Arts & Entertainment
May 4, 2020
A brush with depth
Jake Prendez, ’00, knows what it's like to feel like an outsider. Now he offers fellow Latinx artists a place to showcase their work.
April 21, 2020
Julia Sweeney’s next act
After more than a decade away from showbiz, the actress and SNL alum is back and more brilliant than ever.
March 13, 2020
A life study
A devastating fire makes painter Grace Flott struggle for control of her body—and her life.
March 10, 2020
After the ashes
Scientists knew Mount St. Helens would come back to life after the 1980 eruption, but as a new book shows, its resilience still blew them away.
March 5, 2020
Wonder of Warashina
The Smithsonian honors Patti Warashina, ’62, ’64, whose humor and innovative perspectives on the human condition put a new face on ceramics.
December 26, 2019
Inside the peace
No one else could have written "Surviving the Peace," a new book by Peter Lippman, ’95, after decades of grassroots connections to the people of the Balkans.
September 28, 2019
Bedtime reading
Charles Johnson rounded up 11 of his “Bedtime Stories” from more than a decade—and added a new one—for a collection titled “Night Hawks: Stories.”
September 3, 2019
Where to find Filipino food in Seattle
From homestyle cooking to pop-ups with fusion flavors, here’s what our city’s Filipino food looks like, tastes like and means to the people who eat it.
September 2, 2019
Jordan Nicholson takes off
How the self-proclaimed lover of life followed his passions to become an accomplished photographer, artist and man about town.
July 9, 2019
Big on Broadway
Marc delaCruz, ’01, is making history in “Hamilton: An American Musical.”
June 2, 2019
Northwest dressed
From timber territory to tech hub, the Northwest passion for fashion has flourished.
World of worry
A new book by UW faculty explores anxiety-provoking topics ranging from food safety to mobile phones and bedbugs.
May 14, 2019
The many dimensions of Marvin Oliver
Oliver is the recipient of the 2019 Odegaard Award.
May 13, 2019
In Lynn we trust
Director Lynn Shelton's new film, "Sword of Trust," will open this year's Seattle International Film Festival.
March 29, 2019
‘Citizen Jean’
A new book about Seattle is an engaging history lesson for newcomers to the region and a juicy replay for old timers.
March 12, 2019
A tip of the toque is in order
Renee Erickson, ’95, is short-listed for Outstanding Chef at 2019 James Beard Awards.
March 5, 2019
Welcome to Noir Town
Greg Olson, film curator at the Seattle Art Museum, has been lurking in the shadows of the city's cinema scene for decades.
March 1, 2019
Master of the tearjerker
Tearjerkers and epic female-driven novels have earned Kristin Hannah, '83, an international following.
December 13, 2018
Hoaxes, humbug and lies
An interview about race and identity with poet and scholar Kevin Young.
December 8, 2018
The language of dance
Contorting the imagination with choreographer Alice Gosti, ’08.
November 30, 2018
Gratefully remastered
A 1974 concert at Hec Ed Pavilion, long a favorite of Dead Heads, is one of six historic concerts being released in a beautiful new boxed set,
August 29, 2018
Career puppeteer
If these puppets could talk, they would describe Aurora Valentinetti as the UW's beloved puppeteer.
July 2, 2018
Books: Understanding PTSD—and how to help
Secret Charles-Ford's experience of having a loved one dealing with PTSD inspired her to write the book “Vietnam, PTSD, and Therapy: Survived All That!”
Meet the beetles
Biology professor Jim Kenagy takes in the surprising beauty of ordinary life in wild places.
June 22, 2018
Art, identity on display at KEXP
Four Huskies presented the rawness of struggle and survival at the UWAA Short Talks on Art.
May 24, 2018
Meet the artist: Miha Sarani
The painter behind our June 2018 cover is a UW master's student.
April 5, 2018
Jamming through Japan
Jazz drummer Adam "Von" Baron, '97, is headed to Japan to tour his latest albums.
March 3, 2018
Perfectly Claire
Best-selling feminist author Claire Dederer, ’93, on growing up grunge, creating a literary canon for the Northwest, and bad men who create great art.
October 19, 2017
Painting labor
Arely Morales, '17, took inspiration from Latino artists and a poet in developing her style.
September 27, 2017
Life-changing documents
A quirky and thought-provoking new book from an iSchool professor.
Family fare
Screenwriter Temple Mathews teams up with his daughter to produce a romantic comedy for all ages.
September 20, 2017
Books: UW pediatrics resident pens compelling coming-of-age memoir
“No Apparent Distress” by Rachel Pearson is a terrifying, compelling and excellent book about the American health care system.
September 7, 2017
Birdman
“We’re in the ideal spot for owls,” says Paul Bannick, a wildlife photographer who climbs trees and hikes tundra to capture images of the nocturnal predator.
August 18, 2017
Audobon honors
Heather Roskelley, ’83, made a magical image of a notoriously elusive bird.
