Stories and Spotlights

Featured Stories

From Classroom to Curator: The Journey of Luisa Fernanda Perez

Luisa Fernanda Perez reflects on how mentorship, community, and personal growth have shaped her path from student to curator in the arts.

Manifesting Her Way To FotoFest: Talking with Madi Murphy

Arts Leadership alum Madi Murphy discusses her new role as Associate Curator at FotoFest and her passion for photography in Glasstire interview.

Karen Stokes Honored for Artistic Excellence by Dance Source Houston

The award will be presented on March 1, 2025 at Dance Source Houston’s annual Spark event.

Travis Prokop: Inspiring Movement and Storytelling Through Dance

Prokop sat down with Canvas Rebel recently to discuss his creative process, inspirations, and the impact of dance on his life and students.

Sage Mitchell’s “Everything Rises” Selected for Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

In this Q&A, Mitchell shares insights on their inspiration, creative challenges, and journey as a playwright.

Anthony Maglione Joins Moores School of Music as Professor and Director of Choral Activities in Partnership with Houston Symphony

UH Assistant Director of Arts Leadership Amanda Cachia Exhibition "Smoke & Mirrors" Featured on New Jersey PBS

Amanda Cachia, Assistant Director of Arts Leadership, has her exhibition, “Smoke & Mirrors,” currently on view at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University.

UH School of Art Alum Turns Her Passion for Printmaking Into a Creative Sanctuary for the City of Houston

Lauren Christlieb welcomes Houston to Red Bird Press, a hub for creativity and connection.

Call and Response Provides Authentic Collaboration Among the Arts

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts visiting artists work with students to visualize the structure of sound.

University of Houston Scores With Unique Theatrical Experience “Safe at Home”

The School of Theatre & Dance invites audiences to experience a groundbreaking theatrical event.

Innovative Collaboration Merges Art, Science, and Technology

Dr. M. Gabriela Estrada and UH alumni-led TECH23 collaborate with UH’s Brain Center.

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Betsy Cook Weber: A Transformative Leader in Choral Studies

As she retires, Dr. Betsy Cook Weber leaves a lasting legacy in choral studies and continues with the Grammy-winning Houston Chamber Choir.

Assistant Director of Arts Leadership Curates Rutgers Art Museum’s Fall Exhibition

Amanda Cachia curates "Smoke & Mirrors," featuring the work of 14 international artists with disabilities.

Finding Her Tune: The Perfect Melody Between Music and a Doctoral Degree

Tugce Ozcivan shares the art of balancing passion and perseverance.

Three UH School of Theatre & Dance Students and One Faculty Member Have Plays Selected for the 2024 Texas Educational Theatre Association Conference

The annual conference takes place in Galveston and is open to applicants from the entire state of Texas.

UH School of Theatre & Dance Announces Its 2024-25 Season

The School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, under newly appointed director Sharon Ott, is pleased to announce its 2024-25 season featuring 11 productions that promise to be a showcase of ambition and creativity.

UH Dance Program Director Teresa Chapman Unveils a Contemporary Dance Exploration of Human Connection

Chapman Dance to debut new work at Midtown Arts Theater Center Houston, featuring UH alumni and students.

UH Welcomes New Director for Innovative Music Therapy Program

The new four-year degree, a collaboration between UH colleges and the Texas Medical Center, equips graduates for clinical roles in over 40 settings.

Texas Studio: Gabriela Estrada Brings Dance History into Motion

Assistant Professor of Dance is embarking on two major choreographic undertakings that draw on history to commemorate pioneers of Spanish and Latin dance.

The University of Houston’s Moores Opera Center Announces 2024-25 Season

The Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts is excited to announce its 2024-25 season, featuring four captivating performances.

