“Carpe Diem” is presented by the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development and ����vlog Galleries. On view February 3 through May 3, 2026, in the George Segal Gallery, the exhibition brings together the work of 12 accomplished alumni artists whose practices span more than eight decades – from 1943 to 2024. The visual arts exhibition features a wide range of media, including photography, poetry, portrait quilts, mixed media and video installations.

Among the artists are ’97, whose photography and video work examining mobility and the Black American experience has been exhibited at the Tate Britain and the Studio Museum in Harlem, and Márta Kucsora (2005–06), an internationally recognized painter known for monumental, process-driven abstraction.

Curated by Art and Design Professor Sally Morgan Lehman, founder of New York City’s Morgan Lehman Gallery, “Carpe Diem” highlights the depth of artistic inquiry fostered at ����vlog. The exhibition features nationally and internationally recognized artists alongside emerging voices, underscoring Montclair’s role as a launching ground for creative expression.

“ ‘Carpe Diem’ reflects what we know to be true about Montclair alumni: creativity does not end at graduation,” says Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters. “Whether art was their major or a parallel passion, these artists demonstrate how learning, curiosity, and creative expression continue to evolve across a lifetime. We are proud to celebrate alumni whose work enriches communities locally and globally.”

By celebrating these artists’ achievements, ����vlog reaffirms its commitment to fostering the next generation of visual artists and sustaining a vibrant future for the arts.

Featured Artists

’13

’05

’97

’10

’12

(1943)

(2005–06)

’11

’80

’09

��’78

’24

Programs and Events

All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

Monday, February 9, 5:20 p.m.

Art Forum with “Carpe Diem” Curator Sally Morgan Lehman

Art Forum is a speaker series featuring artists, designers, art historians, curators, and art critics from around the world presenting their work and ideas in an open forum, hosted by the Department of Art and Design.

is required.

Opening Reception

Tuesday, February 3, 5 – 7 p.m.

Celebrate ����vlog alumni at the opening of the exhibition “Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts.” Montclair President Jonathan GS Koppell and Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters will make remarks at 6 pm. is required.

A Cross-Generational Conversation with Alumni Artists

Monday, March 2, 6 – 7 p.m.

This multi-generational panel celebrates the distinguished women alumni of Montclair. Featuring exhibiting artists Nancy Bergman Pantirer ’80, Tiffany Perez ’09, and Maria Valdivia ’24 in conversation about their careers and creative practices, moderated by curator Sally Morgan Lehman. is required.

Visitor Information

George Segal Gallery, ����vlog

Dates: February 3 – May 3, 2026

George Segal Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 4 p.m. Or by appointment.

The Galleries’ free digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators. Created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is available on the web or via the app and can be accessed for both onsite and offsite visits.

����vlog State University Galleries

����vlog Galleries brings together ideas, perspectives, and dialogue to foster curiosity and shared understanding through art. Through diverse and inclusive exhibitions and programs, the Galleries connect the campus experience with local and global communities.

Follow and join the conversation: @montclairstategalleries | #MontclairStateGalleries

Exhibition Support and Contact

����vlog Galleries

Media Contact: galleries@montclair.edu, 973-655-3382

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Learn more about our programs in the Department of Art and Design in the College of the Arts.

“I decided to come to Montclair because it’s close to the city, and my career goals are focused on working there while I’m still young,” says Haskell, a Social Media and Public Relations major with a Business �����Դǰ�.��

“Compared to other schools, Montclair is much more affordable and I know I’ll be able to pay off debt and make use of the connections I formed.”

Emma Haskell prepares to board the train to New York from the ����vlog Station, located directly across from her dorm. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Emma Haskell rides the train into New York City en route to her entertainment public relations internship. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

At Montclair, affordability and opportunity go hand in hand. With tuition lower than many comparable institutions and a location just 12 miles from New York City, the University offers students a powerful combination of accessible education, real-world experience and long-term value.

Montclair’s national recognition highlights its strong outcomes for graduates. According to the WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges rankings – which emphasize how well institutions prepare students for financial success – Montclair graduates receive an average salary boost of $34,013 above what they could expect from attending another college. The typical graduate recoups the cost of their education in just one year and seven months, placing Montclair among the fastest for payback period among all U.S. public universities.

As Chantelle Wright, assistant vice provost for Experiential Education and Career Connections, explains, Montclair’s rankings tell a deeper story.

“We were particularly excited because for us, it means that when people talk about the University being mission-driven, we actually see that trickle down,” she says.

