USF College of Design, Art & Performance

USF’s College of Design, Art & Performance names Sarah Higgins as director & chief curator of the Contemporary Art Museum.

Higgins is an internationally recognized arts leader and nonprofit executive with more than two decades of professional experience across publications, universities, and nonprofit institutions. She most recently served as executive and artistic director and editor of Art Papers, the longest-running nonprofit art journal in the United States.

Dean Chris Garvin said Higgins’ work as editor of Art Papers positions her as a unique and powerful voice in contemporary art and a visionary leader for the museum’s future.

Join us in welcoming Sarah Higgins!

Read the full story here: https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260610-usfcdap-names-sarah-higgins-as-leader-of-cam.aspx

Joo Woo, associate professor of painting and drawing at the USF’s College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Art & Art History, has been awarded the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award.

Her research focuses on the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, extending her exploration of Korean and American ecological landscapes where histories, visual cultures, and personal narratives converge and are embedded in identity.

Read the story here: https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260603-joo-woo-awarded-fulbright-us-scholar-award.aspx

Welcome summer with exploration. Be among the first to visit the Andy Warhol photography exhibit, “Uncelebrity”, and stop by the Breaking Barriers veteran collection if you haven’t seen it yet.

All events are free to attend. http://www.usf.edu/arts/events.

Some visits leave a lasting impression.

As part of a longstanding tradition, Blake High School students visit USF's College of Design, Art & Performance to explore the School of Art & Art History and Graphicstudio, a renowned print atelier. Through tours and conversations, students gained insight into creative processes at the university level. As the high school year comes to a close and the future comes into view, we hope these emerging artists one day return to campus as Bulls!

Support the future of creativity. 2026 Hillsborough Region: Scholastic Art & Writing Awards from grades 7-12. Visit the Carolyn M. Wilson Gallery today from 10am until 4 pm. Location: 3801 USF Holly Dr, Tampa.

We're continuing to celebrate the class of 2026!

Streamers🎊everywhere!
Magical moments.💚A lifetime of memories. 💛

Congratulations to all, and shout-outs to Sean McBride and Lynn Lawry (exemplar student awards); Anthony Vito and Kristin DuFrain (team member exemplar awards); Elizabeth Duran (John L. Smith scholarship); and alumna speaker Dr. Kathleen (Kathy) Sanz. 🤘

Graduation Celebration 2026 photos in bio/linktree
Share with friends and family! 🎓

Art enthusiasts and collectors, join us this Saturday for a rare opportunity to purchase limited-edition prints and sculpture multiples at discounted prices. Live demonstrations will be conducted throughout the day by Graphicstudio’s printers.

Location: University of South Florida Graphicstudio
3702 Spectrum Blvd, Ste 100, Tampa, FL 33612

Image: Anastasia Samoylova, Stilt House (Pink), 2026. 3-run screenprint with hand-painting, 19-7/8 x 24-7/8 inches. Edition Variée: 55

You may already recognize Alyssa’s design work across the College of Design, Art & Performance’s social channels, from event calendars and congratulations posts to editing Spotlight’s ‘a day in the life’ videos through the college’s student graphic design firm.

Her path to began with a visit encouraged by her “cool aunt” Danielle, a moment that led her to pursue graphic design. This connection reflects one of many relationships that have led to generations attending USF.

Discover more Boundless Bulls multigenerational stories celebrating 70 years of USF.

https://bit.ly/4eL8CaU

Alumna Dr. Kathleen (Kathy) Sanz returned to to accept an Honorary Doctor of the Arts from President Moez Limayem, Provost Prasant Mohapatra, and Dean Chris Garvin during Thursday’s commencement ceremony.

Sanz was nominated by multiple supporters, including Dr. David Williams, professor and director of the college’s school of music. Her career spans from classroom teaching to leading global initiatives as President of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), advancing music education and expanding access to the arts for students across Florida and beyond.

Welcome back, Dr. Sanz.

Read more about her story, including her leadership and advocacy across state, regional, and national organizations.

https://bit.ly/3PB0Hmc

📸: Torie Doll

Who’s ready for a graduation CELEBRATION?! 💚💛

Happy commencement weekend 🎓