Friends of Arts NC State

Melinda Abrams, BFA, MSA, CPCC, is an artist, certified coach, consultant, facilitator, and educator with over 35 years of experience in designing, teaching, leading, and making art. She holds a BFA from UMass Amherst and an MSA from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Melinda is the founder of Moving Leaders, a consulting and coaching practice that supports individuals and organizations through transitions, fostering creativity and purposeful leadership. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, she blends deep listening, strategic thinking, and embodied practice in her client work.

Her visual art, shared through MelindaAbramsArt, explores identity, connection, and personal narrative as tools for insight and transformation.

Melinda has served as a teacher in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, assistant principal in Durham Public Schools, and program designer/facilitator for Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State. She creates spaces where people can connect, reflect, and thrive.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? I chose to join the FANS Board because I believe deeply in the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and transform. As both an artist and an educator, I’ve seen how creative expression can open minds, build empathy, and strengthen communities. The arts offer a path to belonging. Serving on the board gives me the opportunity to support the arts at NCSU and help ensure that the arts remain a vital, accessible part of the community.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? I have always been a creator at heart. Whether it’s creating my own personal art, curriculum, or community.

My art, my work, has always been grounded in movement and intention. Movement serves as the vehicle for communicating thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Being moved by the art is the impact I yearn for.

Rob is Raleigh native, a graduate of the College of Design (BEDA 2002, B.Arch 2005), and an Architect and Project Director with Gensler. With more than 20 years’ experience in the field of architecture, Rob is characterized by his diplomatic approach and positive leadership style. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating innovative designs, Rob has successfully led numerous projects of various scales and sectors, consistently adhering to challenging schedules, budgets, and organizational requirements. His meticulous planning and effective resource management ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, while his strong organizational skills keep teams focused and tasks streamlined.

In his spare time, Rob is passionate about historic preservation and currently serves as Chair of the Raleigh Historic Development Commission. He and his wife Casey – along with their three senior rescue dogs – live in a restored 1923 bungalow within the Boylan Heights historic overlay district.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? FANS is a Board where I felt my professional experience and passion for the Arts could naturally overlap with a lifelong commitment to NC State.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? All forms of Arts – whether visual, musical, or performance – open our minds to the creative work of others. They help us think differently and often create an emotional response that cannot be delivered in any other way. From an early age, I was exposed to – and learned to appreciate – the diverse perspectives the Arts can bring to enriching my own life, as well as those around me.

Kelly McCall Branson is a native Floridian and graduate of Florida State University. She is a semi-retired freelance writer, an avid cook, gardener and Grandmother.

Kelly and her husband Bruce, an accounting professor at State, moved to Raleigh with their young children in the early ‘90s.

“Raleigh is such a great place to raise a family, and the incredibly diverse arts offerings are a big part of that. Our kids grew up with the North Carolina Museum of Art in our backyard. And we started going to concerts in Stewart Theatre almost as soon as we moved here.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? I have literally wept at more performances there than I can count. We always used to arrive early so we could stop in at the Gregg, back when it was in Talley, right outside the theater. In fact, our first big art purchase was one of Thomas Sayre’s “Maroon Bells” from an exhibit there. And in 2019, our daughter was married at the beautiful new Gregg Museum.

From NC State Live to the Gregg Museum, the Craft Center and University Theatre, Arts NC State has truly enriched our lives for decades.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? I wrote many feature articles for “Creative State,” and through that experience came to learn how much the programs of Arts NC State contribute to not just the student body, the university, but the larger Triangle community — with workshops, outside-the-box popup performances and exhibits, engagement that encourages creativity, inclusion, deeper understanding, diversity of perspectives — everything the arts should do.

I am excited to see where this new chapter of Arts NC State leads and to join the FANS board in supporting it along that path.

Juliana was born in 1977 in Austin, Texas, and grew up in the Texas hill country. She earned a BA in Studio Art with a focus on Life Drawing and Painting from the University of Texas at Austin before relocating to the triangle area in early 2000. She has been an Artist in Residence at SAS Institute Inc. since that time. At SAS, Juliana has created over 400 works for the corporate collection. Her other art-centric responsibilities/interests include research, procurement, curation, placement, exhibit design, documentation, web design, and engagement efforts such as team-building activities, teaching, and docent work.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? I was approached by a trusted former colleague who serves on the board, and I value the opportunity to support the cultivation of art wherever I can and connect with others who are likeminded.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? Art has been at the center of my life and identity since childhood. I studied it in college and built my career around it. Creating art, teaching art, talking about art, growing and caring for a collection, working with others to realize art, these pursuits keep my feet on the ground and my heart and mind soaring. My home includes a large art studio, and my partner and children are all creative and design-oriented.