As an Admissions Ambassador, Emma Haskell guides prospective students through campus, helping them envision their Montclair journey. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

What Students Say ����vlog’s Value

Haskell gives campus tours to high school students, who most often ask about campus life and academics. She wishes more would ask about rankings and financial considerations to better prepare for the long run.

Not enough students ask about cost and value, but it’s a good question. It’s important to know what you’re signing up for.” – Emma Haskell

For students like Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major, those questions about value made all the difference.

“I’m from Maryland, so not too far away,” Mayfield says. “I considered several schools, but Montclair had the best program for the best price, and I was really impressed by the arts here.”

Through her work at the campus radio station WMSC 90.3 FM – where she co-hosts and co-created the program More Animation – her role as a student worker in Calcia Hall, and her active participation in the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, Mayfield has discovered both creativity and opportunity.

Mayfield’s academic load reflects her passion through both digital and traditional illustration, and her classes allow her to apply her interests in different ways. For example, in “Products and Zines,” students are preparing their own art and custom products to sell at the Society of Illustrators’ MoCCA Arts Festival in the spring.

“I’m really happy to be taking such varied classes because it allows me to explore different ways to apply both my skills and major,” she says.

In class, Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major from Maryland, hones her animation skills as she prepares for a future in visual development for film and television. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

Hands-On Learning That Drives Success

Experiential learning stands at the heart of the Montclair experience.

“It means being able to experience your future career,” says Wright. “It’s about taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it to your aspirations.”

For Jose Carlos Aguilar, a double major in Political Science and Child Advocacy and Policy, that philosophy has shaped his time at Montclair. Through internships, policy research, fellowships and campus leadership roles, he has turned academics into action – tackling real issues in government, child welfare and advocacy.

“I know for sure I want to commit to public service,” Aguilar says.

Inside the Montclair Edge

Students can access:

• Internships and co-ops,��micro-interships, campus jobs and community partnerships that apply classroom learning to real-world contexts
• A national network of more than 7,000 approved employers – including global companies and local organizations
• Career guidance and mentorship from faculty, advisors and alumni invested in student success
• Individualized support through interview training and resume development, job fairs and employer connections

“Students need to practice and experience a ‘day in the life’ of the profession they aspire to,” Wright adds. “That’s what experiential learning is – testing out your career goal.”

In his first semester, Jhonny Moncada, a Fashion Design and Merchandising major, is already taking advantage of opportunities for hands-on experience.

Freshman Jhonny Moncada is making the most of Montclair’s resources and opportunities. Majoring in Fashion Design and Merchandising, he’s applied for a mentorship program—an opportunity he learned about from his academic adviser in the College of the Arts.

“Montclair has a very supportive environment that wants to see you succeed and advocates for you, that genuinely invites me to invest more of myself,” Moncada says.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Begin Your Montclair Journey?

Explore our nationally ranked programs, visit campus, , or.

Rooted in the visionary art book “Black Metal”—co-authored by Ari Melenciano, Jordan Caldwell, Jeremy Kamal and Kordae Jatafa Henry—this exhibition expands the text’s radical ideas into immersive, participatory installations. The book, developed in collaboration with MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative, NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, and supported by the Ford Foundation, introduced “Black Metal” as both speculative future and spiritual pedagogy.

About the Exhibition

“The Age of Black Metal” transports audiences into a far-future world where the principles of “Black Metal” have reshaped society. Visitors will encounter interactive installations, speculative artifacts and artistic works that reinterpret the book’s four chapters:

• “Celestial Florilegia” by Ari Melenciano introduces a cosmic ritual practice, revealing botanical consciousness and quantum intuition.
• “Companion 180, Vol. 1” by Jeremy Kamal offers a shamanic guide linking voyager, spacesuit, body and spirit.
• “Dark Voyage” by Kordae Jatafa Henry presents cinematic portraits of interstellar life through graphic storytelling.
• “Training Grounds” by Jordan Caldwell provides metaphysical exercises for shedding, integrating�� and grounding the self.

In addition to immersive installations, the exhibition features The Orbit—a dynamic installation of contemporary works and speculative artifacts by artists influenced by “Black Metal.” Visitors will be invited to craft personal koans, engage in metaphysical exercises and reflect on the expansive futures Black culture can imagine when free of limits.

Programs and Events

All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

Opening Reception: Tuesday, September 23, 5–7 p.m., George Segal Gallery and Alexander Kasser Theater Lobby. Remarks at 6 p.m. by Dean Gurskis and Ari Melenciano.

