouble with Flowers, at the Dolby Chadwick Gallery, San Francisco, in September 2024. Elizabeth’s studio is in Standish, Maine. elizabethfox.com

CONTXT | SPRING 2025 45

THE NINETIES 1990 Sally Clarke Watson, Graphic Design, married Merchant Marine Ron Watson in July 2024.

They reside in Charleston and Sarasota, where Sally is a Realtor with Michael Saunders & Company on St. Armand’s Circle.

1993 DeVonna (Hartz) Stephens, Computer Graphics, joined Joyce Factory Direct as a Graphic Designer in November 2024. DeVonna’s studio is in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.

Instagram: devostephens

Rhonda (Kizer) O’Neill, Graphic Design, relocated to Pensacola, Florida, in May 2024.

Karen Taylor, Graphic Design, relocated to Santa Rosa, California, in July 2024, and was recently hired on by Luther Burbank Center for the Arts as a Lead Teaching Artist. karenscalling.com

1992

1994

Melissa Dickinson, Graphic Design, relocated from Seattle to Bernalillo, New Mexico, in August 2023. Her company, Logical Alternative, has provided Software Development and Website Development consulting services since 1992 and now specializes in website design for a largely nonprofit clientele. Recent projects include a redesign and rebuild of the GLAAD site, implementation and rollout of ProtectThisKid.org, and custom development projects with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network. logalt.net

Jennifer (Swartzwelder) Brittingham, Illustration, was honored by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for excellence in teaching art to Seminole reservation students in November 2024. Jen celebrated her 20th year teaching art in 2024 and her 6th year teaching at Ahfachkee School in Hendry County.

Put a spark in your step with Art + Sole!

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Danielle (Pagliai) Brown, Graphic Design, celebrated her 15th year with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, part of Gannett and USA Today, in January 2025. Danielle serves as Human Resources Director, Corporate Services.

Brenda Kato, Illustration, founder of Kato Creative, was voted Best Web Page Designer in Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax 2024 survey, awarded in February 2025. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, she specializes in UX design, digital marketing, and illustration. katocreative.com

1995 Rob Harrell, Illustration, published POPCORN through Penguin/Random House in September 2024. He was recognized by the American Library Association with their Schneider Family Book Award for Best Middle Grade Title for POPCORN in January 2025. Rob lives and works out of Zionsville, Indiana. robharrell.com

Writing and illustration for Popcorn by Rob Harrell ’95

Support our student scholarships with a minimum gift of $25 and receive a pair of our exclusive Ringling College socks.

To make your gift, scan the code or visit www.ringling.edu/artandsole.

Contact us with any questions at giving@ringling.edu or 941-309-4733.

1996 Brian Anthony, Computer Animation, joined Epsilon Retail Media as Senior Vice President, Design and Creative in March 2023.

Jenn Doyle Crane, Fine Arts, is a San Francisco Bay area artist and curator specializing in encaustic painting. She exhibited in 2024 at the Mills Building in San Francisco, Gray Loft Gallery in Oakland, and was selected for the 2025 Crocker-Kingsley exhibition. As Director of Special Projects at Atthowe Fine Art Services, Jenn oversees large-scale art installations for national public and private collections. doylecrane.com

Jenn Doyle Crane ’96, Swirly Moon, Daisy Moon, and Untitled, all encaustic and mixed media

Susan Everitt, Computer Animation, received the Ampersand Award of Merit (Open Category) at the 13th Annual Exhibition of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists held in Lake Okoboji, Iowa, in September 2024.

Susan also had artwork selected for a public art exhibition in Founder’s Park, Johnson City, Tennessee, on display through February 2026. seeart.me Jason Harvey, Fine Arts, as NYPD detective and sketch artist, so accurately sketched a violent criminal and his tattoo from the victim’s statements that good Samaritans were able to apprehend the suspect within days of the crime, receiving national news coverage. Jason has served the citizens of New York since 2000. Jason’s art is represented by Fort Gansevoort Gallery.

John Hosford ’99, Gucci Gang, Oil on canvas, 24” x 36”

1997

1998

1999

Yiotis Katsambas, Computer Animation, was promoted to Vice President of Technology at Sony Pictures Animation in September 2023, where he and his team constantly reinvent animation workflows. He was most recently featured at Sony’s 2025 CES Press Event in Las Vegas.

Michael Greenholt, Illustration, won an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program for his work with Netflix as Animation Director on Blue Eye Samurai: The Tale of Ronin and the Bride in September 2024. Michael is based in the greater Los Angeles area. michaelgreenholt.com

John Hosford, Fine Arts, exhibited at Soft Water Gallery, St. Petersburg, Florida, from MayJuly 2024. This solo show was John’s first since returning to Florida from 24 years in New York.

His studio is now based in St. Petersburg, Florida. johnhosford-studio.com

Amy Haney, Fine Arts, exhibited a solo show, Aviate in Central College’s Mills Gallery in Pella, Iowa, from March-April 2024. Amy’s gallery representation is by Anderson O’Brien. amyhaney.com

Jodi Schwartzel, Graphic and Interactive Communications, joined The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company as a portfolio manager and Vice President on their investment management team in June 2024.

Dennis McNulty, Illustration, joined WIN Reality (VR Sports Tech) as Head of Design.

As a co-founder of Root Division, Dennis celebrated his part in the arts non-profit’s 23 years of serving San Francisco’s fine artists and the community. Dennis now works out of Honolulu. dennismcnulty.art Rebecca Perez, Computer Animation, was inducted to the South Miami Senior High School’s Wall of Fame in March 2024.