A “Midsummer Night’s Dream” Brings the Magic

"This production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is bewitching, vibrant and playful, and simply, a great time." - Houston Press

Fall in Love with "Romeo & Juliet" at Houston Shakespeare Festival

“Houston Shakespeare Festival’s production of Romeo & Juliet is one to fall in love with. It’s a perfect night at the theater, whether it’s your first time seeing the show or your hundredth. Turns out, departing from this production of Romeo & Juliet was, in fact, sweet sorrow.” - Houston Press

Houston Shakespeare Festival's 50th Season

The Bayou City’s tribute to the bard is better than ever.

Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts Welcomes New Director of the School of Art

Beth Matusoff Merfish has been appointed Director of the School of Art, bringing her expertise in art history and passion for public engagement to the role.

The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts Announces New Director of the School of Theatre & Dance

Sharon Ott brings her distinguished career to the University of Houston, poised to craft transformative experiences for students.

Multi-Grammy and Emmy Winning Music Icon Lizzo Flexes Her UH Pride With ‘Sasha Be Flooting’ Scholarship

Moores School of Music student to receive $50,000 scholarship.

Amanda Cachia's Curatorial Project "Smoke & Mirrors" Opens This Fall at Rutgers

Assistant director of arts leadership program receives $180,000 Ford Foundation grant for exhibition.

Flutist Jonah Murphy, 24, Wins First Place at Texas Music Festival’s Cynthia Woods Mitchell-Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition

Competition’s Second Year Honoring the Combined Legacies of Two Legendary Local Music Lover Philanthropists, in Association with Houston Symphony

Celebrating a Legacy: Sharon & Robert Lietzow's Enduring Impact on Music

Festival pioneers' influence resonates through 33 years of the Texas Music Festival.

McGovern College professor and artist traveling to Wales as Fulbright Scholar

Sculpture department program coordinator Jillian Conrad will create “map drawings” of sacred Welsh sites

UH Scholar in Residence Sam Wu Gains International Acclaim

Harvard and Juilliard-trained composer blurs boundaries, creating unique connections in his music performed worldwide.

Flamenco Breakthrough: University of Houston Offers Rare Teaching Opportunity to Gabriela Estrada

Transformative move sets the stage for Houston's arts renaissance.

Renowned Painter and Pioneer of Minimalism, Frank Stella, Passes Away at 87

Remembering the artist behind "Euphonia," a three-part mural inside the Moores Opera House.

Texas Music Festival Announces 33rd Season at the University of Houston

Summer program at UH Moores School of Music features concert series and master classes.

In Memoriam: Claremarie Verheyen

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Clairemarie Verheyen. Upon her arrival in 1988, Verheyen served as an Associate Professor at the School of Theatre & Dance.

Unlikely Inspiration: How a Tiny Visitor Sparked a Tale of Creativity and Community in the Heart of the Moores School of Music

University of Houston Students collaborate to craft a children's book.

Provost Profiles: School of Theatre & Dance Student Sits Down With UH Provost

Stage management major Joseph Blanchard discusses his aspirations and explains why he chose the University of Houston with UH Provost Diane Z. Chase.

Jason Robert Brown to Headline University of Houston Musical Theatre Showcase Concert

The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts will host a collaboration between Tony Award-winning Broadway composer Jason Robert Brown and acclaimed actress and singer Sally Mayes. This concert serves as the culmination of the "Song Performance for Musical Theatre" course.

The Shakespeare Theatre Association Announces Second Major Gift from Kansas City-based Theater League for 2024

Thirty-three Shakespeare theaters across the United States and internationally are gifted with a grant of $255,000 in general operating support, including Houston Shakespeare Festival.

Exploring Phillip Pyle, II's "Forgotten Struggle": An In-Depth Look at the Intersection of Art and Civil Rights

School of Art M.A. candidate Phillip Pyle II's thought-provoking series is set to be showcased at FotoFest Biennial.

Rick Lowe's Art Blends Canvas and Community in the Third Ward

Episode 2 of the National Gallery of Art's documentary series 'West to East' highlights Professor of Interdisciplinary Practice Rick Lowe.

