I constructed ceramic/mixed media instruments, recorded rhythmic music composed for and played on my instruments, and prepared a slide presentation portraying my daily rituals a studio artist. I describe in this paper the process involved in creating this environment and give an interpretation of the work by answering the following questions. 1. What were the rituals that were essential to the creation of my work? 2. In what ways did the use of the different visual and audio media work together to create a unified environment? 3. In what ways was the total experience of the different media a more direct and fulfilling expression of my goals as an artist, or are these goals better fulfilled when working in one media?

Ikat is a technique used throughout the world for the surface enrichment of textiles. In Ikat, patterns are dyed into the warp, weft, or both by the use of various resists such as twine or plastic wrapped tightly around a group of yarns. The dyed yarns are then unwrapped and woven into fabric. Instead of stretching an entire warp or weft on a frame to apply resist, yarn can also be measured into small groups for tying and dyeing. These small groups of yarn can be dyed with simple patterns and later rearranged and combined to create more complex designs. In order to investigate the possibilities of the above mentioned methods, a series of Ikat fabrics was developed.

The problem, as proposed for this project, focused on an investigation of the possibility of using a layering method in weaving to effect a visual color mix. Colored layers of transparent fabric were to be woven simultaneously, in such a way as to retain a structural separateness while producing a perceptual blending of color. A minimum of three weavings were to be made with yarns dyed to control hue, value, and intensity, and each varying in number of layers from two to four. Technical sketches in the form of maquettes were to precede work on the loom, and throughout the process a journal was to be kept to record pertinent data and guide analysis and evaluation.

For my creative project I produced five life-size pieces consisting of human and animal figures constructed in clay and mixed media. Rather than creating figures around or as part of an environment, the figure, being the primary subject, dictated what type and how much of an environment I built. I explored the manipulation of the materials in order to determine how best to produce emotional impact.

This paper provides a biographical tribute and analysis of the life and music of tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, who is known as one of the greatest jazz musicians. John Gunnar Mossblad explores the man's past, travels, and contributions.

Thesis studies the music and content of the opera La Traviata, focuses on the evolution of its heroine, Violetta Valéry. Carolyn Sue Finley traces the history behind the story and its reflection in the music.

This paper highlights the relationship between the vocal and piano music created by composer Robert Schumann. Christina Finch provides an analysis of songful and literary allusion in his piano music and pianistic and instrumental allusion in his songs to draw a prominent connection.