College of Arts + Architecture
José Gámez elected vice president of international architecture association
José Gámez has been elected the second vice president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. A professor of architecture and urban design in Charlotte’s David R. Ravin School of Architecture, he also is the associate dean for research and graduate programs for the College of Arts + Architecture.
Poland’s Zuzanna Dyrda serving as visiting faculty, artist
Zuzanna Dyrda, from the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław, Poland, is teaching two classes in the College of Arts + Architecture. She also is serving as the 2023 McColl Center Visiting Artist-in-Residence, an annual shared residency program with the McColl Center.
College of Arts + Architecture names 2023 distinguished alumni
Six distinguished alumni will be honored by the College of Arts + Architecture at its ninth annual celebration of alumni achievement scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 30, in the Anne R. Belk Theater in Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts.
Music lecturer’s book explores ‘whiteness’ in mid-century jazz
A new book by Kelsey Klotz, lecturer in music and assistant dean for inclusive excellence in the College of Arts + Architecture, explores the creation, manifestation and interpretation of “whiteness” in mid-century America through the study of jazz musician Dave Brubeck.
Architecture director’s book explores pandemics and the built environment
Blaine Brownell, director of the David R. Ravin School of Architecture, examines the role of the built environment in both the spread and the mitigation of infectious disease historically, currently and in the future in “The Pandemic Effect: Ninety Experts on Immunizing the Built Environment.”
Dean Brook Muller to depart CoA+A, Lee Gray named interim
Brook Muller, dean of the College of Arts + Architecture, has announced he will depart the University effective June 30. Lee Gray, professor of architectural history, will become interim dean.
“I would like to thank UNC Charlotte for giving me the opportunity to lead the College of Arts + Architecture,” Muller said. “I have learned so much from its magical constellation of creative disciplines and believe strongly in the mission of the college to promote the arts and design as engines of civic imagination.”
Professor receives NEA grant to bridge Indian dance techniques
Kaustavi Sarkar, assistant professor of dance, has received a $10,000 “Grant for Arts Projects — Dance” from the National Endowment for the Arts” for the project, “ShilpaNatyam: Creating a New Vocabulary in Indian Dance,” in partnership with New York-based choreographer Maya Kulkarni.
Architecture research fellow wins dissertation award
Elena Vazquez Pena, a research fellow in technology and design in the David R. Ravin School of Architecture, won the 2023 Architectural Research Centers Consortium Dissertation Award.
Voice professor to perform with Opera Carolina, releases album
Sequina DuBose, assistant professor of voice, will sing the role of Clara in the Opera Carolina production of George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” Performances will take place Jan. 22-28 at the Belk Theater in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
She also recently released her debut album, “Blurred Lines: 21st Century Hybrid Vocal Literature.”
Faculty receive grants from Arts & Science Council
Five College of Arts + Architecture faculty members and one retired professor are among the recent recipients of grants from the local Arts & Science Council.
Associate Professor of Dance Tamara Williams has received a 2023 Cultural Vision Grant; Professor of Art Maja Godlewska, Associate Professor of Dance Kim Jones, Professor of Art Lydia Thompson, Professor of Theatre Robin Witt, and retired ceramics professor Keith Bryant received 2023 Artist Support Grants.