College of Visual and Performing Arts

Rising senior’s internship steers her in the right direction

sbrown79 — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:57:33 +0000

Rising senior’s internship steers her in the right direction sbrown79 Wed, 08/19/2026 - 10:57

At first glance, it might seem usual for a graphic design major to intern at a car dealership. But for 911�� rising senior Rayna Roades, her role as a marketing operations intern at Pohanka Automotive has revealed a strong connection between the creative skills she’s learned in the classroom and the work she’s doing in the professional world.

One of her major projects with the company has been putting together Pohanka’s annual student yearbook, an assignment she said connects directly to what she learned in her AVT 313 Publication Design course.

“In my publication design course, I learned a lot about how to set up a good book. We did a cookbook and a magazine, both of which were really instrumental in preparing me to set up the yearbook,” said Roades.

Roades (second from left) and her internship colleagues. Photo provided.

At Pohanka Automotive, Roades is gaining hands-on experience in marketing, publication design, and photography. Roades said the internship has strengthened the creative and technical skills she’s developed at 911�� and reinforced one of the biggest lessons she has learned so far: Growth often comes through trial and error.

“It's a lot of hard work, but it’s fun. Now, I'm confident in my ability to do things like set up a media program, quick color grading, and artistically capture a story through a video or one still image,” she said.

Her contributions to the company’s marketing efforts include filming and editing content, auditing websites, and contacting customers.

Roades, who has a minor in studio art, also contributed to event planning for Pohanka, coordinating the company’s Fourth of July parade entry in Leesburg, Virginia. She managed details such as costumes, decorations, vehicle assignments, and communication with parade organizers.

Roades (second from left) working alongside her internship colleagues. Photo provided.

Beyond the technical work, Roades said the internship has given her a better understanding of workplace culture. She travels between dealerships to photograph and interview fellow interns for the company yearbook.

During her breaks, she visits different parts of the company and talks with employees across brands, including Acura, Lexus, and Chevrolet, to better understand the organization and create more authentic content. Interns also meet weekly at the Pohanka Automotive Operations Center to learn from one another and share updates on their work.

Roades said 911�� faculty played an important role in preparing her for the opportunity as she was recommended for the internship by a professor and advisor, who helped her build the foundation she now uses every day.

“Rayna is an exceptional and imaginative student who consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and creativity,” said School of Art adjunct faculty member Peter Kery, who taught Roades’s Publication Design course.

“She approaches every task with careful attention to craft and detail, particularly in image-making and illustration. Based on her performance in class, I believe she has the potential to become a strong leader who can think critically and take initiative,” he said.

Roades also works as a media lab specialist in Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) and hopes to expand her content creation skills by contributing to social media efforts connected to the Makerspace as well as to the Flourish and Bloom Research Lab in the College of Public Health.

“911�� and my professors have done such a great job of making sure that I can transition from college into the work industry,” Roades said.

For other students preparing for internships and careers, Roades offers simple advice: “We have a saying in sales: Selling is 90% emotion and 10% facts. Be nice to people.”

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From bioengineering to big bands, 911�� camps focus on well-being

sholla4 — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:12:05 +0000

From bioengineering to big bands, 911�� camps focus on well-being sholla4 Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:12

Year-round, 911��'s colleges, centers, and labs are taking a people-first integrated approach to human health and well-being that advances science, develops talent, and strengthens communities. That includes the summer, when labs and studios open their doors for the community to learn how innovations in art and science can make our world a healthier place.

From bioengineering to big bands, these summer programs are teaching all ages that 911��'s Grand Challenge Initiative solution of "improving human health, well-being, and preparedness" is about more than numbers in a medical chart.

BioE Buzz summer campers learn about bioengineering by testing exoskeletons and biomechanics while interacting with 911�� faculty and students .Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

BioE Buzz

In its third year, BioE Buzz introduces high school students to the greater field of bioengineering and groundbreaking research at 911��. Rising juniors and seniors get hands-on experience with bioengineering technologies like 3D printing and ultrasound, learn about nanofabrication and tissue engineering, meet faculty and researchers from the Department of Bioengineering, and compete as a team for a one-week internship in one of 911��'s research labs.

"We love when campers connect with one another over a shared passion for solving problems in biology and medicine," said Khadija Zaidi-Rashid, assistant professor in the College of Engineering and Computing and codirector of BioE Buzz camp.