Art Forum: Monday, September 22, 5:20 p.m., George Segal Gallery. Ari Melenciano will discuss the vision behind “The Age of Black Metal.”

Panel Discussion: Wednesday, October 15, 12 p.m., Segal Gallery. This interdisciplinary panel explores ideas of collective liberation through the context of “Black Metal.”

“Black Metal” Film Screening and Discussion: Wednesday, November 5, 12 p.m., George Segal Gallery. A special screening of the film adaptation of “Black Metal,” followed by a conversation with Ari Melenciano.

Visitor Information

George Segal Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Kasser Theater Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday, 12 – 6 p.m.

Additional Saturday hours and appointments available.

digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators, available on site or remotely.

����vlog State University Galleries

����vlog Galleries fosters dialogue, curiosity, and shared understanding through art. Presenting diverse and inclusive exhibitions, the Galleries connect the University with local and global communities. Learn more at montclair.edu/galleries.

Follow @montclairstategalleries and use #MontclairStateGalleries to join the conversation.

Exhibition Support and Contact

This exhibition is made possible, in part, by the McMullen Family Foundation, the Dolph Gallery and Museum Studies Fund, Montclair’s College of the Arts and generous private contributions.

Media Contact: galleries@montclair.edu, 973-655-3382

Archer was one of those 31 students. She remembers the moment she learned about the gift from her former professor, Cris Hassold. She assumed it would be something small – maybe enough for a dinner or a keepsake. But the $100,000 she received changed her life. “I literally opened my first savings account with it.”

Still, Archer adds:

The true inheritance isn’t about money – it was about the way Cris taught me to look at the world. The real gift was the way she encouraged me to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and approach art and history with openness and curiosity. It’s something I try to pass on to my students here at Montclair.”

Now the incoming chair of the Department of Art and Design, Archer reflects on how much of her path has been shaped by Hassold’s influence.

“I didn’t start with a clear plan. I was 18, unsure, and not convinced college was for me,” she says. “But meeting Cris changed everything.”

Archer joined Montclair in 2018 to teach . She was drawn to the University because so many of its students reminded her of herself – driven, curious and navigating the financial and personal challenges that can make higher education feel out of reach.

“I come from a family with a lot of heart and a lot of love – but not a lot of financial means,” she says. At her father’s urging, she applied to New College in Sarasota – and got in with a full scholarship.��

“Studying art helped me see value that wasn’t economic. I learned to see cultural value – and to understand that culture has the power to shape identity and meaning,” she says.

It’s a lesson she now shares with her Montclair students.

“If I can do anything for my students, it’s to help them recognize the value of culture – the cultures they come from, the ones they maintain and embody.”

She adds, “I love those moments when a student sees something in class and says, ‘Wait! This is what I grew up with — I didn’t know it was valuable.’ And I get to say, ‘It is, but this is because you and your community make it meaningful. It’s valuable because you’re valuable.’ That’s what Cris did for me. And that’s what I try to do for them.”

Over the years, Archer has received emails from former students about works of art they recently saw and recognized from her class. “In those moments, I feel their world expanding. It gives me chills. That’s the dream – not teaching students what to think, but how to think.”

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Nicole Archer, incoming chair of the Department of Art and Design, says her path was shaped by her mentor’s influence.

Archer is currently completing research for a new book on the role of textiles in shaping cultures of violence. She’s also curating a 2026 exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, using the American flag to explore themes of political participation, empowerment and community.

One of her most treasured possessions is a photograph from her college graduation in 1999. “Cris was camera shy,” Archer says. “She only let us take a photo with her on graduation day. That picture has followed me everywhere – London, California. It’s always been with me.”

When she looks at it now, she sees more than a moment.

“I see the beginning of everything – grad school, teaching, publishing, mentoring. Every time I help a student take that next step, it feels like I’m honoring Cris’s legacy.”

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students and Parents: Learn about Montclair admissions and the College of the Arts. ��Plan your visit��and take your first step in��applying to become a Red Hawk!
• Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview.

When Emmanuel Ozias arrived at ����vlog as a first-generation student from East Orange, New Jersey, he brought with him a powerful mindset: stay focused, stay consistent and chase something bigger than yourself.

That mindset became his brand.

What began with a few blank T-shirts quickly evolved into Lock1n, a successful global sports apparel business. Today, Ozias ships merchandise worldwide, partners with college athletes, and designs custom uniforms for high school teams across New Jersey – all while completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial and Product Design.

