Macelle Mahala

I teach classes in the Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design and in the Department of English. In all of my classes, I provide opportunities for students to write, create and perform in informed, thoughtful and innovative ways. I honor each student's individual interests, background and abilities and provide a safe space for personal expression and development.

I believe in the thoughtful study and experience of other artists’ work through close readings, field trips to museums, theaters, festivals, literary events and guest lectures. I build these activities into my courses each semester because these forms of engagement are critical to developing a student’s own sophisticated and unique creative voice.

In all of my classes, we also examine how various art forms and artistic aesthetics emerge out of specific time periods and cultures. By the end of these courses, students are able to articulate how art can be used to reinforce, challenge, or modify societal expectations. In the media arts and production program, I also focus on how specific art disciplines can inform and enhance others.