ASFA MAGAZINE
ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
WINTER 2024
RESOLVE
MAGAZINE
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 2
Editor
Katie Roach Dudley ‘97
Designer
Tania Maria Roulston
Contributing Editor
Sara Ellis
Contributing
Photographer
Kelsey Justice
Alabama School
of Fine Arts
1800 Rev. Abraham
Woods Jr. Blvd.
Birmingham, AL 35203
Alumni: Please send
address changes and
updates to Beth
Mulvey bmulvey@
ASFAschool.org
ASFA ADMINISTRATION
President
Dr. Tim Mitchell
Vice President of
Specialty & Academic
Studies
Dr. Brad Hill
Chief Financial and
Operations Oficer
Jamie Plot
Director of Student
Support Services
Kim Strickland ‘93
Director of Development
Beth Mulvey
Director of Marketing
and Communications
Katie Roach Dudley ‘97
Creative Media
Coordinator & Creative
Writing Chair
TJ Beitelman
Dance Chair
Wes Chapman ‘83
Math-Science Chair
Hungsin Chin
Music Chair
Alex Fokkens
Theatre Arts Chair
John Manzelli
Visual Arts Chair
Darius Hill ‘85
BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
Chair
Dr. Ba-Shen Welch
Vice Chair
Allison Dillon-Jauken
Secretary
Mary Hubbard
Treasurer
Steve Nelson
Kelly Allison
Dr. Sally P. Salter-
Blackwell
Javacia Bowser ‘99
Dr. Vincent J. Brewton
Dr. Maria Calhoun ‘84
Dr. Erinn Fears Floyd ‘87
Lisa Paden Gaines ‘72
Gene Gard ‘97
Dr. Michael Han
Lori Lein
Andy Meadows
Steele T. Marcoux
Dr. Webb Robertson
Billy Sanford
Nelvin Short ‘87
Jef Davis
FOUNDATION BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
President
Jef Davis
Past President
Dr. Tommy Bice
Finance Commitee
Chair
Warren Whatley
Nominating Commitee
Chair
Robert Raiford
Secretary
Jonathon Phillips
Development
Commitee Chair
Pat Taylor
Shahar Abrams ‘10
Sharon Blackburn
Brian Edwards
Dr. David Finn
Dan Frederick
Sonya Faye Gardner
Gracie Goodrich
Margaret Lacey
Gianna Mandich
Mark Robertson
Kim Savage
Jean Shanks
Valerie Thompson
Hunter Williams
Dr. Tim Mitchell, ASFA
President
Dr. Ba-Shen Welch,
Board of Trustees Chair
CONTENTS
WINTER 2024
ASFA MAGAZINE
PRESIDENT’S
LETTER
Dr. Mitchell explores
the power of resolve
in arts and education.
3
STUDENT LIFE
ASFA students are
passionate and
commited not only
to their specialties
but also to their
community.
8
ART BREAK
Poem by Cecily
Turner, 10th Grade
Creative Writing
student.
26
UPCOMING EVENTS
Find out what's
happening at ASFA
and the DJD Theater.
18
IMPACT REPORT
Learn about the
diference gifts
made last year in
the annual report.
9
ARTIST EDUCATORS
Learn about our
talented faculty and
their contributions to
art and education.
MARGI COLE,
ASFA DANCE
FACULTY, ASFA
ALUM, ARTISTIC
DIRECTOR,
CHOREOGRAPHER,
DANCER,
EDUCATOR, AND
FOUNDER OF THE
DANCE COLECTIVE
THE CUTTING
EDGE OF DANCE
ON THE
COVER
Cover artwork by
Abbey Dickey,
Visual Arts
senior
it verbally undescribed so that it is left to the
viewer to experience. What an example of the
importance and complexity of creativity! Art
is not random unless one intends it to be.
We see resolve as a key art skill. In Theater,
you make choices. How do you resolve those
actors’ choices with the director’s vision, with the
playwright’s words, with the dramatic conflict
the character faces internally and externally?
That applies to Creative Writing just as much—
see the analogy with Visual Arts above for that
process. In Dance, learn to extend so that you
can resolve a motion and see it through.
