https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/Recent posts from Newsen-usSun, 12 Jul 2026 04:50:30 -04:00http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssOmniUpdate (OU Publish)https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260603-joo-woo-awarded-fulbright-us-scholar-award.aspxWhat started as an ambitious project for associate professor Joo Woo has been recognized with a 2026-2027 Fulbright award on behalf of the Institute of International Education and the Fulbright Program. Woo, who teaches painting and drawing at the University of South Florida’s (USF) College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Art & Art History, said she felt “humbled and excited, but also overwhelmed” to receive the Fulbright award, acknowledging the scale of work ahead.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceWed, 03 Jun 2026 15:05:07 Joo Woo Awarded Fulbright U.S. Scholar AwardWhat started as an ambitious project for associate professor Joo Woo has been recognized with a 2026-2027 Fulbright award on behalf of the Institute of International Education and the Fulbright Program. Woo, who teaches painting and drawing at the University of South Florida’s (USF) College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Art & Art History, said she felt “humbled and excited, but also overwhelmed” to receive the Fulbright award, acknowledging the scale of work ahead.University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research Universityhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260603-joo-woo-awarded-fulbright-us-scholar-award.aspxArt & Art History,Faculty,Researchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260504-legacy-of-the-cool-aunt-inspires-usf-students-path-to-graduation.aspxAlyssa Duurloo refers to Danielle Card-Howe as “the cool aunt.” While Card-Howe is, in fact, her aunt, she prefers to think of Duurloo more like a cousin. “We’re only five years apart in age,” Card-Howe said, laughing. “Aunt makes me sound old.” But Card-Howe’s influence on Duurloo is unmistakable. “She’s the reason I chose USF,” Duurloo said.Paul Guzzo, University Communications and MarketingMon, 04 May 2026 11:05:35 Legacy of ‘the cool aunt’ inspires USF student’s path to graduationAlyssa Duurloo refers to Danielle Card-Howe as “the cool aunt.” While Card-Howe is, in fact, her aunt, she prefers to think of Duurloo more like a cousin. “We’re only five years apart in age,” Card-Howe said, laughing. “Aunt makes me sound old.” But Card-Howe’s influence on Duurloo is unmistakable. “She’s the reason I chose USF,” Duurloo said.Student Alyssa Duurloo sitting atop USF bull sculpturehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260504-legacy-of-the-cool-aunt-inspires-usf-students-path-to-graduation.aspxArt & Art History,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260421-noelle-mason-earns-outstanding-research-achievement-award.aspxThe University of South Florida honored 11 faculty members at the Faculty Honors & Awards Ceremony. Awardees from seven colleges and 10 departments were recognized for work across scientific and creative fields. Professor Noelle Mason, MFA, received an Outstanding Research Achievement Award for her research and creative accomplishments.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceTue, 21 Apr 2026 10:29:25 Noelle Mason Earns Outstanding Research Achievement AwardThe University of South Florida honored 11 faculty members at the Faculty Honors & Awards Ceremony. Awardees from seven colleges and 10 departments were recognized for work across scientific and creative fields. Professor Noelle Mason, MFA, received an Outstanding Research Achievement Award for her research and creative accomplishments.Congratulations! Professor Noelle Masonhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260421-noelle-mason-earns-outstanding-research-achievement-award.aspxArt & Art History,Faculty,Researchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260330-it-wasnt-april-fools-just-mischief-that-shaped-usfs-early-campus-tree.aspxThe landscaping around the University of South Florida’s Fine Arts Building is neat and organized – trees planted in straight rows along the sidewalks in a grid formation. But outside the adjacent Contemporary Art Museum, a small cluster of trees breaks formation – zigzagging unexpectedly away from the sidewalk. Hard to spot at first, but once noticed, impossible to ignore.Paul Guzzo and Photography by Andres Faza, University Communications and MarketingMon, 30 Mar 2026 10:28:56 It wasn’t April Fools—just mischief that shaped USF’s early campus treesThe landscaping around the University of South Florida’s Fine Arts Building is neat and organized – trees planted in straight rows along the sidewalks in a grid formation. But outside the adjacent Contemporary Art Museum, a small cluster of trees breaks formation – zigzagging unexpectedly away from the sidewalk. Hard to spot at first, but once noticed, impossible to ignore.overhead view of trees and fine arts buildinghttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260330-it-wasnt-april-fools-just-mischief-that-shaped-usfs-early-campus-tree.aspxArt & Art History,Graphicstudio,Students & Alumni,USF CAMhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260313-spotlight-a-day-of-celebration.aspxThe energy set the tone at the second annual USF College of Design, Art & Performance SPOTLIGHT! daylong festival of the arts! Nearly 1,500 attendees gathered on an overcast day to celebrate the 130+ students who showcased their creative talents.