Arts
Graduation Profile: Finding a place that fits
Graduation Profile: Finding a place that fits
Vashti Goracke, B.F.A. in dance, Class of 2015
Vashti Goracke has a bittersweet relationship with dance. Some days are good, some days are bad. There can be lots of pain. But she wouldn’t trade anything for the ability to tell stories and say whatever she’s thinking and feeling through dance.
Classroom guests help students envision careers
Classroom guests help students envision careers

Liberal arts and sciences graduates go on to successful and sometimes unconventional careers. They combine personal passion with the flexibility of their degree to build careers that are both fulfilling and challenging.
Matt Jacobson, Prof of Film and Sci-Fi modeler
Matt Jacobson, Prof of Film and Sci-Fi modeler
Matt Jacobson is an associate professor of film and science fiction modeler.
When did you start building these models and why?
Oscar brings piece of Hollywood history to campus
Oscar brings piece of Hollywood history to campus
Since 1929, the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards have captured the hearts of millions of fans. Widely considered to be the world’s most prestigious cinematic awards ceremony, the Oscars recognize the most iconic films in history. But did you know you can see, hold, and revel in a piece of that history right here on campus? During special events in the KU Department of Theatre, “Oscar” makes an appearance for selfies and sentimental speeches with visitors and fans. The Oscar was presented to KU alumnus William Inge for his work “Splendor in the Grass,” which was recognized by the Academy for Best Original Story and Screenplay in 1961. The film was also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globes. Following his death in 1973, Inge’s family donated the Oscar award to the KU Theatre Department. Inge graduated in 1935 with a B.A. in speech and drama.
‘I Dream of Jeannie’ star gives theatre scholarship
‘I Dream of Jeannie’ star gives theatre scholarship
Film becomes second nature to conservation interns
Film becomes second nature to conservation interns
Film & Media Studies interns raise profile of The Nature Conservancy efforts through films A new initiative between KU Film & Media Studies, The Nature Conservancy and ITC served as an opportunity for two talented students and an alumnus to create four informational videos that raise awareness of conservation issues in Kansas. Over the course of 2014, the students completed 10 location shoots at Conservancy properties and project areas around the state and logged more than 50 hours of video footage.
Studying artistic traditions in Japan
Studying artistic traditions in Japan
Dividing their time among five locations over four weeks, a group of four KU art students were immersed in the history and culture of Japan. The students participated in the two major artist residency programs in Japan, MI-LAB and Awagami Factory, where they received hands-on demonstrations from Japanese masters and had time to make their own Japanese paper and prints. Visual art associate professor Yoonmi Nam arranged the trip. She wanted students to interact with and learn from local craftspeople who are working to continue, preserve and appreciate traditional arts and crafts in contemporary Japan.
Fed banks on art students for Centennial celebration
Fed banks on art students for Centennial celebration
For the past four semesters, more than 50 visual art students, faculty and staff have been working on a commissioned work for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The sculpture, “An Abounding Asset: A Diligent Reserve,” became a permanent display Nov. 15 as the Reserve celebrates its 100th anniversary. This educational partnership began with students being tasked to develop 400 ideas that would be narrowed down to just three to present to the client.
Distinguished Alumni: Edgar Heap of Birds known worldwide as innovator of conceptual Native American art
Distinguished Alumni: Edgar Heap of Birds known worldwide as innovator of conceptual Native American art
Growing up in an underprivileged area of Wichita, Kansas, it never occurred to Edgar Heap of Birds that being a professional artist was an option for a career. Luckily, for the art world, the many students he’s taught, and the people he’s honored and educated with his art worldwide, it was.