Dorm Room Hustle to Global Sales

As a freshman, Ozias set an ambitious goal: to start a business and work for himself by the time he graduated.

“I had to learn about marketing, I had to learn about design, I had to learn about the sales channels and distribution in China,” he explains. “I educated myself on how to run a business, especially a clothing brand.”

It all started with a name. “ means singular focus at the task at hand,” Ozias says. “I’ve always been goal-oriented. I wanted something that reflected who I am.”

Armed with a winning concept, Ozias got to work – sketching designs and reaching out to manufacturers overseas.

“I was talking to almost 100 manufacturers a day. I was learning how to negotiate, learning about materials and fabrics.” He took the leap and ordered his first sample. “That’s when I knew – OK, I’m all in.”

He taught himself how to design a website, market his products, and build an audience – all without paid advertising.

“I used , which was a new platform at the time. I was able to use the algorithm to reach a lot of customers. In the first two years, I brought in about 200,000 people. I had orders from Dubai, Alaska, Australia, and I shipped out almost 2,000 orders.”

Giving Back Through Design and Mentorship

Emmanuel Ozias on campus at ����vlog. “I’ve had incredible mentors here – faculty who believed in me and pushed me to think bigger,” he says. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Ozias’ brand success is matched by his commitment to giving back. He returned to his alma mater, East Orange STEM Academy, to design custom football uniforms – honoring the program that shaped him.

Now, he’s designing uniforms for multiple school districts, including Irvington and Jersey City, and learning the ins and outs of becoming an educational vendor.

Ozias credits ����vlog for helping him thrive – thanks in large part to strong mentorship and the Cooperman College Scholars Scholarship, which supports first-generation students from Essex County.

“The Cooperman Scholarship helped take a huge burden off my shoulders. It allowed me to focus on my work, both in the classroom and in my business,” he says.

His mentors say he stood out from the beginning.

“As a sophomore, he served on multiple panels for high school conferences, where he shared his college experiences and gave students tools for success,” says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Success Programs.

“He was a student leader and participant in BarbershopEDU, a group that inspires male students by offering a safe space for mentorship, engagement and community building,” Gordon adds. “Throughout all of his endeavors, he represents EOF to the highest standard.”

Ozias was honored with the MEGA Impact Scholar Award from Montclair’s Male Enrollment and Graduation Alliance for his commitment to mentoring students and athletes in his hometown.

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Ozias plans to expand Lock1n and step into a creative director role – combining his passion for design, fashion and athletics.

“I’ve seen full teams and individuals outfitted in his brand,” says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs. “Emmanuel’s drive, poise and creativity are unmatched. I fully expect to see his brand continue to grow globally – and we’re proud to have played a small part in his journey.”

Ozias adds: “At Montclair, I learned how to take an idea and bring it to life. I’m passionate about pushing boundaries – and I’m staying locked in. Always.”

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students and Parents: Learn more about Montclair admissions, our College of the Arts, the Education Opportunity Fund and College Access and Success Programs.
• Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

Growing up in Union, New Jersey, Alyssa Muñiz dreamed of a life onstage – and she made it happen.

From touring internationally with Norwegian Cruise Lines to starring in an Off-Broadway show and even performing at legendary New York City venues like 54 Below, Birdland and the Blue Note, Muñiz built an impressive career in the performing arts.

But after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Muñiz found herself asking a big question: Was there something more?

“I love music, and I love singing,” Muñiz says, “but I just felt like something was missing.”

That’s when she stumbled upon music therapy – a field where she could use her talents not just to entertain, but to heal.

At 32, Muñiz will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy along with fellow College of the Arts graduates.

Choosing ����vlog for Music Therapy

Muñiz found a free music therapy course online and found her calling. So, when it came time to formally study music therapy, Muñiz knew exactly where she wanted to go.

“I always wanted to go to Montclair,” she says. “It’s a beautiful campus, and the music therapy program is incredible. All our professors are literally in the textbooks we read – the profession is blooming right now.”

Muñiz was accepted to both ����vlog and Berklee College of Music, but ultimately chose Montclair for its congenial community, hands-on learning and proximity to New York City’s endless opportunities.

“I found it to be really welcoming,” she says. “The professors are so approachable and down-to-earth.”

She also found a welcoming culture and opportunities for growth. “What I found was a real community – people I could lean on. Montclair did a great job of helping me stretch, expand and find my voice again.”