A North Carolina native, growing up in Raleigh, Brenon received a BFA in Graphic Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Working for several Raleigh design firms, advancing from Graphic Designer to Art Director, finally moving to Atlanta Ga. becoming Creative Director for a design and marketing firm. Always feeling drawn to be part of the talented art communities of NC, Brenon returned in 2003 as a freelance designer and artist. You may recognize him from many years of working and exhibiting with The Little Art Gallery in the former Cameron Village or teaching at NCSU’s Crafts Center in Beginning Drawing, Watercolor, or Painting Architectural Landscapes. Currently, as General Manager of Raleigh’s Jerry’s Artarama, always espousing the joy and importance of everyone tapping into their creative spirit living deep inside us all. Brenon truly believes that North Carolina is filled with the most creative people on the planet.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? NC State brings a world of creativity and artistic energy to our beautiful community of Raleigh. The University has gifted us with performances, music and fine art from all corners of the globe. Many learning opportunities have been provided to the community by those visiting artists. NCSU humanized the creative, participated in and helped develop unique works of art. As an artist, I believe in being part of that kind of positive energy, growth and artistic experience. It is fundamental and vital to our community, our growth and our human prosperity.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? I am an artist, just as I believe everyone is. I live by this belief. Sharing the joy of creativity is what I do personally and professionally. I cannot imagine a life without it.

Originally from NJ, I received my BA in Special Ed. at Coker Univ. in SC. & my masters in Spec. Ed. From Apalachian Univ. in Asheville. My career in Special Ed. Included public school teaching & several positions in the community working with people with developmental disabilities as an administrator of services. I moved to Raleigh in 1989 with my husband Thomas Sayre, a local artist, & we have 2 amazing grown daughters. I am currently retired & enjoy biking, gardening & hanging out with my 3 year old grandson.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? In college I was the only non-major in the dance company, & was very involved with the theater dept. despite being a Spec. Ed. Major. This involvement with the arts greatly enriched my college experience. I am amazed & appreciate greatly the wonderful array of Art available at NC state for individuals who don’t major in the Arts.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? I have been very involved with the visual & performing arts in the communities I have lived in both as a participant & patron. I am always seeking out and attending performances & art institutions. Personally, my husband is a local visual artist, my oldest daughter is a podcaster & works in radio, my youngest is a dancer in NY, & I cannot imagine my life without the inspiration of the arts.

Maya Freelon is an award-winning visual artist known for her vibrant tissue paper installations, which the late poet Maya Angelou described as “visualizing the truth about the vulnerability and power of the human being.” Her work has been featured in Forbes, Walter Magazine, and Art of the State, and exhibited internationally in Paris, Jamaica, Madagascar, and Italy. Freelon’s art is housed in the U.S. National Gallery of Art and has been collected by Google, Cadillac, and the North Carolina Museum of Art. Her monumental sculpture for Halcyon was displayed at the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building. She has completed residencies at Skowhegan, Brandywine, Queenspace, and the Korobitey Institute in Ghana. In 2024, she received an $89K grant from the Library of Congress for Whippersnappers, a new exhibition using archival photographs of Black children. Freelon is currently an Assistant Teaching Professor in Design Studies at NC State University.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? Being an advocate for the arts is an important role in any academic institution. I am honored to help bring more exciting, enriching, and expansive creative arts to the NC State Community by joining the FANS Board.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? As a working artist, professor, and patron, I understand the Arts are important for those who create, as well as those who appreciate. Having a robust offering of creative resources and opportunities helps the entire campus grow and learn together. Participating in art activities also supports wellness, mindfulness, and mental health.

Sabrina Hurtado is the Manager of Teen and College Programs at the North Carolina Museum of Art. A recent graduate from NC State University, Sabrina has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Studies with a Visual Arts concentration and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. Upon their graduation, they earned the Patterson Fellow Award, given to the student who has notably exhibited generosity, empathy, humility, open-mindedness, creativity, altruism, and gratitude. They have been in their current role for two years and have aimed to create consistent and community-driven art programs for the people of North Carolina.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? I decided to support the Arts at NC State because they have figured out how to weave the arts into so many students’ collegiate journey. My first event was a performance by Ballet Hispanico hosted by NC State Live that my writing class had to attend for a project on cross-cultural connections. I couldn’t believe that such an amazing and exciting event was so accessible to students, and that professors from non-art majors were able to use into their curriculum to encourage students to attend. Later on, I interned with Arts NC State to continue creating events and programs for all students to enjoy the arts. I know the transformative power of the arts, and I have always admired NC State’s commitment to opening the arts for everyone. That is why I decided to join the FANS board and continue this mission.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? The Arts are very integrated into my personal and professional life. I am an artist and photographer, and have enjoyed creating art since I was very young. My internship at Arts NC State helped me realize that I didn’t just want to be an artist, but a person who creates more opportunities and avenues for people to have access to the arts. I now work to create community programs that are meant to elevate museum exhibitions through engaging activities, lectures, and performances.

