Spring 2025 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.
Feb 03 | Lessons from Marginalized Communities in Design History
Kaleena Sales explores the rich and often overlooked design perspectives from marginalized communities worldwide. Inspired by the ideas in her book, Centered: People and Ideas Diversifying Design, this lecture advocates for a broader understanding of design history that values cultural diversity as a cornerstone of creative progress.
This event is moderated by Watkins College of Art Department Chair & Assistant Professor of Experiential Graphic Design Dr. Emmanuel Saka.
Mar 03 | Innovative Women Using Artistry and Science in the Restoration of Belmont Mansion
This event is held in Belmont Mansion.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we highlight several female-driven restoration projects in the billiard room of Belmont Mansion. We’ll take an in-depth look at the varied skills and techniques involved in preserving one of the mansion’s most treasured spaces, learning about the challenges and triumphs of maintaining historical integrity while employing cutting-edge conservation and restoration techniques. This session will be held in Belmont Mansion’s Grand Salon. Speakers include Grace Abernethy, Kelly Ciociola, and Elizabeth Williams, with the conversation moderated by Belmont Mansion Executive Director Myers Brown.
Mar 24 | Vapor: Photographing the Unseen
This event is held in the Jack C. Massey Center – 1890 Theater.
Join photographer Pradip Malde, along with Kristin Beckum of Thistle Farms and Dr. Olivia Bahemuka, in a powerful conversation that explores the connections between loss, love, and photography. Through the experiences of women combating female genital mutilation and gender-based violence, this lecture delves into how photography captures resilience, fosters healing, and advocates for change, offering a moving perspective on the role of art in amplifying marginalized voices and confronting social injustices.
This event is moderated by Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Health Sciences and Chair of the School of Social Work Dr. Jennifer Crowell Thompson.
Apr 07 | The Creative Path – Alumni Edition!
Join us for an inspiring conversation as we spotlight two exceptional alumni who defied convention, transforming their non-creative degrees into successful careers in the arts. Discover their unique journeys, learn how they leveraged diverse skills to fuel their artistic passions, and gain valuable insights into forging unconventional paths in their creative areas. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply curious about interdisciplinary success, this event promises to spark your imagination and expand your perspective!
This event is moderated by Belmont University Assistant Director for Career & Professional Development Rachel Walden.
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.