This year's 24 campers designed cardiac stents, extracted collagen and created polymers from animal tissues, and controlled a hand prothesis with bio signals. They also got a taste of college life: eating in dining halls, touring facilities, and learning team-building at The Edge on the Science and Technology Campus. Current 911�� undergraduates and graduate students serve as coordinators, counselors, and teachers for the camp as well, so campers can see a full picture of what's possible at 911��.

"Whether our campers select a path in health policy, medical sciences, academic research, or entrepreneurship, they are all united in their passion for making a true impact on humanity," said Zaidi-Rashid.

AI in Health

A new camp for 2026, the AI in Health Camp introduces rising high school juniors and seniors to how artificial intelligence is used in health care and public health and how it can be designed and evaluated responsibly.

"The camp is designed to prepare the next generation to use AI responsibly to improve patient safety, expand access to reliable health information, and make the information more accessible and understandable through inclusive design," said Maria Uriyo, an associate professor in the College of Public Health. "By reaching high school students early, the camp helps them explore emerging careers at the intersection of AI, health care, and public health while contributing to a more inclusive future health workforce."

Over the course of one week, students build foundational skills in AI literacy, practicing user-centered and inclusive design and safe and responsible AI use through daily AI Maker Labs. Graduate students in the Department of Health Administration, Policy and Informatics coach campers through designing and building community health chatbots. On the last day of camp, students present their work at a student showcase.

"We want students to understand that AI can be a powerful tool for health, but it always needs human judgment, safety checks, and inclusive design to provide meaningful and responsible benefits," said Uriyo.

911�� Jazz Camp

Human health and well-being is more than a matter of science. "Jazz music is said to 'wash away the dust of life,' improve our mental agility, and help us discover our true selves," said John Kocur, an associate professor of jazz studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

911�� Jazz Camp has existed in various forms since 2005, with its current form in its fifth year. This year, 87 students attended to learn music theory, practice improvisation, work with master musicians, and perform. Each day ends with a concert by a professional musician. The goal: developing the creative capacity of each musician and immersing them in the culture so they can experience the benefits of jazz throughout their lives.

"We hope each student remembers what it feels like to express yourself through your instrument spontaneously while jamming along with others," said Kocur.

And at 911�� Jazz Camp, these experiences are open to all. This year's cohort included 12 adult students, demonstrating how finding wellness through music can be done at any age.

"This music has served vital roles of survival for over a century, and it still has many lessons to teach us about cooperation, personal expression, and peace," said Kocur. "Whether you are an experienced improviser or just getting started, the expert faculty will help you realize your potential and grow into the musician you want to become."

Roxy Coss, the Artist-in-Residence for the 2026 911�� Jazz Camp with faculty on the Center for the Arts stage, Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

See how 911�� is improving human health, well-being, and preparedness

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America250 programming from Mason Arts this fall

Katarina Benson — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:31:34 +0000

America250 programming from Mason Arts this fall Katarina Benson Wed, 07/01/2026 - 14:31

911�� is excited to showcase programming and events this fall that celebrate America250 and the dedication, service, and artistry of the people of the United States. Beginning with the fall 2026 semester, visual and performing arts events will take place across all three of 911��’s Northern Virginia campuses.

Two concerts and three exhibitions will take place on 911�� campuses. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Three fine art exhibitions will showcase artwork from veterans, as well as their family members and caregivers. Three different but interrelated exhibitions will be on view from August through early December in Arlington, Fairfax, and Manassas, Virginia.

The U.S. Army Bands will present two concerts at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Both of are free and open to the public.

The U.S. Army Field Band Concert brings a variety of ensembles and musical styles for an expansive and exciting performance on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 3 p.m.
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will perform A Salute to Veterans concert that combines music and storytelling to honor the veterans who served our nation on Friday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m.

To learn more about these events and other America250 programming from Mason Arts, please join our mailing list.

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Hylton Center’s Marit Majeske honored as a community partner in education

lclarkg — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:33:34 +0000

Hylton Center’s Marit Majeske honored as a community partner in education lclarkg Tue, 06/16/2026 - 10:33

Marit Majeske leads the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s education initiatives, providing diverse arts experiences to learners of all ages. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Marit Majeske, education coordinator at 911��’s Hylton Performing Arts Center, was honored by SPARK, the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools, with the 2026 Sharon Henry Community Partner in Education Award. Majeske leads the Hylton Center’s education initiatives, providing diverse arts experiences at no cost to learners of all ages.