Christopher is an NC State alum with degrees in Computer and Electrical Engineering. He currently puts his degree to work as an IT Manager at Duke Energy, but his true love is ensuring that the arts and technology are always present in his life. This started at an early age growing up on a farm near Mooresville, NC where his mother emphasized the importance of music and art, which materialized in his fascination with computers and technology when he would create programs with sounds and visualizations. Coming to NC State provided an opportunity to participate in both passions, as Christopher was in the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and other ensembles with the Music Department. Taking a job in the Stewart Theatre Box Office and eventually Ticket Central fully immersed him in all of the arts programs and more. His love of NC State and its support of the arts has continued through volunteerism and endowment support for Arts NC State.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? I’ve had a passion for Arts NC State since I first came to the university as a student. I absolutely love the roles all of the programs play in the development of the students. It’s also amazing how much energy is put into interdisciplinary efforts and outreach into the community. It takes people with a common vision and passion to provide the necessary support and infrastructure to make that happen. This is evidenced in leadership, staff, students, and volunteers. Arts NC State gave me so much as a student and beyond. I’ve always tried to give back and support them as much as possible and joining the board is another important contribution to provide that support.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? The arts have always been part of my life in some shape or form from an early age and that led me to explore many different areas that have made my life more fulfilling and complete. The arts represent such a great opportunity for creativity, exploration, and thinking. And for me they also provide a happy place to escape from the stresses that life can bring. The arts are also something to share with people–family and friends–which creates meaningful and memorable experiences that can be cherished forever.

As the Director of Strategic Marketing at Maynard Nexsen PC, I support the business development efforts of the firm’s practice groups in economic development, government services, and intellectual property.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? I was proud to serve on the FANS board from 2015-2018 and loved my time. I also have been a consistent champion of the arts, including serving as the Board Chair for United Arts.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? Though not an artist myself, arts have an impact on how I view things.

ROBY SAWYERS, Ph.D., CPA is Forvis Mazars Professor of Accounting and Department Head in the Poole College of Management at NC State University. A resident of Raleigh since 1989, he is active in the Triangle arts community as a supporter, fan and volunteer.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? As a long time faculty member at NC State, my wife and I have enjoyed many, many shows and concerts on campus and we are always blown away by the talented students and professionals who we bring to campus.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? Whether enjoying a performance of University Theatre in Thomson Hall, an NC State Live performance at Stewart Theatre or an exhibition at the Gregg, the arts offer a window into different cultures and perspectives while enjoying world-class musicians, actors and artists.

I am a life long resident of North Carolina and a 40+ year resident of Raleigh. As a child, I attended the Friends of the College performances with my parents which nurtured a love of the arts. My interest in the arts continues with membership in the Raleigh Fine Arts and NCState Fans Board.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? After serving on the Committee for the New Gregg I wanted to continue to be involved in the Arts at NC State.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? It has enriched my life immensely by taking me to new places and introducing me to different cultures and ideas.

I have always loved expressing myself through my clothing, and when I moved from my childhood home in Jacmel, Haiti, to the industry filled Cary, North Carolina, I was excited to have more options and ways to express myself. Unfortunately, I quickly learned that while I liked to make clothing, clothing was not made for me. Because of this, I decided to attend the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State to study Fashion and Textile Design. After I graduate, I hope to work as a fashion designer, creating inclusive, functional, and fun clothing for people who are not usually represented, including plus sized, transgender/non-binary, and neurodivergent/disabled individuals.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? I have been working as an intern at Arts NC State for a year and a half, and was incredibly honored to be asked to join the FANS board as a student representative. I am so excited to be able to provide a unique perspective to board meetings and endeavors, and look forward to being able to work with so many amazing people towards an amazing cause.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? Being an artist has allowed me to keep an open mind while working on my clothing designs. Instead of just following the instructions, I am able to think outside the box and create something new and innovative both aesthetically and functionally. In addition to this, art has always been my escape, and I enjoy relaxing and destressing while enjoying/doing art centered activities.

A fixture around Thompson Hall.

During his time as a student at NC State, studying Nuclear Engineering and Economics, Wah acted in a handful of productions with University Theatre and found his calling in the clay studio at the Crafts Center. His sculpture of a fish was added to the University’s student art collection just prior to his graduation.

Today, Wah works in Raleigh as a Machine Learning Engineer and continues to teach pottery at the Crafts Center. His work, which he enjoys giving away, frequently showcases the clay body with raw, unglazed surfaces.

Wah’s passion is in inspiring new generations of students to a lifelong love of clay.

Why did you decide to support the Arts at NC State by joining the FANS Board? I want to serve as an example that demonstrates art is truly for everyone, even if they don’t know it yet. Arts NC State is unique among other elite programs in advancing the notion that everyone can get something out of it. I am here to broaden the appeal of the arts to those who would not necessarily consider participating and to help them discover the unique and personal ways it can enrich their lives.

How has the Arts impacted your career and/or life? I came to the arts at a very critical moment, where it seemed like everything I was pursuing academically and career-wise was only breaking me down and taking from my life. I don’t make a secret of the fact that, prior to this, I was incredibly disdainful of art as impractical and vain, and I engaged with it as rebellion.

What I discovered was fulfillment that both resonated and contrasted with my studies, and a community of people who were similarly both relatable, more so than my academic peers, and distinct from any I’d ever cared to know previously. In a very literal way, the arts added a new dimension to my life.