College of Arts + Architecture

Music Department names new director of choral activities

Jason Dungee will join the faculty in August as assistant professor of Music and director of choral activities. A conductor, tenor and music educator, Dungee holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Arizona. His master’s degree in music education/choral conducting is from Westminster Choir College, and he completed a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Hampton University (Virginia).

Architecture professor wins prestigious Rotch Travelling Scholarship

Assistant Professor of Architecture David Costanza has won the 2020 Rotch Travelling Scholarship, a historic, prestigious award that supports international travel and research.

Alum designs posters for ESPN’s The Undefeated

Alumnus Adé Hogue ’12 was commissioned by The Undefeated, a sports and pop culture website owned and operated by ESPN, to illustrate the words of Black athletes and leaders “using their platform to speak up for what’s right.”Hogue has frequently provided design work for civic and activist causes and was excited to provide posters “to support those out there fighting for the health and safety of people of color.”

Hartley’s young adult series optioned for animation

The animation studio OddBot Inc. has optioned the three books of theatre professor Andrew Hartley’s “Steeplejack” trilogy for development as a limited TV series or movie. The trio of young adult fantasy/adventure novels are set in the 19th century in a fictional land similar to South Africa and feature a courageous teenaged heroine.

Professor’s outdoor sculptures displayed at CPCC

Two large-scale public art works by Lecturer Keith Bryant are prominently on view on the main campus of Central Piedmont Community College. “Procession” and “Journey” were installed at the end of June and will remain on loan for one year. 

Professor, alumna retell ‘Little Red Riding Hood’

The story of Little Red Riding Hood is so old, no one really knows its origin. But a new version published this summer by the Anchorage Museum in Alaska recasts the familiar tale as a celebration of language, diversity and self-determination.“Little Red Riding Hood: A New Translation” is the latest product of a three-year research project by Associate Professor of Art Marek Ranis into unique words in many languages that have no direct English translation. It is illustrated by alumna Hannah Barnhardt ’16.

Local exhibit features work by two art students

Art students Malik J. Norman and Ajané Williams are among the 11 artists featured in an exhibition at Gallery C3, located in Charlotte’s South End district.Curated by Janelle Dunlap, the show “H20/20, Elemental Retribution” includes work by professional artists from Charlotte; Chicago; Columbia, South Carolina; and Pasadena, California.

Professor keynotes theatre education conference

Assistant Professor of Theatre Kaja Dunn delivered the keynote address at the Emergency Conference on Undergraduate Theater Education presented virtually by George Mason University. The recent conference was organized in response to the challenges to teaching and performing that are the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dunn’s lecture addressed “Teaching in Trauma.”

Harmonious collaboration

Alumna pools talent, resources to help produce “Be the Change” concert.

Art professor’s recent work featured in virtual exhibit

A virtual solo exhibition of new work by Associate Professor of Art Marek Ranis is on view through Toshkova Fine Art through July 26. The “Liminal” series includes seven large paintings on linen that depict the cracking and weathering of boulders, an artistic response to current research on how climate influences the mechanical breakdown rates of surface rocks.