SPARK formally recognized Majeske at its 2026 Business Partnerships of the Year Reception hosted at the Hylton Center on 911��’s Science and Technology Campus. The event celebrated connections between the school division and the business community. View the list of awardees.

Majeske was recognized for offering support to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) as a collaborative partner and attending summer community events and school-based community pop-ups, ensuring families have access to important resources and opportunities. Majeske has also supported book distributions during PWCS teacher wellness days, uplifting educators and reinforcing a culture of care.

Working with local school districts is one of Majeske’s favorite parts of the job, and as a graduate of PWCS, she continues to serve the community where she was raised. Read more about Majeske’s work at 911��.

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Wrap up for April 30 BOV meeting

Katarina Benson — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:52:50 +0000

Wrap up for April 30 BOV meeting Katarina Benson Mon, 05/11/2026 - 14:52

At its final meeting of the academic year, the 911�� Board of Visitors saluted graduates from the Early Identification Program, received an update on the men’s basketball program from Coach Tony Skinn, and passed a six-year capital plan, among other actions, including approval of a tuition and fees increase for 2026-27.

Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, reported that 41 proposals (16 large, 25 small) had been submitted for the Grand Challenge Initiative. The initial funding recipients were announced in The George on May 6.

Faculty from all colleges and schools, including Mason Korea, submitted applications. Marshall noted that 38 of the proposals included more than one 911�� college or school and six proposals involved five or more colleges and schools.

“This initiative strengthens 911��'s competitiveness for large interdisciplinary awards,” Marshall said. “It also reshapes how we organize our institutional research. Finally, most importantly, it positions us to lead solutions to some of our most urgent societal needs, living up to our responsibility as a top-tier research university.”

Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, shared successes from his department and brought along a special guest—men’s basketball coach Tony Skinn. Women’s basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis will be a guest at a future Athletic Committee meeting.

Lewis reported significant increases in corporate sponsorships, fundraising (including $2 million on Giving Day, doubling last year’s total), ticket sales, and men’s basketball attendance.

To improve student turnout at athletic events, the university is creating the position of assistant director of student involvement for student fan engagement. According to the job posting, the role “focuses on fostering connections between students, student organizations, and athletic programs to build a vibrant, spirited campus culture.”

“Most schools don't have that,” Lewis said. “But it shows the shared commitment in engaging our students, creating a community for our students, and our investment at the university level to make that happen.”

Under Skinn, the Patriots have posted three consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time in program history and amid a challenging recruiting environment. The team was co-regular season champion of the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2024-25 and has reached the NIT the past two postseasons. 911�� will enter the 2026-27 season seeking its first NCAA men’s basketball berth since 2011.

Skinn said the Basketball and Academic Performance Center for the men’s and women’s teams set to open in 2027 will be “transformational” for the program because it combines the team’s athletic and academic resources. The BAPC is a 27,870 square-foot addition and 14,341 square-foot renovation to the existing Recreation and Athletic Complex and will include a modern academic advising center for all 911�� student-athletes.

“Through men's basketball, I believe a return on investment reaches far beyond the game itself, driving enrollment, strengthening alumni engagement, fueling fundraising, elevating national relevance and deepening 911�� pride,” Skinn told the board. “That is what a successful basketball program can do for this university.”

Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the 911�� Foundation, reported that the university has raised more than $639 million toward its $1 billion Mason Now: Power the Possible goal. That includes $2.95 million raised from Giving Day on April 2, topping the $1.5 million collected last year for Giving Day.

Athletics, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Costello College of Business each had a record number of donors this year.

Bowden said that 237 faculty and staff made donations on Giving Day, and the day included 500 first-time donors.

The board congratulated 19 members of the Early Identification Program (EIP) who are graduating this month. Among them was Monica Amaya, an Honors College student and University Scholar who is earning a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in management information systems.

EIP provides academic preparation, leadership training, and college process guidance for first-generation students starting in the eighth grade. EIP is marking its 40th anniversary this year. More than 200 EIP alumni are currently enrolled at the university.

“When I arrived here at 911��, I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch,” said Amaya, who is from Manassas Park, Virginia. “It felt like I was continuing a journey. One I had already been prepared for. I felt supported, and most importantly, I felt like I belonged.

“I carry with me everything that EIP and 911�� have given me: Resilience, a drive to learn, and a strong sense of community. My success didn't happen by chance. It started with access, it started with support. It started with EIP.”

Amaya, an EIP peer mentor, has a job lined up at CACI as a software developer.