Rebecca is a Director with Disney Television Animation in Burbank, California. rebville.com

Amy Haney ’98, Sheriff Reduction, Glance Reduction, and Drop It Like It’s Hot, woodcuts CONTXT | SPRING 2025 47

THE AUGHTS 2001 Mishou Sanchez, Interior Design, was awarded one of seven murals for the Public Art Identity Project for Tampa’s Downtown Unique Neighborhoods by Tampa’s Downtown Partnership. Created by Studio Mishou, unveiled in October 2024, and named in December, Frankie the Alligator is on view in the Tampa Heights neighborhood. Mishou holds a Masters in Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture. Studio Mishou is a full-service design firm. studiomishou.com Ryan S. Tarbell, Graphic and Interactive Communications, currently works in North Carolina specializing in graphic design, web design, video editing, and photography. In 2024 he directed and produced Faith Unfiltered, a podcast for Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Past clients include the PGA and the Urban Land Institute. behance.net/ryanstarbell

2002 Farouk Dudha, Illustration, joined Gibbs High School as a traditional 2D art teacher as part of the Pinellas County Creative Arts program in August 2023. Farouk also is a topiary artist in the greater Tampa Bay area. Instagram: Farouk128 Jeff Fowler, Computer Animation, directed Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which has earned 462.5 million dollars worldwide and become Paramount Pictures’ highest-grossing film of 2024, his trilogy of Sonic films now has earned over one billion dollars worldwide. blur.com Tim Jaeger, Fine Arts, a Fine Arts professional, founded 502 Gallery in Sarasota’s historic Burns Court neighborhood in August 2024. He also celebrated his fifth anniversary as Galleries Director and Chief Curator at Ringling College.

In addition, he joined the board of the Library Foundation of Sarasota County and completed a 35-foot mural for Hero’s Village, Sarasota’s first veteran’s housing project. Jaeger continues to exhibit nationwide. timjaegerpainter.com Daniel Miyares, Illustration, was inducted into Greenville County Schools Hall of Fame in November 2024 for his outstanding contributions to children’s literature. Daniel’s studio is in the greater Kansas City area. danielmiyares.com Jeff Oehmen, Illustration, joined AFL US Services as Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications in July 2024.

2003 Brandon Dunnick, Graphic and Interactive Communication, was promoted to Senior Marketing and Revenue Operations Manager at BHG Financial in August 2024.

Direction for clothing line Little Planet by Florencia Banfi Walton ’04

2004 Florencia Banfi Walton, Illustration, was promoted to Vice President of Design at Carter’s overseeing Little Planet and Carter’s Baby in April 2024. She directed concepting for Little Planet, a new, sustainable baby and kidswear brand, which launched in Spring 2021 and has grown to be a leader in sustainable kids’ fashion.

She resides in Atlanta with spouse Jeff Walton ’04, Graphic and Interactive Communications, Marketing Director for Halpern Enterprises, and children Wes and Tobi. Instagram: flo_walton Matthew Maddox, Illustration, launched Blacktop Sailor in October 2023. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Blacktop Sailor combines coastal credentials with midwestern pragmatism to solve brand problems. blacktopsailor.com Stephen Whetstine, Illustration, was promoted to Principal UX/UI Content Director at Turn 10 Studios, a division of Microsoft Game Studios, in September 2024. artstation.com/onebluebird

Patrick Osborne, Computer Animation, joined Netflix’s Magic: The Gathering series as supervising director and an executive producer in September 2024.

Christina (Fisher) Scaraville, Graphic and Interactive Communication, joined First Watch Restaurants as Graphic Design Manager in April 2024.

Photograph by Eddy White ’01

Eddy White, Graphic and Interactive Communications, exhibited, Ay Ay CRUCIANS: Twin City Historical Photography at Sonia Deane’s Cane Roots Art Gallery, St. Croix, in January-February 2025. His exhibition was featured in the St. Croix Source in January 2025. eddywhitephotography.com

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Annie Riker, Graphic and Interactive Communication, collaborated with Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn to design their Asheville Mix limited edition artist bag of Poppy Popcorn as a fundraiser to support rebuilding small businesses post-Hurricane Helene.

Annie Riker Art & Design is based in Asheville, North Carolina. annieriker.com

Packaging illustration by Annie Riker ’03

Ben Taylor, Illustration, and Dawn Rivers ’09, Computer Animation, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in April 2024. They were married in Harmonix’s office in Boston.

They now reside in Tokyo with their three sons, Winter, Rex, and Lynx, where Ben is a Technical Producer for Square Enix, and Dawn is a Lighting Artist for SEGA.

2008

Lisa Fields ’06 illustrated the book, When I Talk to God, I Talk About You.

2005

2006

Lacey Bannister, Computer Animation, celebrated 20 years at EA’s Maxis Studios in June 2024. She contributes her longevity to the franchise due to its “...ability to continue to surprise and challenge me, inspiring me to find new ways to bridge emotional experiences.

I’m continually fascinated by how our games seemingly take on a life of their own.” Originally from Bradenton, she now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and has served as Senior Animation Director since June 2023.

Lisa Fields, Illustration, was part of the Christopher Award winning team for her illustrations in When I Talk to God, I Talk About You, released by Flamingo Books/ Penguin Random House in April 2024. The book was written by Chrissy Metz, star of the TV show This Is Us, and Bradley Collins.

Lisa’s studio is in White Plains, New York. lisafields.com

Dennis Brown, Illustration, was selected to create a mural for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, on view at San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium starting Nov. 17, 2024, and featured on Adobe’s blog. Dennis resides in San Francisco, working as a designer while developing works for gallery shows and other art projects. Dennis’ clients include Adobe, Target, Old Navy, Super7, Disney, Ecko, Zynga, Penguin Random House, Bonobos, Imagine FX. Instagram: bags43 Casey Diehl, Graphic and Interactive Communication, was promoted to Senior VP, Group Creative Director at VML and is based in Chicago.

Heather Ihn (Houghton) Martin, Illustration, was awarded first place at Pleasanton Art League’s Paint Pleasanton in September 2023 for Breakfast at Bacci’s, and Honorable Mention at Paint Grand Traverse in June 2024 for Secret Stairs. A gouache and oil painter, Heather’s studio is in Concord, California. heatherihnart.com Matthew Meyer, Illustration, was one of four “yokai” artists invited to exhibit in Toei Kyoto Studio Park’s KaiKai Yokai Festival Art Exhibition from September-December 2024.

Matt’s studio is in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. His fifth illustrated encyclopedia of Japanese folklore was also published in 2024. matthewmeyer.net and yokai.com

Christopher Hapner, Illustration, founded Prophet Agency, LLC, a creative brand consultancy based in Orange County, California, in September 2023. prophetagency.com Elle (Lile) Travis, Photography and Digital Imaging, was honored by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear with a Governor’s Arts Award for Community Impact in November 2024.

