Hear from SLU's Visual and Performing Arts Class of 2025

Congratulations to student graduates in the areas of art history, studio art, music, theatre, dance and visual communication.

This article highlights the achievements, reflections, and future plans of the visual and performing arts graduates from Saint Louis University’s Class of 2025. Featuring responses from a survey sent to students who completed their degrees in fall 2024 and spring 2025, it offers a snapshot of their time at SLU, their creative journeys and where they’re headed next.

Was there a visual and performing arts faculty member who made a difference in your education?

"Jon Garrett made my experience as enjoyable as it could be! He is a great professor and friend."  Joanie Machaj, Music minor.

"Lucy Cashion really helped me to grow as a performer, collaborator, and theatre artist! She knows how to make her students and collaborators have confidence in their ability to trust themselves in a creative space." Madeline Chatham, Theatre major.

"Martin Brief was always so enthusiastic about being in class to teach and gave the best feedback." Ellie Weddle, Visual Communication minor.

"Stephanie Tennill. I honestly do not know what I'd do without her. She has helped me overcome so many challenges and has been present for me when no one else could have been. She truly gave me a home away from home at SLU." Alexia Thornton, Theatre minor.

"Dr. Bradley Bailey. I enrolled in Dr. Bailey's Survey of Modern Art Course because I thought modern art was ugly and lazy. I wanted to have an entire semester where I was either proven correct or developed a more nuanced opinion on it. Immediately, due to Dr. Bailey's incredible ability to utilize the craft of storytelling with an attention to detail that ensures students understand difficult to comprehend concepts, my opinion started to change. First, I developed a skepticism where I began respecting what many of the modern artists were trying to achieve through their art but I still did not think the art itself was aesthetically worthwhile. The skepticism developed into genuine admiration because of the enthusiastic manner in which Dr. Bailey shared it. Over the next two years, I enrolled almost exclusively in Dr. Bailey's courses so that I could pick his brain about every facet of modern art. I absolutely fell in love with modern art. It wasn't because of the art itself. It was the way Dr. Bailey taught it to me. My love for modern art developed into a senior thesis project revolving around an artist whose conceptual art work would have made high school me scoff in disgust. Dr. Bailey shaped the way I think and inspired me to pursue a career in education, with the hopes that I can effect at least one student the way Dr. Bailey did for me." Owen Hopper, Art History major.

"Professors Amy Bautz and Deborah Douglas made a huge difference in my education, and were incredibly influential in nurturing my artistic skills as well as niche interests within the Studio Art Department. Together, they encouraged me to explore my passion for tattooing, a non traditional art form, within a traditional academic institution. They provided the resources necessary for me to fuse my academic and post graduate plans, while also fostering an environment of collaboration and emphasizing the importance of reflection within art making. These relationships have resulted in me graduating as a more confident and intentional artist, ready for the workforce." Amari Moore, Studio Art major.

If you had to give an incoming SLU freshman one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don't feel like you need to choose an area of study right away. I went from thinking I'd emphasize in Graphic Design to emphasizing in Drawing then adding Fibers & Textiles." Callia Nutt, Studio Art major.

"Use the practice rooms! And don't share the code with non-majors! The less people who know the code, the more likely you'll be able to get in there to rehearse or warm up before a jury or recital." Sophie Smith, Music major.

"Go to class and make class friends! it is the easiest way to meet new people who will have similar schedules as you." Ellie Weddle, Visual Communication minor.

"A missed opportunity or a lost role is not a failure, it's an opportunity to see yourself grow in a new position." Alexia Thornton, Theatre major.

"Dont blink or its all over, but in all seriousness get comfortable asking for help, whether it’s from professors, advisors, or classmates. SLU has a ton of resources, but no one hands them to you unless you speak up. Advocating for yourself early will make your life easier and your experience way more fulfilling." Anthony Ogliore, Art History minor.

"Do all the things, do not limit yourself to one singular thing. Branch out, try it all." Gavin Martin, Music minor.

"Make room for fun! Don’t exhaust yourself." Sara Albarcha, Art History minor.

"Don’t be afraid to try something new! I was a dance minor, but one of my favorite classes was Music Theory and I surprised myself with how well I did in the class. You never know what could happen!" Caroline Ward, Dance minor.

"Reach out to the VPA faculty because they’re just as passionate about the arts as you are and want to help and share as much as they can." Sami Hussein, Music minor.

What are you most proud of from your time at SLU?

I'm proud of being one of the first to experience the new CORE, being able to explore various courses, and graduate with not one, but two majors." Callia Nutt, Studio Art major.

"I think I'm mainly proud of the people around me. They continue to amaze me every single day." Alexia Thornton, Theatre minor.

"My work with the middle eastern student association for the past three years." Sara Albarcha, Art History minor.

"Having both the experiences in Main Campus and SLU Madrid." Rhea Ibarra, Studio Art minor.

"I am most proud of my Senior Art Student Exhibition. Being able to see four years of hard work materialized and hanging on gallery walls, viewed by friends and family, was an incredible feeling that I will be ever grateful occurred at SLU." Amari Moore, Studio Art major.

What was your favorite class in your focus area and why?

"Jazz Band because my skills as a drummer were improved the most and I had the most fun while there." Sami Hussein, Music minor.

"Musical Theater Dance because it was so fun and was a super supportive environment and class setup." Caroline Ward, Dance minor.

"Publication Design because it felt very real world applicable." Ellie Weddle, Visual Communication minor.

"Sculpture in SLU Madrid because the teacher made us enjoy the class but also extend our creativity." Rhea Ibarra, Studio Art minor.

How have you surprised yourself while in college?

"I surprised myself with my switch in careers. I envisioned myself going into healthcare, which is funny because I love art and politics, so I’m happy that I switched international affairs and art history." Sara Albarcha, Art History minor.

"I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed playing Piano (thank you, Susan Martin) and how far I’ve progressed with the instrument." Sami Hussein, Music minor.

"My taste has shifted so much since coming to college. Everything from what part of the art museum I'm spending the most time in to what I'm eating for dinner is so different from high school. By exposing myself to so many different ideas (and having all my classes in the arts building), I have a vastly different and much better taste in film, music, food, art, and everything in between. Instead of stubbornly believing that my taste is better than everyone else's, I challenged myself to try out new things and ensure that my still strongly opinionated views are at least educated." Owen Hopper, Art History major.

Do you have any post-graduation plans that you want to share?

"I'm traveling to Japan after graduation, and then I'm taking a gap year before law school to audition for shows and spend time with family." Sophie Smith, Music major.

"I have accepted a tattoo apprenticeship at Enigma Tattoos & Body Piercings here in St. Louis! Watch my journey of becoming a fully licensed tattoo artist by following my brand on social media, Crying Lightning Tattoo." Amari Moore, Studio Art major.

"I am going to be working at a Catholic grade school as a Behavior Intervention Specialist, as well as choreographing musicals for different youth arts organizations." Caroline Ward, Dance minor.