Anna Westfall

POSITION: Associate Professor of Art; Program Director - Visual & Communication Arts

DEPARTMENT: Visual & Communication Arts

LOCATION: Main Campus, Harrisonburg | UC 275G

PHONE: (540) 432-4214

Anna Westfall earned an M.F.A. from the University of New Mexico and a B.F.A. from James Madison University. Westfall is a multidisciplinary artist whose work often explores the complex relationship between memories, genetics, nature, and systems in culture that shape identity. Her sculptures and installations attempt to embody an essence, energy, and structure found in nature while exploring intersections. Using media including porcelain, steel, video projections, acrylic sheet, and light, she hopes to capture ephemeral and intangible moments shaped by perception. In addition, Westfall is interested in the value of functional objects used in daily life that shape personal and cultural aesthetics. Westfall has exhibited her work in Virginia, New Mexico, Georgia, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts.

Education

BFA, James Madison University (Ceramic & Sculpture)
MFA, University of New Mexico (Ceramic & Sculpture)

Publications
Bibliography & Reviews
Natale, Naomi. “Cradle to the Grave: The Making of an Art Activist.” Virginia Quarterly Review, A National Journal of Literature & Discussion Fall 2012: n. pag. Web. May 2016. (Photograph of artwork)
The Cradle Project: Benefiting the Firelight Foundation 2010: 26-27. Print. (Photograph of artwork)
Cudlin, Jeffry. “Penumbra” Washington City Paper 3 May 2007: Print. (Review & Photograph of artwork)
“Penumbra, Push Pause.” Hyperlocal News. Hartburg, Colby. Verizon Cable Network. Washington D.C. May 2007. Television. (Video interview)
Weideman, Paul. “An Earthy Muse.” Pasatiempo 21-27 October 2005: 40-42. Print. (Photograph of artwork)
Pulkka, Wesley. “Porcelain sculptures exude mystery and intrigue” Albuquerque Journal June 26, 2005: F5. Print. (Review & Photograph of artwork)
Becker K., Kaitlyn. The Ninth Annual Juried Graduate Student Exhibition March 28-May 9, 2003: Print. (Photograph of artwork)
Scholarly Presentations and Abstracts
Workshops
- Figurative Sculpture, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (2019)
Lecture
- Blueprint: Self and Systems, Slide lecture and presentation, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, NM (2005)
Exhibits, Performances and Productions
Solo &Two-Person Exhibitions
- Spectra Gallery, Honors College, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM (2022)
- East Central College, Union, MO- Two-Person (2021)
- Asbury United Methodist Church, (2019)
- Community Mennonite Church, (2019)
- Linking Meandering Paths, James Madison University, Lisanby Museum, 12th Annual Diversity Conference, Harrisonburg, VA- Two-Person (2018)
- Searching the Unseen, Eastern Mennonite University Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery, Harrisonburg, VA –Solo (2017)
- Penumbra, Gallery at Flashpoint, Washington DC-Two-Person (2007)
- Blueprint: Self and Drifting, Eastern Mennonite University Hartzler Library Gallery, Harrisonburg, VA –Solo (2007)
- Blueprint: Self and Systems, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, NM (Catalog)-Solo (2005)
Selected Group Exhibition
- Faculty Exhibition, Eastern Mennonite University Margaret Martin Gehman Gallery, Harrisonburg, VA (2020)
- Seven Ceramics Artists, Arts Council of the Valley (2019)
- [Dis]connection, Currents New Media 2017, Santa Fe, New Mexico (Collaborative Installation, Juried, Video Catalog) (2017)
- Adjunct Faculty Exhibition, The Cleo Driver Miller Gallery Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA (2011)
- The Cradle Project, Albuquerque, NM- collaborative (Selected for publication)(2008)
- BOR Exhibition, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Atlanta, GA (2008)
- Faculty and Student Exhibition, Savannah State University, Savannah, GA (2007)
- Palette Contemporary Art and Craft, Albuquerque, NM- Representation (2006)
- N.I.S.D.A. Art Challenge II, The Silo Gallery, Nantucket, MA (Juried) (2005)
- High UV, The Land/ An Art site, Inc., Mountainair NM (Juried) (2005)• Palette Contemporary Art and Craft, Albuquerque, NM- Featured artist (2005)
- Shaping Spirit: 25 Years of the Arita Method of Porcelain at UNM, Maxwell Museum, Albuquerque, NM (Juried) (2005)
- The Next Generation, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM (Juried) (2004)
- Fecund, Traver Lucero Gallery, Albuquerque, NM (2004)
- University of New Mexico Ceramics Club Exhibition, Albuquerque, New Mexico (2004)
- Graduate Art Association, Silent Auction, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, NM (Collaborative) (2004)
- The Ninth Annual Juried Graduate Student Exhibition, Jonson Gallery, Albuquerque, NM Jurors: Thomas Barrow, Dan Devening, Ellen Landis (Juried, Catalog) (2003)
- Celebration of Clay, Works in Clay by Members of the New Mexico Potters Association Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, NM (2003)
- Eight Squared, Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe, NM (2003)
- Graduate Art Association, Silent Auction, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, NM (2003)
- Small Works Show, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque, NM (2002)
- Incoming Graduate Group Show, Jonson Gallery, Albuquerque, NM (2002)
- Outdoor Sculpture, Franklin Street Gallery, Harrisonburg, VA (2000)
- Undergraduate Juried Exhibition, Sawhill Gallery, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (Juried) (1998)
Performance and Productions
- Shadow Puppet Designer, EMU’s spring 2019 theater production, Beauty and the Beast (2019)
- Props Designer, Firebrand: The Life of Paul (2018)
- Sculptor (sculpture and sculptural hats), EMU’s fall 2016 theater production Far Away (2016)
- Water Vignettes, KUNM 89.9 FM, Radio Presentation (Collaborative) (2003)
Church, Community and Professional Service
- Sacred Arts Committee Member, Asbury United Methodist Church, Harrisonburg VA (9/17-Present)
- Juror, 6×6×30 Art Show Spitzer Art Center, hosted by VMRC, Harrisonburg VA (3/17)
- Art Donation, Nasaruni Academy for Maasai Girls (2016, 2017)
- Art Donation, The Cradle Project, The Firelight Foundation Albuquerque, NM (06/08)
- Instructor (workshop), 19th Annual Black Heritage Festival Course: Sculptural Ceramics for children and adults (2/9/08)
- Instructor (workshop), 18th Annual Black Heritage Festival Course: Sculptural Ceramics for children and adults (2/10/07)
- Sculpture Monitor, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Department of Art and Art History (9/98-12/00)
- Assistant to Instructor (workshop), James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA The Summer Arts Institute. Course: Ceramics (Summer 1998)
Honors, Awards and Grants
Honors Research Institute Grant
Honor’s Collage, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
(Collaborative Project) (2017)

