Arts and Culture

Bridging Art and Advocacy: That Day in Tucson

February 10, 2025 — Running now through Feb. 16, in the Norton Theatre, the play will be directed by guest artist Julio Agustin, a Broadway veteran and visionary director

A student actress holding a student actor's head in her arms

Memorable Melodies, Music Faculty Shine with Grammy Nominations

January 23, 2025 — The 67th annual Grammy Awards, recognizing excellence in the recording arts and sciences, will be held on Feb. 2, in Los Angeles

From left to right, Tim Gocklin and Steve Kovalcheck

A Glimpse into the New Hybrid Master of Arts in Studio Art

January 1, 2025 — The M.A. in Studio Art is designed for working adults and delivered mostly online over two fall and spring terms, with required studio hours either on campus or elsewhere, and one in-person summer intensive on campus.

A woman smiling while sitting and making pottery

Ceramics Meets AI: Guest Artist Adam Chau

January 1, 2025 — Adam Chau’s work blends traditional craftsmanship with new media technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital calligraphy.

Expanding Success

January 1, 2025 — The Revamped Music Business and Recording Arts Degree

A person working on a computer in a studio

Bright Prospects for Sculpture at UNC

January 1, 2025 — The Maxine and Don Schwartz Foundry and Sculpture Program Fund

A close up of fire and sculpting ceramics

Just Music and People: A Lasting Legacy

January 1, 2025 — Distinguished musician and alumnus gifts million-dollar legacy to support student scholarships and faculty research

Setting the Stage for Entrepreneurship and Leadership in the Studio Season

January 1, 2025 — Senior Gabriella Pafumi’s Experience as a Theatre Studies Student

PHOTOS: Afrocaribbean Movements with Dominican Republic Dancers

September 19, 2024 — As part of a cultural exchange, three professional dancers, members of the National Dance Company from Dominican Republic, came to UNC to teach workshops and perform at the ¡Bailamos! concert.

Musical Composition Dissertation Combines Ancient Melodies, Modern Poetry

September 19, 2024 — Alumni Kay Cypret's war requiem pays homage to the women of World War I.

A yellowed, old weathered background depicting piano keys superimposed over a musical composition.

Turning Tape into Attire

September 8, 2024 — First-year Theatre Arts student creates elaborate prom dress out of duct tape garnering scholarship awards

A black and white full dress made out of duct tape

With a UNC Alumna at the Helm, Little Theatre of the Rockies Enters its 90th Season

July 8, 2024 — In its 90th season, Little Theatre of the Rockies is the oldest professional theater company in Colorado. For alumnaMegan Van De Hey, ’99, the gravity of being the artistic director for the company is not lost on her.

Yes, We Did It! Latine Families Come Together to Celebrate Graduation

May 2, 2024 — Families come together to celebrate more than 330 Latine-identifying students graduating this spring.

family siting on a table with blue tablecloth, at the back the bear of UNC called Klawz

Finding the Scoop: Zvi Gutierrez at UNC

April 26, 2024 — Journalism major breaks into Denver media market thanks to hands-on experience at UNC

Zvi Gutierrez sitting at a desk with a green screen behind her

And the Show Goes On

April 26, 2024 — Graduating senior is ready to make the stage their oyster, thanks to many UNCtheater production opportunities

Andrea Camacho putting on mascara in the mirror

From Concept to Career: Exploring the Intersection of Theory, Practice and Purpose in Graphic Design Seniors

April 25, 2024 — Graphic Design seniors shine in exhibition as they prepare for their upcoming portfolio presentations and life after college

Collection of graphic elements in shades of purple and pink on a white wall

Research on Culturally Appropriate Music Plays Out In Middle School Band Class

April 24, 2024 — Music Education student researching culturally responsive pedagogy from a student-led perspective.

Musical globe background with music notes representing diverse sounds around the world.

