ON THE COVER /

Musical Theatre student Trey Pullen sits alone in the Babcock Theatre, a space usually filled to capacity with audiences that include students, 

friends and family of students, donors, and the community at large. Pullen, like the rest of our audiences this year, accessed performances virtually, often alone, but together in the separateness.

If it were not for life in the years 2020 and 2021, I don’t know that I would otherwise find myself drawing similarities between the practices of art-making and the art of education during national and global crises. At first blush, the two arguably seem like unrelated efforts.

But witnessing the swift, responsive thoughtfulness of our faculty, staff, and students to the mighty influences of this last year has illuminated the striking commonalities between these endeavors. So much of the artistic enterprise — the creative process — was reflected in the ways we pivoted from traditional modes of teaching and learning to the new ones the pandemic and social unrest required.  

We had originally set out with an idea of what we wanted to manifest; our work of art was rigorous, immersive education that allows students to find their voices, fuel their passions, and ignite their futures. As artists familiar with malleable materials, bodies, spaces, sound and light, we are accustomed to the constant adjustments it takes to respond to the whims of external elements. COVID-19, however, tested our abilities, our patience, and our resolve to shift and adapt.

And we rose to the occasion.

The process, though oftentimes very trying, has been awe-inspiring for me to witness. And the product, as you will see examples of in this magazine, is a collection of unique masterpieces. 

I knew to expect creativity, but I could never have ever imagined this breadth and depth of innovative genius. I hope you find it equally as inspiring.

Thank you, as always, for being part of our College of Fine Arts family. ■