(Bottom row) Catherine Bitterman, Daniela Castenda, UNLV Prof. Caralea Cole, Dean Nancy Uscher
(Top row) Mario Basner, Craig Bitterman, Essence Goins Johnson, UNLV Art Chair Dave Rowe and Deanna Riley
We are happy to share that Essence Goins Johnson and Daniela Castaneda have been selected as recipients of the Mario Basner Passion Project Fund Award.
"Fashion design and photography have become intimate threads of my life," said Johnson. "Photography has seen me through my 10-year Air Force career, my volunteer work and working with underserved children, college life, and being a single mother of three." She proposes traveling to New York and Los Angeles during the 2024 Fashion week. "I want to photograph and create a desire for change."
Castaneda proposes a trip with her mother to Mexico City for El festival de Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead Festival), a 5-day event. She will explore the traditional and non-traditional notions of femininity within her family roots and her Mexican-American identity.
Congratulations to Essence and Daniela!