Acclaimed Artist and Performer Represents Spirit of the Times in Race-Related Dissertation

April 18, 2024 — Edward W. Hardy's research includes analyzing his own original compositions inspired by the African American Experience

Inspiring Inclusivity in Music Through Achieving Milestones and Pushing Boundaries

March 8, 2024 — Jolie González Masmela, an international conducting student recently achieved three important milestones. As a woman pursuing a career in a field that has traditionally been dominated by males, she’s hoping those achievements can open paths for future generations.

Jolie González Masmela conducting UNC orchestra

PHOTOS: Lunar New Year

February 28, 2024 — The tradition continued this year on Feb. 17, marking the 17th annual Lunar New Year on campus.

Dragon Dance and the Lunar New Year celebration

PHOTOS: Taste of Africa

February 15, 2024 — UNC's African Students United club members hosted their annual Taste of Africa event highlighting the cultures of many different countries.

A group of dancers on a stage mid dance with their right arms up

Doctoral Student Develops Groundbreaking Theory About Chopin

February 2, 2024 — Research uncovers the famous composer's compositional strategies confirm his lifelong fascination with death and the impact it had on his music

illustration of chopin overlaid on top of sheet music

Day of the Dead: A Time-Honored Mexican Tradition

October 30, 2023 — For over two decades, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has been at the forefront of celebrating a cultural tradition that unites people in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away–también en español.

student standing in front of an altar with colorful flags and photographs

PHOTOS: Day of Art

October 18, 2023 — The sound of the University of Northern Colorado’s drumline commenced the second annual Day of Art last Friday. It is the biggest yearly event for the College of Performing and Visual Arts, showcasing the work of UNC’s artists with both the campus community, as well as the Greeley community.

Doctoral Student’s Love for Music Inspires Research

August 8, 2023 — Mike Cleary left a pre-med program of study for one that lights his soul on fire. In his first year of study in the University of Northern Colorado’s Doctor of Arts in Music Conducting, three research areas have piqued his interest: a WWII-era musical composition, the double bass and loss.

Hands of a musician playing on a double bass closeup in black and white tones.

Expanded Curriculum Makes a Pitch for more Students to Explore Innovative Art

July 13, 2023 — Beginning fall 2023, all UNC students will have more unique and diverse opportunities to pursue music and art during their college careers. In the process of revamping the College of Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) curriculum, Dean Cristina Goletti, MFA, is creating a cultural and creative hub to support the development of future artists, scholars and educators.

instructor standing in circle of students in a large room conducting acting class

Local Band Kicks Off Their 10th Anniversary with Performance at UNC

July 12, 2023 — The Burroughs kick off their 10th anniversary at Concerts Under the Stars–También en español

The band The Burroughs playing at the Concert Under the Starts on summer 2022

PHOTOS: Musical Trip to the Dominican Republic

June 26, 2023 — Students and faculty from the School of Music visited the Dominican Republic to run workshops, round tables, masterclasses and educational concerts.

Socrates Garcia conducting at the National Theatre

Social Emotional Learning Drives Doctoral Student’s Research in the Arts

June 21, 2023 — Angie Keedy believes the arts, and their exploration of inner lives, are natural convergence points for Social Emotional Learning (SEL). As she pursues her Doctor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Music Education, the University of Northern Colorado student is also researching SEL.

Teacher standing with music book open in front of young school-age children singing

Exploring the Dreamers, Magic Makers and the Legacies They Leave Through Theater

June 2, 2023 — Little Theatre of the Rockies (LTR) boasts three theater productions that explore the themes of hope, discovery and overcoming obstacles in its nine-week run as it enters its 89th summer season.

actors smiling and dancing on stage in 1950s attire in the musical All Shook Up

From the Personal to the Political: Unapologetic Existence Through Art

April 27, 2023 — For Nikaiya Lawson, an Art and Design student graduating from UNC this spring, art is a safe place. After a suicide attempt at age 14, it has been the space where she finds meaning and can freely express her identity without limits. —También en español

UNC Choirs to Perform Carmina Burana at Carnegie Hall

April 20, 2023 — UNC Choirs will travel to New York City for a residency at Carnegie Hall where they will rehearse for a collaborative culminating performance of Carl Orff's iconic work Carmina Burana on May 14. A pre-performance is scheduled with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra on April 29 at the Union Colony Civic Center.

