Seeding Change
This moment at the College of Fine Arts is about change, and energy, and the energy of change.
It’s about the influence and impact of our work moving outward from the center, testing itself in the world through what our faculty, staff, students and alumni create.
It’s about fearlessly questioning that which has gone unquestioned for a very long time.
It’s about leaning on community and the momentum of community in overcoming inertia.
It’s about repeatedly and loudly asserting the critical importance of the arts as an insistent reminder of our shared humanity.
In this issue, you’ll find evidence of change within today’s CFA, as well as our impact externally thanks to alumni of all vintages who continue to surprise, delight, move — and change us.
| Dean Mary Ellen Poole
Events
[ Architecture Event ]
Fall 2023 Public Programs: Revolutions
August 17 – November 10
Architects who "make the revolution irresistable." Artists and thinkers who challenge us to envision a multitude of approaches to making and being. Join us for lectures, discussions and film screenings.
[ Art + STUDIO Event ]
Mindy Seu Presents the Cyberfeminist Index
September 25
Free & open to the public. Designer, technologist and author Mindy Seu presents "The Cyberfeminism Index," a comprehensive book recently published by Inventory Press, followed by a panel featuring Pittsburgh-based artists included in the book: Hyla Willis of subRosa & Angela Washko.
[ Design Event ]
Design Lecture Series
October 2 – November 13
Unique voices in the world of design. The power of design addresses some of today's most pressing challenges. Speakers come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines including design, business, the nonprofit sector, education, science and more.
[ Drama Event ]
2023–2024 Drama Season
A classic reimagined, romance during the apocalypse, pop punk meets Grecian revenge. Explore concepts of perfection, meditations on parenthood and questions of youth without guidance on stage this fall at the School of Drama!
[ Music Event ]
Concerts and Events
Explore and expand your musical palate. With over 100 performances an academic year, you can experience your old favorites — or find new genres to love.
[ Miller ICA Event ]
Impossible Music Reception
September 29
Bridging the gaps between music, art and history. Performance by Aki Onda, "Spirits Known and Unknown," featuring Eyvind Kang, 5:30 p.m. "Impossible Music" reception, 6:30 p.m.
[ STUDIO Event ]
CAS Dinner and a Movie
September 14
Join us for a special screening. Along with the Center for the Arts in Society, STUDIO is screening Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi’s “Hava, Maryam, Ayesha,” along with a delicious meal from local caterers and a post-screening discussion with the director.
Spotlight Features
[ Architecture Spotlight ]
Finding What Matters
Betty Rexrode Follows the Passions of Her Environment
[ Art Spotlight ]
Forging a Heist Narrative
Lyndon Barrois Jr.'s "Rosette" Fuses Cinema, Art and History
[ Design Spotlight ]
Fusing Disciplines and Creating Connections
Mark Baskinger Named Director of the Joseph Ballay Center for Design Fusion
In Case You Missed It
Looking for a past version?
You can find past digital and print versions of the magazine, starting with our inaugural 2018 CFA 01 magazine in our CFA MAGAZINE ARCHIVE
Tell us what you think!
Let us know what you hoped to see — and what you liked! Email us at contact-cfa@cmu.edu
College of Fine Arts Magazine
Publisher: Mary Ellen Poole, Dean, CFA
Executive Editor: Pam Wigley
Editor: Cally Jamis Vennare
Editor & Digital Content Designer: Alexis Morrell
Design Director: Mark Werle
Designer: Rob Azarcon
Production Artist: Deborah Allen
Project Manager: Thomas Swiech
Animation: Adam Chizmar
Writers
Harrison Apple
Margaret Cox
Dan Green
Gabriella Lossia
Joe Lyons
Alexis Morrell
Shannon Musgrave
Lauren Stash
Emily Syes
Cally Jamis Vennare
Pamela Wigley
Design & Production
University Communications and Marketing
Photographers
Jenny Anderson
Beth Barbis
Crystal Hu
Kent Miles
Joan Marcus
Matthew Murphy
Seyl Park
Russ Rowland
Sean Salamon
Alexa Viscius
Paul Vladuhick
Pamela Wigley
Evan Zimmerman
CFA Leadership
CFA Dean: Mary Ellen Poole
School of Architecture Head: Omar Khan
School of Art Head: Charlie White
School of Design Head Interim: Eric Anderson
School of Drama Head: Robert Ramirez
School of Music Interim Head: Joanna Bosse
BXA Senior Associate Dean of Interdisciplinary Initiatives: M. Stephanie Murray
Miller ICA Director: Elizabeth Chodos
Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry Director: Nica Ross
MAM Program Director: Jessica Bowser Acrie
MEIM Program Director: Daniel Green