Administered by the Kentucky Arts Council, the commonwealth’s highest honors in the arts recognizes extraordinary and significant contributions to the arts in Kentucky or the nation. Executive Director of Yes Arts since 2021, Elle was recognized for mobilizing the power of community and the arts to disrupt the cycle of addiction. yesarts.org

2007 Gene Shurakov, Illustration, painted a mural of the former Galloway’s Furniture in conjunction with Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College’s exhibition, Modern Masterpiece Uncovered: Galloway’s Furniture Showroom by Victor Lundy. Gene was featured in WWSB ABC7’s segment, Discovering the Old and New Galloway Furniture Building on the Suncoast, in August 2024. Gene works as a graphic designer, muralist, tattoo artist, and he designs and paints laser tag arenas across the United States. Instagram: mrfingertips

Ellen (Murray) Coonrod, Illustration, was promoted to Principal Multi-Media Graphic Artist at Pearson in April 2024. She and her spouse Greg welcomed their first child, Vera, in January 2025. ellencoonrod.com Lauren Marshall, Illustration, was selected

by Creative Pinellas to be a 2024 Tampa Bay Rays Featured Artist for her illustration, In the Stands. Lauren was commissioned by St. Regis Longboat Key to create Sarasota Girls Notebooks, offered at their new resort in October 2024. Lauren and spouse Chris Weems ’08, Graphic and Interactive Communications, reside in Sarasota with their two young sons, and where Chris designs apps for companies including the PGA, AT&T, Yahoo, and Meta. laurenmarshallfineart.com Lahela (Ino) Schloesser, Computer Animation, joined Wicked Fox Games as a Creative Lead in November 2024. Her studio is in the greater Seattle area. lahelaschoessler.com Jessica (Lock) Swafford, Illustration, released her fourth book under her artist’s name, Jessica Kaye. Beyond the Wall is a young adult novel following the adventures of Daxia to find a cure for her sister’s illness, and is available through Amazon. Jessica’s studio is in Avon Park, Florida. jessicakaye.net Carolyn (Anderson) Vale, Computer Animation, joined EA Create as a Senior Animator in February 2024, where she is on The Sims team.

2009 Jorge Garcia, Computer Animation, joined Valve Corporation as an Animator in August 2024. Jorge specializes in character animation, recently completing work on Kung Fu Panda 4 for DreamWorks Animation as a Lead Animator. Previous work includes Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken. vimeo.com/923192692

CONTXT | SPRING 2025 49

THE TWENTY-TENS 2010 Lindsay Agnew, Graphic and Interactive Communication, founded Studio Agnew and released a children’s book, Princess Anna and the Twinkling Jewels, available on Amazon, both in September 2024. She designs eco-friendly artistic creations in the greater Orlando area. studioagnew.com Jenn DeCarlo, Illustration, joined the Game Show Network as a Jr. Designer/Animator in August 2020. She helped with testing and designs for the new game show hosted

by Jaleel White, FlipSide, which debuted in September 2024. Her studio is in Los Angeles.

Heather Jackson Wright, Fine Arts, and her spouse Jim opened Wright Customs, LLC in June 2023. Having worked in entertainment fabrication for the last seven years, they create large scale custom fiberglass sculptures, photo-ops, mascot costumes, and more for amusement parks, dinner theaters, and businesses. Their studio is in Morristown, Tennessee. wrightcustoms.com Katie Kepes, Interior Design, launched Shieldmaiden’s Stock Farm, which focuses on western performance Morgan horses and competitive sport/herding Miniature American Shepherds, in early 2022 and graduated with honors from the St. Petersburg College with a degree in Veterinary Technology in December. She became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Technician, graduating from the Chi University’s CCRVT program in October 2024, and currently is Canine Physical Rehabilitation Program Manager and CVT at West Coast Veterinary Center in Sarasota. Katie also designs for fellow equestrians and canine professionals. shieldmaidensstockfarm.com

Megan Lewis ’11, from Painting Series 2022-2024

David Serna, Illustration, was awarded 2024 Lone Star Emmy Awards, all for his work at KXLN/Houston: Graphic Arts Award for Animating Nuestra Riqueza as Animator; Promotion: News - Topical Award for Noticias 45 Early News Promo as Director/Editor/Photographer; Commercial Award for Salazar & Velazquez as Gaffer; and, Promotion - Non-News Award for El Flow as Production Assistant. David is currently Senior Creative Producer at TelevisaUnivision in Houston. dsernart. wixsite.com/david-serna Aislinn Stone, Fine Arts, joined the Dunedin Fine Art Center as director of development in 2024. Aislinn also started her own fundraising and grants management and consulting business, Grants Management Solutions. grantsmanage.com

Nilah Magruder, Computer Animation, released Creaky Acres, a graphic novel, with co-author Calista Brill through Penguin Random House in May 2025. Creaky Acres was recognized as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Nilah’s studio is in Central Maryland. nilahmagruder.com Jacob James Neagle, Illustration, and spouse Alexandra (Sanchez) ’13, Illustration, welcomed their first child, Jalex, in November 2023. They reside in Southwest Florida where Jacob runs his own company, Jacob Event Painting, and Alexandra designs footwear for Dynasty Footwear. jacobeventpainting.com

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Graphic novel by Nilah Magruder ’10

David Trujillo, Graphic and Interactive Communications, was promoted to Group Design Director at Wieden+Kennedy in July 2024. Recognized by publications including Communication Arts, GQ, and SNL and awarded by The Cannes Lions Awards, The Webbys, and D&AD Pencils, David currently splits his time between Portland, Ecuador, and Paris leading and mentoring global design teams. He also serves as a jury for The One Show Awards. Instagram: davidtrujillo Mallory Van DeSande, Illustration, selfpublished the first of her own comic book series Yardville through Lulu Press in April 2018.

A traditional and digital media artist in Jupiter, Florida, Mallory started her own YouTube and Rumble channels under the handle “MatronicTV.” She currently works as an art and graphic design commissioner and an animal care technician. MatronicArt.com

2011 Justine Frank, Digital Filmmaking, joined Accenture Federal Services in Washington, D.C., as co-lead of its video production team in May 2024.

