UNT College of Visual Arts and Design

Studio Art M.F.A. Alumnus Highlight: Narong Tintamusik Solo Exhibition

UNT CVAD alumnus Narong Tintamusik is bringing his immersive installation "Residue" to the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas.

Using copper and brass mesh treated with Thai food ingredients and exposed to the elements over several months, Tintamusik transforms industrial materials into sculptural forms that explore memory, ritual and resilience. Sound recordings from his studio process are woven into an original exhibition score by composer Saun Santipreecha, creating an environment that engages both sight and sound.

Set within a speculative future shaped by ecological change, "Residue" imagines how culture, spirituality and traditional craft practices can help communities endure and adapt.

"Residue"
May 30–Sept. 20, 2026
Nasher Sculpture Center Public Gallery
Dallas, Texas

Also on view: "Where the Spirit Settles"
UNT Murchison Performing Arts Center
Through Sept. 19, 2026

Photos by Pablo Cruz, courtesy of the artist.



Images: 1) Close-up of Narong Tintamusik’s hands arranging woven sculptural materials for "Residue." 2) Tintamusik uses a torch while creating textile-inspired sculptural forms. 3)Tintamusik works on hanging sculptural elements in his backyard studio. 4) Tintamusik uses a torch to shape sculptural forms outdoors. 5) Tintamusik poses with a large textile-like sculpture made of twisted, dyed materials.

CVAD 2018 Fashion Design B.F.A. alumna R'Bonney Nola Gabriel, former Miss Universe, is taking her passion for fashion to the next level as she joins the newest season of "Project Runway."

The Filipino-American beauty queen is joining 21 other designers in season 22 of the reality competition, which will premiere on Disney+ and other platforms on July 9. Congratulations, R'Bonney!

Former Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel is taking her passion for fashion to the next level as she joins the newest season of "Project Runway."

See comments section for the full story.

Texas Fashion Collection Highlight
WFAA's Erin Hunter recently visited with Annette Becker, director of the Texas Fashion Collection and alumnus Michael Faircloth, Dallas-based couture designer and namesake of the CVAD Michael Faircloth Fashion Design Program. The TFC is one of the largest university-based historic fashion archives in the U.S. It preserves and documents historically significant clothing, accessories, and textiles for research, teaching and exhibitions.
Check out this behind-the-scenes look inside TFC!

Fashion Hunter: Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas! The University of North Texas, Texas Fashion Collection (TFC) is one of the largest university-based historic fashion archives in the United States. It pres...

UNT Commencement 2026: Congratulations to our outstanding CVAD graduates!



Images: Various photos of graduates, faculty, friends and family at the 2025 Commencement Ceremonies, May 9, 2026, UNT Coliseum, Denton, Texas.

Department of Design Highlight: 2026 Online Senior Shows

Check out the online senior shows of designers in each of the four major programs in the Department of Design: Communication Design concentrations in Graphic Design and User-Experience Design, Fashion Design and Interior Design.

Read about each designer and see the projects that culminated in their 2026 walk across the stage with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Graphic Design students develop strategic visual communication skills across branding, typography, publication, motion and digital media — preparing them to shape the future of design across industries and platforms.

User-Experience Design students create user-centered digital experiences through UX/UI design, research, prototyping and emerging technologies in one of the nation’s leading programs in the field.

Fashion Design students bring original collections to life through concept development, garment construction and runway presentation while building the technical and creative skills needed for today’s fashion industry.

Interior Design students design spaces that support human experience, sustainability and innovation through hands-on studio learning and real-world projects.

Explore the future of design through the work of UNT CVAD’s Class of 2026. Link in bio.

Studio Art: Sculpture Alumna Highlight: Verónica Ibargüengoitia Tena receives the 2026 Otis and Velma Davis Dozier Travel Grant from the Dallas Museum of Art.

Ibargüengoitia Tena was selected from a record pool of 160 applicants and is among 21 artists recognized statewide this year. Through its Awards to Artists program, the DMA awarded nearly $42,000 to Texas artists ages 16 to 55, including 16 artists based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The grant will support Ibargüengoitia Tena’s research trip to the Mexico–U.S. border, where she will study the spatial, administrative, and material conditions surrounding detention, deportation and repatriation.

“I am particularly drawn to the moment of forced return: when individuals who have lived, worked, and formed lives in one country are abruptly repositioned within another, often without guidance, resources, or a clear path toward resettlement,” Ibargüengoitia Tena said. “These transitions expose the contrast between human resilience and the inflexibility of state systems designed to manage movement rather than care for people.”

AWARDEE CELEBRATION
May 19, 6 to 8 p.m.
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75201
Presentation: Horchow Auditorium
Reception: Hamon Atrium

The event is free and open to the public



Images: 1) Ibargüengoitia Tena sits at a desk in her studio. 2) A 2023 installed sculpture features a partially constructed room that is 15 x 17 x 15 feet, with exposed wood studs surrounded by eggshells on the floor and a large pillow with an embroidered pillowcase.

Office of the Dean | Retirement Celebration honoring Eric Ligon, senior associate dean

You’re invited | Please join us!

May 20, 2026
3–5 p.m.
Speakers: 3:30 p.m.
Come & Go

Presidential Diamond Suite
University Union, Fourth Floor



Images: 1) Text in the caption is on a dark gray background. 2) Black-and-white photo of Eric smiling as he sits on a stool. He has short hair, wears glasses and dark clothing.

Department of Design Special Event: Communication Design Exhibition and Awards 2026
Congratulations to our newest graphic design and UX alumni!

CVAD, Onstead Institute + Denton Independent School District Fine Arts 2026 Annual Art Show

Please join us!

Visitors will see selected artwork by students at each Denton ISD school, from kindergarten to high school seniors.

EXHIBITION
“Outside the Box”
May 11–14, 2026

RECEPTION
May 11, 5–7 p.m.
Remarks at 5:30 p.m.
UNT Art Building, Cora Stafford Gallery
1201 W. Mulberry St., Denton, Texas

Free | Open to the Public

“Outside the Box” is co-sponsored by the University of North Texas Onstead Institute and the College of Visual Arts and Design to promote community support for art education.

Image: Outside the Box is printed in a young child’s handwriting. The word box is on the outside of the yellow box. All other text is in the caption.