Finally, this is a time of resolve for the
Alabama School of Fine Arts as we move to
the final stage of our campus master building
plan this fall and get ready to bring all the
strands of our strategic purpose and planning
to bend in the direction of creating the future
for ASFA. Resolution is purpose achieved.
Dr. Tim Mitchell
This is at the heart of
transforming from an
art student into a studio artist.
This is at the heart of when an
artist decides the work is ready
to share and how and why."
OW DO YOU resolve a drawing
or painting? You’ve made a
mark on a drawing or started
work on a canvas– what
intention, purpose, or visual
resolution of what you’ve
done comes next? Is more
needed? Less? This is a
classic deep skill coming out
of critiques that challenge
an artist to develop the
criteria for knowing when the
work is finished or when it
is ready to be exhibited vs. work that is still in
progress. Beter yet, how does a student learn
to develop their own criteria for resolving their
work beyond a critique and review? Does this
piece fit into an artist’s body of work? Or depart
from it? The criteria can be deeply personal to
the artist, but it is an advanced skill to learn
to develop your set of criteria. This is at the
heart of transforming from an art student into
a studio artist. This is at the heart of when an
artist decides the work is ready to share and
how and why. Sometimes, this is described in
your artist statement, and sometimes, you leave
PRESIDENT'S
LETTER
How resolve leads to progress
ZUZU HEPBURN,
9TH GRADE
VISUAL ARTS
WINTER 2024
BE YOURSELF,
INSPIRE OTHERS
At ASFA, students
find classmates,
teachers, and
advisors who
challenge them to
take their ideas
to the next level,
who support them
when they're
in doubt, and
who cheer them
on when they
face big hurdles.
It's the kind of
community that
helps students
take the positive
risks they need to
become their best
selves. Everything
at ASFA is made
possible through
our passionately
engaged and
supportive
community.
STUDENT
LIFE
TRANSFORMING STUDENT LIVES
Your donation transforms dreams into
reality, empowering talented students to thrive in an environment that nurtures
creativity, innovation, and excellence. Every contribution directly supports
their journey, helping them unlock their potential and shape a brighter future.
ASFAschool.org/support
ASFA MAGAZINE
WINTER 2024
A student researcher advancing
science and inspiring the next generation
with mentorship.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ASHU ANAND
MATH-SCIENCE
SENIOR
ASHU ANAND
BRIDGING
SCIENCE,
SERVICE, AND
LEADERSHIP
SHU ANAND, A Math-Science
senior at ASFA, is a force to
be reckoned with—she is a
student who not only excels
academically but also makes
significant contributions
to her community and
peers. Her achievements
in science have garnered
national recognition. She is
a National Merit Semifinalist
and a multiple award winner
in prestigious science
competitions. Her accolades include the Air Force
Research Laboratory Special Award at the highly
competitive Regeneron International Science and
Engineering Fair, 2nd Place in Life & Behavioral
Sciences at the National Junior Science and
Humanities Symposium, and 1st Place in Life Sciences
at the Alabama Junior Academy of Science. Her
research on “The Efects of Electrical Stimulation on
Planaria Tissue Regeneration” was selected for The
Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins
University, a highly selective student speaker
series that accepts less than 10% of applicants.
Anand is currently conducting research in the
Koh Laboratory at the University of Alabama’s
Department of Chemical Engineering. The research
focuses on manipulating soft materials for adaptive
systems. Specifically, she aims to “form stable,
steady-state non-aqueous emulsions for damping
applications.” This highly technical work is impressive
on its own, but it’s just one piece of Anand’s
broader commitment to science and research.
This year, she founded the Summer Research
Incentive at Tuscaloosa City Schools, the first
program of its kind in the district. She felt that all
students should have the opportunity to compete
in science fairs, so she created the program to
provide coaching to students on how to design
and execute research projects. It’s a testament
to her dedication to mentorship and her drive
to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Her commitment to service extends to five
years of volunteer work at Druid City Hospital
in her hometown of Tuscaloosa and three years
volunteering at the Children’s Hands-on Museum
of Tuscaloosa. Despite the rigorous time demands
of school and research, she commutes daily from
Tuscaloosa to ASFA in Birmingham, driven by a
deep connection to her family. “Family is really
important, and for me, a sense of unity comes from
being together as much as possible,” she says.