Leaders from three of the university’s schools and colleges made pitches to the board for new or upgraded facilities.

Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, presented a plan to turn Point of View into a retreat and conflict center that could accommodate overnight visitors. Özerdem envisions a “civilian Camp David.”

Point of View, located in Lorton, Virginia, about 18 miles from the Fairfax Campus, is a retreat and research center guided by Carter School faculty. The facility, on 120 wooded acres on Belmont Bay, provides space and support for groups to resolve conflict, heal, and reconcile, and is also a community event space.

Özerdem said that the most effective conflict resolution programs enable participants to spend extended time together in common living and gathering spaces.

“When people share the dinner table, if they sleep under the same roof, they start to think about peace in a different way,” Özerdem said. “Live, think, negotiate together is what we want to achieve.”

Ozerdem said the university has secured $4 million from the state and needs another $10 million to upgrade the facility. He said a public–private partnership is one option.

Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, made a presentation to the board about CVPA fundraising activities and a proposed $104 million project for a new Center for the Arts. The current center opened in 1990.

“When the arts programs of 1990 are all counted up, we had 250 students and we now have 1,800 students majoring in all of our arts disciplines,” Davis said. "The building that we designed in the 1980s was designed for a whole different universe.”

Davis mentioned other potential projects, including a planning study for a new facility for the film and video studies program and game design program to share. Those programs currently are based in the Art and Design Building. Davis also discussed an “arts district vision” that would include a sculpture garden and campus museum.

Patrick Soleymani, associate dean of the Costello College of Business, presented a plan for a new business school building, an initiative that began in 2018. The proposed $165 million project is part of the university’s six-year capital plan (see below).

Soleymani said that Northern Virginia has more than 130,000 open jobs, including 80% in tech-related field, many of which are affiliated with business school graduates.

“Our reputation has outgrown our infrastructure,” Soleymani said. “A new home for Costello directly enhances student success and strengthens the university's position as being in charge of the economic engine of this community and region.”

The six-year capital plan includes several proposed projects. It establishes the university’s capital requests to be submitted to the commonwealth for consideration. The plan is updated on an annual basis and approved by the Board of Visitors.

Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB): Proposed as 150,000-square-foot building that will modernize and replicate the spaces within David King Hall and Planetary Hall to allow 911�� to repurpose or demolish the two antiquated facilities in accordance with the Master Plan.
Costello College of Business Building: The approximately 150,000-square-foot building is anticipated to collocate the Costello College of Business operations. A new building would allow for technology-rich, experiential business education while significantly improving visibility and competitiveness.
Baseball Stadium: Would address long-standing facility shortcomings and support the student-athlete experience and recruitment. The current facility has metal bleachers and no restrooms, lights, or concessions.
High-Performance Training Center: Envisioned in partnership with a potential private partner to leverage shared investment and expertise.
Field House: The current facility has exceeded its useful life and no longer meets current programmatic or building system standards.

The April 30 meeting documents can be accessed here. A video recording and transcript of the meeting is here.

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Eagle Scout project increases reach and functionality of Instruments in the Attic Program

Katarina Benson — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:37:23 +0000

Eagle Scout project increases reach and functionality of Instruments in the Attic Program Katarina Benson Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:37

At the Mason Community Arts Academy (MCAA), a normally quiet Saturday in March was filled with the sounds of drills humming and stairs creaking as Boy Scouts and parents moved about the building. Scouts from Troop 1865 were on site to work on an Eagle Scout project led by Robinson High School sophomore Brendan Williamson to upgrade the storage for the academy’s Instruments in the Attic (IiA) Program.

Scouts working on the closet. Photo provided

Founded in 2008, Instruments in the Attic is a donation program through 911��’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, which has provided hundreds of instruments to music students at the university, in local high schools, across Virginia, and beyond.

A violinist at Robinson High School in Fairfax, Williamson wanted to work with IiA because of his passion for music and musical education. He heard about IiA from an adult in his troop.

“Many old instruments sitting unused in attics, basements, or closets go overlooked,” he said. “But each one has the potential to inspire a new musician who otherwise might not have access to musical education.”

Through his Eagle Scout project with Instruments in the Attic, Williamson helped collect, clean, and refurbish these instruments so they could find homes with aspiring musicians.

The new closet. Photo provided

From their initial meeting, Mary Lechter, MCAA executive director, and Lucas Kremer, coordinator of music programs and outreach, said they were impressed by Williamson’s ideas for the project, as well as his openness to their thoughts on what would be most beneficial to IiA. Throughout the planning and execution phases of the project, Lechter said Williamson showed initiative, leadership, and attention to detail beyond his years.

