Alumni in the News

¡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. 

Presented by Centro Studi e Documentazione della Cultura Armena (CSDCA), Angels Listening is conceived as a meditative space to reflect on pressing issues related to identity, knowledge, time, as well as interpersonal experience and relationships. Featuring seven large-scale angels cast in white bronze, who have been ‘silenced’ as Hovnanian (B.F.A., Studio Art) purposefully created the cherubic figures of this installation with two “pieces of tape” sculpted in bronze and covering their mouths, representing the suppression of truth and offering a reflection on the role of art in this unprecedented historical and social conjuncture.

Parkins (M.F.A., Dance, 2012) is a doctoral fellow and program assistant in Teachers College's dance education program, the nation's only doctoral program focused on educational research in dance. Parkins's research explores the experiences of Latinx youth engaged in culturally relevant dance-making practices.

Akers (M.F.A., Drama, 1983) founded Plano Children’s Theatre over three decades ago and upon that foundation NTPA has become the largest youth theatre in the country. Akers served as PCT’s Executive Director and oversaw its theatre operations since 1991. In 2015, Akers stepped down from theatre management responsibilities and took on the role of overseeing NTPA’s fundraising, community outreach and diversity efforts and today serves as NTPA’s Vice President of Community Outreach.

Gaddis (B.F.A., Studio Art, 1977), founder of legendary Austin-based ad agency T3, means business in everything she does—whether she’s founding and leading companies, writing books, or selling out New York City art galleries. Texas CEO Magazine shares her entrepreneurial life so far, with plenty of insights for fellow Texas leaders.

Ribon was also the commencement speaker for the 2019 College of Fine Arts graduating class.