UH Concert Chorale Ranked in Top 10 Most Impressive College Choirs

Moores School Concert Chorale has been named one of the “20 Most Impressive College Choirs” in the country by College Rank, coming in at No. 10 on the list.

UH School of Theatre & Dance Alumni Make the Houston Press “Up and Comers” List

University of Houston students give some of the most memorable theater moments of the last year.

UH School of Art Students Revitalize Local School's Playground

From Design to Installation: A Collaborative Journey with Yellowstone Schools and the University of Houston

Amanda Cachia Proudly Named a Recipient of The Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant

Assistant Professor of Arts Leadership is named one of twenty-seven writers to receive award

Art History Professor’s New Course Features the Artists Who Were Fundamental in Creating the Visual Identity of The Beatles

New course will provide students with an exploration of The Beatles and visual culture throughout the 1960’s.

A Symphony of Impact: Masterclasses, Insights, and the Enduring Legacy of Musical Brilliance

Formosa Quartet's transformative residency at Moores School of Music

Barrier-Breaking Director Jack Reuler Directs Play at the University of Houston

Founder of Mixed Blood Theatre directs "Skin of Our Teeth"

Blaffer Art Museum Remains a Force in Local and International Art Scene at 50 Years

Past directors, board members and alum reflect on museum’s impact.

UH School of Theater & Dance Expands MFA Acting Program in New Partnership with Alley Theater

In expanding the existing MFA in Acting program, acting students will now be placed in residence at the Alley.

The Artful Life Questionnaire: Amanda Cachia

National Endowment for the Arts sits down with Amanda Cachia, Ph.D.

UH Alumni's Art Shines in Cinema Legend's Collection at The Brooklyn Museum

Michael E. Johnson’s work is included in “Spike Lee: Creative Sources,” an exhibition that showcases art from the acclaimed director’s private collection.

Zine Territory: Exploring the Vibrant World of Zines

A celebration of independent media and artistic expression.

Faculty Spotlight: UH's Pioneering Arts Educators

KGMCA welcomes three extraordinary artists in dance, guitar, and mariachi, pushing boundaries and fostering cultural unity on campus and in the community.

UH's Mariachi Pumas Celebrate Diversity and Culture Through Music

For five years, the University of Houston's Mariachi Pumas have been leaving a lasting imprint on the Bayou City.

UH Zine Week: A Celebration of Artistic Expression and Community Collaboration

Exploring "Make and Take" and the World of Zines with Chasity Porter and Eepi Chaad

Elgin Street Summer Intensive: How MFA Students Build Community Through Art

A student-driven intensive founded by MFA students.

Rekindling Collaboration: The University of Houston and “The Orange Show Show”

There has been a long history of collaborations between artists from The Orange Show and University of Houston (UH). The Orange Show Show, which happened earlier this year, is part of an effort to reforge this history.

UH Arts Leadership Alum Finds Success In Tech World, Reflects On 10 Years of The Program

Ariela Ventura, ‘19 artistic ambitions began at a young age—and her career journey has taken her to some interesting places.

UH Arts Leadership Grad Spearheads Disaster Relief Fund for Local Artists

Lauren Hainley bridges the gap between emergency response organizations and Houston artists.

University of Houston Collaborative Project Sheds Light On Social Justice Through Art and Dance

University of Houston and University of Houston Clear Lake collaborate on bringing "Lyrics from Lockdown” production to the Bayou Theater.

UH Arts Leadership Alum Strives to Bring Inclusivity to Music Education

Jordon Nickerson channels his unique perspective on problem-solving into a career.

From Pianist to Arts Leader: UH Alum Reflects On Career Journey

Janine Arostique, '20 sheds light on her transition from performance to the administrative side of the arts world.

Arts and Healing: UH Arts Leadership Graduates Making a Difference

Alumni Caroline Docwra and Zachary Gresham reflect on 10 years of the program and their roles in the arts in the healthcare space.