Williamson also reached out to local music stores, fellow students at Robinson, and members of his scout troop for instrument donations. He was able to collect 30 instruments.

For the construction portion of his project, Williamson and his team of 24 volunteers built new shelving for the instruments. Williamson also designed an online inventory system for the program to track and manage instrument repairs.

"Having the opportunity to make a positive impact, especially in an area that you are passionate about, is an incredible experience, and I am so lucky to have been able to work with the wonderful people at Instruments in the Attic and the Mason Arts Community Academy,” Williamson said.

Williamson and his fellow scouts and parents. Photo provided

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School of Dance Alumnus Performs with Doug Varone and Dancers

Laura Mertens — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:27:00 +0000

School of Dance Alumnus Performs with Doug Varone and Dancers Laura Mertens Thu, 04/02/2026 - 15:27

When Doug Varone and Dancers takes the stage at the Center for the Arts on April 25, it will mark a full circle moment for company member and 911�� alumnus Dareon Blowe, who graduated with a BFA from the School of Dance in 2023.

Doug Varone and Dancers company members Ryan Yamauchi, Kanon Sugino, Dareon Blowe, and Madison Elliott. Photo by Kevin Colton.

While a student, Blowe had been selected from 70 911�� dance majors through auditions in October 2022 as one of eight students to perform the work Double Octet with Doug Varone and Dancers as part of the Great Performances at Mason series at the Center for the Arts. After rehearsing extensively to share the stage with company members for the February 2023 show, he also performed the work at the spring Mason Dance Company Gala with fellow students.

“Double Octet came to me at a time when I was needing a change of pace,” Blowe said. “During my senior year, I was craving something liberating, and Doug's work became that outlet because it revealed some of the core principles that I love and care about in dance. I learned a lot about weight, suspension, and the freedom of release. Specifically, how to move quickly with ease and find the pleasure in pedestrian movement. I enjoyed getting to understand Doug’s movement vocabulary both as an artist and an aspiring choreographer.”

Blowe ultimately received the School of Dance’s Excellence in Performance award, and 911�� School of Dance Director Professor Susan Shields said of his adaptability, “From his freshmen year until his senior year, Dareon danced on our stages in works by major international artists, faculty, students, and even created his own works.”

During his time at 911��, Blowe had the opportunity to participate in 10 residencies with different companies and choreographers.

“Each residency taught me a little bit more about what it takes to be a professional in the sphere of concert dance," he said. "I was able to see many different ways to approach movement, choreography, and rehearsal direction. Being able to choose what worked for me and what didn’t gave me more confidence in my identity as an artist, while also connecting me with my future colleagues and friends.”

Dareon Blowe. Photo by Jim Lafferty

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Blowe is also an alumnus of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, SpringBoard Danse Montreal, MOTUS, and RUBBERBAND, where he worked from 2023 to 2025 under the artistic direction of Victor Quijada. He has performed repertoire by Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, Micaela Taylor, Camille A. Brown, Doug Varone, Wayne McGregor, Rafael Bonachela, Rena Butler, and more.

As an educator, he has created and taught at a multitude of programs around the country like BigKids Summer, Boston Arts Academy, Governors School of the Arts, and Colgan High School Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Blowe began rehearsing with Doug Varone and Dancers in December 2025, and then joined the company at their residency in upstate New York. He will perform with the company throughout the rest of this season. The April 25 program at the Center for the Arts includes the premiere of a new work titled No Matter What the End.

Blowe said that one of the things he loves most about the new work is a section scored to "Jigsaw Falling into Place" by Radiohead. “It’s one of those moments where you can’t help but feel an intense dopamine rush. It approaches the end of the work, serving as a final push before a clear shift where the space opens up and we finally get to breathe.”

As Blowe’s career continues to open up and unfurl into new amazing experiences, Shields said, “The School of Dance knew that we sent out a dancer prepared for the professional world, and Dareon continues to make us proud. Welcome home, Dareon!”

Limited tickets are available for the April 25 performance, and continue to check cfa.gmu.edu periodically as additional tickets are returned or released. A pre-performance discussion with Artistic Director Doug Varone, moderated by Shields, will take place one hour before the performance.

The company’s upcoming visit will continue its tradition of engagement with the College of Visual and Performing Arts through learning opportunities for School of Dance students in conjunction with the performance, including four master classes and a Q&A with Varone and company members.