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & Performance, and photography by Andres Faza, University of South Florida, and Cristina Klein PhotographyThu, 12 Mar 2026 16:16:22 SPOTLIGHT! Festival: A Day of CelebrationThe energy set the tone at the second annual USF College of Design, Art & Performance SPOTLIGHT! daylong festival of the arts! Nearly 1,500 attendees gathered on an overcast day to celebrate the 130+ students who showcased their creative talents.Images of students performing.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260313-spotlight-a-day-of-celebration.aspxArchitecture,Art & Art History,Community Outreach,Graphicstudio,Music,Theatre & Dance,USF CAMhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260203-from-cigar-city-to-a-hub-for-creativity-usf-70-year-role-in-ybor-city.aspxIn the 1960s through early ’70s, there was a saying about Ybor City’s main thoroughfare: "You could take a nap in the middle of Seventh Avenue and not worry about traffic," said Paul Wilborn, a 1975 USF graduate. "It was empty." The situation was so dire that in 1970, Tampa officials proposed turning the district into a bullfighting arena. Ybor was ultimately saved by bulls, but a different kind: the USF Bulls.Paul Guzzo, University Communications and MarketingTue, 03 Feb 2026 10:52:51 From Cigar City to a hub for creativity: USF’s 70-year role in Ybor CityIn the 1960s through early ’70s, there was a saying about Ybor City’s main thoroughfare: "You could take a nap in the middle of Seventh Avenue and not worry about traffic," said Paul Wilborn, a 1975 USF graduate. "It was empty." The situation was so dire that in 1970, Tampa officials proposed turning the district into a bullfighting arena. Ybor was ultimately saved by bulls, but a different kind: the USF Bulls.The view down 7th Avenue in Ybor City.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260203-from-cigar-city-to-a-hub-for-creativity-usf-70-year-role-in-ybor-city.aspxArt & Art History,Graphicstudiohttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260112-usf-artists-selected-for-the-ringlings-nuestro-vaiven-our-sway.aspxSeven USF College of Design, Art & Performance Art & Art History artists were selected for Nuestro Vaivén, an exhibition at The Ringling (now through March 22, 2026). This experience proudly showcases 22 artists who represent both the Americas and Florida, exploring various themes: expressions of beauty across visual traditions, health interpreted through stories of resilience, and cultural identity revealed in personal and collective narratives.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceMon, 12 Jan 2026 13:41:19 USF Artists Selected for The Ringling’s Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway)Seven USF College of Design, Art & Performance Art & Art History artists were selected for Nuestro Vaivén, an exhibition at The Ringling (now through March 22, 2026). This experience proudly showcases 22 artists who represent both the Americas and Florida, exploring various themes: expressions of beauty across visual traditions, health interpreted through stories of resilience, and cultural identity revealed in personal and collective narratives.Headshots of participating artists.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260112-usf-artists-selected-for-the-ringlings-nuestro-vaiven-our-sway.aspxArt & Art History,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251106-from-thesis-to-oscars-shortlist-xindi-zhang-ai-driven-film-wins.aspxWhen Xindi Zhang, Acting Assistant Professor in the College of Design, Art & Performance's School of Art & Art History at the University of South Florida (USF), set out to create her thesis film The Song of Drifters, she wanted to explore how memory, self-discovery, and belonging could be expressed through both human emotion and artificial intelligence. The film recently advanced to the Oscars® shortlist in the Alternative/Experiential category, following Zhang’s Golden Award win at the 2025 Student Academy Awards®, one of the most prestigious honors for emerging filmmakers worldwide.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceThu, 06 Nov 2025 10:20:39 From Thesis to Oscars® Shortlist: Xindi Zhang’s AI-Driven Film Wins the Golden AwardWhen Xindi Zhang, Acting Assistant Professor in the College of Design, Art & Performance's School of Art & Art History at the University of South Florida (USF), set out to create her thesis film The Song of Drifters, she wanted to explore how memory, self-discovery, and belonging could be expressed through both human emotion and artificial intelligence. The film recently advanced to the Oscars® shortlist in the Alternative/Experiential category, following Zhang’s Golden Award win at the 2025 Student Academy Awards®, one of the most prestigious honors for emerging filmmakers worldwide.Xindi front row centerhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251106-from-thesis-to-oscars-shortlist-xindi-zhang-ai-driven-film-wins.aspxArt & Art History,Facultyhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250501-when-the-lights-came-up-spotlight-festival.aspxIt didn’t just showcase art. It made a statement. On Friday, April 25, the University of South Florida’s College of