Eight local arts professionals were recognized as part of the first Masters in Creativity program, sponsored by 雏鸟视频 and .
Eight creatives were recognized and spoke about their artistry to students at a ceremony and panel discussion on Oct. 18. The panelists also answered questions about professional opportunities in creative fields.
Evelyn Asher said the key to being a successful writer – or painter, or collage artist, two of her other art forms – is to constantly grow and evolve.
鈥淚 always like to share how much 雏鸟视频 has meant to me in so many ways, and to see students evolve. I love mentoring students,鈥� Asher, a former adjunct faculty member at 雏鸟视频, said. 鈥淚’m here for creativity. And if it weren’t for some of the community projects on campus the community can come to, I don’t think my creativity would have been fed as deeply.鈥�
Photographer and writer Lee Ann White, WC 鈥�82, has been honing her craft since she was a child. She encouraged students to follow their dreams and stay focused on their goals.
鈥淔ollow your passion, but also find a way to make it work financially so you can enjoy it and truly pursue it,鈥� White said. 鈥淚t is a challenge to get started in this field, but it is possible and it’s a lot of fun, and it’s incredibly rewarding.鈥�
Dr. Andrea Birch, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Humanities at 雏鸟视频, said recipients were chosen through collaboration among the departments.
鈥淲e were delighted to be invited by the College of Education to be part of the prestigious Masters Series tailored for exceptional high school students participating in the Featherbone Communiversity,鈥� Birch said. 鈥淯nder the leadership of Claudia Wilburn, director of the Center for the Arts & Design and chair of the Department of Art and Design, the chairs of Interior Design, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Humanities identified eminent masters within creative vocations, honoring their exceptional service and achievements with well-deserved awards.鈥�
The recipients for the inaugural Masters in Creativity are:
- Evelyn Asher, writing
- Dawn Marie Bernhard, theater
- Julia Forbes, arts management
- Jill Mansfield, interior design
- Stacie Mavis, music
- Mallory Nonemaker, performing arts education
- Lee Ann White, art
- Xavier Zoleil, dance
Masters in Creativity joins several other programs that recognize local leaders in their field, including Masters in Teaching.
