VCUarts Uncharted
By: VCUarts
Language: en-us
Categories: Arts, Visual, Performing
Discover the visionary research and creative practices of VCUarts faculty in this engaging 20-minute podcast series. Hosted by Professor Aaron Anderson, Ph.D., each episode features conversations with a faculty member and a guest that illuminate the choices we make as artists, designers and educators, and the transformative impact of the arts on individuals and communities. With thoughtful dialogue that embraces both successes and challenges, the series invites listeners to gain new perspectives and celebrate the essential role of the arts in shaping culture and society.
Episodes
Jeannine Diego
Oct 27, 2025Fashion designer Jeannine Diego discusses the intersection of community, punk rock and the self-making performance of fashion that we all do every day.
This episode also features guest Kristin Stewart, a doctoral student whose research investigates the historical influence of men's clothing on masculinity.
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About Jeannine Diego
With more than 25 years of fashion industry experience in various contexts and regions traversing a broad range of competencies, Jeannine Diego’s creative practice informs her research and focus on sustainable design. Her areas of interest lie at the intersections of fashion and...
Kendall Buster
Oct 13, 2025Kendall Buster shares her fascinating journey from microbiology to sculpture, the realization that all life is architecture, and the unexpected lessons of getting professional praise.
This episode also features guest Christiana Lafazani, associate dean for faculty affairs and research at VCUarts.
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About Kendall Buster
Kendall Buster is a professor of Sculpture + Extended Media at VCUarts. Equally inspired by the monumental and the microscopic, her large-scale sculptures operate as scale models for imaginary places and converse with the particulars of existing built spaces. Her work, informed at once by the bu...
Justin Alexander
Sep 29, 2025Percussionist Justin Alexander, D.M., shares his passion for “singing” rhythm and discusses the extraordinary potential of veering from your original plan and letting your interests guide you.
This episode also features guest Karen Cubides, a musician, coach and entrepreneur who specializes in helping musicians connect with the calling of their work.
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About Justin Alexander
Justin Alexander is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. A dynamic percussionist, he has performed across the U.S. and internationally in Belgium, Australia, Sweden, Costa Rica and...
Carmenita Higginbotham, Ph.D.
Aug 28, 2025Art historian and dean of VCU’s School of the Arts Carmenita Higginbotham, Ph.D., discusses her unexpected journey to becoming the go-to expert for everything from Edward Hopper to Mickey Mouse.
This episode also features guest Christiana Lafazani, associate dean for faculty affairs and research at VCUarts.
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About Carmenita Higginbotham
Carmenita Higginbotham is an art historian whose research and scholarship examine 20th century American art, urban art, race and representation, and American popular culture. She has lectured extensively on the history of American art, popular visual culture and art...
Amir Berbić
Aug 28, 2025Amir Berbić reflects on his refugee experience and the power of design to shape identity, foster resilience, and build community, and discusses his work as a designer, educator and dean of VCUarts Qatar.
This episode also features guest Christiana Lafazani, associate dean for faculty affairs and research at VCUarts.
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About Amir Berbić
Amir Berbić is a graphic designer who works on questions surrounding identities of place. He collaborates on projects with cultural organizations, arts institutions, and publishers, with commissions that range from print design to three-dimensional typography to environmental grap...
Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.
Aug 28, 2025Director, actor and educator Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D., examines the need for authenticity, the power of African poetic drama and how a single play changed her entire life.
This episode also features guest Desirée Dabney, guest musical theatre artist, actor and CEO of Theatre Diva Productions.
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About Tawnya Pettiford-Wates
Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D., is professor of graduate pedagogy in acting and directing at Virginia Commonwealth University and the artistic director of The Conciliation Project, a non-profit social justice theatre company.
Dr. T is a playwright, director, ac...
Duration: 00:20:38