The sculpture designed to spread and grow

Craft alumna Magdolene Dykstra (MFA ’18) has been creating work that explores the interconnectedness of humanity and how she fits into a population of billions. Her latest sculpture at the Gardner Museum in Toronto was intended to expand over the course of an exhibition as if it were a living, infectious ooze. But a real disease cut the show short—and underscored how much we need each other.

Read more about Dykstra’s exhibition.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates promoted to full professor

Pettiford-Wates, or “Dr. T” as she’s fondly known in VCUarts Theatre, has achieved the highest ranking for a tenured professor at VCUarts. She is an award-winning playwright, director, actor, poet, writer and educator whose international career spans all aspects of the art of theatre. She has called VCU and Richmond home for more than 15 years.

Read more about Pettiford-Wates.

In memoriam: VCUarts Qatar founding director Paul Petrie

Paul Petrie was the founding director of the Shaqab College of Design Arts in Doha, Qatar—now known as VCUarts Qatar—and the former department chair of interior design at the Monroe Park Campus. His leadership at the School of the Arts, both at home and abroad, established a global standard of education that has touched the lives of thousands of students. 

Learn more about Paul Petrie.