The College of Fine Arts is honored to present the 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher award to Alix Wright from the Department of Art & Art History.
Alix is an undergraduate researcher whose personal work is exceptional and whose approach to research has motivated students in the Department of Art & Art History to engage in their education beyond the classroom, encouraging them to connect with others and discover their unique paths through higher education. Alix’s impressive accomplishments as an undergraduate researcher in the College of Fine Arts center around interdisciplinary researching learning through text, film and investigating new hands-on material processes. Alix is two-time a recipient of an Undergraduate Research Opportunity grant.
In addition to participating in the University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, Alix has had numerous accomplishments while studying Art. Following is an abbreviated list:
- The creation of student-led art programming for the Art in the Community class with students within the Department of Art & Art History.
- The development of student-led art programming for the Women’s Resource Center, the Childcare Center, and all parents and children on campus.
- Assisting in the first Department of Art & Art History “Student Town Hall” in the Department of Art & Art History to research the current problems faced by students and faculty in the department and propose productive changes.
- The creation of an event the first week in April where students from the Art & Art History Department will lead workshops for all the kids on campus to make and exhibit their artwork.
- Leading the University of Utah’s Sculpture Club and organizing educational workshops; writing grant proposals to fund club members extracurricular learning; and organizing two student-driven trips, including a trip in May 2024 to Venice, Italy, to view the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale. This exhibition, includes 332 artists from over 75 countries, allowing for Sculpture Club members to broaden their knowledge of contemporary art, expand cultural experiences, and facilitate connections with classmates.
In Alix’s nomination, Art & Art History Professor Moses Williams writes:
“I consider myself fortunate to witness Alix’s unwavering dedication to attaining the highest standards of academic, artistic, and professional success. Alix embodies a rare fusion of skills, serving as an example of the extraordinary accomplishments achievable through wholehearted dedication to one's vocation. In all her endeavors, she consistently demonstrates thoughtfulness, positivity, discipline, and insight. In her capacity as my research assistant and as a recipient of a UROP grant, Alix consistently demonstrates thoroughness, efficiency, a commitment to quality, and unwavering reliability. Her keen attention to detail, coupled with a strong desire to achieve the highest level of craftsmanship in her role as an artist and artist educator, positions Alix as an exceptional researcher.”
In 2015, The Office of Undergraduate Research established the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award to recognize an outstanding undergraduate researcher from each college. Faculty mentors are invited to nominate students, and awardees are selected by committee. The criteria for the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award include: a record of sustained commitment to developing research skills and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty mentor, evidence of independent and critical thinking, active participation in research-related activities on campus, and positive contributions to the research culture of the department, college, and university.
Alix Twiggs Wright (she/her)
Double major in Psychology and Art with an emphasis in sculpture intermedia
Hometown: Sandy, Utah
Three words that describe you: Kind, patient, and determined
Most impactful class or professor:
Professor Moses Williams has had the biggest impact on my academic career and life in general.
I have had the great privilege to work with Moses in a variety of ways and projects the past two and a half years and I can say without a doubt he has had the biggest positive impact on my time at the University of Utah. He is ambitious, determined, wise, an amazing teacher, incredible artist, and a wonderful friend. He has helped me navigate the difficulties of balancing school, work, and family. He has challenged and supported me in ways I’m so grateful for. I will forever look up to him and be grateful for the influence he’s had on me.
What inspires you:
People are what inspire me. I have loved working so closely with the community and have found a passion in being able to continue that work. It’s through connections and relationships that I believe we find a greater meaning in life. I will always find inspiration from people and the stories they share.
Major accomplishments:
Major accomplishments – this award! Being awarded 2 semesters of UROP with my mentor.
Working with the Women’s Resource Center, Ukids, and the Art Department to create art programming for families on campus. I have been President over Sculpture Club for 2 years and put on many workshops as well as a joint exhibition with Weber State University. We received a FAF grant and raised money to take sculpture club to Venice, Italy to attend the Venice Biennale! Last year we organized a trip to New York City. I am also President of BFA Club and put together the first ever open studios for BFA students, student town hall meetings, and organized the senior exhibition for graduating BFA students. I also put on my own solo exhibition at Bountiful Davis Arts Center last Summer. My greatest accomplishment however, we always be my daughter, Berlin.
Hopes for the coming year:
2 days after graduation I will be traveling to Venice with sculpture club to attend the Venice Biennale! After that I plan to enjoy some much-needed time with family. I have planned to attend a couple workshops over the Summer. I will also be applying to residencies, jobs, and potentially be applying to graduate school in the Fall! I’m looking forward to the new opportunities that will come.
