Arizona Arts brought the inspiring work of Medici Scholars to life with 18 web stories and social posts in the ‘Medici Mondays’ series this fall.
The series showcased the Scholars’ transformative summer projects while encouraging future scholars to apply and inviting donors to invest in the program’s ongoing success. Each post and story included a statement of appreciation for the Medici Circle members who made these summer projects possible.
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
Projects took our students to Tanzania, Africa; Dublin, Ireland; Japan, China, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Library of Congress, National Anthropological Archives at the Smithsonian Institution, and the Society of American Fight Directors. Plus, students worked and studied in Tucson, the Southwest and at the U.S.-Mexico border.
On Instagram, the popular posts averaged 236 post interactions, 2,377 accounts reached, and 4,200 views.
Medici Circle Appreciation
In this series, our students recognized and thanked 16 donors.
- Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino
- Sylvia and Herbert Burton
- Ginny L. Clements
- Christine DeFouw
- Patricia Engels and Richard Medland
- Elizabeth Giles and Stephen Simmes
- Louise Glasser
- Wes Green
- Robyn Kessler and Jeff Timan
- Sandy C. Maxfield
- Barbara Molotsky
December
Everton Maia, music … Sylvia and Herbert Burton
Kalanit-Liat Chalstrom, music … Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino
Charles Palmer Jr., dance … Wes Green
Piper Northburg, dance … Patricia Engels and Richard Medland
November
Vanessa Saavedra, art … Robyn Kessler and Jeff Timan
Eliza Hitch, theatre … Barbara Molotsky
Isabella Santoni, theatre … Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino
J Alexander Bennett, music … Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino
Gianna Diaz … dance … Christine DeFouw
October
Aubrey Behrens … art … Christine DeFouw
David Aberle … film … Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino
Ginger Crow … music … Louise Glasser
Ryan Evans … dance … Wes Green
September
Sarah Greenwell-Scott… art history … Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino
Haiden Pederson … theatre … Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino
Gloria Orozco Dorado… music … Elizabeth Giles and Stephen Simmes
Margo Bartlett… dance … Ginny L. Clements
Ling-Yu Chou … art … Sandy C. Maxfield
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
Project Summaries
Everton Maia (MM ’22, Guitar Performance)
A doctoral candidate in the Bolton Guitar Studies program spent intensive preparation during the summer taking all the required certifications to work with audio for video games using Wwise® sfa/music platforms.
“As a music composer and performer, this certification opens doors for different areas in which I can grow professionally. It also gave me an experience implementing sounds and music compositions into real games throughout the certification giving me confidence to use my knowledge in real professional situations.”
“My deepest gratitude goes to Sylvia and Herbert Burton, the generous donors who made this project possible, and to all of the donors from the Medici Scholars program who helped students realize their projects and dreams during this summer.”
Kalanit-Liat (Katie) Chalstrom
A second-year PhD candidate studying musicology explored the recorded tapes of Samuel Bernstein discussing Judaism in the Library of Congress’ Leonard Bernstein Archive. She listened to and transcribed several recordings to gain a better understanding of these connections for use in her dissertation on American composer Leonard Bernstein.
“I believe that these recordings are unexplored sources that can connect Samuel more closely to his son’s musical expression, and that they can help to contextualize Leonard Bernstein’s experiences as a Jewish individual in American music history,” she said.
“Thank you to Dr. Pamela Becker and Dr. Vincent Immordino for sponsoring my project and helping me to explore these archives!”
Charles Palmer Jr.
A fourth-year BFA student in dance, took classes at Steps on Broadway, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Brickhouse NYC, and more. With this time in New York, he was able to experience company life at various dance companies, which will assist him with post-undergraduate career options.
“This experience allowed me to see how dance is flourishing in other areas of the world and how I can take different approaches to the art form that I love so much.”
“Having the opportunity to study dance and experience life in a city as fabulous as New York was the opportunity of a lifetime and I am immensely grateful for my donor, Wes Green, for making it all possible.”
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
Piper Northburg
A third-year BFA student in dance was immersed in a wide range of dance techniques and learned Hubbard Street repertoire by esteemed choreographers such as Aszure Barton, Johan Inger, and FLOCK. Piper was selected to join Hubbard Street’s Fellow Program for demonstrating outstanding excellence, exemplary qualities, and a strong desire to learn by Jonathan Alsberry, director of summer intensives, and Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Hubbard artistic director.
“Dancing with a company like Hubbard Street has always been a dream of mine, and I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity.”