March 3, 2017
Rhymes on the mic
Rooted in a rich legacy of rhymes, a new class of poets compose verses that channel their cultures and challenge the status quo.
March 2, 2017
‘Twin Peaks’ redux
Anchored by its UW star, “Twin Peaks&Rdquo; is coming back to the airwaves on May 21.
February 28, 2017
Libretti librarian
Emily Bolton Cabaniss, ’14, is the librarian for the Seattle Opera, one of only three opera companies in the entire U.S. to have their own librarian.
Reel success
Powered by a double degree in creative writing and drama from the UW, Travis Gutierrez Senger scored a breakthrough with his 2016 film, “Desert Cathedral."
A one-inch autograph
A high school essay by Bruce Lee is one of the earliest examples of his handwriting.
February 27, 2017
Dramatic dynamics
Stereotypes don't have a chance when Kathy Hsieh, '87, takes center stage.
January 26, 2017
Doing the Donald
Character actor Gregg Henry, '75, channels President Trump on ABC's "Scandal."
December 19, 2016
From Betsy to Betty
Dropping out of college may be the best thing Betty MacDonald ever did. The irreverent author called it quits after studying design and drawing for one year at UW. A new book explores her outlandish life.
December 16, 2016
Up Close
A new exhibit surveying the work of Chuck Close, ’62, runs through April 2 at the Henry Art Gallery.
Feel the Wern
Cinema professor Eric Ames, '93, is our guide through the mysterious mind of filmmaker Werner Herzog.
June 1, 2016
Nordic Noir
Scandinavian Studies Professor Andy Nestingen shares his research into the genre and how it contrasts with American Noir’s heroes and villains.
March 1, 2016
War is sexy. Huh?
David Shields, author, essayist and UW English professor, takes the New York Times to task in his book, "War Is Beautiful."
KEXP rocks its new digs
KEXP and its predecessor KCMU have been a staple of the Seattle music community for four decades. With new digs at the Seattle Center and a 30-year cooperative agreement with the UW, the station enters its next phase as an independent nonprofit.
September 1, 2015
25 years of dance
The UW's unique master's program influences dance education across the country.
UW Press at 100
The University of Washington's press dates back to Edmond Meany's 1915 book on the governors of the state and territory.
March 1, 2015
‘I am art'’
“I am not a painter or a sculptor or a glass artist. I am art.” Anyone familiar with the work of American Indian Studies professor Marvin Oliver understands that this is not an egotistical statement, but a reflection of a vision that embraces an astonishing range of materials, styles and techniques.
Second act
Ron Simons is having one hell of a second act and he’s got three Tonys, a Drama Desk Award for Best Play, a Drama League Award, and even a prize for best documentary to prove it.
December 1, 2014
Film buff
Cinema Books owner Stephanie Ogle reintroduces classics, champions new treasures and plays a starring role in celebrating film.
September 1, 2014
Prey for the senses
Ann Hamilton delves again into the world of animal-human relationships in her upcoming show at the Henry Art Gallery.
Book store lifer
Louise Little is a University Book Store icon. She started 34 years ago as a cashier and is now CEO. But it all started when she read Nancy Drew as a kid.
March 1, 2014
'Silence is a coping mechanism'
Teresa Tamura captures poignant stories of hardship from a World War II relocation center in her book "Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp."
Conquering Everest
The first time I tried to climb Mount Everest was in the spring of 1987. It was a very different mountain then from the swarmed-over scene it’s become today.
December 1, 2013
Platinum grad
For Ryan Lewis, ’09, the whirlwind of fame is only a few years removed from days ensconced in Suzzallo Library and the Parnassus cafe in the basement of the Art Building.
September 1, 2013
The inspiration inquiry
Expanding the boundaries of knowledge in dance, theater and other performing arts requires research of a different stripe.
December 1, 2012
Drama king
Since he graduated from the UW in 1976, most of Ruben Van Kempen's days—and plenty of his nights—have been spent as the Director of Theatre at Roosevelt High School in Seattle. He recently earned a spot in the Educational Theatre Association’s National Hall of Fame.
September 1, 2012
Passion for nature
In their new book, nature artist Tony Angell and UW professor of wildlife science John Marzluff disabuse the notion that the family of birds known as corvids—crows, jays, magpies—possess mere “bird brains.”
Dawgs on the dial
Beginning this fall, Husky fans will be able to catch every UW football and men’s basketball game on TV, thanks to the Pac-12 Networks, an innovative partnership with FOX and ESPN.
June 1, 2012
Football and film
From winning a Rose Bowl to an Oscar for documentary filmmaking, being a team player is the secret to success for Ed Cunningham, ’91.
March 1, 2012
'Arts den mother'
It’s easy to feel like Nancy Guppy, ’82, is a personal friend even if you have never met her.
September 1, 2011
Common Book
To commemorate the University of Washington’s 150 years of discovery and inquiry, the 2011-12 Common Book is The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen-Scientist by Richard Feynman.
