2024 MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture Thesis Production Grants awarded

The MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture program in Washington University’s Sam Fox School recently announced three recipients of the 2024 thesis production grants. Second-year students Dee Cea, Phoebe Santalla, and Cora Trout will each receive $500 for the development and execution of collaborative or individual creative work for their graduate thesis. Funding is to be used for materials or facilities not available or easily accessible in the ordinary course of student work.

Dee Cea is creating a retelling of the story of The Minotaur and the Labyrinth as a comic narrative that recasts the story in modern day, as a story of queer identity and the unfolding family dynamics between two siblings. 

Phoebe Santalla will produce a comic narrative, a chapter of a longer project that she describes as a “chaotic post-apocalyptic trans road trip that is called The Welcome Trespasser’s Tarot." 

Cora Trout will delve into the role of illustrator as public historian, documenting and exploring interior spaces throughout St. Louis.

The 2024 MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture candidates will present their thesis exhibition at the High Low gallery in St. Louis’ midtown arts district April 19-May 7 with a public opening April 19 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.