Diary Entries and Viral Gazes: New Views on Tom Lea

A presentation from two bright fellows at UTEP awaits! A delightful evening of amazing research, light bites, and more awaits! The Tom Lea Fellowship at UTEP, supported by Dee and Adair Margo, promotes scholarly exploration of Tom Lea’s art, writings, and life, fostering diverse perspectives and deepening understanding across academic fields. Silvia Castro Mejia, a master’s student in Creative Writing, will uncover the influence of Nancy Lea, Tom Lea’s first wife, by examining biographical details from their early years together and Nancy’s diaries. She will present one of three public readings featuring excerpts from Nancy’s diaries and invite audience members to contribute their own readings inspired by Nancy’s words. Isabella Sanchez, an English master’s candidate, will examine how internet culture has recontextualized Tom Lea’s art, focusing on the circulation of That 2,000 Yard Stare in memes. Conversation and light bites follow. Free admission! Registration Required!