Design, Art & Performance launched the first-ever SPOTLIGHT Festival, an ambitious, campus-wide celebration that transformed performance and exhibition spaces into a living, breathing showcase of creative energy. Designed to illuminate the force and vision powering the college, SPOTLIGHT didn’t just open its doors to the public—it invited them into the heart of the work.Jesus Gogo - College of Design, Art & Performance Communications and Marketing, Photography by Bryce WomeldurfThu, 01 May 2025 14:31:38 When the Lights Came Up: SPOTLIGHT Festival Marks a Bold New Chapter in Creative EducationIt didn’t just showcase art. It made a statement. On Friday, April 25, the University of South Florida’s College of Design, Art & Performance launched the first-ever SPOTLIGHT Festival, an ambitious, campus-wide celebration that transformed performance and exhibition spaces into a living, breathing showcase of creative energy. Designed to illuminate the force and vision powering the college, SPOTLIGHT didn’t just open its doors to the public—it invited them into the heart of the work.A collage of images from the first SPOTLIGHT festival.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250501-when-the-lights-came-up-spotlight-festival.aspxArchitecture,Art & Art History,Community Outreach,Music,Theatre & Dance,USF CAMhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250416-this-is-not-a-final-project-inside-the-2025-mfa-exhibition.aspxSix artists. Six distinct practices. And one shared instinct: push everything further. This spring, the College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Art & Art History MFA artists aren’t just presenting work – they’re building worlds. Each piece on view at the USF Contemporary Art Museum feels like a portal: into memory, into ritual, into systems that need to be dismantled and reimagined.Jesus Gogo - College of Design, Art & Performance Communications and Marketing, Photography by Bryce WomeldurfWed, 16 Apr 2025 11:38:22 This Is Not a Final Project: Inside the 2025 MFA Thesis Exhibition at USFSix artists. Six distinct practices. And one shared instinct: push everything further. This spring, the College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Art & Art History MFA artists aren’t just presenting work – they’re building worlds. Each piece on view at the USF Contemporary Art Museum feels like a portal: into memory, into ritual, into systems that need to be dismantled and reimagined.Michael Lonchar, Gone Fishing, Out For A Swim, 2025https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250416-this-is-not-a-final-project-inside-the-2025-mfa-exhibition.aspxArt & Art History,USF CAMhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250414-spotlight-2025-a-festival-bringing-design-art-and-performance-to-life.aspxMark your calendar. On Friday, April 25, the College of Design, Art & Performance at the University of South Florida is launching its inaugural SPOTLIGHT Festival – a bold celebration of creativity and talent that’s free and open to all. This isn’t just another campus event. It’s a statement. A living testament to the way art and design can shift perspectives and spark something deeper.Jesus Gogo - College of Design, Art & Performance Communications and MarketingMon, 14 Apr 2025 00:18:33 SPOTLIGHT 2025: A Festival Bringing Design, Art & Performance to LifeMark your calendar. On Friday, April 25, the College of Design, Art & Performance at the University of South Florida is launching its inaugural SPOTLIGHT Festival – a bold celebration of creativity and talent that’s free and open to all. This isn’t just another campus event. It’s a statement. A living testament to the way art and design can shift perspectives and spark something deeper.1966 image of the USF FAH building.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250414-spotlight-2025-a-festival-bringing-design-art-and-performance-to-life.aspxArchitecture,Art & Art History,Community Outreach,Music,Theatre & Dancehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250404-meet-the-next-generation-of-artists-thank-you-in-advance-2025-mfa-exhibition.aspxFrom April 4 through May 10, 2025, visitors to the University of South Florida’s Contemporary Art Museum can experience "Thank You in Advance," a bold and thoughtful exhibition showcasing the work of six emerging artists completing their Master of Fine Arts degrees. More than a thesis show, this annual exhibition is a launchpad—a first look at the voices shaping what’s next in contemporary art.Jesus Gogo - College of Design, Art & Performance Communications and Marketing, Photography by Bryce WomeldurfFri, 04 Apr 2025 00:10:32 Meet the Next Generation of Artists: “Thank You in Advance,” the 2025 MFA Thesis ExhibitionFrom April 4 through May 10, 2025, visitors to the University of South Florida’s Contemporary Art Museum can experience "Thank You in Advance," a bold and thoughtful exhibition showcasing the work of six emerging artists completing their Master of Fine Arts degrees. More than a thesis show, this annual exhibition is a launchpad—a first look at the voices shaping what’s next in contemporary art.A line of black Virgin of Guadalupe statues, part of a piece by Adrian Gomez, titled Bisagras, 2025https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250404-meet-the-next-generation-of-artists-thank-you-in-advance-2025-mfa-exhibition.aspxArt & Art History,USF CAM