“A heartfelt thank you to my donors, Patricia Engels and Richard Medland, for making this transformative experience possible. Your generosity has allowed me to further my artistic journey and grow as a dancer.”
Vanessa Saavedra
A third-year MFA candidate, born in Jalisco, Mexico, who grew up in Nogales, completed her border-themed painting, Cruzando Al Otro Lado, which is an exploration of the symbolism behind waiting lines at the Mexico-U.S. border.
“Through acrylic paintings based on photographic documentation, I depict the emotional and cultural dimensions of waiting in these lines. I aim to highlight the deep complexities of migration and cultural intersection, transforming something as mundane as a line into a reflection of border life.”
“I would like to sincerely thank Robyn Kessler and Jeff Timan for their incredible generosity in supporting my work. Their trust in my project has made it possible for me to develop Cruzando Al Otro Lado and explore the complexity of border life through art.”
Eliza Hitch
A BFA musical theatre senior, spent a week at the Broadway Dreams Summer Intensive in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended classes and rehearsals and assisted faculty. The week culminated in a Broadway-style showcase presented at the Booth Playhouse at the Blumenthal Arts Center.
“I was cast in four performance pieces … I feel so much more prepared to enter into the professional world with the connections and friendships I made and cannot wait to return to Broadway Dreams. I made friends from all over the world.”
“This exciting week would not have been possible without the generous support of Barbara Molotsky! Thank you for your consistent support of Arizona Arts, the Medici program, and aspiring artists like me!”
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
Isabella Santoni
A senior pursuing a BFA in acting and a BA in creative writing, took a three-week advanced combatant intensive with the Society of American Fight Directors. She trained in three new weapon styles – sword & shield, knife and smallsword.
“I got a more holistic understanding of both the power and weight of using violence as a storytelling tool. I got to connect with women and non-binary teachers working in the combat industry and understand the unique challenges—and joys—that come with it.”
“A massive thank you to Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino. Your generosity provided me with invaluable access to training that will continue to serve me throughout my education and into my career.”
J Alexander Bennet
A second-year doctoral student studying orchestral conducting, toured the West with stops at the Oregon Conducting Institute, the Boise Baroque Conducting Workshop, and the Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute. This trio of conducting programs, offered intensive, hands-on training and insights from distinguished mentors.
“I gained a great deal of experience joining forces with professional players and conductors alike and learned much about myself both on and off the podium. It was such an invaluable experience, and my conducting is better for it!”
“Thank you to Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino for your precious contribution to my education. I could not have come this far without your help!”
Gianna Diaz
An MFA candidate studying dance performance and choreography, participated in a summer intensive with acclaimed choreographer Doug Varone and DOVA Dance at Hunter College in New York City, The DOVA Workshop featured two weeks of immersive technical training.
“Immersing myself in contact improvisation and learning repertoire from Varone’s iconic works expanded my versatility and creativity as a dancer. Observing open rehearsals and Varone’s creative process enriched my appreciation for choreography and offered profound insights into the artistic journey of a renowned dance company.”
“I am deeply grateful to Christine DeFouw for providing the funds that enabled me to attend this incredible summer intensive with Doug Varone and dancers.”
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
Aubrey Behrens
A second-year MFA graduate student at the School of Art, worked with Kayla Ballesteros (BFA, ’16, Visual Communications) on a collaboration project, Sonoran Yokai, installing three sculptures in and around Tucson. The sculptures are reimagined versions of Yokai from Japanese folklore, applying similar imagery to myths from the Sonoran Desert.
“It was a very rewarding experience to talk with people on site, intrigued by our work, reminding me of the important role that accessible art plays in a thriving community.”
“Thank you to Kerry and Herbert Stratford for their generous donation. Because of their support, we were able to acquire an airbrush as well as other equipment and materials that have greatly enhanced the quality and precision of our work.”
David Aberle (Diné/Navajo)
A junior pursuing a BFA in Film & Television continued work on completing his innovative Indigenous sci-fi short film, “Guardians of the Sacred Flame,” which blends traditional Indigenous philosophies with a Star Wars-inspired world, set in Navajo language, Diné Bizaad. The Medici funding helped covered the costs for costumes, securing locations, and other preproduction expenses.
“The experience … has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to delve deeper into my cultural heritage and exploring what it means to preserve and acknowledge our ancestral lifeways.”
“Dear Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino, your generous support is instrumental in advancing my academic journey and my work as an Indigenous content creator. Your support is enabling me to explore and innovate new ways to maintain and celebrate our ancestral lifeways through the medium of film. I am deeply grateful for the Medici Scholar award.”