Associate Professor of Music in Music Therapy Michael Viega says: “Alyssa has always brought her full life experience to her training as a music therapist. As a musician she is exceptional, able to play in many styles with fluidity and competence. She has been a mentor to many, with her inquisitive but grounded insight.”

From Touring the World to Making a Difference at Home

Today, Muñiz is completing her music therapy internship at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, where she works with a wide range of populations, including kindergarten to fifth-grade students with ADHD, disabilities or trauma, adults with disabilities and seniors with Alzheimer’s.

“Music is this amazing thing,” she reflects. “When my grandma had Alzheimer’s, we used music to help change her mood, even help her eat. Now, every day, I see how music therapy impacts people’s lives.”

Her journey has come full circle. Looking back, Muñiz realizes that even her earlier performing roles – in Pip’s Island and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! – had elements of music therapy built in through its messages of emotional learning and connection.

“I’m doing what I love,” she says. “It’s so rewarding.”

Viega says he can’t wait to see where Muñiz’s career takes her. “She is going to be a wonderful music therapist filled with care, empathy and love for health and humanity.”

What’s Next for Muñiz

After graduating, Muñiz plans to become board-certified and work as a music therapist or start her own private practice specializing in music therapy for Alzheimer’s patients, their caregivers and even performers struggling with confidence.

“I’m so confident in what I’m doing now,” she says. “Music therapy is powerful, and I’m ready to take it wherever it’s needed – whether that means finding a job or creating my own opportunities.”

And when she walks across the stage, it will symbolize much more than earning a degree. She knows her family and boyfriend, Montclair alumnus Wesley DeSouza ’16, will celebrate her achievement – and so will she. During her academic career, Muñiz has supported herself through commercial advertising work, performances and even bartending, all in addition to her internship.

“I’m really proud of myself,” she says. “I did this all on my own. When I throw my cap in the air, I’m going to cry like a baby because it’s been 15 years of hustling – and now, I can finally breathe.”

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.��

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

• Interested in Studying Music Therapy at Montclair? If you’re a music student who wants world-class training and the opportunity to make a real impact, the Music Therapy program at the John J. Cali School of Music could be for you.
• Prospective Students or Parents: Learn more about College of the Arts programs or apply to ����vlog.
• Journalists:��Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.

The quartet members are part of the Cali Collective Ensemble, an immersive two-year program where graduate students earn an Artist’s Diploma Certificate while developing real-world performance experience. The Ensemble consists of seven students, including the Trillium String Quartet. Montclair’s Graduate Quartet Residency is among fewer than 15 such programs at prominent music schools in the country.

“Any string quartet like ours is looking at about five different programs, and Montclair is one of them, and that’s how we found this,” says violinist Judith Kim, a Seattle native.

Trillium is made up of violinists Kim and Altier, violist Sydney Link of Cincinnati, and cellist Amelia Smerz of Chicago. All now living in the New York City area, they decided to pursue the immersive opportunity Montclair offers.

“The aim is to prepare string quartets for professional careers through intensive study and performances,” says Cali School Director Anthony Mazzocchi, a GRAMMY®-nominated educator.

What Sets Montclair’s Graduate Quartet Residency Apart?

One quartet is selected every two years for intensive study and performance opportunities. Program highlights include:

• Dedicated quartet studio and weekly private lessons
• Full tuition, including $7,000 annual stipend
• Regular coaching with faculty and quartet in residence
• Artist’s Diploma Certificate – A post-master’s credential centered on real-world experience
• Outreach-Focused Curriculum – Students may perform in prisons, shelters, and veterans’ facilities through the Music for All Seasons partnership
• Access to Cali Immersive Residency – Opportunities to perform with world-renowned artists, such as 19-time GRAMMY®-winning banjoist Béla Fleck or the two-time GRAMMY®-winning Attacca Quartet, gaining insight from guest professionals

“There are not that many programs where you can just be a quartet and that’s your focus,” says Smerz. “We got to play with Béla Fleck, who is a great musician. Those kinds of experiences are cool, and they have stretched us and given us a lot of opportunities that we wouldn’t have otherwise.”

A Performance Partnership with Music for All Seasons

Through a unique partnership with (MFAS) — a nonprofit connecting professional musicians with underserved audiences – the students perform in nontraditional settings, from juvenile detention centers to shelters and veterans communities. The partnership is in keeping with Montclair’s commitment to academic excellence and as a public-serving institution.

