Alumni in the News

Oktavea LaToi's (B.A., Theatre, 2017) performance piece "I see you, you're seen" on stage at the VORTEX Theatre

April 27, 2022 | The Vortex

Kamyle Smith (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2017) serves as assistant stage manager and Rachel Atkinson (M.F.A., Theatre, 2013) serves as scenic designer.

Oktavea LaTois B.A., Theatre, 2017 performance piece I see you, youre seen on stage at the VORTEX Theatre

Luis Rodriguez appointed Director of Artistic Operations for Plano Symphony Orchestra in Plano, TX

April 27, 2022

Rodriguez (B.M., Voice and Opera, 2010) is also the Music Director for Arapaho United Methodist Church in Richardson, TX.

Luis Rodriguez appointed Director of Artistic Operations for Plano Symphony Orchestra in Plano, TX

Marta Sanchez celebrates the 30th year of Cascarones Por La Vida, a grassroots organization that has created handprinted confetti filled eggs with the community to assist families affected by HIV/AIDS

April 27, 2022 | NBC Philadelphia

Sanchez (B.F.A., 1981) also shares the art and philanthropy through the folkloric Mexican Cascarones offers an example of how important art is to the fabric of our society. 

Marta Sanchez celebrates the 30th year of Cascarones Por La Vida, a grassroots organization that has created handprinted confetti filled eggs with the community to assist families affected by HIVAIDS

The world premiere of Dwight Bigler's (D.M.A., Conducting, 2006) new composition for choir and orchestra, "Mosaic for Earth," took place at Virginia Tech Moss Arts Center

April 27, 2022

The recording will be released on the Tonsehen label in both audio and video formats. "Mosaic for Earth" weaves together music, literature, visual arts, and science into a celebration of nature and exploration of humanity's impact on it. 

The world premiere of Dwight Biglers D.M.A., Conducting, 2006 new composition for choir and orchestra, Mosaic for Earth, took place at Virginia Tech Moss Arts Center

Carrie Hawkins collaborates with Dillard's on spring fashion

April 8, 2022 | Midland Reporter-Telegram

For the Dillard’s collaboration, Hawkins (B.F.A., Design, 2010) and her daughters took photos in the dress designs at the Museum of the Southwest with local photographer Helen Byrd Sledge. She didn’t realize that those pictures would be used for the marketing campaign. Those photos are now up at Dillard’s across the country, showcasing a Midland space and designer. 

Carrie Hawkins collaborates with Dillards on spring fashion

Claudia Chapa will serve as the first curator for the Hispanic and Latinx program at Austin Opera

April 7, 2022 | Austin 360

With a multimillion-dollar infusion, Austin Opera is expanding its Spanish-language programming. Local philanthropists Sarah and Ernest Butler have given the fine arts company $3.3 million. One of Chapa's (Vocal Performance) responsibilities in her role will be to make sure Hispanic and Latinx programming is represented in all of Austin Opera's platforms, according to the company, which include performances at the Long Center for the Performing Arts and Concerts at the Consulate, a series Chapa currently curates that is produced with the Consulate General of Mexico.

Claudia Chapa will serve as the first curator forthe Hispanic and Latinx program at Austin Opera

"¡Printing the Revolution!" awarded 2022 ALAA-Thoma Foundation Exhibition Catalogue Award

March 29, 2022 | Department of Art and Art History

¡Printing the Revolution! The Rise and Impact of Chicano Graphics, 1965 to Now, an exhibition catalogue for the Smithsonian American Art Museum 2021 exhibition of the same name, was organized by E. Carmen Ramos, acting chief curator and curator of Latinx art at the Smithsonian, alongside Claudia Zapata, curatorial assistant for Latinx art and UT Art History alum (B.A., 2005; M.A., 2009). The catalogue includes contributions from E. Carmen Ramos, Tatiana Reinoza (UT Art History MA, 2009; PhD, 2016), Terezita Romo, and Claudia E. Zapata. 

Printing the Revolution! awarded 2022 ALAA-Thoma Foundation Exhibition Catalogue Award