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Susan Shields

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Meet the Mason Nation: John Forgy

lclarkg — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:35:49 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: John Forgy lclarkg Tue, 03/24/2026 - 10:35

Name: John Forgy

Job: Environmental Graphic Designer and Sign Program Manager, Campus Planning, Facilities and Campus Operations

Imagine exploring a new location—an unfamiliar city, shopping center, sports stadium, or even a college campus—and not finding any signage to help you get around.

We rely on a countless number of signs each day, whether we are driving, walking through a neighborhood, shopping at the grocery store, or going from building to building on campus. John Forgy, environmental graphic designer and sign program manager at 911��, creates the wayfinding systems that guide students, faculty, staff, and visitors across the university’s campuses and sites.

All roads lead to 911��: John Forgy's work on university signage helps students, faculty, staff, and visitors find their way around the campuses. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Enter here: After graduating from 911��, Forgy, BA Studio Art ’89, started working at an environmental graphic design firm in Washington, D.C. He worked on projects in experiential design, which merges graphic, architectural, interior, and landscape design to enhance how people interact with built environments.

Points of interest: “I was fortunate enough to work on a wide variety of projects like higher education, museums, sports facilities, concert halls, hospitals, commercial buildings, and campus wayfinding programs,” Forgy said. He always enjoyed higher education projects, which prepared him to start working at 911�� in 2012.

Brand builder: Forgy’s main responsibility is to integrate the university brand into the built environment. He manages the development, implementation, and maintenance of interior and exterior wayfinding signs, code-required signs, recognition signs, and more. “I also document all of the sign systems in use and plan for the future growth of signage and graphics programs at 911��,” Forgy said.

John Forgy is responsible for designing campus signage that translates the university's brand into the built environment. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Different directions: Across multiple campuses and sites, there are a lot of signs to design, create, and manage. Signs are fabricated in the university’s sign shop located on the Fairfax Campus or by contractors off-site.

“911�� is like a small city, which means I get to work on a wide range of projects for a variety of clients,” Forgy said. “Every day is different, and I’m never bored.”

Caution ahead: Because signage is a long-lasting investment for the university, Forgy must balance his focus between present needs and planning for the future. “Much of what I do sets the standard for the future,” he said. “Sometimes that means taking extra time to think way ahead when a project comes to me without a previous precedent.”

Place-making: Some of Forgy’s most memorable projects include a collaboration with the City of Fairfax to apply “We Are Mason” decals on several streets in the city and on the campuses, as well as an exterior wayfinding sign refresh taking shape this year. “Anytime you see your work come to life, it’s exciting,” Forgy said. “Getting positive feedback from the 911�� community, especially from the students, is very satisfying.”

Taking a detour: Outside work, Forgy enjoys history, restoring his ’77 Bronco, and music. He spent more than 23 years working part-time in radio as air talent. Forgy got his start in radio during college at 911��’s WGMU, where he worked as a DJ and a production director. “I might have switched majors if I wasn't so far along pursuing my art degree,” Forgy said.

The “On Air” sign takes on extra meaning, in this case.

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Off the Clock: Physicist Paul So boosts the momentum of visual artists

lclarkg — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:55:06 +0000

Off the Clock: Physicist Paul So boosts the momentum of visual artists lclarkg Wed, 03/18/2026 - 09:55

As a professor in 911��’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Paul So is a theoretical physicist who specializes in dynamical systems analysis and its application to neuroscience. Alongside colleagues and students, he studies the behaviors that emerge from large populations of neurons, or nerve cells, which carry electrical and chemical signals through the brain and body.

Outside his role as a physics professor, So is an artist. An avid painter, he also supports developing artists as a co-founder of Hamiltonian Artists, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art incubator based in Washington, D.C.

Paul So, professor in 911��'s Department of Physics and Astronomy, supports developing artists through his work with the nonprofit organization Hamiltonian Artists. Photo by Hamiltonian Artists

While there are major differences between the study of physics and neuroscience and the creation of visual art, there are also similarities. Both practices turn abstract concepts into something more concrete. Neurons receive sensory input and process complex information for the nervous system. Neurons are hard at work whenever art affects human emotions and provokes a response.

We asked So to tell us about his experiences as an artist, scientist, and how his nonprofit has helped support individuals building careers in the visual arts field.

Please share a bit about Hamiltonian Artists, its mission, and the fellowship program.

