Name:

Stephanie Alaniz

Why did you choose to attend WVU?

I wanted to work with Joseph Lupo. Not only was I drawn to his work but I could see based on WVU Art Dept/Joseph Lupo's social media that the printmaking program appeared to be having fun. The students were also making incredibly strong work and I wanted to be apart of this community, as well as challenge myself as an artist.

What did you like about your major and your WVU experience?

Again, the community and support within WVU printmaking. Joseph Lupo is just such a genuine and kind person who shows you real care and honesty and that was something I am endlessly grateful for. I feel that he challenged me so much conceptually and it made my work that much stronger. I also love how all the printmaking students, graduate or undergraduate, were able to lean on each other for feedback, support, and any help we may have needed. It really felt like a family and I still keep in touch with the folx who were apart of WVU printmaking while I was a student. They're some of my best friends.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering attending WVU's College of Creative Arts?

Come to WVU! Learn from Joseph Lupo, be immersed in the print community. It's such a fun program to be apart of. I guess my advice for any graduate student is to come in with an open mind and willingness to play. But also not only play but be okay with failure. Learning the best way of making for you comes with a lot of trial and error and that is essential in grad school. Also, schedule fun and rest! Burnout is real and it is so important to rest. This was something Lupo always taught during my time at WVU.

Have you recently received any awards or scholarships? Have you recently participated in any competitions, productions, performances or exhibitions? 

Since WVU, I have been in several solo exhibitions. One in Omaha, NE in summer 2019 as apart of Frogman's Print Workshop. Then I received another exhibition in the town I currently teach in, Emporia, KS. I was able to show at the Emporia Arts Council in January 2021. I was also apart of the 2020 Screenprint Biennial, exhibited in 528.0 in Arvada, CO, and was featured on printmaking podcast "Hello, Print Friend" where I was able to discuss my work. In February 2022 I will be apart of a two-person exhibition at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. I am currently a lecturer of art and design at Emporia State University.

Did you participate in any clubs or organizations related to your field? 

I am an interim board member of printmaking organization Radical Intersectional Print Guild which was founded by WVU alumni Olivia Richardson and Becci Spruill. This organization was made in response to the lack of representation and care towards marginalized groups of people within current printmaking organizations. RIPG is an incredible space that is in its early years of existing and I am so grateful to be apart of something so important. I also am a member of Pittsburgh Print Group as a member along side many regional artists of the Pittsburgh, PA area.