From UNC's Jazz Fest to International Stages

April 18, 2023 — University of Northern Colorado alumnus Julian Cary '19 never imagined that his pursuit of a career in music would lead him to the other side of the world. Now a successful musician in Bangkok, Thailand and an instructor of jazz voice at Silpakorn University, Cary’s journey began in Denver.

The Show Behind the Show, What it Takes for Theatre Design and Technology Students to Create a Musical Production

March 23, 2023 — In UNC’s latest production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, 60 students were involved in the creation of the show, half of which were tasked with behind-the-scenes duties. Take a look at four specific roles seniors took on that helped make Cinderella’s glass slipper fit night after night a possibility.

Students in the production of Cinderella raising their hands after a huddle

UNC alumna to unveil “Centro de Educación Aztlán” at Michener Library

February 9, 2023 — Alumna and mural artist Brenda Vargas ’22 is unveiling a meaningful mural to help strengthen the academic identity of UNC’s Hispanic population. –También en español.

Alumni Brenda Vargas sitting on a ladder with a paintbrush in front of her mural

Summit Brings Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Focus to the Arts

February 1, 2023 — UNC's College of Performing and Visual Arts is hosting its second annual Arts Equity Summit on Friday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at UNC’s Campus Commons. The event is part of the college’s continued commitment to support the university’s strategic priority of empowering inclusivity.

Theatre students performing on stage at UNC

Infusing Empathy into Art and Design

December 1, 2022 — Changing the world by using empathy to solve the concrete needs of users is what moves the design and teaching approach of our new faculty member for the School of Art and Design, Hye Jeong Park, Ph.D.

Dr. Park teaching digital art in front of a computer with students

New Associate Director of Bands Shares His Love for Music

November 22, 2022 — Since he was very young, Daniel Farr, DMA, has had a love for music. He found the University of Northern Colorado the best place to share that love while combining two of his passions: conducting bands and teaching.

Experiences Help Define Path for Latina Artist 

October 24, 2022 — ForFlor Leos, the opportunity to see the work of another artist was transformational. A senior majoring in Ceramics and minoring in Mexican American Studies,*Leos says that when Chicano muralist Leo Tanguma came to UNC her junior year, it shaped her path and her view of her own art.

Little Altars, Big Impact

March 11, 2022 — The legacy of artist, activist and UNC alumna Lydia Ruyle‘72 is being celebrated during Women’s History Month through an exhibition featuring her lively banners of divine goddesses from around the world inside Campus Commons.

Resilience Showcased in Student Art Exhibition Reflecting Back on the Pandemic

February 28, 2022 — A group of UNC students reviewed their COVID-19 experience and showcased it through art creating pieces for University Libraries' Reflecting Back, Looking Forward student exhibition.

Bows and Blazes, UNC Music Students Tune Up Their Community as Volunteer Firefighters

November 30, 2021 — Two UNC students pick up their violin bows and practice fast passages and rhythms whenever they can. But playing an instrument isn’t the only intense activity taking up their spare time. Alongside playing beautiful, eloquent and moving music, Taber Land and Katherine Muser also help battle raging fires that span hundreds of acres at a time.

Fire training at Galeton Fire and Protection District

Alumni Join UNC Combined Chorus at GPO

November 8, 2021 — Most years, the UNC Combined Chorus gives UNC choral students an opportunity to perform at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO). That tradition has been on hold due to the pandemic, but this year it’s coming back with a heartfelt flourish.

Galen Darrough conducting at the Colorado State Capitol

UNC Students Honor Mexican, and Chicano Studies Program Tradition Through Creating a New One

November 2, 2021 — El Día de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated annually on Nov. 1-2. The festivity showcases the love and respect for deceased loved ones. Every year, families and communities gather to remember their relatives through building altares or ofrendas.

