Sue Schroeder
Tara Sheffer
The University of Central Arkansas will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Artist in Residence program in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences with an immersive program featuring artwork and artwork from past residencies.
The event is Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 6-8:30 p.m. at McCastlain Hall and is free and open to the public.
“Since its inception, the UCA Artists in Residence (AIR) program, funded by the arts fees, has brought hundreds of actors, creative writers, dancers, filmmakers, journalists, musicians, visual artists, and others from around the world to campus. These artists give public performances, exhibits, and student-focused presentations. Residencies have become an integral and vibrant part of the curriculum, benefiting students across all disciplines. AIR is unique in our state and region,” says associate dean and program coordinator Gayle Seymour. “We are excited to celebrate the many successes of the AIR Program’s last 25 years with the UCA community and others who join us.”
Two AIR alums will return to exhibit their work: film producer Tara Sheffer, whose film A Lien is nominated for a 2025 Academy Award and choreographer Sue Schroeder whose latest work will be seen at the 2025 Florence Biennale.
LUNA, the Eclipse Superhero, an inflatable sculpture by Morton Brown will be stationed outside the east doors of McCastlain Hall.
The celebration will begin at 6 p.m., with an immersive artistic experience at 6:15 p.m., including a 3D mapping video with live original music from the UCA Percussion Ensemble, a theatrical lighting installation, film clips from the Road Trip to Totality, an interactive labyrinth, and more. The night will conclude with dessert and dancing at 7:30 p.m. featuring the UCA Jazz Ensemble.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024-25, the UCA Artists in Residence program is funded by UCA arts fees with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. These events are free to UCA students and open to the public. No tickets are required. Events are located on the UCA campus, 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035. For more information about the UCA Artist in Residence program, visit https://uca.edu/cahss/artists-in-residence/ or contact Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at (501) 450-3293; gayles@uca.edu.
