The University of Utah’s College of Fine Arts proudly presents the third annual CFA Research Week, celebrating the depth, rigor, and societal impact of scholarship produced by our faculty, staff, and students.
This week‑long series of events highlights the varied forms of inquiry, experimentation, and knowledge production that define our disciplines, offering a public platform for research that advances artistic practice, critical thought, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Join us as we spotlight research that fuels creativity, fosters collaboration across disciplines, and affirms the vital role of the arts in driving economic growth, cultural and civic engagement, and a more innovative, just, and connected future.
Schedule
All week long
Fine Arts Research Exhibition
McKay Music Library in David Gardner Hall (DGH)
9:00AM-5:00PM
Drop-in and walk around the exhibit, enjoy the prepared media presentations on the big screen, all while being in one of the best music libraries in the nation’s public R1 institutions which includes the replicated studio layout and original works of Maurice Abravanel. Curated by Professor Lisa Chaufty. Free and open to the public.
Art & Art History Research Exhibition
Alvin Gittins Gallery in the Film & Media Arts Building (FMAB)
Mon-Thurs 9AM-4PM, Fri 9AM-12PM
Walk through a pop-up exhibition of creative research by Department of Art & Art History faculty in the Gittins Gallery. Open through Wednesday, Sept. 30.
Monday, Sept. 21
Art & Art History Research Celebration Reception
Alvin Gittins Gallery in the Film & Media Arts Building (FMAB)
5:00-7:00PM
The opening reception and short talks with faculty members will be held on Monday, Sept. 21 from 5-7pm. Learn from our researchers on the stories and methods behind the visual, 2D/3D, scholarship from our illustration, painting & drawing, photography, sculpture, and graphic design faculty.
Tuesday, Sep. 22
Breakfast Open House with the Arts & Health Innovation Lab
Room 101 in Performing Arts Building (PAB)
8:30-10:00AM
Interested in how Arts & Science come together? Come and have a tour, and learn about the research and training opportunities that are happening in the CFA’s Clinical Arts & Science Center with Utah Center for Vocology in the Arts & Health Lab.
Wednesday, Sep. 23
CFA Assembly
Kingsbury Hall
10:45AM-12:15PM
Join us for the CFA Assembly, a powerful show highlighting the creative works and research of our students and faculty, and celebrating our three Distinguished Alumni: Steven L. Ricks (Music), Cheryl Nichols (Theatre), and Tom Welsh (Dance). Free, all are welcome, no tickets required.
CFA Sabbatical Talks and Panel Discussion
McKay Music Library in David Gardner Hall (DGH)
12:30PM-1:00PM Refreshments followed by 1:00-2:00PM Sabbatical Talks
Highlighting research from College of Fine Arts faculty members: Seth Keeton (Music), Elizabeth Craft (Music), Molly Heller (Dance), Tim Slover (Theatre), Jaclyn Wright (Art & Art History). Lightning round presentations will be followed by a short Q&A for each researcher. Enjoy a reception with light refreshments in the Bastian Atrium from 12:30-1:00PM. Chaired by Associate Dean for Research, Professor Rebecca Zarate. Curated by Professor Lisa Chaufty.
Thursday, Sep. 24
Arts & Health Working Group Lab | Yearly Kick-Off (register here)
INSCC Auditorium
1:00-3:00PM
You’re invited on behalf of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research Planning & Partnerships. This event will include presentations in the following areas of focus: Arts Based Research and Community Engagement, Creative Aging, Environmental Science, Human Health, Arts, and Creativity, Mindfulness, Mental Health, and Arts, and Performance Science
The Limón Dance Company in performance presented by UtahPresents
Kingsbury Hall
7:30-9:30PM
Pairing new choreography by brilliant contemporary artists with revivals of José Limón’s groundbreaking works — including a collaborative piece performance by School of Dance students and faculty members — keeps their rich history connected to the present day.
Friday, Sep. 25
Music Research Celebration Reception
McKay Music Library and Bastian Atrium in David Gardner Hall (DGH)
12:30-1:30PM
Celebrate album releases, book launches, new compositions, and collective research of School of Music faculty.