Megan Lewis, Illustration, has work currently in The Culture: Hip-Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century, a traveling exhibition that started in August 2023 at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) and ends at the Art Gallery of Ontario in 2025. In 2024, she had two solo exhibitions at Syracuse Community Folk Art Center in April and Gallery Myrtis in May. Her current work explores the concept of surrender, asking, “Is surrender an act of liberation, or is it a quiet rebellion against the fear of the unknown?” meganlewis1illustrator.com Elisabeth (Croy) Mejia, Interior Design, was promoted to Vice President and Office Design Leader, Interiors at HKS, Inc. in January 2025.

Elisabeth and spouse Christopher Mejia ’12, Graphic and Interactive Communication, reside in New York City, where Christopher celebrated his fifth anniversary as a Senior UI/UX Digital Architect with Temenos. chrismejia.design JaymeLee (Benesh) Robinson, Graphic and Interactive Communication, spouse Michael and children Frances, Bradley, and Jesse, welcomed baby Winnie in July 2024. They reside in the greater Montgomery, Alabama, area where JaymeLee is a Senior Designer at ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

2012 Matthew Decker, Illustration, illustrated the official poster for Billy Strings’ 2/7 concert in Asheville. Matthew’s screen printing studio and gallery of five years in The River Arts District were destroyed by 25 feet of Hurricane Helene flooding. Resiliently, he is making River Arts District shirts from screens salvaged from the muddy wreckage. mammalmatt.com Kelsey DeGenaro, Graphic and Interactive Communication, was promoted to Group Art Supervisor at Area 23 in November 2024.

Kelsey specializes in healthcare and pharmaceutical advertising and is based in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Molly Eckard, Graphic and Interactive Communication, was promoted to Creative Director at MERGE in October 2024. This past fall she also took advantage of her company’s sabbatical policy, spending three weeks enjoying art, culture, and tiramisu in Italy. mollyhannah.com

OCTOBER 10-12, 2025

Alumni Weekend Info: ringling.edu/alumni

Katie Gibbs, Illustration, was promoted to Art Director of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney Imagineering in March 2024.

Bianca Morra, Photography and Digital Imaging, exhibited in ART-ICON’s Corporeality at Bastille Design Center, Paris in November 2024. Her work was also included in Rotterdam’s GUP/Guide to Unique Photography’s Fresh Eyes 2024. She was selected for an intimate workshop at the home of Alec Soth. She founded Sacred Seeing in August 2024 as a resource for photographic journaling/sustaining artist well-being and has been traveling as a freelance art director for e-commerce clients Gap, Banana Republic, and Stitch Fix. She also celebrated her 16th year with partner and fellow grad Ben Anderson ’12, Computer Animation. They have two children and currently reside in the greater Cleveland area. biancaleamorra.com

Jarel Threat ’12, Black Lotus, oil on canvas, 19”x14”, card created for Magic: the Gathering

Matt Sullivan, Computer Animation, is excited to join Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in early 2025, after four years at Dreamworks. Matt and The Wild Robot team were nominated for Academy Awards in three categories. sullivanimation.com Jarel Threat, Illustration, married Darah Scruggs in May 2024. They reside in Rosenberg, Texas, where Jarel is an illustrator and comic artist specializing in fantasy and sci-fi, working as an artist for Magic: The Gathering and special edition covers for Wraithmarked Creative. jarelthreat.com Jarel Threat ’12, Angelic Conflict, oil on canvas, 30”x40”, private commission

CONTXT | SPRING 2025

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2013 Karen Arango, Photography and Digital Imaging, and her spouse, Lucas Thompson, celebrated the birth of their first child, Celeste, in May 2024. The family resides in Sarasota, where Karen is a photojournalist and serves on the board of directors for UnidosNow. karenarango.com Stephen A. Phillips, Computer Animation, married Anita Vuong in September 2024.

They reside in the greater Los Angeles area, where Stephen is a Senior Animator at Halon Entertainment. stephenphillipscg.com Brooke Wagstaff, Computer Animation, was promoted to Art Lead at Aristocrat Gaming, in Las Vegas, in January 2025. brookewagstaff.com

Character design and modeling by Brooke Wagstaff ’13

2014 Bianca (Rylee) Espinel, Fine Arts, and Jairo Espinel ’14, Illustration, live in Central Ohio with their two children, ages six and two. Bianca joined Future Ready Five as Social Media and Marketing Coordinator in October 2024, and Jairo joined Red Star Merchandise in April as a Senior Graphic Designer and Illustrator. bianca-espinel.squarespace.com and Instagram: jairoespinel Anna (Jones) Wagner, Graphic Design, married Ryan Wagner in December 2023.

They reside in Atlanta where Anna joined CaptivateIQ as a Senior Product Designer in June 2024.

Mariana Silva, Graphic and Interactive Communications, joined SoFi as Staff Product Designer in November 2024. mariana.design Natasha Thornton, Digital Filmmaking, screened three films on which she worked in the camera department at the 2024 Sarasota Film Festival: the Emmy-winning documentary Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge; the narrative feature Hellbent on Boogie, starring Shiloh Fernandez and John Farley; and, the opening night film Bullstreet, featuring Amy Madigan. She also filmed podcasts and interviews with Doja Cat, Ice Spice, and Venus Williams. She is currently collaborating with educators at USF and Marco Polo Learning and is based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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Graphic novels by Brenna Thummler ’15

2015 Paige Carter, Computer Animation, joined Blizzard Entertainment as a Senior Character Artist at Blizzard in June 2024. artstation.com/artpaiges Kamal Hakim, Business of Art and Design, earned a dual Masters degree from United International Business School in June 2021: Business Administration (MBA) and Tourism and Hospitality Management. Kamal is a Project Manager and Executive Recruiter for Gen USA and is based in Milan, Italy.

Brenna Thummler, Illustration, was a 2024 ComiCrown finalist for Best Artist for her graphic novel, DELICATES. She was also a 2024 Eisner Award Nominee, a 2024 Ringo Award Nominee, and a 2024 Children’s Book Council’s Children’s Favorite Winner for her graphic novel, LIGHTS. Brenna is represented by Hannah Mann at Writers House. brennathummler.com Yunhao Zhang, Computer Animation, joined Fantawild Animation as a Supervising Director in September 2024. He is also serving on the committees of Television Academy Awards and Annie Awards. Yunhao is currently based in Philadelphia. yunhaozhang.com

Center for Career Services Ringling graduates have access to the Center for Career Services for life!