Hamiltonian Artists is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art incubator with a mission to nurture community and increase access to space, opportunity, and resources for emerging artists through impactful programs and exhibitions.

The Hamiltonian Fellowship Program is anchored around a large exhibition space in Washington, D.C. Over the course of our two-year program, the Hamiltonian Fellows are provided with exhibition opportunities and access to a network of mentors: local professional artists, gallerists, museum professionals, academics, and art collectors.

How did you first get started as an artist? What inspired you to create a nonprofit that supports visual artists?

I began painting as a teenager. While pursuing my BS in physics and mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, I took studio art classes through a consortium available with other Claremont Colleges. I completed all of the coursework required for a BA in Studio Art at Scripps College. However, because Harvey Mudd did not offer a degree in studio art, I was not able to receive an additional BA in that field.

I continued painting while working toward my PhD in physics and during my career as a professor at 911��. When my first study leave opportunity arose, I began thinking about how I might reconnect my artistic interests with my scientific career. Reflecting on my own academic journey, I realized how greatly I had benefited from the mentorship and guidance I received during my doctoral and postdoctoral years. As an artist, I recognized the lack of a comparable career-development support structure for visual artists.

This led me to consider the idea of creating a “postdoc in art” model for emerging artists. In 2007, with faculty members in 911��’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and several other like-minded artists and arts leaders in Washington, D.C., we founded Hamiltonian Artists.

Hamiltonian Artists serves as an incubator for the professional development of emerging visual artists in Washington, D.C. Photo by Hannah Chen/Hamiltonian Artists

As a professor of physics, do you see any overlap between your work in that field and your work as an artist?

Creativity is one of the most important elements in approaching both a physics question and an artistic pursuit. Although the practices themselves may differ, a good artist researches their subject and approaches their craft with as much rigor as a good researcher in physics.

At the same time, the two disciplines differ in how they engage with and interpret the world. The strength of the natural sciences lies in their evidence-based approach to understanding the natural world. While insight and creativity play important roles in scientific discovery, the process ultimately relies on the scientific method and experimental verifications.

While logic and structure are also important in the arts, the creation of an enduring and impactful work of art—its cultural resonance and relevance over time—often depends on intuition and emotional understanding.

What has been the most meaningful experience you’ve had with Hamiltonian Artists?

One of the most meaningful and satisfying aspects has been seeing many of our Hamiltonian Artists alumni return as mentors, board members, and supporters. Their continued commitment has helped sustain the organization and guide its journey into the next decade and beyond.

Have you learned any lessons through your experiences as an artist, or as a founder of Hamiltonian Artists?

After seeing so many Hamiltonian Fellows pass through our program over the past 20 years, I have come to realize that they are far better artists than I am. I often joke that if I were to apply to the Hamiltonian Fellowship myself as an artist, I would most likely not be selected.

At the same time, I have developed a deep appreciation for the dedication required to sustain a professional artistic practice. Making a living as an artist is not easy. Many successful, practicing artists hold two jobs: one to support themselves, and another devoted to maintaining their creative practice. The latter often involves producing new work, connecting with other artists, promoting one’s work, attending exhibitions and openings, and participating in the broader artistic community.

Beyond providing the practical tools of professional development to our fellows, I have come to recognize that Hamiltonian also serves another important purpose. It offers emerging artists—many of whom have just completed their MFA or BFA—a supportive space in which to try to build a professional career… [and] a community they can rely on as they continue their artistic journeys.

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911�� and Walter Reed Bethesda collaborate to support veterans through the arts

sbrown79 — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:33:46 +0000

911�� and Walter Reed Bethesda collaborate to support veterans through the arts sbrown79 Mon, 11/10/2025 - 10:33

This year marks the 10th anniversary of 911��'s Veterans and the Arts Initiative—an important example of 911��'s long-standing commitment to assisting military-connected learners as they embark on new paths following their service.

Since 2014, the Veterans and the Arts Initiative has reached more than 20,000 military-connected community members by offering everything from hands-on workshops to art exhibitions and concerts—all designed with veterans, service members, military family members, and military caregivers in mind.

What began as a yearly effort to offer gratitude to veterans each Veterans Day by providing a creative outlet at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus has grown into a thriving hub—a place where art meets community, providing a much-needed space for the military community.

Coinciding with its 10-year milestone, the initiative once again received the opportunity to join forces with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Arts in Health Program to discuss how to help servicemembers and their families through the process of injury recovery and the transition from military to civilian life.

