Catron Exhibition showcases summer research, student artistry

Committed to uplifting William & Mary’s vibrant artistic community, the Charles Center hosted a lively reception celebrating the work of last summer’s multi-talented Catron Scholars in Sadler Center's Hart Gallery Nov. 13.

More than 60 faculty, staff, students, and family members attended the immersive and interactive event, in which Catron scholars shared stories, discoveries, and creations from experiences last summer dedicated to exploring their artistic interests.

Seven undergraduate artists received the unique opportunity to explore engaging artistic opportunities in summer 2025 with support from the Louis E. Catron Grant for Artistic Development, which awards each student up to $5,000 to explore an off-campus educational experience related to creative or performing arts.

Catron Scholars represent a broad scope of interests within the arts, including dance, cinematography, drawing, painting, screenprinting, and theatrical production. Each used the financing provided by the Catron grant to pursue personal research avenues in their distinctive spheres of interest.

English major Angelina Joa ’26 used the Catron grant to enroll in a 10-week virtual course, “Fundamentals of Color and Lighting,” offered by the Concept Design Academy in Pasadena, California. Throughout the course, she created a variety of digital landscapes using Adobe Photoshop, which lined the walls of the Hart Gallery.

“I really wanted to try a different medium: digital arts, especially in this increasingly digitized world,” Joa said during her presentation.

According to Joa, the experience ignited a passion to continue exploring artistic pursuits in the future.

“I never really had the confidence to explore art in the capacity I’ve always wanted to, but this has definitely given me the confidence to not only take the classes, but to explore art after I graduate. I’m also an English major, but the Catron scholarship has given me so many resources that can hopefully allow me to combine my English skills with art in the future, whether that be in conservation, galleries, museum work, etcetera,” she said.

Kinesiology major Sadie Vaughan ’27 spent the summer pursuing dance at Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy. In addition to training in contemporary, modern, and ballet technique, Vaughan performed professionally and self-choreographed pieces. 
 
Her project employs a series of filmed dance solos to portray the experience of growing up neurodivergent, exploring the evolving challenges of identity and belonging across different stages of life. According to Vaughan, the opportunity was transformative.  
 
“My time spent at Accademia dell’Arte this summer was spent not only growing stronger as a dancer, but stronger as a person,” Vaughan said. “While it was not my first time out of the country, it was certainly my first time experiencing as much as I did. I truly am a different dancer and person than I was at the beginning of the summer.” 
 
Cate Oken ’27, an English and Theatre double major, worked at Ensemble Arts Philly as a Marketing Intern in Philadelphia.

Oken assisted with event management and digital marketing, such as advertising for the organization’s largest events including two Broadway touring shows and the annual Pride Concert.  
 
The internship provided her with skills and connections highly valuable to her pursuit of a career in arts administration.  
 
“My internship at Ensemble Arts Philly was beyond helpful for my career in arts administration. I learned about several elements of theatre marketing and made invaluable connections within the Philadelphia arts community,” Oken said.  
 
Art major Katelyn Workman ’27 used the Catron funding to attend the Mount Gretna School of Art Summer Intensive in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania. Throughout the experience, Workman engaged with a variety of art forms including plein air painting, drawing, and collage workshops. 
  
“Most of the faculty took the approach that you learn where you are uncomfortable,” Workman said, “by pushing yourself to do what you are not currently doing or learning more about the world of your painting.” 
 
She also had the opportunity to gain critiques from 15 different visiting artists and complete in-person museum studies in New York City and Philadelphia. 
 
“Engaging discussions with peers, asking faculty so many questions, and visiting critics’ lectures were key aspects in helping me to learn more about painting technically. Starting to grapple with what a painting is in my practice expanded my perspective on what it means to function as an artist within a profession and lifestyle.” 

Interested in learning more about the Louis E. Catron Grant for Artistic Development? Click here.