College Central

HEY ALUMNI!

Did You Know?

As a Ringling College graduate, you have access to these benefits and resources.

Access job postings, submit your resume for review, and find resources on topics such as resumes, cover letters, job searching, and more: www.collegecentral.com/ringling Career Counseling Visit www.ringling.edu/ccsappointment to select a date and time to meet with Career Services staff or call 941-359-7502.

2016

2017

Kimberly Boden, Film, and Jackson Read ’16, Computer Animation, married in June 2023.

They reside in Los Angeles, where Jackson is a storyboard artist. Some notable titles on which he’s worked are Trick or Treat Scooby Doo, Disney’s Primos, StoryBots, Frog and Toad, Trolls: TrollsTopia and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

Kimberly is a Dailies Producer at FotoKem, where she’s worked on titles including A Complete Unknown, Smile 2, and Poker Face. jacksonreadcartoons.com

Philip Gleichauf, Motion Design, launched his San Francisco namesake design business in April 2024. Philip specializes in imaginative animation that makes brands shine. philipgleichauf.com

Courtney Brenek, Illustration, joined Glitch Productions as a remote senior product development officer in July 2024. courtneybrenek.com Samesha (Singletary) Dean, Motion Design, married up-and-coming writer Jeffrey Dean in March 2024. They reside in the greater Los Angeles area, where Samesha joined MasterClass as a Motion Designer in May 2024. She has also worked on many freelance opportunities with music artists including Kehlani, and Grand flagship openings for Grand Seiko as a Senior Motion Designer at Stage 3 Agency. samesing.me/grand-seiko Allison Hilgert, Illustration, was a featured Emerging Artist at the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Downtown Tampa, in March 2025. Allison’s studio is located at Morean’s Historic Train Station in St. Petersburg, Florida. hilgertart.com

Griffin Goodman, Fine Arts, was named to Forbes Magazine’s 2025 30 Under 30 list for Arts and Style, in December 2024. His solo exhibition, Oopsy Daisy: Technicolor Ends Here was on view in Ringling College’s Crossley Gallery from JanuaryFebruary 2025. Griffin’s studio is in Chicago. griffingoodman.com

Engage Fellow Alumni and Current Students: Hire Ringling Talent For employees or interns, look to Ringling College talent first! It’s free to register and post opportunities: collegecentral.com/ringling Be a Mentor Assist students and alumni in finding mentors for career networking purposes.

Post your profile at: collegecentral.com/ringling/MentoringNetwork.CFM

Series of works by Griffin Goodman ’17

Art Class (Chalkboard), 2024, acrylic on canvas, 72”x60”

Max Kennedy, Photography and Imaging, had a solo exhibition, The Moment, at Gilles Drouault Gallery, Paris, France, from February-March 2025. Max additionally earned his Master’s degree with Merit from Goldsmiths, University of London, in August 2018. He is based in London, England. mkennedyphotography.com Parker Mayhew, Computer Animation, joined Atomic Cartoons as an animator in January 2025. Parker’s studio is in Vancouver, BC. David Villa, Motion Design, was promoted to Associate Creative Director, Motion Design at American Express Atlanta in November 2024. In this new role, David is leading the growing motion design team within Amex’s internal creative agency. davidmvilla.com

Technicolor Ends Here #3 of 3, (Triptych) 2024, acrylic on canvas, 48”x60”

Ally Sage, Business of Art and Design, returned to Walt Disney Animation Studios as a Production Coordinator in January 2025.

Flower Girl #1 and #3, 2023, acrylic on panel, 14”x11” CONTXT | SPRING 2025 53

2018

2019

Steve Biggert, Motion Design, won an Emmy for Outstanding Graphic Design for his work with Elastic.tv on World War II: From The Frontlines in January 2025. Steve specializes in title sequences, documentary graphics, and other visuals for clients including Netflix, HBO, Apple, Paramount+, Google, and CNN, among others, and is based in Los Angeles. stevebiggert.com

Katelyn Johnson, Game Art, joined Turtle Rock Studios as an Environment Artist in April 2024, and became a mentor for Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences in October. She also serves as mentor for Ringling College’s Lazarus Assistantship Program. katelynjohnson.artstation.com Jamiel Law, Illustration, won the American Library Association’s 2025 Coretta Scott King/ John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award for Jimmy’s Rhythm and Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin, written by Michelle Meadows and published by Harper. Jamiel and spouse Jennifer (Medina) Law ’19, Illustration, welcomed their second child, Hazel, in December 2024. jamiellaw.com

Frances Bukovsky, Photography and Imaging, co-curated the 2024 Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition at the Turchin Center in Boone, North Carolina, alongside fellow Kinship Photography Collective co-founder Susan Patrice, on view from February-May 2025. Frances currently resides and works in the greater Asheville, North Carolina area. francesbukovsky.com Caroline Goble, Business of Art and Design, married John Rosenbaum in September 2023.

They reside in Sarasota where Caroline is a digital fundraising consultant, volunteers at the animal shelter, and runs her handmade soap company, CG Soap Co. cgsoapco.com Devin Houston, Business of Art and Design, joined Vanta’s Account Management team in March 2024 and recently achieved presidents club as a top performer. He previously spent three years on Vanta’s new business development team. Vanta is a series C startup leading the way in the trust management and automated compliance category. Vanta streamlines the process of achieving certifications like SOC 2, and ISO 27001 helping their customers ultimately build trust and accelerate growth.

Jamiel Law ’19 illustrated the book, Jimmy’s Rhythm and Blues.

Jessica Ramirez, Motion Design, joined Ringling College as a full-time Motion Design faculty member in August 2024. Jess specializes in show logos, on-air branding packages, key art, and launch kits from her years with Nickelodeon Channel’s NYC On-Air team. jessramirez.com Samantha Rebholz, Photography and Imaging, was promoted to Designer and Social Media Manager at Frame Corner in December 2024.

