DENTON, Texas — This fall, the University of North Texas (UNT) is not just a campus bustling with students embarking on a new academic journey; it’s a commemorative ground where history and art intertwine. The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) is gearing up to mark two significant milestones in its storied history with a grand celebration on October 28.
The CVAD Celebrates 130/30 event, slated to run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is an open house-style event organized to commemorate 130 years since art classes were first offered at UNT and 30 years since the School of Visual Arts emerged as an independent academic entity. These milestones are testaments to the institution’s long-standing commitment to fostering creativity and innovation.
Visitors to the event, which will be held at the UNT Art Building, will be treated to an immersive experience that includes facilities tours, art demonstrations, and lectures. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in meet-and-greets with the esteemed faculty and staff, witness student art exhibitions, and participate in a scholarship ceremony and reception.
Highlighting the event is the special exhibit at the CVAD Gallery, “CEY ADAMS, DEPARTURE: 40 Years of Art and Design,” showcasing the prolific works of the American visual artist and graphic designer, Cey Adams.
Another notable feature is the One Arctic Night virtual reality art installation at the xREZ Art + Science Lab. This innovative experience will transport participants into a mesmerizing star field from the Milky Way, offering a unique convergence of art and technology.
For Eric Ligon, the Senior Associate Dean of CVAD, the event is a reflection of the college’s rich history and its evolution over the years. Ligon, who is also the unofficial keeper of CVAD’s history, underscores the significance of figures like Cora Stafford, a former director whose leadership continues to resonate within the walls of the institution.
The event will not only be a reflection of the past but also a spotlight on the present and future. Activities such as the alumni career panel featuring distinguished figures like Celia Álvarez Muñoz, and hands-on demonstrations in painting, sculpture, and Chinese calligraphy, aim to inspire and ignite the creative spark in every attendee.
About the College of Visual Arts and Design:
With a history enriched with innovation and creativity, UNT’s CVAD stands as one of the nation’s foremost visual arts schools. It boasts an extensive catalogue of 29 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and is home to the renowned Texas Fashion Collection and three art galleries. The college’s commitment to fostering artistic talent is evident in its top-ranked program in Communication Design for Graphic Design and the distinct honor of offering Texas’ only Ph.D. program in art education.
For a full schedule of the CVAD Celebrates 130/30 event and to register, visit cvad.unt.edu.