As president of the ASFA Student Ambassadors,
she leads a team of 35 students who give school
tours, assist at events, and provide outreach
to prospective families. Balancing her scientific
pursuits with leadership and community service,
Anand reflects, “I love my life. It’s awesome.”
For someone who has already achieved so
much, this outlook speaks volumes about her
passion and joy in all that she does. Ashu Anand
is more than a rising star—she’s a leader who
is shaping the future with every step.
STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT LIFE
ASFA MAGAZINE
A talented musical theater actress who takes the stage and
the skies with equal passion.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AUBREY SEGARS
A PASSION FOR
LEADERSHIP,
THEATER, AND FLIGHT
UBREY SEGARS, A SENIOR in the Theatre Arts
Department acts, sings, flies, and leads. In
the theater world, Aubrey has already built
an impressive résumé, with roles in ASFA
productions from Urinetown to A Chorus Line to
Mother Courage and Her Children.
“I’ve always had a big imagination and
needed an outlet for my energy. When I was
younger, I struggled to make friends and feel
accepted. Seeing this, my mom encouraged me
to audition for a junior show at Red Mountain
THEATRE ARTS SENIOR
AUBREY SEGARS
Theatre. That first performance
ignited a lasting passion for
storytelling. I’ve always loved
singing and dancing, so musical
theater felt like a natural fit for me.”
Coming to ASFA was a major shift
for Segars. “ASFA was completely
diferent from anything I had
known. I had never been in such a
structured academic environment
— I hadn’t even used a computer
before coming here. Math was a
real challenge at first, but with the
support of my teachers, especially
Ms. Wenndt, I was able to catch up,
and now, I have a perfect GPA.”
Segar’s interests extend well
beyond theater. “My grandfather
was a pilot, and after he passed,
all I wanted was to see the sky
from his perspective. I read all
the manuals I could find and
learned everything I could about
flying. I started with the Aviation
Challenge summer intensive at
the Huntsville Space and Rocket
Center. After being awarded their
most prestigious leadership award,
‘Right Stuf,’ I decided to pursue
my pilot’s license. Working with the
Birmingham Flight Center, I earned
my student license after just a
few lessons, and I hope to get my
private pilot’s license in the future.”
She is also a natural leader. At 14,
she was voted in as the youngest
oficer in the ASFA Student Council,
serving as secretary. She first
joined the student council during
the pandemic as a way to connect
with the school community. Now,
as a senior, she serves as president
of the Student Council.
Looking ahead, she’s excited
for her directorial debut this April,
where she’ll stage Athena by
Gracie Gardner in ASFA’s Black Box
Theater. After that, the sky’s the
limit, but she plans on pursuing
a BFA acting program and then
pursuing a career in theater, film,
and directing.
Musical theater
felt like a natural
fit for me. —Aubrey Segars
WINTER 2024
It is important to me that
every child or adult gets to
experience this awesome
program. —Christina Norman
A dedicated dancer making a difference
through her own nonprofit organization.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT CHRISTINA NORMAN
HEART AND
BEAUTY IN
SERVICE
HRISTINA NORMAN A senior
Dance student doesn’t let a
long journey stop her from
achieving her dreams. When
she was just two years old
she started taking dance
classes, and the same year
her litle brother was born
with Downs Syndrome. A few
short years later she joined the
Girl Scouts as a Daisy. Those
three loves would shape her
future over a decade later.
“My mom always told me that I would dance
around anywhere I could and so she put me in
classes when I was two years old. At a young age,
I started to discover my love of dance. I always
say that I feel ‘dance chose me’ and that ‘the
stage feels like a second home.’ I think that the
art of dance is something that has always aligned
with my heart. Being able to create art through
movement is extraordinary,” says Norman.
Her dance journey brought her to ASFA in
7th grade where she has performed not only in
department productions, but also in principal
roles with Magic City Performing Arts in Sleeping
Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Don Quixote. She also
competes in the Miss America Organization and
currently serves as Miss Hoover's Teen. During the
summer, Norman atended the Dance Theatre of
Harlem Summer Intensive in New York for three
weeks and the Kennedy Center Dance Lab Summer
Intensive in Washington, D.C. She says, “[ASFA]
has given me some of the best opportunities
that many people my age or in a lifetime have
never experienced. I have been able to travel
across the U.S. and internationally because of
the dance faculty and the ASFA Foundation.”
