"Among other things, I am inspired by color, by far-fetched metaphors, by the way we glorify childhood, by our relationships with inanimate objects and by the humor of human emotion. And when I'm not inspired, I am most certainly amused. I think some of my favorite things that I've made have been born out of amusement."

Dr. Nyama McCarthy-Brown is an Assistant Professor of Community Engagement through Dance Pedagogy, at The Ohio State University. Nyama has been an active performer, choreographer, and educator for the past fifteen years. Originally from San Francisco, her love for dance developed at her community recreation center, and later at the School of the Arts High School. This year she was commissioned to collaborate and perform with Bharatanatyam dancer, Tanya Saxena in New Delhi, India, at the American Center. In 2016 she presented new work at the 92nd Street Y, in New York City, mentored by Doug Varone, followed by another work, Twoness, presented in New York in 2017, in collaboration with Gregory King. She has performed for South African President Thabo Mbeki while performing throughout South Africa with singing artist Tu Nokwe. Her first book, Dance Pedagogy for a Diverse World: Culturally Relevant Teaching in Research, Theory, and Practice, was released in 2017. The book was greatly informed by her teaching dance in public schools, private studios, universities, and the community. Dr. McCarthy-Brown’s scholarship is interdisciplinary and always relates to a heightened understanding of cultural diversity. She has published work in theJournal of African American Studies, the journal of Dance Education, and Arts Education Policy Review. Additionally, she regularly presents her research in the area of dance education and equity at national conferences. She has conducted research on the experiences of African American ballet dancers and is working on her second book about women of Color in ballet.

On March 18, Shirin Neshat shared her life experiences and the background of her latest exhibit, ‘Land of Dreams’

Going into film wasn't originally part of Noah Ostergar's plans at BYU, but after roadblocks of feeling included in the greater campus community, he found a home in the @byutma department. Ostegar reflects on his time as a media arts student and the work behind his short film "Molly."

As BYU returns to a traditional semester this fall on campus, BYU BRAVO! and Theatre events will also be returning to in-person performances. The upcoming season boasts a spectacular lineup from both departments that are sure to sweep audiences off their feet.

These photographs document an important piece of Utah’s history from the Great Depression to World War II

The university forum will feature Professor Amy Petersen Jensen

Recognition after recognition, the BYU AdLab keeps taking the prize

In 2020 Eugene D. Tapahe (BFA ’92), a Diné (Navajo) web designer turned fine art photographer, was feeling distressed by the pandemic and an aunt’s death from the virus. Then one night he dreamt he was in Yellowstone National Park, sitting in tall grass and peacefully watching bison, when jingle-dress dancers came to the grass and danced, bringing him healing and hope. This dream inspired Tapahe to create Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project, which encourages peace and resilience. See more at magazine.byu.edu and tapahephotography.com.

Recent graduate Jenna Hervey shared a glimpse of her BYU experience with us and the gratitude she felt as she graduated from the Department of Design as graphic design major:

Jessica Ashby is an Acting major and a dancer who has much enthusiasm for her art. She adds that she loves acting because it helps her understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Professor Brubaker and her graduate students found that Twitter users were able to build their own supportive community during the early stages of the pandemic