Samantha’s studio is in Memphis, Tennessee, where she specializes in pressed flower collages.

Instagram: samantharebholz B. William Vinopal, Photography and Imaging, joined Florida State University College of Medicine as a Graphic Designer in November 2024. Since 2019, he has served as photographer, graphic designer, and web manager at FSU College of Law. William’s studio is in Tallahassee. williamvinopal.com

Ringling College TOWN HALL Speaker Series Ringling College presents this annual speaker series for the community featuring internationally acclaimed speakers in world affairs, government, economics, business, social welfare, medicine, arts, entertainment, and more. This year, they kicked the season off with a talk by Academy Award-winning director, producer, screenwriter, and actor Ron Howard.

Read more about our upcoming speakers and get tickets at

www.rclassociation.org

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Dion MBD, Illustration, was illustrator for the Lee & Low Books’ New Voices Award-winning book Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes, written by Patty Cisneros Previo and published by Lee & Low Books in June 2024. Dion’s studio is in Bandung, Indonesia. dionmbd.com Rebecca Morrello, Photography and Imaging, was awarded a Master of Fine Arts in Transdisciplinary Sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in August 2024. She completed a residency at Ox Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency in January 2025. Becca’s studio is in Chicago. rebeccamorrello.com and Instagram: viscerabird Leslie (Simmons) Rodriguez, Illustration, and spouse Emil relocated to Los Angeles in December 2024 when Leslie joined JAKKS Pacific as a Toy Designer on the Boy’s Brand team.

Lesliesimmonsart.wixsite.com/portfolio Sanjana Sharma, Motion Design, married Ani Kedia in Rajasthan, India, in December 2023.

Sanjana is the founder and designer behind LucyKitty Jewelry and is based in Brooklyn, New York. lucykitty.com Alexandra Shaulis, Computer Animation, was promoted to Senior Technical Director at Lucasfilm in San Francisco in July 2024. Her titles include the final season of the Clone Wars, the last season of Star Wars Resistance, Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire, The Bad Batch, as well as consulting on LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. Alex resides in San Francisco.

Instagram: alexshaulis

THE TWENTY-TWENTIES 2020 Nader Ajib, Film, a Los Angeles filmmaker, marked a significant career milestone by joining the Directors Guild of America in February 2025.

Through the Directors Guild Producer Training Plan, he has built an impressive portfolio spanning multiple seasons of All American and Not Dead Yet, while contributing to acclaimed series including Welcome to Chippendales, Mythic Quest, I Love That for You, Grand Crew, and 911: Lone Star. Beyond television, Nader has showcased his distinctive directorial voice through three short films: GEMINI (2024), SARA (2020), and AFTER 6 (2019).

Gizem Atalay, Motion Design, joined Legion Creative as Senior Motion Designer in February 2025. Her studio is in Los Angeles. gizematalay.tv Selina Bostic, Graphic Design, began serving her second term as President of the Suncoast Chapter of American Advertising Federation in July 2024. She was also honored at SRQ Magazine’s 35 under 35 competition in December 2024. studio97.graphics Emily Fritz, Business of Art and Design, was promoted to Account Director at Legion Creative in January 2025. Emily is based in Nashville.

Sophia Holland, Motion Design, launched A Strange Attitude, LLC, an upcycled clothing and accessories brand. Her studio is in Queens, New York. sophia-holland.com and strange-attitude.com

Evan Lewis ’20, photograph from collection Cessna 185 - Colony Glacier, Alaska

Evan Lewis, Photography and Imaging, exhibited Ascending Alaska: Images by Evan Lewis at Leica Store Miami in March 2025.

Evan’s studio is Sarasota. aerialautomotive.com Kate Namowicz, Computer Animation, returned to Sony Pictures Imageworks in Vancouver, B.C., as an Animator in October 2024. katenamo.com Clancy Riehm, Illustration, is excited to share her art and have an impact on the local community with Creative Pinellas commissions.

Unveiled in August 2024, Clancy’s Two Cormorants is located at Mehlenbacher and Indian Rocks Roads, St. Petersburg, Florida, as part of their ARTWorks Signal Box Project, and her Celebrating Baseball in St. Petersburg was selected to be part of the 2024 Tampa Bay Rays Artists Series. clancyriehm.com

Inka Schulz, Illustration, was promoted to Senior Concept Artist Outsource Supervisor at Blizzard Entertainment where she is on the Diablo team in March 2024. Inka is based in Seattle. penandinka.com Claire (Taylor) Lock, Visual Studies, married Hunter Lock in January 2021. Together, they live in Saratoga Springs, Utah, where Claire is a Marketing Graphic Designer at Caddis Capital Management.

Katrina (Solomon) Lopes, Interior Design, married Kevin Lopes in April 2024. They reside in Sarasota where Katrina is an interior designer for Solstice Planning and Architecture. In September 2024, Katrina was featured in SRQ Magazine’s Trendsport.

Vicky Wang, Computer Animation, earned her Master of Fine Arts in Animation and Digital Arts from the University of Southern California in May 2024. Vicky is based in Los Angeles, where she moved from the Apex Legends team at Respawn Entertainment to the Battlefield team at EA Motive in February 2025 as an animator. zivickywang.com

2021 Zoe Hansen, Illustration, had a solo exhibition at One River School of Art and Design, Clark, New Jersey, in May 2024, where she inspired students on what it is to be a professional illustrator. She was commissioned by the Los Angeles Times for an editorial illustration, A Total Wipeout, for their L.A. Affairs Column, published in February 2025.

Zoe is an illustrator for Dotdash Meredith in New York City, where she illustrates for their magazines, including Parents, Verywell Health, Investopedia, Better Homes and Gardens, Health.com, and The Spruce. zoehansen.carbonmade.com

Zoe Hansen ’21, illustration for Verywell Mind Mental Health News

Paula Rodriguez Ramirez, Motion Design, was promoted to Motion Designer at 160 Over 90 in March 2024.

CONTXT | SPRING 2025 55

2022 Elena Fazio, Computer Animation, joined Pixar as a Crowds Animator in January 2025.

Elenafazio.com

Cristian Trujillo Ordonez, Illustration, became a machinist apprentice for General Electric Vernova, helping to bridge the gap between their Technical and Creative teams in June 2024. He works closely with supervisors, engineers, and other machinists by using design concepts of technical drawings, schematics, and blueprints to manufacture parts for Gas Turbines, in Greenville, South Carolina.

