Spotlight: Kandy Lopez-Moreno returns from sabbatical to inspire students

By Alexandria Munroe •

Kandy Lopez-Moreno, associate professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts and former director of the Art + Design program, recently returned from a year-long sabbatical.

Lopez-Moreno traveled across the United States presenting her work at art exhibitions and galleries like the Corning Museum of Glass and EXPO CHICAGO.

Lopez-Moreno uses her art, such as painting, fiber art and glassblowing, to showcase “the struggles of Black and brown people.”

“My job as a minority artist is to be that representation,” Lopez-Moreno said.

One of her most memorable experiences was her residency at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts in December 2024. She received a fellowship grant and was able to have her husband and children come with her.

“That’s one of the most significant things because it’s not just about making work,” Lopez-Moreno said. “Being the mom, a teacher and an artist at the same time is also important.”

Lopez-Moreno highlighted her time at EXPO CHICAGO in April 2025, where she had her first solo show at the fair.

“I like the connection part of it,” Lopez-Moreno said. “I think it’s important for the artist to be there when there’s an opening.”

Mario D’Agostino, associate professor in DCMA and current Art + Design program director, said Lopez-Moreno’s influence reached beyond the students to faculty and the program itself.

“It’s inspiring as a colleague to kind of look from afar,” D’Agostino said. “I feel fortunate that I get to work with her every day.”

Lopez-Moreno said her teaching is driven by a similar desire to connect and help her students pursue their passions.

“I want them to be inspired and I want them to do something they love,” Lopez-Moreno said. “You have to be obsessed with it.”

Sofia Menco, senior Art + Design major, said that Lopez-Moreno has been central to her growth as an artist.

“She takes her time with each student to take them to her highest point,” Menco said.

D’Agostino said that Lopez-Moreno’s dedication to her students and her career helps open real pathways into the professional industry.

“She’s incredibly student-centered,” D’Agostino said. “She really takes the time to help [each student] develop their artistic portfolios to make them better for when they leave the program and they go out into the art world on their own.”

Menco agrees. She said that one of the best things about Lopez-Moreno is that she teaches students to reframe their creative process.

“Even in critiques, she really encourages discussion and connections,” Menco said. “One of the lessons [she has taught me] is that every work you do is meaningful, and I actually took that advice and I saw it in some of my artworks.”

Lopez-Moreno’s leadership has built a strong foundation and community within the program for him to build upon, D’Agostino said.

“I’ve inherited a very strong program through Kandy’s leadership,” D’Agostino said. “She really is the total package, from a teaching standpoint to a professional artist standpoint.”

After a year of traveling and focusing on her art career, Lopez-Moreno said she is excited to return to the classroom and share those experiences with her students.

“I think representation and motivation are really important,” Lopez-Moreno said. “To get people to do things that they would like to do but are scared to do is something that I push for.”