Flashpoint Gallery Stipend (funded by the National Endowment for the Arts)
Flashpoint Gallery, Washington, DC (2007)

Graduate Research and Development Grant
Graduate and Professional Student Association
The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (2005)

Student Research Allocation Committee Grant
Graduate and Professional Student Association
The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (2005)

Research Project and Travel Grant
Office of Graduate Studies
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (2005)

Department of Art and Art History Supplemental Research Project and Travel Grant
Department of Art and Art History
The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (2005)

Student Research Allocation Committee Grant
Graduate and Professional Student Association
The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (2004)
Courses Taught
- Installation and Experimental Media
- Senior Studio Practicum
- Survey of World Art
- Art Internship
- Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Survey of Western Art
- Ceramics, Intermediate Ceramics, Advanced Ceramics, Advanced Studio
- Three-Dimensional Design
- Foundations of Design, Two-Dimensional Design
- Art History (Prehistory to 1400)
- Sculpture
- Introduction to Art, (Art Appreciation)
- Kiln Firing
EMU Service
- Gallery Director (2016-present)
- Satisfactory Academic Committee (2018-present)
- Committee on Teacher Education (2018-present)
- Faculty Advisor, Arts Club (2016-17, 2018-present)
- Search committee member, new faculty search in VaCA (2016)
- VaCA Advisor (2015-present)
- Library committee, 2016-17