Her passion is also evident of the stage in her
love for service and her brother, Landon. “I have
earned my Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the
highest achieving award that you can earn. For
DANCE SENIOR
CHRISTINA NORMAN
the project, I created my own Girl Scout Patch
Program titled Lanterns For Landon: Down Syndrome
Awareness. Before starting my program I knew
I wanted to continue making a huge impact for
people with disabilities and also tell Landon’s story.”
In addition to the patch, she started a nonprofit
to help others atend a camp that had an
impact on Landon. “My nonprofit is the Lanterns
For Landon Foundation. I raise money and give
scholarships to minorities and individuals to
atend the Alabama Special Camp for Children and
Adults. This camp can be very expensive and it is
important to me that every child or adult gets to
experience this awesome program. They should
have the same opportunities as everyone!”
In the future, she plans to continue her community
service, dance and dreams of competing in Miss
America. She certainly deserves a crown!
STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT LIFE
ASFA MAGAZINE
It also lit a fire
in me to make a
difference —William Peng
Inspired by loss, an Eagle Scout and future physician-
scientist makes his mark.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT WILLIAM PENG
BRILLIANCE AND
COMPASSION
HE COMBINATION OF intelligence and empathy
is rare, but when it comes together, the results
can be truly extraordinary. William Peng, a
senior in the Math-Science Department at
ASFA, embodies this unique blend of brilliance
and compassion. His personal journey, marked
by both tragedy and resilience, has shaped
his life’s mission: to use science and empathy
to make an impact on others through his
journey to becoming a physician-scientist.
It began with a heartbreaking family experience.
“In 2018, my brother Charles was diagnosed with
a rare brain cancer,” Peng shares. “He passed
away two years later after enduring surgery, radiation, chemotherapy,
and clinical trials. As a young and impressionable 12-year-old, I
believed that science couldn’t fail. That belief was shatered during
his batle, but it also lit a fire in me to make a diference.”
Peng’s loss led him to a path
of rigorous scientific exploration
and a deep sense of empathy for
those afected by life-threatening
diseases. Transferring to ASFA from
Simmons Middle School, he found a
place where his passion for science
and research could thrive. “ASFA is
diferent because it ofers a math-
science education like no other,” he
explains. “Not only is the coursework
advanced, but my peers share the
same passion for the sciences.
Here, I can focus on honing the
skills that mater most to me.” His
dedication and hardworking nature
have paid of with a perfect score
of 36 on the ACT and being named
a National Merit Semifinalist.
Beyond the classroom and lab,
William’s compassionate nature
shines through his volunteer work
at Children’s of Alabama and as an
Eagle Scout. “I’ve been a volunteer
in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
(PACU), the Emergency Department,
and as a greeter. Wherever I am, I
always enjoy doing what I can to
serve the patients and their families.”
His Eagle Scout project also
provides a service to families.
Over six months he led a project
to build Lego tables and chairs
for the Exceptional Foundation, a
non-profit that provides social and
recreational services for adults and
children with intellectual disabilities.
Peng plans to contribute to the
ongoing fight against diseases
that devastate families. “Although
science still has a long way to
go before curing cancer, heart
disease, or neurodegenerative
diseases, we get one step closer
every day. I plan on becoming a
physician-scientist. To do that,
I’ll atend college and medical
school. As for future research, it
depends! The exact topic of my
research maters less to me than
the impact it has on patients.”
MATH-SCIENCE SENIOR
WILLIAM PENG
WINTER 2024
ART BREAK POEM
PARTS OF
TENDERNESS
By Cecily Turner, 10th Grade Creative Writing
Just one moment please
Adjusting
The bloody hole in my stomach
Luggage stufed into
A shallow hole beneath my ribcage
I heave my fat of inconvenience
From grandma’s guest bathroom
Where they bathed us as babies
She tells me through the door
You don’t have a place
A place to sleep? I mock her
My grandpa in his la-z-boy
A doe
With ingénue eyes
As if he had no bed
No love
I am a mockingbird of cruelty
Soaring through skies
Crooning a lullaby for
Every house I once loved
In