Two altars UNC students made that are displayed at History Colorado in Denver

Alumni-led Production of Rent Gives Current Students A Taste of Broadway

October 21, 2021 — In the early 2000s, two eager University of Northern Colorado Theatre Arts majors had their eyes set on New York’s biggest stage. Taking dance course after dance course and performing in multiple student productions, Jason Veasey and Aléna Watters achieved that dream, using the skills they perfected on campus and eventually showcasing them on Broadway.

A Look Back at UNC's Latinx Heritage Month Celebrations

October 7, 2021 — Latinx art, culture, language, and history took center stage fostering discussions and conversations around Latinx heritage during UNC’s Latinx Heritage Month.

UNC Designated as All-Steinway School Thanks to Donor Funds

March 29, 2021 — The University of Northern Colorado College of Performing and Visual Arts received a total of 96 new Steinway & Sons pianos, with most of them arriving in December of 2018, sealing the School of Music’s All-Steinway School status.

UNC is an All-Steinway School piano graphic

UNC Names New Performing and Visual Arts Dean

March 8, 2021 — UNC announced that Cristina Goletti will become the next dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts.

Music Student Places First in Arranging and Composing Competition

November 5, 2020 — Zach Rich, a Jazz Studies doctoral student at UNC, won first place in the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers’ Bill Conti Big Band Arranging and Composing Competition for his composition of “We Love You Madly” (dedicated to Duke Ellington).

How an Art and Design Class Adapted to the New, Online Environment

May 15, 2020 — Anna Ursyn, Ph.D., a professor of Digital Media and head of the Digital Media Area at UNC, shares her and her students’ experiences in adapting to the new, online learning environment as well as to life during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Students showing up some sketches on a Zoom meeting

Lisa Zimmerman on Poetry During Isolation

April 27, 2020 — Professor Lisa Zimmerman shares some of her experiences with poetry during this crisis to remind everyone that there is hope through poetry and art, especially now.

National Poetry Month 2020 poster with poem

Professor Helped Students with No-Contact Drop-Off of Supplies, Virtual Learning

April 22, 2020 — As courses transition to alternate delivery for the remainder of the semester, UNC Professor Anne Toewe discovered new ways to teach courses and prepare students for online learning.

Keeping Your Voice Healthy in a Video-Call Age

April 9, 2020 — In response to the new virtual environment, UNC assistant professor of Acting and Performance, Rebecca Rich, offers a set of tips aimed at keeping your voice in top shape.

UNC faculty member recording his online classes

“We Love You Madly”: UNC Jazz Lab I Competes in New York

February 12, 2020 — Lab I, UNC’s premier jazz ensemble, was one of 10 collegiate jazz programs in the nation invited by Wynton Marsalis to the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship.

UNC band competing at Jack Rubin jazz competition in New York

Music Student Selected to Perform in Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo

December 10, 2019 — Domi Edson, a first-year graduate student from UNC’s School of Music, has been selected to perform as one of five members in the Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo at the Jazz Education Network’s Annual Conference.

Educational Theatre Association Recognizes UNC Professor with Founders’ Award

September 23, 2019 — UNC Professor Mary Schuttler has received the Educational Theatre Association’s Founders’ Award which is presented to an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of theatre education, research, and practice.

UNC Grads Contribute to Growing Greeley Creative Economy

September 9, 2019 — There’s no question that the creative economy in Colorado is booming. You don’t have to go far to find concerts, art exhibits, plays or other performances nearly any night of the week. Thanks in large part to an active base of UNC students and graduates, Greeley is no exception.

Uniquely Yucca: New Art Exhibit Offers One of A Kind Experience

September 6, 2019 — For the next six months visitors to the Campus Commons Gallery will have a unique opportunity to travel back in time through a gallery restoration of a 1950's era soda fountain. Learn more about the programs that will take place in this distinctive space and ways you can get involved.

