Fall 2024 Series Lineup
The Creative Professionals Lecture Series invites a broad range of interdisciplinary practitioners including artists, designers, curators, educators and historians to engage with the campus and local communities. The Watkins College of Art is committed to inviting diverse and innovative voices that propel the transformative power of art and design forward. In addition to public lectures, students benefit from personal engagement with speakers through class visits and studio critiques.
This lecture series is FREE and open to the public. All lectures begin at 5:00 PM in the Leu Center for the Visual Arts Room 120, unless otherwise noted.
Sep 09 | Design in Action: Inspiring the Vote
Join us for an engaging discussion in connection with "Stand Up and Vote!"on display in the LCVA Lobby. This unique collection, curated from Former Metro Councilman Ronnie Steine's personal archive, showcases a selection of political posters designed to inspire voter registration and participation. The exhibit features works from artists, political parties, community organizations, candidates, and musicians, each emphasizing the significance of every individual's vote in the democratic process. Ronnie will be joined in conversation by Celene Aubrey, Director and Print Shop Manager of Hatch Show Print, as well as Belmont University faculty Dan Brawner and Nathan Griffith.
Sep 19 | Decolonizing Graphic Design: A Divisive Perspective
This event is held in the Jack C. Massey Center – 1890 Theater.
Join Watkins College of Art Designer in Residence Cheryl D. Miller. This session explores graphic design and colonialism, examining how historical and cultural narratives have shaped the field. Panelists will challenge conventional paradigms, offering insights on the importance of inclusive design practices and the future of a decolonized design industry.
Oct 01 | Step Out Of The Boat: In Search of The Extraordinary
Anthony Thaxton is an award-winning creative that has made significant contributions in art, music, writing, design, filmmaking, and television production. By stepping out of his comfort zone, he’s engaged in projects that pushed boundaries and opened new avenues for expression. Anthony will share insights on embracing risks to discover creative freedom and personal growth, including short clips and photos showcasing his work with figures like Morgan Freeman, Dolly Parton, and John Grisham.
This event is moderated by Watkins College of Art Dean James Pierce.
Nov 04 | Art & AI: Protecting Creative Integrity in the Digital Age
Kelly McKernan, a fine artist and illustrator known for their vibrant and surreal works, speaks on the controversial use of artificial intelligence in the art world, focusing on the use of their own artwork by AI image generators. McKernan will share experiences of unauthorized replication of their work by AI, discuss the implications for artists' rights and intellectual property, and explore how these issues can be addressed. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between technology and creativity, the risks it poses to creatives, and the future possibilities for protecting artistic integrity in the digital age.
This event is moderated by Belmont University Director of Community Engagement Jackie Tingle.
The Creative Professionals Lecture Series is presented by the Watkins College of Art at Belmont University and made possible through grant funding provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
