About
CFA Talks is a bi-annual event hosted by the College of Fine Arts. This enriching series brings together distinguished alumni and esteemed professionals from various fields to share their valuable experiences and insights. During these sessions, speakers provide students with an in-depth understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the arts and beyond. The event serves as a platform for networking, inspiration, and professional development, offering attendees a unique opportunity to gain firsthand advice from those who have navigated the professional landscape. Through engaging talks and interactive discussions, students can explore diverse career paths, learn about industry trends, and gather practical tips to enhance their future career prospects. CFA Talks aims to empower students by equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to achieve their professional goals.
Schedule
- Alumni Panel | 11 a.m. | Pruis Hall
- Workshops | 1 p.m. | Fine Arts Building
- The Basics of Networking presented by the Career Center in AR-103
- Marketing your Skills by the Career Center in AR-145
- Networking for Introverts presented by Eric Salazar, The Clarinet Guy LLC in AR-223
Toren Scott - Owner of Made in Muncie Pottery & School of Art alumnus
Toren Scott is a clay artist from Muncie, Indiana. He has been the owner of Made in Muncie Pottery since 2012. His work includes small batch production pottery, sculptures, and functional forms.
The United States Navy, becoming a father and a small business owner are influencing Toren’s current body of work. Conceptually he is looking at the way imperfection and beauty relate to each other creating tension, along with issues of the current political environment within the United States and the globe.
Currently, Toren is striving to have his business and art practices be a more influential participant within the local and regional art community. Made in Muncie Pottery aims to expand its support of local artists as an art venue, along with furthering its community outreach with providing youth programming and private lessons. As Toren creates his thrown items for Made in Muncie he allows the community to interact with hand thrown pieces and create each piece collaboratively.
Eric Salazar - The Clarinet Guy & School of Music alumnus
Eric Salazar is The Clarinet Guy. He is a performer, composer, and educator who plays the music he loves to play and wants to share it with as many people as possible. Salazar performs as a soloist and as a chamber musician, mixing together classical music with spontaneous improvisation. He also composes music, both for the stage and for film. When performing, he embraces being vulnerable on stage as he shares stories in a way that makes the listener feel like they can be vulnerable too. Salazar writes music that will tell you a story, so you can feel seen and feel connected to those around you. His music isn’t necessarily in the classical style, though it is cinematic and merges inventive electronic sounds with familiar instruments. Eric Salazar is a Pereira 3D Artist. He plays on a Pereira 3D printed clarinet and ligature.
Holly Stults - Education Programs Director at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre & Department of Theatre and Dance alumna
Holly Stults has been performing since age 6 but her ‘real life’ job is Education Programs Director at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel, IN where she manages the largest classroom-based theatre education program in the state of Indiana. In addition, she directs and choreographs the theatre productions at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. Holly was the first Dance Performance Major at Ball State University and currently serves on the Alumni Council for Ball State’s esteemed Department of Theatre and Dance. In 2021, she was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award for the Department and in 2024 she was honored to receive the Benny Award for dedication and service to Ball State. Teaching/ Directing/Choreography experience includes Ball State, Taylor and Anderson Universities, University of Indianapolis, Artistree New York, Civic Theatre, and a variety of dance studios, high schools, churches, and show choir competitions/clinics. Holly has performed locally and regionally at many theaters including Disney Productions, Beef and Boards, The Phoenix Theatre, Actors Theatre of Indiana, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. Favorite roles include Velma Kelly (Chicago), Charity (Sweet Charity), Fastrada (Pippin), and Mrs. Wilkinson (Billy Elliot). When not in rehearsal or at the theater, Holly resides in the SoBro area of Indianapolis and is enjoying her new role as “Grandmama” to sweet Vienna Kay.