“We’re bringing the music to the people,” says Altier. “We really love when we get to bring music to places where people may not get it as often. We always learn that people find it very touching, and seeing those smiles is a big part of what fulfills us.”

Performances like the one at Valley Brook Village allow students to connect one-on-one with their audience. “This is super personal,” says violist Link. “We could speak to each one of our audience members if we wanted to.”

MFAS Executive Director Rena Fruchter says MFAS has a relationship with Valley Brook Village, where the organization has also provided veterans with therapeutic songwriting workshops. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for the veterans to experience the students who were part of the partnership,” she says.

A Legacy of Connection

The partnership with Music for All Seasons has deep roots. Mazzocchi first performed with MFAS while in a trombone quartet at the Manhattan School of Music. Actor Dudley Moore was a major supporter of the nonprofit at the time, and Mazzocchi’s quartet played at a birthday party for him, as well as his funeral. His MFAS experience was formative, he says.

“I learned to communicate with so many different humans in various settings,” Mazzochi says. “It set me up in profound ways as a musician, educator and leader.”

So, when MFAS approached Montclair about a partnership, it was a no-brainer. “I wanted our students to have the same experiences I did at their age,” Mazzochi says.

Fruchter agrees that the program goes far beyond technical performance training.

“Most students in a performing arts program work primarily on their musical skills. What makes this program different is that it expands the students’ horizons,” she says. “This is a mentorship program, and these appearances are part of their educational curriculum.”

MFAS pairs students with mentors, audiences and opportunities that broaden their understanding of music’s role in society.

Diane Michaels, a harpist who has performed on Broadway, in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and with Tony Bennett at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, mentors the quartet. She offers advice and feedback on the musical program and engages with the audience. “Trillium comes to the collaboration possessing a host of skills beautifully suited to fulfilling the MFAS mission, and it has been a pleasure mentoring them.”

Looking to the Future

The Trillium String Quartet plans to stay together long-term. Next year, they’ll teach at a chamber music program in Vermont. “We want to be a quartet for the rest of our lives,” says Smerz, “performing and traveling and playing in as many different places for as many different people as we possibly can.”

At Valley Brook, the impact of the quartet’s performance was clear. One veteran pretend-directed slower classical pieces, some tapped hands and feet to livelier jazz tunes, such as “Take the A Train” and several sang along to “Hallelujah” and “Amazing Grace.”

“It was wonderful,” says Lacy. “My favorite part was ‘Amazing Grace,’ which is why I requested it the second time.”

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.

Interested in Studying Music at Montclair?

If you’re a music student who wants world-class training and the opportunity to make a real impact, graduate programs at the John J. Cali School of Music could be for you.

Are you a…

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about the Cali Collective Ensemble, Graduate Quartet Residency or the Cali Immersive Residency or apply to ����vlog.

Journalist?

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.

Fusing Art and Neuroscience: The Zebrafish Project

Assistant Professor of Biology Thomas Mueller, who uses zebrafish as a research model to study human affective disorders, approached Professor of Art and Design Cathy Bebout, head of printmaking, with an invitation for the collaboration.

Mueller’s work focuses on the amygdala’s role in regulating fear and anxiety in the brain. “Zebrafish is really a very important genetic model organism,” he explained. “It shares around 70% of genetic similarities with humans and about 80% of the diseased genes that you find in humans have a counterpart in zebrafish.”

Following a presentation of Mueller’s research, students were challenged to create artwork inspired by scientific imagery. The resulting prints, produced through collaboration and layering, mirrored the investigative process of scientific discovery.

“There’s a relationship between this collaborative way of working and a scientific process,” said Adjunct Art Professor Bridget McGuire. “It’s experimental. It was an interesting investigation and felt like a research collaboration.”

Senior Lindsey Scheier, a Visual Communication Design major, found inspiration in the abstract nature of emotions: “Dr. Mueller’s presentation made me think about abstraction, and how to convey fear through abstraction. It felt too literal to print a fish, so I tried to explore what the shapes and colors of fear might feel like, especially for such a tiny creature.”

Bebout emphasized the project’s educational impact: “This project uses art and science as a teaching tool, fostering dialogue and learning between disciplines while demonstrating the arts’ power to drive engagement and social change.”

From Data to Design: The Creative Process

Under the guidance of Montclair faculty, students transformed scientific data and microscopic images into artwork now on exhibition at�� Finley Gallery. The scientific research generated vibrant images of neurons and neural circuits in zebrafish brains, inspiring a unique approach to artistic expression.

