University of Utah College of Fine Arts

Running through the end of June in the Department of Art & Art History’s Gittins Gallery at the University of Utah is an extraordinary exhibition, built not around the work of a single artist, but of a community. Come see The Art of Us: Collective Art for Sustainable Communities. https://www.finearts.utah.edu/news/the-finer-points-blog/a-different-kind-of-gallery-show

In an act of community and generosity, the Utah Arts Festival leadership has offered members of the College of Fine Arts community (students, alumni, faculty, staff, and U arts affiliates) a considerable discount on tickets to the festival (redemption info below).
And as you might imagine, we have many of our folks exhibiting, performing, screening, and offering hands-on, creative fun. Here are a few we encourage you to check out:

U Arts shines at Utah Arts Festival (and discount code) The University of Utah College of Fine Arts faculty and programs challenge, immerse and ultimately prepare committed students for a rewarding career in the arts.

In Magna, a public school has reinvented itself with the help of arts education. Read about the Magna STEAM academy in the Deseret News. https://www.deseret.com/education/2026/06/01/utah-district-test-scores-above-average-compared-nationwide-low-scores/

⭐️ Join our team! ⭐️ Seeking Development Specialist

This role is responsible for supporting the fundraising program of the college. As a member in the University Advancement function, the Development Specialist is expected to support and live out the Advancement division’s Core Values of Collaboration, Belonging, Empowerment, and Integrity.

The College of Fine Arts has a powerful vision: “A world where we harness the power of the arts to inspire us all to find our voices, fuel our passions, and ignite our futures.” The College is made up of five distinct but complimentary academic units; Department of Art & Art History, School of Dance, Department of Film & Media Arts, School of Music, and Department of Theatre. The work of the Advancement unit is to connect alumni, friends and donors with the special mission and vision of the college through philanthropic support.

The Development Specialist will oversee the following primary functions within the College of Fine Arts: administrative support for the CFA Advancement team and frontline fundraisers, donor relations, and donor recognition/stewardship.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to meaningfully engage a broad community of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends to support the mission and priorities of the College of Fine Arts.

Whether you're an undergraduate, graduate, or professional program student, leave your legacy by letting us know what you're doing after graduation. It only takes 2 minutes!

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Yes, you can livestream the College of Fine Arts Convocation! Our ceremony will be held in Kingsbury Hall on Friday 5/1 at 12pm (MT).

🎥 finearts.utah.edu/convocation

Meet Florencia Hernandez, our 2026 College of Fine Arts Convocation Speaker! Hear her address the Class of '26 on Friday 5/1 at the CFA Convocation Ceremony in Kingsbury Hall at 12PM. 🎓

Florencia is graduating with a Graphic Design BFA and Photography minor from the Department of Art & Art History.

She is inspired by her culture, family, and the resilience of hardworking people who continue moving forward despite challenges. Their, and her experiences, fuel her passion for storytelling through design and motivate her to create work that reflects identity, belonging, and hope.

Learn more about Florencia here: https://finearts.utah.edu/news/the-finer-points-blog/2026-college-of-fine-arts-convocation-speaker

The College of Fine Arts is honored to present the 2026 College of Fine Arts Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor award to Assistant Professor of General Music Education, Dr. Jonathan Dillon, from the School of Music

In his nomination, Director Kim Councill (Music) shared, “Dr. Dillon is a leader in the field of general music education with a history of successful community partnerships, curriculum development, and grant writing. His passion for his field and the research he contributes to it is palpable in all my interactions with him, and I see that same passion in my interactions with his students."



Read more about Dr. Dillon and his research mentorship here: https://finearts.utah.edu/news/the-finer-points-blog/2026-outstanding-undergraduate-research-mentor

We are delighted to present the 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher award to Katherine Boyce from the U of U School of Dance!
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In Katherine's nomination, her mentor, Assistant Professor Kiri Avelar (Dance) wrote, "Katherine approaches her academic work with rigor, depth, and integrity. She is keenly aware of the responsibilities that come with representing communities, histories, and ongoing struggles, and she holds herself to the highest standards of accuracy, accountability, and respect."

Learn more about Katherine and her research here: https://finearts.utah.edu/news/the-finer-points-blog/2026-outstanding-undergraduate-researcher

We can’t wait to hear about the places you’ll go, the lessons you’ll learn, and the achievements you’ll earn!

But first, swipe through to see regalia items, livestream, photo opportunities, and more.

Please stay connected with us – the and the College of Fine Arts!
1) Share your graduation photos for a chance to be featured on our Instagram Feed and Stories.
2) Take the Next Step Survey from and let us know your post-college plans.
3) Enter our giveaway for a chance to win swag. Visit our Instagram, tag a friend in the comments who has helped you make it to graduation, and follow . Ends Midnight on Friday, May 1st!

For more info, visit finearts.utah.edu/about/annual-events/convocation