SVAD graduate student curates her debut solo exhibition, while receiving support and fostering connections with the UCF community.
Stacie Becker, an MFA Studio Art student at UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD), presents her first solo exhibition Catch and Release at SoWhat! Arts at FAVO throughout February and the first week of March. This show marks a significant milestone in Becker’s academic and professional career, giving her the opportunity to curate her own gallery exhibition, display her professional work and connect with the Orlando community.
Becker first came to UCF to pursue her bachelor’s degree in studio art in 2019 and fell in love with the university, its faculty and SVAD’s studio art program.
“After I graduated with my undergrad in 2023, I knew I needed more,” says Becker. “That’s why I decided to come back for my MFA.”
Her work explores theories of identity, individuality and societal norms, examining how these forces often both interact and counteract with one another. Growing up in a household where there was a clear distinction between right and wrong, Becker has always been entranced by those who challenge societal expectations, and in turn, leading to some of humanity’s biggest accomplishments. As a tattoo artist, Becker has first-hand experience with these norms, giving her greater insight on how society’s rigid structure shapes the way individuals view themselves and influence personal decisions.
When she began her graduate program, she hoped for the opportunity to host her first solo show. “Imagine my surprise when the opportunity came up,” says Becker.
Scott White, partner of SoWhat! Arts, visited Becker’s midterm critique and was so impressed by her work that he invited her to curate her own exhibition at the gallery.
“To have Scott say to me ‘You can do whatever you want with this space’ and really mean it was really unique, exciting and scary,” says Becker. “It was a fantastic opportunity for me to see my art in a way I specifically wanted it to be seen – from the walls to the floor, to the windows, to even what refreshments I wanted for the opening reception.”
The opening reception of Catch and Release was a great success, with Becker receiving overwhelming support from the UCF community.
“We have such a vibrant community at UCF, and they always show up so strong for events,” says Becker. “It was so beautiful to feel so supported, loved and encouraged.”
This kind of support is one of the many things Becker admires about UCF – the strong sense of community, even at one of the largest universities in the country.
As Becker reflects on her first solo show experience, she is grateful for the support and opportunities provided to her by SVAD’s faculty.
“The faculty at SVAD, like Jason Burrell, are so intentional about passing along any and all opportunities to help students grow,” says Becker. “It’s something I really appreciate as a student. Getting real-time feedback and critique on my work, and connecting with such a great community, has been life-changing for me.”
Stacie Becker (second to the left) with classmates from UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design.
Becker’s Catch and Release exhibition will be open until the first week of March, with closing receptions on March 7 and 8 at SoWhat! Arts at FAVO.
If you are interested in viewing the exhibition or attending the closing reception, please contact Becker directly at stacie.becker@ucf.edu.
To learn more about her work, visit staciejbecker.com.