The seeds of the Walter Reed collaboration were planted in 2018, when Niyati Dhokai, who leads 911��'s Veterans and the Arts Initiative, was asked to be a panelist at a Creative Forces: National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Military Healing Arts Network event. It was there that Dhokai met Captain (Ret.) Moira G. McGuire, founding chief of the Arts in Health Program at Walter Reed Bethesda.

Later, when Dhokai and her team were selected for a contract to create an artist vetting process for McGuire's newly formed Arts in Health Program, the relationship continued to grow. The program was established to support servicemembers recovering from traumatic brain injuries and psychological health conditions.

At the time, Walter Reed Bethesda was the first destination stateside for all wounded and ill service members, McGuire said.

Over several months, the 911�� and Walter Reed teams examined the program from multiple perspectives, aiming to determine how resources could have the greatest impact, explained McGuire.

Dhokai (right) and McGuire (left) presenting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Healing Arts Week Research Symposium. Photo by NYU Steinhardt.

In addition, McGuire co-taught AMGT 599 Managing Arts Programs in Healthcare with Dhokai, who is also a research associate professor at 911��'s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), at 911�� in fall 2023, emphasizing the importance of the arts in healthcare and how it can be implemented safely.

More recently Dhokai, McGuire, and their colleagues presented a panel titled "Supporting the Well-being and Social Connectedness of Military-Connected Communities through Clinical and Community-Based Arts Workshops" at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Healing Arts Week Research Symposium, which was produced by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and the World Health Organization, in September 2025 in New York City.

The research symposium centered around the idea of engaging in the arts being recognized as a health behavior—like sleep, nutrition, exercise, time in nature, and social connection. Attendees included local and international policy leaders, cultural leaders, health providers, practitioners across disciplines, and students.

Dhokai said the Veterans and the Arts Initiative isn't just offering workshops; it's about creating a space where veterans, service members, and their families can explore creativity as families, as friends, and as people sharing similar experiences.

"As a program director, my joy is creating these welcoming, supportive programs," said Dhokai, who is also a 911�� alumna. "Our team includes faculty, staff, and arts practitioners, and we're always evolving our workshops to meet the needs of participants."

911��'s School of Art, Dewberry School of Music, and the Arts Management Program have all contributed to the initiative. Some veterans are even teaching classes for the initiative.

Current 911�� student and Air Force veteran Valerie Acosta-Gonzalez will be the lead instructor for the upcoming Gel Printed Journals series.

A senior art and visual technology major, Acosta-Gonzalez says her own life has been positively influenced by using art as a tool for self-care. Her mediums include acrylic, gouache, watercolors, pencils, pens, clay and wood. Her art has been exhibited at the Arches Gallery in the Workhouse Arts Center in Virginia.

Her favorite thing about conducting workshops with veterans is the camaraderie. "Making art is vulnerable, and when you show veterans how they can use the language of art to express things that others may not quite fully understand, you inevitably create a bond," Acosta-Gonzalez said. "We already have our military experiences in common, and we can add a deeper layer of meaning by creating art together."

Dhokai said that the connections the initiative makes with the military families extends beyond a single workshop offering. "For example, we held a songwriting series for military children in collaboration with Mason Community Arts Academy, and now some of those kids are participating in our Veterans Guitar Workshop Series. Additionally, student veteran alumni take workshops after they graduate," she said.

Dhokai and her staff continue to collect data longitudinally to understand how community-based arts projects have a role in the ongoing support of military-connected individuals.

Three major themes that emerged from initial participant responses and that continue to be highlighted by participants are increased interest in learning new skills, social connectedness, and a sense of well-being.

The program is just one of many ways 911�� supports its military-connected students, who make up about 10% of the student population.

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Niyati Dhokai

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Please share a bit about Hamiltonian Artists, its mission, and the fellowship program.

How did you first get started as an artist? What inspired you to create a nonprofit that supports visual artists?

As a professor of physics, do you see any overlap between your work in that field and your work as an artist?

What has been the most meaningful experience you’ve had with Hamiltonian Artists?

Have you learned any lessons through your experiences as an artist, or as a founder of Hamiltonian Artists?

Read More Like This

Topics

911���� and Walter Reed Bethesda collaborate to support veterans through the arts

In This Story

Related Stories

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From bioengineering to big bands, 911�� camps focus on well-being

911�� Jazz Camp

911�� and Walter Reed Bethesda collaborate to support veterans through the arts