College of Arts + Architecture

On April 23, Andrew Hartley, the Robinson Distinguished Professor of Shakespeare Studies in the Department of Theatre, will have his 23rd book, “Impervious,” published.Hartley is an internationally respected Shakespeare scholar and an expert, in particular, on Julius Caesar. Outside of academic circles, though, he is better known as A.J. Hartley—or in some cases Andrew Hart—a New York Times best-selling author of mystery, thriller and fantasy novels for children and adults.

Lee Gray, architectural historian and senior associate dean for academic advising in the College of Arts + Architecture, has published his 200th article for Elevator World magazine, a leading international trade journal for the vertical transportation industry. Gray began writing a monthly column in 2003.

Faculty from the College of Arts + Architecture (CoA+A) will lead the online discussion, “Schools Respond to the Pandemic,” hosted by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) at 4 p.m., Friday, April 3. This discussion is part of a series presented by the ACSA as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak called “Pivot to Online Learning.”

The College of Arts + Architecture (CoA+A) honored its 2020 Distinguished Alumni on Friday, March 13, during a ceremony in the Anne R. Belk Theater in Robinson Hall. The event was the college’s sixth annual ceremony to recognize the accomplishments of alumni who demonstrate in their work the core themes of the college’s vision: professionalism; global perspective; environmental engagement; connectivity with community; collaboration; and the emergence of new ideas, skills and practices.

Effective July 1, Blaine Brownell will become the new director of the School of Architecture (SoA) in UNC Charlotte’s College of Arts + Architecture. Brownell will come to the University from the University of Minnesota’s School of Architecture, where he is professor and interim head and has served as director of graduate studies and interim director of the Master of Science in Architecture-Sustainable Design Program.

Joseph Skillen will become the next chair of the Department of Music, effective July 1. He comes to UNC Charlotte after 22 years at Louisiana State University, where he has served in numerous capacities, most recently as the Galante Endowed Professor of Tuba and Euphonium and associate dean for graduate studies in music and theatre in the College of Music and Dramatic Arts.

Student Gianna Agostino won first place in the Sound Design competition at the 71st annual Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) Convention, held recently in Louisville, Kentucky. Agostino is a junior pursuing a double major in music and communications with a minor in theatre. She won the award for her design for the Department of Theatre production of Caryl Churchill’s “Far Away,” created under the supervision of faculty mentor Benjamin Stickles.

Artist Sheryl Oring will bring her project, “I Wish to Say,” to UNC Charlotte for three sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, March 11-12.

A small group of art students traveled to Africa to take part in a celebration of history, art and culture.

“Future Artifacts,” an exhibition in the Projective Eye Gallery at UNC Charlotte Center City, will be displayed through Friday, March 13. Featuring works by five artists, “Future Artifacts” addresses the “digital reality” of contemporary culture and its effect on artists and art-making.