Graduate students showcase their work, connect with industry scholars and gain professional experience at the Southeastern College Art Conference in Atlanta.
A group of graduate students from the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) attended the 2024 Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The annual conference, which gathers professional colleagues in the field of visual arts, offered a unique platform for UCF to showcase its growing influence in the arts community.
At SECAC, students had the opportunity to present their research, gaining exposure for their work. They also participated in numerous workshops and panels, where they could establish professional connections and explore new directions for their artistic practices.
MFA Studio Art and Design students Brittani Brown ‘21 and Stella Arbelaez Tascon ‘92, both in their final year of the program, were among those who attended. They were encouraged by their professors to participate in order to experience the conference’s lively atmosphere, to engage with higher education leaders and delve into their teaching practices.
Stella Arbelaez Tascon ’92 (far left) and Brittani Brown ’21 (to her right) at the Southeastern College Art Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
“I feel so small in this moment because I just started out teaching and I don’t have a lot behind me. But everyone in front of me is looking back wanting to give me what they’ve learned,” says Brown, MFA Studio Art and Design student and Graduate Teaching Associate. “It was so great – that was my biggest takeaway from SECAC.”
Brown’s research examines southern rural culture in the 21st century, influenced by her experiences growing up in northwest Florida. At SECAC, she had the opportunity to share her work in a presentation that sparked meaningful connections with others in the field.
“I’m such a nervous person, and I was terrified to present, but I decided to go for it. After my presentation, I was approached by several people who could relate to my experiences growing up in the south, and thanked me for that representation in my work,” says Brown. “An assistant curator also reached out to connect for future workshops or projects. It was a great opportunity to represent UCF and make valuable contacts.
Tascon, whose work explores the relationship between nature and mental health, matched Brown’s enthusiasm.
“SECAC is all about building your confidence, and that’s an excellent thing,” says Tascon. “It’s so important to surround yourself with people who inspire you and people that strive for excellence. That’s what SECAC does.
Last year, Tascon attended the conference to immerse herself in the academic art community, as she plans to pursue a career as a professor of art. This year, her research paper was accepted, giving her the opportunity to present her work with fellow scholars and artists.
“I decided to submit a paper to present at the conference to put myself out there and build as many connections as I could,” says Tascon. “The idea of publishing and presenting was very foreign and scary to me, but I did it and it was very rewarding.”
As Tascon approaches graduation, she reflects on her time at UCF, particularly how the SVAD and SECAC community have shaped her not only as an artist, but an individual.
“The one thing UCF has provided me with, which I’m very sad to let go, is the community,” Tascon says. “There was a time in my life when I felt so alone, but when I got to UCF and attended SECAC for the first time, I found my tribe. No matter where I end up after graduation, I know I can always go back to SECAC and be with my people.
For both Brown and Tascon, SECAC has been more than just an annual conference – it’s been a place to establish a sense of community, gain confidence and solidify their place within a larger academic community.
Click here to learn more about graduate programs offered at UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design.
Click here to learn more about SECAC.