April 7, 2020 How quickly life changed in a matter of weeks. We went from mid-term critiques to addressing a global pandemic by taking our curriculum virtual. Thanks to our dedicated faculty, KCAI is fostering a new way of learning, researching and making. As a school of art and design, we are a community full of innovators and creative problem solvers. That is how we intend to approach the exceptional situation that we find ourselves in. Beginning last week, students and faculty are meeting through video conferencing, discussion boards, and conference calls – one-on-one and in groups. As this new way of living and learning unfolds, we will share the inspiring stories of creativity and resilience within our community. How has our faculty adapted studio-based classes to on-line teaching? What kinds of studio practices have students built at home? What does it mean to be an art student in the time of COVID-19? In the coming weeks, we will share with you stories of adaptation and perseverance. And someday (hopefully soon) we will recall how KCAI– its students, faculty and staff– was resilient in a time of turmoil. Be well, Tony Jones ᴄʙᴇ The Nerman Family President
New KCAI Cares Fund Provides Student Relief
A Message From The Nerman Family President Tony Jones In the past month, we have adapted daily life to an entirely new version of “normal” and done things we never thought possible. We are in this together, yet each of us has experienced this pandemic in very personal ways. Several KCAI students have lost their employment during this time and many families are experiencing hardship. In this time of uncertainty, it’s comforting to know that KCAI is part of a supportive and generous community. For those who have reached out and asked how you can help, the college has created two ways to support our students and campus: KCAI Cares Fund. This newly created fund is in direct response to the growing and immediate needs of our students. KCAI Cares will provide financial assistance grants up to $300 for students who are unable to meet essential expenses, such as groceries, utilities or rent. KCAI Annual Fund. An existing fund that supports our commitment to every person at the college. During this time, KCAI is compensating faculty, staff, technicians, work study students, models in studios and those who provide services that our community relies upon like security, facilities and dining for residents who read more…
Associate Professor Anne Boyer Wins the 2020 Windham Campbell Prize
Associate Professor of Creative Writing Anne Boyer was honored last week with the prominent 2020 Windham Campbell Prize in Non-Fiction. The prize was established by Donald Windham and Sandy Campbell, who bequeathed their names and fortunes to celebrate writers and give them the freedom to focus on their craft. Boyer was one of eight international writers in non-fiction, fiction, poetry and drama to receive the award. “This is an extraordinary surprise, unfathomably generous, and already it has opened the door to new possibilities for me, ones that make the real difference for any writer: the possibilities of time and space,” said Boyer. A prolific poet and essayist, Boyd is the highly-praised author of The Undying (2019), The Handbook of Disappointed Fate (2018), and Garments Against Women (2015), among other works. She was recognized as one of ten emerging writers by the Whiting Foundation in the category of Non-Fiction, Poetry and received the inaugural Cy Twombly Award for Poetry from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts. Her book, The Undying, was one of the five finalists in the PEN Jean Stein award, which chooses the best five books published in the last year. Boyd has been teaching at KCAI since 2007. When announcing read more…