See two of our TMA alumni with their family in this heartwarming YouTube video made for the Mormon Channel. For Ian and Melissa Puente, family time is always a busy time, thanks to their two sets of twin boys. Julian and Caleb are 7 years old, and Jack and Christian are 5 years old. All together, they make one happy family. Melissa graduated from BYU in 1999 with a degree in Film. In May 2006, she received a national Emmy for single-camera editing for the syndicated TV show 'Starting Over.' You can read more about Melissa's professional work at IMDB. Ian is a filmmaker, attorney, and vice-president of business development at Samuel Goldwyn Films in Los Angeles. Puente’s interest in film began when he was a child. He graduated from BYU in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in film. You can read more about Ian at the HFAC anniversary site.

Who wore it best? BYU professor is the expert on Bible and Book of Mormon clothing Resident clothing history expert at BYU, theatre and media arts professor Rory Scanlon, has spent more than 15 years pouring through archeological and anthropological records to discover what people dressed like during Bible and Book of Mormon times. He’s used the help of more than 21 research assistants to compile nearly 1000 works into easy-to-use clothing guides. The guides give a clothing history of ancient people. They also contain timelines of the cultures mentioned in the Bible and Book of Mormon and compare them to archeological records. “The common Bible and Book of Mormon representations we see are typically inaccurate,” Scanlon said. “I was disappointed when I found out, so I started doing my own research. That research evolved over 15 years to be the expansive project it is today.” The works in the guides include references to books, articles and videos by both anthropologists and archeologists. The compilation is an effective tool for artists as they research clothing for specific time periods. The guides are broken into two sections, one on the Bible area in Mesopotamia and the other on the Book of Mormon area of Mesoamerica. Since there are many opinions about ancient culture and clothing, Scanlon’s guides direct artists to their own interpretations of how ancient people clothed themselves. There is no definitive way to determine how ancient people dressed, but the guides give artists a good idea of the type of clothing worn by correlating research done by hundreds of experts. Scanlon’s research was used over the course of six years to redesign the clothing and characters in the Hill Cumorah Pageant in New York from 2001 to 2007. Specifically, his work was used to re-do the clothing of all the major characters in the production including Joseph Smith, Moroni and Lehi. “My work on this project was one of the most personal growing experiences of my life,” Scanlon said, “All my professional training would lead me to believe that such a task was impossible. What was produced, however, was a testimony of the power of the Spirit in guiding and directing key projects for the Church.” On Temple Square in Salt Lake City, in the North Visitor’s Center is a tribute to both ancient and modern prophets called the Hall of the Prophets. Scanlon’s research was used to redesign some of the most well known prophets such as Moses and Peter. Because there is such a broad application for Scanlon’s research, visual artists who use the guides range in field and medium from clothing designers to traditional oil paint artists to modern animators. “Rory is a fountain of knowledge, and has given me invaluable guidance on several difficult projects,” said Joshua Cotton, a BYU animation student, “One I remember in particular was the costume I completed for the Captain Moroni: the Art of Liberty exhibit. I’m one of many who have benefitted from his work.” Many BYU productions have also profited from Scanlon’s work. In 2003, the Opera Abinidi, in 2006 the play Aida and in 2009 both the play Children of Eden and Macbeth, set in Central America benefited from the expansive research by Scanlon. “My research in the Bible and Book of Mormon has influenced my approach to most productions,” Scanlon said, “I now think more about the historical context of clothing overall.” Currently, Scanlon’s guides are available on request, but his goal is to print them in order to make his work available for artists working on Bible and Book of Mormon projects around the world. Source: BYU News

The 3rd floor of the MOA will be closing on Monday July 27 for a two-week period until Saturday, August 8. This includes the Shaping America exhibition and the religious wing. The front desk, MOA Café and 2nd floor galleries will remain open during the regular hours of the MOA. The MOA store will have irregular hours during this time also.