Travel Back in Time to the Atomic Badlands of the American West

September 5, 2019 — Founded at the turn of the 20th century, the mysterious “Yucca Fountain” filled a void in the Nevada desert for travelers looking to beat the heat. Two Boston-based artists took the initiative to restore it in UNC’s Campus Commons Gallery.

A Song of Ice and Fire: Class Dives into “Game of Thrones”

April 11, 2019 — Imagine dissecting George R. R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” in a classroom setting: Seven Kingdoms, the Wall, Lannister family and more. This sounds like the perfect class for die-hard fans, and this dream-come-true is offered through the “Contemporary Arts Connection” class taught by Kristin Bovaird-Abbo, an English associate professor at UNC.

Cosplayers in Game of Thrones costumes for English class

UNC Music Education Student Wins Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award

March 8, 2019 — UNC third-year music education student Jacie Matzke was awarded the $4,000 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award from the Presser Foundation. Watch an interview with her as she discusses the award, the UNC School of Music and plays her clarinet.

Skulls, Animal Skins and Gold: Welcome to the History of Bookmaking

February 28, 2019 — Before the printing press was around, books were created with materials that might be considered shocking today, such as animal skins, gold, plant materials and other unique materials … skulls were even used as writing surfaces! These materials aren't uncommon in the UNC English 495 class, “History of the Book.”

Students doing an assignment with traditional bookmaking materials

Erin Hanke Brings Energy, Inclusivity to Campus Common’s Performance Hall

January 31, 2019 — The new, 600-seat performance hall in UNC’s Campus Commons building is planning to host exciting, affordable and diverse performances for the campus and surrounding communities.That’s the goal of the hall’s new Managing Director, Erin Hanke, D.M.A.

View of the performance hall still under construction

UNC Student Creates Music with Electronics and a Bowling Ball

June 7, 2018 — UNC student Todd Swingle is an expert at playing a number of instruments including the piano, bass, percussion and more "non-traditional instruments," such as a bowling ball ... yes, a bowling ball.

Todd Swingle playing the bowling ball with his electronic music on video.

Photographing World War II Japanese-American Camps

June 4, 2018 — John Tonai '90 discusses the Granada Relocation Camp, also known as Amache, where thousands of Japanese-Americans were incarcerated from 1942-45, including members of his family.

john tonai photo of his father at Amache

UNC’s 36th Annual Arts Gala Puts Students Center Stage

January 5, 2018 — UNC’s College of Performing and Visual Arts is hosting the 36th annual Gala on Saturday, February 10th at the Union Colony Civic Center. Themed “A Celebration of Student Artists,” the event is a showcase of diverse talent from each of the College’s three Schools: the School of Art and Design, the School of Music, and the School of Theatre Arts and Dance.

In Photos: Installation of Exhibit at Musical Instrument Museum

August 28, 2017 — See photos of the mockup exhibit co-produced by UNC Audiology & Speech-Language Sciences professors Don Finan and Deanna Meinke for the Musical Instrument Museum, which boasts a collection of 6,500 instruments including those from a host of legendary artists including Elvis Presley and John Lennon.

Jolene exhibit at Musical Instrument Museum

Public Health Meets Public Art

July 14, 2017 — Colorado School of Public Health alumna Rachel Freeman, MPH ’14, is making her mark in public health. She is part of a team, which includes alumni artist Armando Silva BA '10, has recently transformed the exterior wall of a vacant building in northern Colorado into a colorful statement of health advocacy.

UNC Alumna Cast in Third Broadway Show

June 20, 2017 — Aisha Jackson, a 2013 graduate of the University of Northern Colorado's Musical Theatre program, has been named to the cast of the Broadway production of Frozen

Arts and Culture News

From UNC to the National Stage: Opera Singer Kayla Nanto, ’15

Bridging Art and Advocacy: That Day in Tucson

Memorable Melodies, Music Faculty Shine with Grammy Nominations

A Glimpse into the New Hybrid Master of Arts in Studio Art

Ceramics Meets AI: Guest Artist Adam Chau

Expanding Success

Bright Prospects for Sculpture at UNC

Just Music and People: A Lasting Legacy

Setting the Stage for Entrepreneurship and Leadership in the Studio Season

PHOTOS: Afrocaribbean Movements with Dominican Republic Dancers

Musical Composition Dissertation Combines Ancient Melodies, Modern Poetry

Turning Tape into Attire

With a UNC Alumna at the Helm, Little Theatre of the Rockies Enters its 90th Season