Julie Liao, Computer Animation, was a Student Academy Award Semi-Finalist for her senior thesis film, Hot!, announced in July 2024.

Ellie Massing, Business of Art and Design, joined Bastion U.S. as an Associate Strategist in September 2024. Ellie specializes in brand strategy and design. elliemassing.com

Maha Yousaf, Visual Studies, joined R3mixed: a branding agency, in Downtown Orlando, as Graphic Design/Production Artist in January 2025. mahayousafart.com

Character and environment modeling for Blizzard Cinematics by Anushka Nair ’22

Jude Zawaideh, Business of Art and Design, earned her Master of Art in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation, from the University of St. Andrews in August 2024. Her work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions, including prestigious international events such as the 2023 Entrevues, Annecy, France; the 2024 Chianciano Biennale, Italy; and the 2024 Woolwich Print Fair, London.

Also in August 2024, she founded Afaneen Contemporary Arts, the first-ever curatorial agency in Jordan, where she helped shape the local art scene. judezawaideh.com

Anushka Nair, Computer Animation, relocated to Orange County, California, when she returned to Blizzard Entertainment as an Associate Implementation Artist for the Character Art team on World of Warcraft, in October 2024. artstation.com/anushkatinanair

Poster for Culture War, directed by Celi Mitidieri, ’24

Celi Mitidieri, Film, and her thesis Culture War were nominated for the 44th College Television Awards in the Nonfiction Series category. Now living in Los Angeles, she also joined the team for the 97th Oscars as a production assistant. celimitidieri.com

Annabel Philp, Illustration, was promoted to a Product Designer at American Greetings in November 2024. In her two plus years with AG, she has made significant contributions to the Walmart Gift Packaging team, showcasing her illustration talents and design expertise across various products. annabelphilpart.weebly.com

Milena Montero, Film, and her short film, Speaking My Language, won a 2024 Gold Telly Award in Branded Content in May. The Telly Awards celebrate excellence in video and television across all screens. This year, there were nearly 13,000 entries from around the globe. milenamontero.com

Cheyanne Witter, Visual Studies, relocated to San Francisco in May 2023. She studied at the Korean Language Institute at Yonsei University in 2022-23. Cheyanne specializes in video photography and editing. cheyannepm.com

2023 Jesse Clark, Photography and Imaging, received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award in May 2024 to conduct research in the field of photography on Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival tradition for the 2024-25 academic year in collaboration with the University of Trinidad and Tobago. jesseclarkart.com Devon Pertarb, Motion Design, joined Fox News Tampa Bay as a graphic artist in November 2024. devonpertarb.com Dallas Reynolds, Visual Studies, was promoted to CG Lighter at LAIKA Studios in September 2024. Instagram: dallas.lighting 56

Jude Zawaideh ’23, Where the Water Flows, serigraphie

2024 Almendra Kovač Akel, Film, was awarded the Directors Guild of America’s Student Film Award Grand Prize, Best Latino Student Filmmaker, East Region for the thesis film, ROT, in December 2024. The awards were established by the DGA’s National Board 30 years ago to address the significant under-representation of Directors of color and women Directors in feature filmmaking. Almendra is based in Mendoza, Argentina. Instagram: almendrakovac_

Matthew Peterson, Film, won the first Ringling College Film Carl Foreman Award, which recognizes a graduating senior majoring in Film or Creative Writing for outstanding achievement in screenwriting, directing, or producing, in May 2024. Matthew joined Storyvox as a film production intern in June and was promoted to Director and Editor in July. mpetersonfilm.wixsite.com/matthew-peterson

IN MEMORIAM Raymond Richard Gustafson ’48 Commercial Design May 30, 2020, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Stuart J. Fogel ’64 Commercial Design May 26, 2022, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

John A. Bryans ’50 Fine Arts November 19, 2025, Falls Church, Virginia

Karen Ruth (Baugher) Nylin ’64 Commercial Design August 4, 2024, Houston, Texas

Barbara Ann (Stanfill) Brumfield ’52 Commercial Design March 4, 2024, Maitland, Florida

Catherine Jean “Jeanie” (Beckman) Battaglia ’65 Commercial Design February 9, 2025, St. Petersburg, Florida

Marian (Payne) Taylor ’53 Fashion Design June 10, 2024, Hilton Head, South Carolina Janice Ailene Hardy ’54 Advertising Design & Illustration October 30, 2024, Milledgeville, Georgia Valrae Louise “Val” (Van Morris) Spatz ’56 Fashion Design March 23, 2024, Coconut Grove, Florida Constance McClure ’57 Commercial Design March 13, 2020, Cincinnati, Ohio Gary E. Hoover ’58 Illustration February 2, 2021, Jacksonville, Florida Alan Dyke Junkins ’59 Commercial Design September 13, 2023, Bradenton, Florida Donald Bradley Owens ’59 Commercial Design July 3, 2021, Greer, South Carolina Janet Mae (Matts) Prickett ’59 Interior Design August 27, 2019, Fort Myers, Florida James Edward Santos ’59 Fine Arts May 17, 2021, Hampton Bays, New York Millicent Ana “Millie” (Webb) Toomey ’60 Illustration May 4, 2021, Long Beach, Mississippi Josephine Bernice (Morris) Weaver ’60 Fashion Design November 23, 2024, New Smyrna Beach, Florida Lamar Mauney Wilson ’60 Interior Design November 16, 2021, Shelby, North Carolina Linda Lee (Rorrer) Craig ’61 Commercial Design December 8, 2024, Richmond, Virginia Jerry Dewey Rogers ’62 Commercial Design July 25, 2021, Fairfield Glade, Tennessee Rev. Stephen Ball Honeycutt ’63 Commercial Design August 29, 2024, Burnsville, North Carolina James Eugene “Jim” Seybold ’63 Commercial Design April 22, 2024, South Bend, Indiana

Lois Irene (Richards) Mac Leod ’65 Fine Arts October 8, 2023, Apopka, Florida John Phillips “Phil” Ashley ’66 Commercial Design November 2, 2024, Graysville, Tennessee

Dr. Marilyn “Mari” Garman ’12 Business of Art and Design December 19, 2024, Sarasota, Florida Mari’s legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, the culture of compassion she helped foster within the Business of Art and Design department, and her warm spirit, which guided so many students over the years.