Photo by Nathalie Van Empel Rory R. Scanlon, professor of theatre and media arts, has been appointed to serve a second term as associate dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Ed Adams, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, made the announcement last week and stated that Scanlon’s responsibilities will include Arts Production and Performing Arts Council. “Rory offers a unique opportunity in this college,” commented Adams. “I’ve got strength in Rory to test ideas of design so we don’t waste our time frittering away on impossible dreams–that we can make things happen and come at the issue in a way where we can actually see that something is deliverable. Scanlon received his MFA in costume design at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1984 and has been a member of the BYU faculty for 31 years. His area of focus is design technology. He is the past president of the Rocky Mountain Theatre Association, was the Utah representative to RMTA for four years, sat on the Provo City Arts Council for three years and is a regularly invited presenter for the Utah Theatre Association. His design work in costumes, sets and lights includes work with Disney, Hasbro and university/professional productions throughout the United States. Scanlon was professionally involved in a redesign of the 1500 costumes for the Hill Cumorah Pageant for six summers and has worked with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on several other historical costume recreation projects in Salt Lake City, Mesa and Far West. His first book with Costume Fashion Press in New York, “Costume Design Graphics,” was released in 2001. He has previously served as associate dean of Fine Arts and Communications from 2004-2010, as an associate dean of Undergraduate Studies and Director of the BYU Honors Program from 2010-2012, executive producer in the college and associate chair in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts. “What I am excited about in this new position,” said Scanlon, “is that I will be doing what I am already doing!” Scanlon replaces outgoing associate dean Randy Boothe who will continue his responsibilities as an associate professor in the Music, Dance, and Theatre program. Boothe is also the artistic director for the world-renowned Young Ambassadors. Many of his former students are now on Broadway and performing with national touring companies, at Disney World, and on various cruise lines.

The BYU Arts 2015-16 season will feature a variety of performances and events, including concerts by the Department of Dance and the School of Music as well as guest performances by professionals from the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway. For these upcoming events patrons have the opportunity to reserve tickets in advance with the artsPASS, a custom season ticket package. Jeffrey Martin, producer of performing arts for the College of Fine Arts and Communications and presenter of the BRAVO! series, said the artsPASS saves time and effort while ensuring the best available seats. “Sometimes events sell out quickly and it is harder to get the seats if you wait,” Martin said. The artsPASS allows arts patrons to create a custom ticket package for the season in advance by choosing five or more performances from the BYU School of Music, Dept. of Dance, Dept. of Theatre and Media Arts, and BRAVO!: Professional Performing Arts. The artsPASS goes on sale July 13 at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone (801) 422-2981, or online at byuarts.com. Those who purchase the artsPASS receive their tickets before the individual performances go on sale, approximately one month before the event, giving them the best available seats. The price of the artsPASS depends on which performances are selected. Some performances for 2015-16 include The King’s Singers, eviDANCE, Celebration of Christmas, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and many more. Create a custom artPASS here.

Wade Hollingshaus, an associate professor in Theatre and Media Arts, has accepted the position as chair of the department beginning July 15, 2015. The three-year term opened up with the recent appointment of current chair Amy Jensen as associate dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Ed Adams, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, made the announcement July 1 during a special faculty meeting. “Wade is solutions oriented,” said Adams. “I appreciate Wade making the sacrifice and accepting the position.” Hollingshaus received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 2008 and has served in various area leadership positions. For the past three years Hollingshaus has led the assessment efforts of the department, where he worked to integrate the Aims of a BYU Education into TMA’s assessment measures and outcomes. He has also been integrally involved in the department's preparation for the NAST accreditation and site visit that will occur in 2017. Adams also praised Jensen for her leadership of the department. “I hold Amy in high regard,” added Adams. “Under Amy’s direction this department is well-respected at the university. Amy has been effective in creating a strong community and has increased faculty engagement.” During Jensen’s tenure, she directed the department's process for long-term strategic planning, collaboration and teamwork within TMA areas, intra/inter-departmental student mentored projects, retooling of curricular offerings, increased funding for student scholarships and internships, encouraged and supported faculty scholarship, and prepared for and successfully completed university reviews.