Yes, We Did It! Latine Families Come Together to Celebrate Graduation

Finding the Scoop: Zvi Gutierrez at UNC

And the Show Goes On

From Concept to Career: Exploring the Intersection of Theory, Practice and Purpose in Graphic Design Seniors

Research on Culturally Appropriate Music Plays Out In Middle School Band Class

Acclaimed Artist and Performer Represents Spirit of the Times in Race-Related Dissertation

Inspiring Inclusivity in Music Through Achieving Milestones and Pushing Boundaries

PHOTOS: Lunar New Year

PHOTOS: Taste of Africa

Doctoral Student Develops Groundbreaking Theory About Chopin

Day of the Dead: A Time-Honored Mexican Tradition

PHOTOS: Day of Art

Doctoral Student’s Love for Music Inspires Research

Expanded Curriculum Makes a Pitch for more Students to Explore Innovative Art

Local Band Kicks Off Their 10th Anniversary with Performance at UNC

PHOTOS: Musical Trip to the Dominican Republic

Social Emotional Learning Drives Doctoral Student’s Research in the Arts

Exploring the Dreamers, Magic Makers and the Legacies They Leave Through Theater

From the Personal to the Political: Unapologetic Existence Through Art

UNC Choirs to Perform Carmina Burana at Carnegie Hall

From UNC's Jazz Fest to International Stages

The Show Behind the Show, What it Takes for Theatre Design and Technology Students to Create a Musical Production

UNC alumna to unveil “Centro de Educación Aztlán” at Michener Library

Summit Brings Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Focus to the Arts

Infusing Empathy into Art and Design

New Associate Director of Bands Shares His Love for Music

Experiences Help Define Path for Latina Artist

Little Altars, Big Impact

Resilience Showcased in Student Art Exhibition Reflecting Back on the Pandemic

Bows and Blazes, UNC Music Students Tune Up Their Community as Volunteer Firefighters

Alumni Join UNC Combined Chorus at GPO

UNC Students Honor Mexican, and Chicano Studies Program Tradition Through Creating a New One

Alumni-led Production of Rent Gives Current Students A Taste of Broadway

A Look Back at UNC's Latinx Heritage Month Celebrations

UNC Designated as All-Steinway School Thanks to Donor Funds

UNC Names New Performing and Visual Arts Dean

Music Student Places First in Arranging and Composing Competition

How an Art and Design Class Adapted to the New, Online Environment

Lisa Zimmerman on Poetry During Isolation

Professor Helped Students with No-Contact Drop-Off of Supplies, Virtual Learning

Keeping Your Voice Healthy in a Video-Call Age

“We Love You Madly”: UNC Jazz Lab I Competes in New York

Music Student Selected to Perform in Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo

Educational Theatre Association Recognizes UNC Professor with Founders’ Award

UNC Grads Contribute to Growing Greeley Creative Economy

Uniquely Yucca: New Art Exhibit Offers One of A Kind Experience

Travel Back in Time to the Atomic Badlands of the American West

A Song of Ice and Fire: Class Dives into “Game of Thrones”

UNC Music Education Student Wins Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award

Skulls, Animal Skins and Gold: Welcome to the History of Bookmaking

Erin Hanke Brings Energy, Inclusivity to Campus Common’s Performance Hall

UNC Student Creates Music with Electronics and a Bowling Ball

Photographing World War II Japanese-American Camps

UNC’s 36th Annual Arts Gala Puts Students Center Stage

In Photos: Installation of Exhibit at Musical Instrument Museum

Public Health Meets Public Art

UNC Alumna Cast in Third Broadway Show

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Experiences Help Define Path for Latina Artist 