“It shows up in the brain as color, so that’s why you see all this brilliant color on display,” Bebout said about the students’ artwork. “The students, in the beginning, were like zebrafish too; I could see a lot of fear and emotion. As artists, we get these ideas in our head about what we see. And for the students, it was sort of like groping in the dark in the beginning, and then things started to develop.”

The students’ work emerged from several “print jams,” intense printmaking marathons where Illustration, Visual Communication Design, Visual Arts, and Art Education majors collaborated. The final exhibition, “Zebrafish and the Art of Fear: A Creative Inquiry into Memory and Emotion,” showcases a range of abstract and literal interpretations.

The exhibition is part of a month-long, multi-faceted series of events that included animated projections featuring zebrafish in both the Finley Gallery and the lobby of Irvin D. Reid Hall, an Art Forum discussion with London artist Andrew Carnie, who specializes in science-based works, an Art and Science Symposium featuring renowned neuroscientists, Koichi Kawakami, of the National Institute of Genetics in Mishima, Japan, and New York University Professor Joseph E. LeDoux, director of NYU’s Emotional Brain Institute.

Senior Visual Arts major Grace Whitaker incorporated fish eyes into her prints, while other students took a more abstract approach. Scheier described the process as both challenging and rewarding. “Screen-printing being such an experimental art form encouraged learning through doing. It was a great opportunity for creative exchange, as we all shared and taught each other new techniques along the way.”

Art Professor Sharon Lindenfeld echoed this sentiment: “You learn from what you just printed and then you try something different in the next one, much like a scientific process. Working this way creates tension and feelings of anxiety and fear, relating back to the research.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

For many participants, this project marked their first time working across disciplines. “I’ve never worked collaboratively like this, so it was such a cool experience,” McGuire said. “There’s a relationship between this collaborative way of working and a scientific process, it’s very experimental. It creates tension, almost a feeling of anxiety and fear, again relating back to the research.”

Science and art faculty members are already planning future interdisciplinary collaborations. “This is the startup of a major endeavor and future collaborations,” said Mueller.

Bebout highlighted the broader impact: “The art will help to promote science and get people’s attention, so they want to know more.”

“And make neuroscience accessible to the wider public and maybe inspire students in the arts and high school students to pursue a career in these scientific sciences or in the arts,” Mueller added.

“I believe art and science are closely connected and more focus should be placed on their collaboration,” Scheier said. “I’m excited to see more partnerships between departments in the future.”

Are you a…

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about Visual Arts, Visual Communication Design or other College of the Arts programs or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist?

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.

Scruggs joins Montclair from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, where he served as Chief Enrollment Officer and Director of Institutional Research and Musician Experience. At Curtis, he led initiatives in admissions, alumni engagement and institutional research, while also playing a pivotal role in enhancing opportunities for all in classical music.

Committed to Student Success, Artistic Growth

A graduate of Swarthmore College, the Curtis Institute of Music and Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, Scruggs has also enjoyed an acclaimed professional career, serving in principal oboe positions in the San Francisco Opera, Cincinnati Symphony and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. His leadership extends beyond performance and education – he is also a founding member of the , an organization dedicated to increasing representation for Black musicians in classical music. His work in this space has garnered national attention, including being featured on NPR’s “.”

“I am thrilled to join this fantastic community of students, faculty and staff and continue the Cali School’s tradition of excellence in performance and teaching,” said Scruggs. “As director, I look forward to supporting faculty as they teach and develop the next generation of performers and educators, and empowering students as they create, explore and connect with local and global communities.”

����vlog leadership expressed great enthusiasm for Scruggs’ appointment, highlighting his deep understanding of both artistic and academic landscapes.

As director, Scruggs will oversee the continued growth and innovation of the John J. Cali School of Music, ensuring its commitment to excellence in music education, performance and therapy, while strengthening the school’s presence in the New York and New Jersey arts communities.

“Shea’s extensive experience as both an innovative arts administrator and an accomplished orchestral musician uniquely positions him to build on the Cali School’s legacy of excellence while broadening its reach and impact,” College of the Arts Dean Daniel Gurskis said. “His visionary approach and commitment to creating opportunities for young musicians align seamlessly with the University’s mission and our aspirations for the future of music education.”