UH Arts Leadership Alum Finds Inspiration at the Intersection of Curation and Performance

Kaitlyn B. Jones takes lessons learned from the UH Arts Leadership to the nonprofit world.

"POP DEMO" Featured on the Cover of OutSmart Magazine

This groundbreaking performance features UH faculty and alumni.

A Visionary Leader Championing Belonging and Empowerment

Amanda Cachia, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of the Arts Leadership Program.

Mariachi Pumas Visit Houston Life

In celebration of the 4th annual Mariachi Festival, UH Mariachi Pumas perform on Houston Life's "What's Happening Now" segment.

Kathrine G. McGovern College of The Arts Welcomes New Director of The Moores School of Music

Dr. Brian Kai Chin is an accomplished musician and academic leader whose vision focuses on encouraging students to become cultural leaders.

Spirit on Stage Returns to The Moores Opera House

Music, legacy and resilience with The Spirit Of Houston

UH Arts Leadership Founding Director Reflects On 10 Years of Innovative Graduate Program

Fleurette S. Fernando helps students navigate the challenging world of arts program management.

UH School of Art MFA Student Creates Artistic Haven with New Ceramic Studio in Houston

Abbie Edmonson Balances Art and Entrepreneurship with HTX Clay. She’s transforming her passion for art into a meaningful experience for ceramic art enthusiasts.

Complementary Differences in Plays Elevated at Houston Shakespeare Festival

‘Macbeth’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Performed July 27-August 5

Alexis Pye: Exploring the Intersection of Art and Identity

A Q&A with UH School of Art painting graduate

Global Star Lizzo Gives Back to Her Houston Hometown

Lizzo is giving back to UH for Juneteenth.

UH Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts Presents “Post-Natural Landscape” by Preston Gaines

On-campus exhibition runs June 21 – July 31, 2023; explores interaction between humans and their evolving natural environment.

Xayvion Davidson Wins First Place and Audience Favorite at Inaugural Cynthia Woods Mitchell-Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition

First Prize and the Audience Favorite went to Xayvion Davidson, 19, a bassoonist from Nashville who just completed his freshman year at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.

Texas Music Festival: Recitals Underway and New Programming

Houston Symphony and the University of Houston form the new Cynthia Woods Mitchell-Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition and more.

From Houston to Athens, Rick Lowe Takes His Social Sculpture Global

The artist, known for the influential Project Row Houses in Houston, discusses music, basketball and art’s ability to improve lives.

Newly Renovated Arts & Technology Center

The Arts & Technology Center provides space to hone skills, bringing design into three dimensions.

Homecoming: Pianist Amy Yang Returns to the Moores School of Music

Associate Dean of Piano Studies and Artistic Initiatives at Curtis Institute of Music will take the stage at Texas Music Festival.

Sydney-based Composer and Students Collaborate with Moores School of Music’s AURA Ensemble to Create an Innovative Musical Experience

This unique cross-cultural collaboration between The Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Moores School of Music's AURA Ensemble was brought to the Moores Opera House Stage at the University of Houston.

Brian Ellison: Unmasking Masculinity in Black Men

MFA Candidate Creates Art as a Catalyst for Healing

The Moores School of Music Welcomes Three New Faculty In Its Opera and Voice Program for Fall 2023

Kathleen Belcher, Keith Chambers, and Daniel Belcher bring exceptional talent and experience to the Moores School of Music.

New “Golden Worlds” Exhibition at MFAH Showcases 400 Indigenous Colombian Works

Rex Koontz, Director of the MA Art History program at the School of Art, serves as consulting curator of the show.

Art History MA Graduate Makes Waves As Partner In Innovative Houston Gallery

Josh Pazda, ’17, began his career in an entry-level position at the small Houston art gallery that now bears his name.

