UA student art historians presented research at The University of Alabama’s 14th annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference (URCA) at the Paul W. Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa on March 31, 2021. This year’s participants had an option to present in person or via video.
Junior Aidan Miles-Jamison, who double-majors in art history and piano performance, presented his research paper, titled, “Queering the Label: LGBTQ+ Art in Thailand,” in person at the URCA conference. Miles-Jamison won one of two 2021 Asian Studies Research Awards for the paper in which he presents a survey of three LGBTQ+ Thai artists’ oeuvre, develops an in-depth analysis of one artwork by each artist to discuss several trends and issues in contemporary Thai art. He did his research and writing under the direction of Dr. Doris Sung, assistant professor of Asian art history, in her course on South and Southeast Asian art.
Anna Pitts, who is a double major in art history and studio art with a minor in the Blount Scholars Program, presented her research, “Politics of Preservation at The Rock of Cashel,” in person at this year’s URCA conference. She worked under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Feltman, assistant professor of medieval art history. Pitts holds dual citizenship with Ireland and the US, and was able to visit the early medieval historic site in County Tipperary, Ireland, a few years ago.
Samantha Bielat, a junior pre-med major with an art history minor, was selected for one of 24 “Excellence in Research” awards given by URCA, for her project, titled, “Edutainment in Teaching Art History,” part of an independent study she is pursuing under Dr. Jennifer Feltman, assistant professor of medieval art history.
History major Mariella Giordano, who has a minor in Medieval and Early Modern European Studies (MEMES), presented her research, “‘Good King’ Henry,” conducted under Dr. Lucy Kaufman, assistant professor of history, Dr. Elizabeth Tavares, assistant professor of English, and Dr. Tanja Jones, associate professor of art history.
There will be a ceremony at the Bryant Conference Center for award winners on April 13, 2021. The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URCA) Conference is hosted by UA’s Office for Undergraduate Research and the Office for Research and Economic Development.
For more information about The University of Alabama’s programs in art history and studio art, visit our degree programs page.