UWindsor Creatives Transforming the Arts Landscape
At the University of Windsor, the arts are more than a discipline — they’re a way of seeing, questioning and reshaping the world. In studios, classrooms and rehearsal spaces, students discover their voices, sharpen their skills and build the confidence to share their vision. For these alumni, that journey has led to work that resonates far beyond campus. From poetry that gives voice to untold stories, to music that unites communities, to films and visual art that capture culture in motion, they are carrying the spirit of UWindsor into galleries, stages and screens across the globe.
Erin Fyfe Donnelly’s Journey Through Art and Community
Erin Fyfe Donnelly (BFA Hons.’16) is a visual artist and arts leader whose work is deeply embedded in Windsor’s cultural fabric. As the current President of Artcite Inc, Donnelly is helping shape the future of contemporary art in the region through a blend of creative practice, education, and community engagement.
“My education at the University of Windsor gave me a strong foundation in both technical skills and critical thinking. The program emphasized rigorous studio practice alongside art history and theory, which helped me learn how to situate my work within contemporary visual culture.” That foundation continues to inform her multidisciplinary approach, which often explores themes of land, ecology, and the human relationship with the natural world.
Her leadership at Artcite has been transformative. Most recently, Donnelly spearheaded the organization’s relocation to Ford City, a move that reinforces its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. “A major focus of my work right now involves guiding the organization through a significant relocation and an overhaul of the organizational structure,” she explains. “This includes spearheading fundraising efforts and securing donations to establish a sustainable and welcoming new gallery space.”
Her commitment to mentorship and collaboration is rooted in her own experience at UWindsor. “The mentorship I received from faculty encouraged me to take creative risks, experiment with new approaches, and develop a distinctive artistic voice,” she says. “The collaborative and community-oriented environment at Windsor also shaped the way I think about art as something that extends beyond the studio and into broader social and cultural dialogue.”
Whether she’s curating exhibitions, leading organizational change, or preparing to return to the classroom, Erin Fyfe Donnelly remains a driving force in Windsor’s arts community—one whose work is grounded in place, purpose, and the belief that art can be a catalyst for connection.
Artwork information
Seeking to Converge
Erin Donnelly
2024, oil on canvas
Rooted in Windsor: Rawand Mustafa’s Global Literary Impact
Portrait of Rawand Mustafa | Photo supplied by Rawand Mustafa.
In the heart of Windsor, where cultures converge and stories intertwine, a powerful literary voice is rising—one that speaks of resilience, identity, and the enduring strength of memory. University of Windsor alumna Rawand Mustafa (BA English literature and creative writing ’21, MA English literature and creative writing with minors in French studies and biochemistry ’23), is captivating readers across Canada with her evocative poetry and unwavering commitment to truth.
Winner of the prestigious 2024 Etel Adnan Poetry Prize, Mustafa’s debut collection Umbilical Discord is more than a literary achievement—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling as resistance. The collection, published by the University of Arkansas Press, draws from the lived experiences of Palestinian women who survived the Nakba, the 1948 displacement known in Arabic as “the Catastrophe.” Through lyrical testimony and haunting imagery, Mustafa gives voice to histories often silenced.
“My master’s thesis Umbilical Discord is a poetry collection that incorporates testimonies by Palestinian women who have witnessed and survived the ongoing Nakba,” Mustafa explains. “I am grateful to say that this project has since been published… as the recipient of the 2024 Etel Adnan Poetry Prize.”
Her time at the University of Windsor was transformative. “The phenomenal faculty within the English Department helped to inspire and guide me through my writing career,” she says. “The Creative Writing workshops connected me with other talented writers, polished my writing, and prepared me for the editing process of the literary world.”
Today, Mustafa’s work is featured in both local and national publications, and she’s emerging as a mentor to Windsor’s next generation of writers. Her poetry resonates deeply with the city’s diverse communities, offering a mirror to those seeking representation and a map for those navigating complex identities.
UWindsor Alumni Hit the Right Notes with Coffee House Combo
In the heart of Windsor-Essex, where the Detroit skyline glimmers across the river and the arts pulse through the community, one band has become synonymous with smooth sounds and soulful gatherings: Coffee House Combo.