Art History MA Graduate Pursues Ph.D. In Modern Latin American Architecture

Giovanna Bassi, ’15, is completing her dissertation on modern architecture and extractivism in South America at Rice University.

UH Art History Program Adds New Internship Opportunities For Study

In addition to offerings at the Menil and other Houston institutions, UH is placing students at the Blaffer Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH), and more.

Art History Professor Awarded Neh-Mellon Fellowship For Upcoming Digital Publication

Natilee Harren explores the role of experimental scores in postwar artistic movements.

The Women Have Something to Say Takes New York City

This genre-bending theatrical piece is written and performed by Moores School of Music alumni, faculty, and staff.

University of Houston Design Students Exhibit and Sell Their Products At The Blaffer Art Museum

Blaffer Art and Design is back after a seven-year hiatus and is ready to launch a new generation of designers.

Broadway Star Faith Prince Brings Her Musical Theater Talent to UH

Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts Presents an Evening with Faith Prince.

University of Houston and Houston Symphony Combine Competitions

Cynthia Woods Mitchell-Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition Held at Texas Music Festival in Collaboration with Houston Symphony.

Innovation in Art and Design - Preston Gaines Reflects on his time As Artist in Residence

Artist, architect, and industrial designer, Preston Gaines, has created celebrated installations throughout Houston.

Moores School of Music Alumni Makes Broadway History

Kanisha Feliciano, ‘19, became the first Latina and second Black woman to perform the role of Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera”.

Faculty, Alumni and Students Collaborate on Educational Video for Breast Cancer Medication

Representatives from the College of Pharmacy, the School of Theatre & Dance, and the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication are producing the video to improve medication adherence in Black women.

K67 Kiosk: For Urban Imagination Brings A Unique Experience of Sight and Sound to the University of Houston

A collaboration among professors and students made possible in part by The Mitchell Center through an Innovation Grant.

University of Houston Moores School of Music Names Formosa Quartet as Quartet-in-Residence

The quartet will perform two February concerts announcing their residency at UH. The quartet's appointment supports the school's string and chamber music programs, with individual ensemble coaching, master classes and public performances.

Moores School Of Music To Present 25th Anniversary Jazz Festival This February

The 2023 installment of the festival coincides with the launch of the new jazz studies degree program at the school.

Sondheim on Sondheim

Interview with co-stage directors, Nicole Kenley-Miller and Lawrence Edelson about the World of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM

Earth of Houston

Mitchell Center Visiting Artist Alan Sonfist creates new works at The University of Houston.

UH Graphic Design Professor and Students Contribute to New Book on Harvey Flooding

More City than Water: A Houston Flood Atlas incorporates maps created by School of Art seniors.

UH Professor Rick Lowe Shares His Vision For Community Engaged Art

In the second of a four-part series on artists and social practice, Lowe shares his vision for community engaged art.

UH Senior Playwright To Debut New Play As Part Of 2022-23 Season

Jaurius Norman’s senior project Fish’s Belly comes to the stage this November.

Award-Winning Director José Zayas Brings "Marisol" to UH

Zayas Sits Down With Stage Management Student Joseph Blanchard to Discuss His Life and Work.

UH Dance Fellow to Stage Site-Specific Performances Celebrating Street Basketball Culture

Key’Aira Lockett, the University of Houston’s Cynthia Woods-Mitchell Dance Fellow, turns pandemic woes into a celebration of community and culture with [ HOME TEAM ].

Celebrated Broadway Actor and UH Alum Returns to Campus to Teach New Course

Sally Mayes is coming back to helm a new course at the McGovern College of the Arts titled “Song Performance for Musical Theatre.

UH Students to Learn 'Healing Power of Music

University of Houston to Add New Degree Program in Music Therapy.University of Houston to Add New Degree Program in Music Therapy.

Moores Opera Center has taken first prize for the second year in a row for Best University Opera Performance

The 2020 production of Don Giovanni at MOC has won the American Prize for best university opera performance. The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is the nation's most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts.

