A vibrant season of music unfolded this past Spring at von der Mehden Recital Hall! This Summer, we’re sharing highlights from the incredible recitals and concerts that filled vdM during the Spring 2026 semester.
On Thursday, April 9th, the UConn Symphonic Wind Ensemble presented Connected to Connecticut at von der Mehden Recital Hall. Conducted by Dr. Janet Song Kim, with student conductors Kelly Watkins and Michael Ando and guest conductor Dr. Malcolm Jones, the program featured works by Mark Paine, Caroline Shaw, Leroy Anderson, Thomas Duffy, Charles Ives, and Kenneth Fuchs. The concert moved from fresh contemporary sounds to nostalgic American musical landscapes, highlighting the ensemble’s color, energy, and expressive range.
Stay tuned as we look back on a season of unforgettable performances and get ready for even more exciting musical experiences ahead this Fall.
#vondermehden #uconnmusic #uconn
JUST ANNOUNCED! 🧹 Hocus Pocus Live! An All-New Parody Musical, featuring CT performance artists Summer Orlando, Bonnie Petite, and Miranda Miranda as the Sanderson Sisters! This ninety-minute family friendly production is based on the popular Disney films Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 and includes some of the most memorable characters and scenes from the Halloween cult classics.
🗓️ Sunday, October 18, 1 pm and 4 pm
Tickets on Sale Tue, May 19 at 1 pm ET
VIP Experience Available! VIP tickets include premium seating, a custom VIP badge/lanyard and event poster for the artists to sign at a VIP only pre-show meet and greet and photo op with the Sanderson Sisters themselves.
The UConn School of Fine Arts mourns the passing of alumna Crystal Emery ’85, an acclaimed filmmaker, author, playwright, advocate, and visionary whose work challenged perspectives and uplifted countless voices.
A proud UConn alum, Crystal used storytelling across film, literature, theater, education, and comedy to expand conversations around equity, accessibility, humanity, and representation. Despite facing tremendous health challenges throughout her life, she continued creating impactful work that inspired dialogue and celebrated resilience.
Among her many accomplishments, Crystal was widely recognized for highlighting the achievements and experiences of Black women in medicine through her documentaries, writing, and educational initiatives. Through her nonprofit organization, URU The Right To Be, she also championed visibility, inclusion, and public health advocacy within communities.
In 2018, Crystal returned to UConn as Commencement speaker for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she reminded graduates, “I am living testimony that you can challenge the status quo” - words she embodied throughout her extraordinary life and career.
Crystal will be remembered for her courage, brilliance, honesty, humor, and unwavering determination to create meaningful change through art and advocacy.
We extend our deepest condolences to her husband, family, friends, collaborators, and all those whose lives were impacted by her work and spirit.
UConn School of Fine Arts alumnus Matt Johnson ’25 (SFA) is at the forefront of a powerful new statewide public service campaign addressing racial profiling.
Supported by UConn’s Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy, the campaign marks Johnson’s directorial debut and reflects the impact of collaboration across the university and community partners. Scenes were also filmed at UConn Hartford, highlighting the shared effort behind this important work.
We’re proud to see SFA creatives using storytelling and artistic leadership to contribute to projects with real social impact.
Article: Link in bio!
Congratulations to our School of Fine Arts faculty members recognized for promotion and tenure by the University of Connecticut Office of the Provost, an achievement that reflects excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service.
Promotion to Associate Professor and Tenure
• Dina Benbrahim — Art & Art History
• Christopher Sancomb — Art & Art History
Promotion to Associate Professor In-Residence
• Daniel Goldberg — Music
• John Mastroianni — Music
• Matthew Worwood — Digital Media & Design
We are grateful for their dedication, expertise, and continued contributions to their disciplines, students, and the School of Fine Arts community. 👏
THIS WEEK! The Ballard Institute kicks off our first Spring Puppet Workshop Series for adults! Join Education Coordinator Tom Tuke for a 4-week Intro to Hand Puppetry workshop on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm.
In this class, you will learn to build a hand puppet and experiment with basic methods of hand-puppet performance. You will explore the fascinating hand puppets in our current exhibition, Becoming Modern: U.S. Puppetry in the Twentieth Century.
This 4-week workshop is $60 for adults or FREE for students 18+.
Spots are limited, so reserve your seat now at the link in our bio.
The Benton is closed for installation from May 11-25. On Tuesday, May 26 the Museum will open with a new exhibition in collaboration with @ctnaturalhistory . For details, visit our website: Benton.UConn.Edu.
A vibrant season of music unfolded this past Spring at von der Mehden Recital Hall! This Summer, we’re sharing highlights from the incredible recitals and concerts that filled vdM during the Spring 2026 semester.
On Tuesday, April 7th, the UConn Jazz Faculty Ensemble presented Jazz & Justice Suite: A Multi-Movement Declaration at von der Mehden Recital Hall. Created in collaboration with the Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute, the original suite explored human rights through composition, narration, and improvisation. Each movement connected an article from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to themes of racial justice, education, labor rights, environmental advocacy, democracy, women in the arts, and the human cost of conflict.
Stay tuned as we look back on a season of unforgettable performances and get ready for even more exciting musical experiences ahead this Fall.
#vondermehden #uconnmusic #uconn
Some photos from our fantastic reception for Seeing into the Present! Thanks to all the artists, and friends new and old, who joined us to celebrate the work of our talented regional artists!
@uconnsfa@uconnart@uconnaverypoint #avsgalleryuconn #ctartists
30 years. One incredible legacy. We’re celebrating Professor Lisa Clayton’s 30th anniversary as Director of the Voices of Freedom Gospel Choir! Last month’s concert brought together alumni and current students for a powerful night of worship, music, and community - and yes, it was recorded LIVE!
More than a celebration of Prof. Clayton’s impact, the night showcased the students she’s poured into for three decades. Confidence. Excellence. Faith. Artistry. The stage was theirs, and they showed OUT.
Thank you, Prof. Clayton, for 30 years of dedication, mentorship, and music that continues to move generations of UConn students 💙
Stay tuned for live album info! 🎶