Ginger Crow
A second-year master’s student in music education, participated in a teaching music project in Tanzania, Africa. She spent two weeks in Africa teaching clarinet, general music and conservation lessons to students of all ages with the Daraja Music Initiative, located near Kilimanjaro, which couples music education with conservation of the African Blackwood trees.
“Connecting and building community with people from across the globe is so special to me. I learned how to engage and stay actively involved with my own community.”
“I want to personally thank Louise Glasser through the Medici Scholars program for helping me to go on this amazing experience! It was such a life-changing trip and one I would go back on in a heartbeat!”
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
Ryan Evans
A third-year dance major attended the ‘Create Intensive’ at the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. He spent a month with the contemporary dance company, working directly with the company dancers and directors, who provided insight into what it’s like to be a working company member.
“The intensive gave me a clear picture of what life as a professional concert dancer would be. It elevated my skills from a collegiate level to professional and made me feel like my future was being taken seriously.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Wesley Green, the generous donor who graciously contributed to my Medici Scholarship. Green has been helping me further my artistic and knowledge in professional dance, for which I am forever grateful.”
Sarah Greenwell-Scott
A third-year Ph.D. student in art history with a minor in American Indian Studies did research at the National Anthropological Archives in Washington D.C. This summer she looked deeper into the letter where President Theodore Roosevelt showed presidential support for photographer Edward S. Curtis’ project, “The North American Indian.”
“I found the archival research gratifying,” she said. “The primary source documents will deepen the complexity of the analysis and strengthen my argument as well as its historical and theoretical framework.”
“I was honored to receive the kind and generous support of Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino, both of whom have my heartfelt gratitude.”
Haiden Pederson
A senior BFA musical theatre major, took an eight-week Shakespeare intensive at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art filled with skills-based training courses in acting, movement, voice, and stage combat, as well as play rehearsals.
“There is so much value that comes from learning this craft through as many lenses as possible. Stepping into a part of the world I have never visited before and diving in headfirst to a new and different way, although initially daunting, was as exciting as it was rewarding.”
“My training with LAMDA could not have been made possible without the generous support of Pamela Becker and Vincent Immordino. It is immensely affirming to have the support of those who recognize the importance of educational pathways for artists, and I can undoubtedly say that their contribution has helped make significant strides for my capacity as a theatrical artist.”
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
Gloria Orozco Dorado
A University Fellow in her final year of her doctoral studies, took first place in the research competition and second place in the orchestral audition competition at ClarinetFest® 2024 in Dublin, Ireland; the world’s largest international gathering of clarinetists.
“I learned from so many great masterclasses and workshops, meet and connect with other fellow clarinetists, and share ideas and experiences. It was a wonderful setting to celebrate our accomplishments and feel the sense of international community that music allows us to build.”
“A heartfelt thank you to Elizabeth Giles and Stephen Simmes for their generous support of the Medici program. Your donation made it possible for me to travel to Ireland and fully enjoy all the incredible experiences I had.”
Margo Bartlett
A third-year student pursuing a BFA in dance and a BA in East Asian Studies: Japanese Language Emphasis, participated in a cultural exchange tour of Japan and China. The tour, organized by the Oregon International Ballet Academy, her hometown dance studio, included visits with various high schools in Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai.
“We had the rare opportunity to observe classes and rehearsals of ballet, contemporary, Chinese classical and folk dance at the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy which was amazing to see.”
“Combining my passions for dance and studying Asian cultures on this trip has been the experience of a lifetime, and without the gracious support from my donor Ginny L. Clements my summer might not have been possible. I’d like to again thank her and her fellow Medici Circle members for their generosity in supporting students like me with dreams like mine.”
Ling-Yu Chou
Presented at the United States Society for Education through Art Conference in Santa Fe. Chou is a third-year PhD student majoring in the Art & Visual Culture Education, minoring in East Asian Studies. Her project, “Bridging Cultures through Art: East Asian Ink Painting in the Southwest Landscape” seeks to foster cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
This experience provided invaluable insights into the “integration of diverse cultural art forms, enhanced my understanding of social justice through art education, and developed meaningful connections with fellow educators and scholars dedicated to art education.”
“Thank you, Sandy C. Maxfield, for your generous support through the Medici Circle program, making it possible for me to attend and present at the USSEA Conference. Your contribution has enabled me to further my research and engage deeply with a community dedicated to cultural and artistic field.”
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.