Houston Contemporary Dance Company Tackles Pandemic's Impact on Mental Health

Viola is choreographed by Keerati Jinakunwiphat and will be performed by the Houston Contemporary Dance Company at Healing Arts Houston conference this fall.

Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean's Message of Climate Action Comes to Healing Arts Houston

Bean will lead a breakout session focused on environmental injustices and their impacts at the Healing Arts Houston conference this fall.

UH Stage Management Alum Is Alliance Theatre's New BIPOC Stage Management Fellow

The Alliance Theatre has named UH Stage Management Alum, Kacie Pimentel, its National Vision, Inc. BIPOC Stage Management Fellow for the 2022-23 season.

UH MFA Alum Joins 2022 Season of Prestigious Utah Shakespeare Fest

Philip Orazio, ‘13, recently joined the casts of All’s Well That Ends Well and King Lear.

Houston Street Artist Gonzo247 Explores Pandemic's Impact On City Through Graffiti

Inspired by community responses, the artist’s series is now on exhibition at the Blaffer Art Museum.

HoustonPress Reviews Houston Shakespeare Festival's 2022 Season

"When our esteemed Houston Shakespeare Festival stays true to the spirit and tenor of Shakespeare, the results can be terribly good, near great. The indomitable tragedy King Lear is in loving hands this 47th season, an affecting production in which all invest their most." - HP

UH Alumni Returns for Houston Shakespeare Festival

Wesley Whitson, an artist born and raised in Houston, began his professional career at the University of Houston. Whitson tell us about his education and career as he returns to perform in Houston Shakespeare Festival this summer.

July 19 to be proclaimed José Longoria Day in Houston

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner honors University of Houston’s Mariachi Pumas director and educator José Longoria with a special proclamation recognizing his significant contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.

Flamenco scholar Dr. M. Gabriela Estrada joins University of Houston’s dance faculty

The University of Houston Dance Program recently named to its full-time faculty Dr. M. Gabriela Estrada, a bilingual multidisciplinary educator, choreographer, journalist, and filmmaker.

Blaffer Art Museum Presents First Solo Museum Exhibition

The Blaffer Art Museum presents the first solo exhibition of Oakland-based artist and University of Houston alumna Maria A. Guzmán Capron.

UH MFA Acting Alumni Brothers to Return for Summer Shakespeare Festival

Brothers Caleb and Kyle Clark, both UH MFA Acting alumni, will return to perform in the 2022 season of the Houston Shakespeare Festival this summer. They join talented casts in both King Lear and Cymbeline.

UH MFA Candidates Launch G5 Collective to Give Back to the Houston Arts Community

Liz Gates and Doug Welsh, two graduating UH MFA, Art students, launched the G5 Summer Intensive in 2021 to support graduate art students unable to obtain summer residencies due to the pandemic.

Culture Map Covers UH's Marvelously Monstrous Musical Classic Starring a Scene-Stealing Killer Plant

In a first-ever, full-scale collaboration between the University of Houston's students and faculty from its Moores School of Music and the School of Theatre & Dance, the university presents the beloved musical Little Shop of Horrors.

UH Associate Professor Awarded Prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for Photography

From her first name to her life’s work, Keliy Anderson-Staley, associate professor of photography and digital media at the University of Houston, has always embraced the unconventional.

Houston Chronicle Meet UH’s Bigger, Badder Flesh-Eating Flower for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

When University of Houston alumni Afsaneh Aayani and Corey Nance had a chance to put their own spin on the iconic monster for the University of Houston production that launches May 27, they wanted it bigger, badder, and more frightening.

Art History Professor Awarded Prestigious Fellowship for Upcoming Book

Sandra Zalman, associate professor of art history, was awarded the 2022 Senior Fellowship from the Dedalus Foundation. The fellowship will support her upcoming book The Modern Remodeled: Museums of Modern Art at Mid-Century and the Construction of the Canon.