About the John J. Cali School of Music

The John J. Cali School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education, music performance, music therapy, composition, jazz studies, and recording arts and production, as well as a two-year Artist’s Diploma and one-year Performer’s Certificate. Twenty-one full-time faculty members and approximately 200 part-time instructors serve more than 500 students, who matriculate through a competitive admissions process. The school maintains strong relationships with professional performance and educational organizations along with several music schools around the world, and beginning in the 21-22 Academic Year launched two major new initiatives with the Cali Pathways Project, focused on reducing barriers for burgeoning musicians in underserved communities, and the Cali Immersive Residency program, imbedding world-renowned artists and ensembles for week-long residencies at the school. Its facilities provide a conservatory-like setting, consisting of the 235-seat Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall, teaching studios, music practice and rehearsal rooms, and faculty studios. Our students and faculty engage in over 300 concerts and recitals a year.

Are you a…��

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about the John J. Cali School of Music and our music programs or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist?

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview.

Backstage also cited the College of the Arts’ dance theater program and the success of Josh Dela Cruz, host of Blues Clues & You! and Montclair’s proximity to New York City in its ranking.

The recognition highlights Montclair’s success in launching alumni into thriving careers on Broadway, television and film.

“We’re pleased that Backstage has recognized our program and the accomplishments of our alumni,” says Associate Professor Heather Benton, head of Montclair’s BFA Acting program. “Our professors are working actors and directors with strong reputations among casting professionals. We believe there isn’t just one way to work as an actor – and we train our students accordingly.”

“Montclair allowed me to stress-test my process and set me up to handle the life of a professional actor.”

~ Kira Player ’22, cast member of Harry Potter & the Cursed Child on Broadway

What Sets Montclair’s Acting Program Apart

Students at Montclair benefit from a dynamic, holistic program designed to prepare them for the demands of today’s entertainment industry:

• Diverse Training: Techniques include Meisner, Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Viewpoints, Suzuki and the Lucid Body method, in which Benton received certification.
• Film & TV Readiness: Classes in acting for the camera, opportunities for self-taping and for direction and feedback through a collaboration with Montclair’s School of Communication and Media.
• Career Prep: Mock auditions, workshops and a senior-year showcase featuring panels of NYC casting directors and agents who provide feedback.
• Physical and Vocal Training: Emphasis on movement (including clown, combat, world dance, Viewpoints and Suzuki) and the actor-friendly Miller Voice Method, taught by two MvM-certified teachers.
• Industry Access: Located just 12 miles from NYC, students work with professional playwrights, directors and casting agents. Partnerships include a three-year residency with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The BFA program is curated�� so that students are introduced to the many aspects of training that are strongest for actors. “The philosophy behind that is that students go through these immersive techniques so that by the time they get to their senior year, they have this enormous toolbox of techniques. It gives students the agency to learn, to choose and to curate their own unique individual process,” Benton says. “The reason that this is important is because that’s the business right now.”

Alumni Success on Stage and Screen

The rigor of Montclair’s curated curriculum is evident through the success of its alumni, including proud alumni, who is currently a cast member in Harry Potter & the Cursed Child on Broadway.

“The gifts from my training at Montclair that I most consistently use are the focus on diligence and the familiarity with most major acting techniques,” says Player, BFA ’19. “My professors instilled in me the importance of finding a process for yourself, of being specific and granular in that process, of being adaptable and imaginative.”

Ultimately, she said, “Montclair’s approach of learning a new technique every year allowed me to stress-test my process and set me up to handle the life of a professional actor.”

Recent graduate, who is touring nationally with Stomp!, agreed that Montclair faculty prepares students by challenging them to work hard and anticipate the inevitable challenges of an acting career.

Robinson, BFA ’24, earned a coveted spot on the Stomp! tour after multiple auditions and beating out an initial pool of more than 1,000 actors.

“The program prepares you,” Robinson says. “So, when I hear about all of the alumni success that comes from the school, it makes sense because the teachers really do light that fire in their students.”

Other distinguished alumni of the acting program include:

• Nathan Angelo ’24 – Broadway debut in Here Lies Love, the first all-Filipino cast on Broadway.
• ’22 – Appeared in the 2023 film No Hard Feelings! with Jennifer Lawrence.
• ’17– Actor and filmmaker known for The Girl in the Woods (2021), Freaky (2020) and The Goldfinch (2019).

With an ever-evolving curriculum that blends tradition with innovation, ����vlog continues to be a top destination for aspiring actors looking to build lasting careers in theatre, film and television.

Are you a…��

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about the Theater/Acting, Musical Theater, Theater Studies or�� or other College of the Arts programs or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist?

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.