June 1, 2011
Screen time
Temple Mathews, ’76, describes himself as someone who never shies away from a challenge. He credits this attitude for getting him to Hollywood.
Uncloaked
Books such as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" are part of a crime novel tradition dating back to at least 1965 in Scandinavia—a tradition Andrew Nestingen, associate professor of Scandinavian Studies, has followed for years.
Maestro steps aside
Matt Krashan, the UW’s maestro of music, dance and more, will retire in September from his position as director of the UW World Series, a program that is recognized nationally for its excellence and innovation in the performing arts.
March 1, 2011
The pedagogy of gaming
The growing suspicion that video games are culturally and artistically relevant is attracting attention from an unlikely source—the academic world.
The business of gaming
If you still think video games are for teens in the rec room, it might be time for a closer look at what’s become the biggest entertainment phenomenon since television.
The science of gaming
UW faculty, students and alumni are using computer-game technology to solve some of humankind's most vexing problems.
December 1, 2010
Market man
Ben Franz-Knight, '96, is executive director of the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority, the organization that oversees the 103-year-old Seattle institution.
Special collection
The Henry Art Gallery, UW Libraries and UW Press are teaming up to bring the beauty of the Seattle Camera Club to the public.
'What Work Is'
“What Work Is” was featured in the 2010 UW Common Book, You Are Never Where You Are. Since 2006 the UW has chosen one book for all freshmen to read.
September 1, 2010
Hot in Hollywood
Standing 6 foot 4, Joel McHale is a tall man in Hollywood. And now, he’s a big man in Tinseltown.
June 1, 2010
Stage to screen
Lynn Shelton, ’87, parlayed a UW degree in drama into a 10-year career on the stages of New York. But she found her true calling when she opted to pursue a career behind a camera.
March 1, 2010
Hard-hitting alumni
What comes to mind when you think of the Rat City Rollergirls? If it’s tattooed women and fast, physical action, you’re not alone. But that’s not the whole story.
Visual flair
Two reasons why the Emmy Award-winning TV series 'Mad Men' is so highly acclaimed are its visual style and historical authenticity. Assistant costume designer Allison Leach has had a big hand in both.
March 1, 2009
Haunted hallways
When Kevin Rupprecht, '06, accepted the job of principal at Forks High School, he didn't realize he was signing on to be a minor celebrity as well.
Just call her a scholar
Ellen Dissanayake is working in a field she invented: evolutionary aesthetics, the study of art-making as an innate human behavior that helps us survive.
Evolution of art
Ellen Dissanayake came up with a paradigm-changing theory: Art-making evolved as a behavior that contained advantages for human survival-and those advantages went far beyond what Charles Darwin ever imagined.
The healing arts
Last fall, the UW School of Medicine and the Henry Art Gallery teamed up to offer a new course to help medical students develop their diagnostic skills by visiting art museums.
March 1, 2008
One popular geek
Call it “Revenge of the Nerd.” Rainn Wilson was, by his own admission, a hopeless misfit in high school. But when he made a recent appearance at a Kane Hall event, the adoring undergrads had to be turned away by the hundreds.
December 1, 2007
Comedy mind
For comedian and 1996 alumnus Drake Witham, the road to success has been a long, bumpy and filled with detours.
UW ceramic arts program is in good hands with Patti Warashina
The UW’s ceramic arts program is ranked among the top five in the nation. Ceramic artist Patti Warashina, ’62, ’64, is one of the reasons why. She taught at the UW for 25 years before retiring early to take care of her husband and fellow ceramicist Bob Sperry, who was dying of cancer. Warashina’s own...
December 1, 2006
100 books by Huskies
To celebrate the literary achievements of our UW community, the editors of Columns asked 15 faculty, alumni and book publishing professionals to help choose 100 outstanding books by 100 UW authors.
The black TV book
Kathleen Fearn-Banks once worked in TV, and now has written the dictionary on an important part of its history.
Book report
For a long time we’ve wanted to celebrate the creative power of the University of Washington by presenting 100 top books by 100 UW authors. While the idea sounds great on paper, coming up with the final list was no easy task. What follows is an editor’s diary of the selection process.
Changing the game
Ward Serrill found his passion in the form of a documentary called "The Heart of the Game," a film that chronicles seven years with the Roosevelt High School girls’ basketball team and its unconventional coach. Film Critic Roger Ebert called it “a triumph.”
June 1, 2006
‘Common book’
“Mountains Beyond Mountains” was named the UW's first-ever "common book." Every member of the incoming freshman class will be reading the book this summer, and thinking, talking and writing about it this fall.
March 1, 2006
The mountain mover
From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to her new topographical installations at the Henry, Maya Lin has permanently altered the landscape—and the way we look at it.
September 1, 2005
High-tech art
When the UW’s Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS) started four years ago, it set the standard for digital arts education and became the envy of other institutions around the world.
June 1, 2005
Dream weaver
From Lever House to the White House, from Fallingwater to the Louvre, Jack Lenor Larsen’s fabrics have graced the world’s most inspiring spaces.