The American Folk Dance Ensemble arrived in Croatia and met with members of the Zagreb LDS Branch to perform American dances. The group is headed to Karlovac, Croatia for a folk dance festival with dance groups from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Macedonia and Polynesia. The American Folk Dance Ensemble arrived safely in Zagreb, Croatia on July 3rd. After a pleasant day of sightseeing at historical sites, the Folk Dancers met that evening with members of the Zagreb LDS Branch. The Folk Dance Ensemble performed several American dances, after which they danced with the members, learning simple “pioneer” dances taught by Colleen West. One of the branch members brought a friend to the activity who had previously danced professionally with the “Lado” Croatian Dance Ensemble. He taught everyone Croatian dances, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The group is now headed to Karlovac, Croatia to participate in a folk dance festival with other dance groups from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Macedonia and Polynesia. The group is now headed to Karlovac, Croatia to participate in a folk dance festival with other dance groups from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Macedonia and Polynesia. Source: Performing Arts Management

Contemporary Dance Theatre students spent a rewarding exchange with the Young Single Adults of the Prague and Brno LDS branches. Dances were performed by CDT and then taught to the Czech members. The group is excited for the festivities of The New Prague Dance Festival this week. Landing in the Czech Republic on Friday morning was an exciting moment for members of Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT). It meant after all the practice and preparation, they had arrived in Europe at last! The group is eager to share their dancing and expertise. After a quick check-in to their Prague hotel and lunch, the group set out on a trip into the countryside. In a little town, Dobrichovice, surrounded by cherry trees and wheat fields, the group spent 90 minutes with a group of orphan children at Flight’s Children’s Home. Together they toured the facility, exchanged English and Czech sayings, and practiced cartwheels and handstands. Afterwards, the BYU dancers performed several dances for the children including American dance styles, Lindy Hop and tap dancing. Then the children joined the CDT dancers in learning a simple yet fun-filled line dance. Many hugs and well wishes were shared during the reluctant goodbyes. Many hugs and well wishes were shared during the reluctant goodbyes. Next the group traveled to and toured the Karlstejn Castle, one of the homes of the 14th Century Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. The history lesson continued the next day as the group traveled to UNESCO sites in Kutna Hora to better understand medieval history. The Gothic cathedrals and bone church, Kostnice, reminded the students of the long and storied past of dedicated believers. Saturday evening, Contemporary Dance Theatre students spent a rewarding exchange with the Young Single Adults of the Prague and Brno LDS branches. Dances were performed by CDT and then taught to the Czech members. New friendships were begun that would be furthered the following morning as CDT joined the members of the Prague Branch in their Sunday services. The Branch extended themselves showing love and generosity towards the BYU performers by providing them a meal and attending their devotional that evening. The Mission President, James McConkie, conducted the devotional presented by the CDT dancers, which was well received. More reluctant goodbyes were had as the students left. President McConkie expressed gratitude and thanked the group for coming to visit the members in Prague. The group is excited for the festivities of The New Prague Dance Festival to commence on Monday. They look forward to sharing their talents and friendship with the other festival participants this coming week. Source: Performing Arts Management

School of Communications faculty member Kevin John is one of the youngest professors here on campus and is teaching full time this coming fall semester. His collection of video game collectibles and consoles lining the walls of his office give testament of his youth.

Sharlene Wells Hawkes, alumna of the BYU School of Communications, will be honored July 2 during the Freedom Awards Gala as part of America’s Freedom Festival at Provo. According to festival organizers, Hawkes is among four recipients to be recognized for 'unique contributions to the cause of the freedoms guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and the cherished America values of God, family, freedom, and country.' Photography by Mark A. Philbrick Link to bio on BYU Alumni site. >>>>

Three leading female soloists across three different fields of music – Renee Fleming, Kelli O’Hara and Nnenna Freelon – will headline the BYU Bravo! 2015-16 Performing Arts series.

The MOA’s new exhibit, “Moving Pictures: C.C.A. Christensen’s Mormon Panorama,” showcases a unique set of American folk paintings that occasionally show up in various LDS literature. Collectively, the works carry far more significance.