Sharon “Elaine” (Emery) Bedell ’66 Fine Arts March 24, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida Phillip Michael Donovan ’67 Commercial Design January 19, 2024, Naples, Florida Darrell Eugene Edwards ’70 Commercial Design January 24, 2024, Southport, North Carolina Kenneth John Muenzenmayer ’71 Advertising Design August 25, 2024, Brenham, Texas Evelyn Jeanne DeWitt ’72 Interior Design October 31, 2024, Benton, Louisiana Catherine “Cathy” (Goode) Moeller ’72 Fine Arts May 4, 2024, Shoals Creek, Alabama Rae Arlene Whitney ’75 Interior Design March 28, 2024, Sarasota, Florida

Morris “Moe” Mitchell ’59 Fine Arts October 9, 2024, Hixson, Tennessee Morris was a talented artist, beloved professor, and department head at Ringling College of Art and Design for 42 years. His passion for teaching and art touched the lives of many, including Ringling students.

Catherine Ann “Cathy” (Baxley) Hofher ’76 Advertising Design November 30, 2021, Advance, North Carolina

Robert Ardelt, Jr. ’96 Graphic Design June 2, 2024, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Linda Carol (Radcliff Hall) Dietrich ’77 Graphic Design October 26, 2021, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Mark E. Hall ’02 Illustration June 17, 2024, Bradenton, Florida

William Randall “Randy” Wofford ’79 Fine Arts February 15, 2024, Cookeville, Tennessee

Nicholas Lin “Nick” Maw-Naing ’07 Computer Animation December 8, 2024, Venice, Florida

Melanie Tinnelly ’82 Graphic Design & Illustration April 19, 2024, Columbia, South Carolina

Wyatt Randall McBain ’08 Fine Arts January 23, 2025, Honeoye Falls, New York

Gregory Donald Urquhart ’88 Graphic Design March 22, 2024, South Dennis, Massachusetts

Sean Patrick Russell ’09 Graphic & Interactive Communication December 13, 2023, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Sara Jane (Fleming) Bush ’89 Graphic Design March 18, 2021, Salem, South Carolina

Amanda Leigh Erb ’13 Illustration August 28, 2024, Charlestown, Massachusetts

Tracy Lynn “Trae” Winchenbaugh ’94 Fine Arts February 18, 2024, Scarborough, Maine

Maurice Lee “Huckleberry” Mullinax, Jr. ’15 Painting December 20, 2024, Riverview, Florida CONTXT | SPRING 2025

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We don’t just help students create great exhibitions­— we use exhibitions to help make great students.

Ringling College’s seven on-campus galleries celebrate the work of students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists. This year they hosted a solo exhibition of alum Griffin Goodman, Oopsy Daisy: Technicolor Ends Here; Lights Camera Fashion, featuring the work of Photography and Imaging students; Sixth Annual War Paint: Profiles of Courage, celebrating veterans and currently enlisted troops; and a colorful collection of glass sculptures from the Richard and Barbara Basch collection, among so many others.

Each year, Ringling College Galleries and Exhibitions Director and Chief Curator Tim Jaeger ’02 teaches a Business of Art and Design class on exhibition design and management that explores the complexity of curating exhibitions and programming. The class organizes a public exhibition in one of the campus galleries.

Students are divided into different teams to tackle different areas of the larger project of mounting an exhibition—a design team, an event team, curators, and marketing.

This year, the ambitious students of the Business class organized two exhibitions simultaneously: Jack Davis: Legacy of Laughter, a retrospective of drawings and ephemera featuring the widely recognizable works by the Mad magazine cartoonist, and Nothing New: Archives of Affection, a historic collection of daguerreotypes of male couples from the early and mid-19th century.

Galleries and exhibitions host events throughout the year, such as Art Walk, which is free and open to the public.

Stay up to date with the events, talks, and exhibitions at

www.ringlingcollege.gallery

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CONTXT is designed and produced in-house by the Ringling College Design Center. It is published by the Office of the President of Ringling College of Art and Design.

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Board of Trustees Officers

CONTXT Team

Chair Dr. Joel Morganroth

Publisher Dr. Larry R. Thompson

Vice Chair Ali M. Bahaj Treasurer Teri A Hansen Secretary Willie Stanfield President Dr. Larry R. Thompson

Ringling College Senior Officers President Dr. Larry R. Thompson Executive V.P. & Interim V.P. for Enrollment Management and Marketing Dr. Tracy A. Wagner Senior V.P. for Student Life & Dean of Students Dr. Tammy S. Walsh V.P. for Academic Affairs Dr. Tiffany G. Holmes V.P. for Finance & Administration Jennifer Price V.P. for Advancement Sara Curtis Robinson V.P. & Chief Digital Information Officer Ashley Burt General Counsel Elena Paul

Executive Editor Dr. Tracy A. Wagner Creative Director Jennifer Mumford Brady Marketing Director Chelsea Garner-Ferris Editor Amanda Walters Designers / Art Directors Laura Bucholtz ’04 and Vanessa Landin Production Manager Guy Vilt Writing Susan Borozan, Jessica Buck ’23, Rick Dakan, Betsy Grimes ’26, Gayle Guynup, Genevieve Hill-Thomas, PhD, Tricia Mire, Jenna Olson ’25, Kurt Paulsen, Sara Curtis Robinson, Dr. Ryan G. Van Cleave, Nosipho Vilakazi ’25, Amelia Winger-Bearskin, Hannah Wallace Photography Karen Arango ’13, Daniel Connolly ’26, Élan Photography, Ryan Gamma, Matthew Holler ’11, Daniel Perales The information presented in this issue of CONTXT is correct to the best of our knowledge. We hope you will alert us to any inaccuracies.

Executive Director of Sarasota Art Museum Virginia Shearer

We apologize for any concern they may cause.

Alumni, keep in touch!

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