Congratulations to Art History undergraduates Ellie Saylor and Jessica Loaiza

Congratulations to USF School of Art & Art History undergraduates Ellie Saylor and Jessica Loaiza on their presentations as part of USF’s 5th Annual Undergraduate Humanities Conference. Both students’ papers were composed in Prof. Ali Reilly’s “Artist as Curator” seminar.

The conference featured over 100 projects and was packed with discussion panels, poster sessions, and guest speakers. This conference provides great experience for future employment, graduate school, and preparation for conference presentations.

Ellie Saylor, a senior studying art history, eagerly anticipates her graduation and entry into the museum curatorial field. Currently serving as the Art Director at USF’s Centre Gallery, Ellie showcases her leadership skills and dedication to promoting artistic expression within the university community. In addition, as a Provost Scholar, she has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to scholarly pursuits. Ellie’s paper, “Breaking Boundaries: The Impact of University Curatorial Practicum on Non-Art Student’s Engagement with Journey Through Change” was presented in Panel Session V: Humanities in the Classroom: Education and Pedagogy.

Jessica Loaiza is a third-year undergraduate working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History with a minor in Mass Communication. As a second-generation Colombian immigrant, Jessica brings a unique approach to analyzing visual culture. Jessica was selected to present her paper, “The Complexities of Kerry James Marshall’s De Style” at the Art History Symposium in Spring 2023. She was awarded a Bay Art Files undergraduate scholarship award for her paper. Jessica plans to continue her studies with a master’s degree and aspires to work as a curator of Latin American art. Jessica’s paper, “Creative Destruction: Eduardo Abaroa’s Total Destruction of the National Museum of Anthropology” was presented in Panel Session VI: Creation and Destruction: Art and Design.

Congratulations to both undergraduate scholars!