Since its formation in 2015, Coffee House Combo (CHC) has been a staple of the region’s music scene, bringing jazz classics and pop covers to life at weddings, corporate events, festivals, and more. At the forefront is vocalist Natalie Culmone, whose rich, expressive voice anchors the group’s dynamic performances. But CHC is more than just a band—it’s a community hub for jazz lovers.
Each month, CHC hosts a Jazz Night Residency and jam session at Walkerville Brewery. These sessions have become a beloved tradition, drawing musicians and fans alike into an intimate, improvisational celebration of sound.
Each member brings a unique perspective to the group, enriching its sound and spirit.
For CHC’s bassist Sebastian Bachmeier, Windsor’s music scene is more than just a place to perform—it’s a collaborative ecosystem. “The jazz scene here is tight knit,” he explains. “We all know each other and frequently collaborate and support one another's projects and performances.”
Unlike larger cities where competition can overshadow camaraderie, Windsor’s musicians often share opportunities. “There’s a great deal of ‘sharing the wealth’ here,” Bachmeier says. “That friendliness is something I think is distinctly missing in larger cities.”
Bachmeier credits his time at the University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts (SoCA) for shaping his professional journey. “The real benefit of studying music at UWindsor were the numerous authentic performance opportunities,” he says, citing experiences with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and guest artists like Jeff Nelsen of the Canadian Brass and trumpeter Allen Vizzutti.
Thanks to Windsor’s geographic location, CHC’s reach extends far beyond the city limits. “We have easy access to many other communities,” Bachmeier notes. “It’s not uncommon for Windsor musicians to work in Chatham, London, Toronto, and Metro Detroit. I’ve even performed in Pennsylvania and Ohio.”
Whether performing on stage, mentoring emerging musicians, or building bridges across musical communities, Coffee House Combo exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and creativity rooted in their University of Windsor experience. With deep local ties and a growing regional presence, the band continues to shape Windsor-Essex’s cultural landscape—proving that when talent meets opportunity, the results are truly harmonious.
The Coffee House Combo is an ensemble blend of academic excellence and musical passion, with members hailing from diverse educational backgrounds. From left to right: Natalie Culmone (BA Hons. political science, law and politics ’21), Sebastian Bachmeier (BMus Hons. ’19), Alex Aideira-Leite (BMus Hons. comprehensive music ’21), Andrew Adoranti (BASc Hons. electrical and computer engineering, co-op '21), Vanessa Harnish (BMus Hons. ’08). | Photo supplied by Coffee House Combo.
Liam Brownrigg Barta’s Journey from Student to Screen Editor
Alumna Liam Brownrigg Barta was proud to work on the Tragically Hip award-winning documentary. | Photo supplied by Liam Brownrigg Barta.
Liam Brownrigg Barta didn’t know who the Tragically Hip were when he landed a role on a documentary about them. Now, his name appears in the credits of a Canadian Screen Award-winning film.
The University of Windsor graduate (BA Hons. communication, media and film '22) worked as the assembly editor on The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, a documentary that chronicles more than three decades of the legendary Canadian band’s history.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have this as one of my first major projects. I had just wrapped up editing a short film for director Mike Downie, and shortly after, he offered me the chance to join the team as a junior editor.”
Unfamiliar with the band, Barta dove headfirst into their discography.
“I remember playing their albums back-to-back as many times as I could to try to understand the lyrics,” he said. “Whenever I could, I would play their songs.”
The project was massive, with more than 30 years of archival footage to sift through. At first, the scale was daunting.
“It was difficult at first, but as I gained more confidence I was able to go above and beyond. The amazing team I worked with gave me the chance to assemble and cut early episodes before the lead editor.”
His work earned him upgraded credits: assembly editor for episodes one through three and contributing editor for the final episode.
“One of the most amazing moments was being able to watch the premiere at TIFF,” he said. “It was such an experience to watch it in a theatre with an audience. The atmosphere was heavy with emotions that I don't think I've ever felt before but would love to experience again. Truly an eye-opening, once-in-a-lifetime feeling.”
Barta credits his time at the University of Windsor for laying the foundation for his career.
“U of W did a great job with preparing me with film. I did my most to connect with film professionals such as Nick Hector and go out of my way to gain as much experience as possible.”
While the coursework provided a solid overview of the industry, Barta said the real value came from the relationships he built.
“I still reach out to the people in Windsor who continue to provide future opportunities all the time.”