University of North Texas

Fred visited the College of Visual Art & Design at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. His visit was a part of a long-term initiative coordinated by Lesli Robertson, adjunct professor of fibers, that explores the unique barkcloth material of Uganda.

He had the opportunity to participate in panel discussions, give presentations, and conduct workshops regarding barkcloth, woodcut printmaking, and his organization Let Art Talk.

The barkcloth project also includes Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, the Dean of the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

To see how barkcloth is made, click here.

Printmaking Collaborative

Fred collaborated with the printmaking department at the University of North Texas to create a new print to celebrate the partnership between the USA and Uganda. The print creatively combined woodcut and silkscreen printmaking techniques.

The imagery of both countries is incorporated into the artwork with animals, national colors, and gestures of friendship.

North Texas Art Educators Invitational

Fred gave a presentation to art educators from schools districts around the Dallas-Fort Worth area at Collin County Community College in Plano, TX. He discussed the power of art as an educational tool and demonstrated his distinctive style of woodcut printmaking.

The audience also learned about the inspiration and stories behind his artwork and how he is using art to reach and teach children and communities in Uganda though his organization Let Art Talk.

Lehigh University

Fred visited Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA to speak with students. The Global Union at Lehigh sponsored the visit.

The university's ArtsLehigh program connected Fred with the local community. He showed students at Holy Infancy Elementary School how to create a talking mural and gave a presentation to art students at the Lehigh Valley School for the Performing Arts.

Workshops

Fred joined the National Art Educators Association at the University of North Texas to conduct several art workshops in local communities. Children and parents from elementary schools and community centers enjoyed learning about Ugandan culture and participated in making arts and crafts of their own.

The students at each workshop helped create a talking mural that will be taken to Uganda for children there to contribute and learn.

Click on the links to the right to view pictures of the workshops.

McNair Elementary School in Denton, Texas USA

South Dallas Cultural Center in Dallas, Texas USA

Pinkerton Elementary School in Coppell, Texas USA

Bledsoe Elementary School in Frisco, Texas USA

Wilson Elementary School in Denton, Texas USA

Ashley Elementary School in Frisco, Texas USA

Rogers Elemetary School in Frisco, Texas USA

WorldFest

Fred participated in WorldFest 2008 organized by DFW International. Thousands of people enjoyed the outdoor festival and learned about countries and cultures from around the world.

He proudly represented Uganda in the Parade of Nations and exhibited his beautiful artwork that is inspired by his homeland.