Alumni in the Arts
Alumni in the Arts
Wellington alumni are making waves in the creative world — shaping industries in music, visual arts, performance, literature, and beyond.
Whether producing original publications, curating installations, performing on global stages, or launching bold new ventures, these graduates bring curiosity, courage, and imagination to everything they do.
Originally featured in The Jag Spring 2025, these are the full-length stories behind the series "Masters of Their Craft: Wellington Alumni Pursuing Creative Passions."
Halle Roberts ’15
After working in New York’s social media and influencer world, Halle Roberts ’15 launched Pinky, an indie magazine exploring identity, culture, and “girl stuff, not just female stuff.” From dress codes to digital codes, her creative work is as clever as it is bold.
Read her storyZach Wright ’08
From Guinness World Records to the NBA All-Star Game, Zach Wright ’08 helps engineer the world’s biggest live events as senior technical director at TAIT. He builds the spectacle, drawing on a creative spark first lit at Wellington and sharpened through years of fast-paced production work.
Read his storyMax Palmer ’06
Max Palmer ’06 blends art and motion in ways that defy category. A professional skateboarder, sculptor, and co-founder of Limosine Skateboards, he’s known for his raw creativity — whether he’s building ramps, designing decks, or collaborating with brands like Nike and Carhartt.
Read his storyAnna Rambo ’19
From the ballet studio to the silver screen, Anna Rambo ’19 is chasing stories that move her. A classically trained dancer and rising actress, she’s making her feature film debut in "So Long, Farewell" and building a career in TV, film, and musical theatre — one fearless role at a time.
Read her storyTanya Pirasteh ’01
Tanya Pirasteh ’01 is a Columbus-based visual artist and educator whose work explores identity through line, shape, and texture. Whether teaching drawing or developing her own pieces, she brings thoughtfulness and intention to every part of the process — using art as a way to reflect, connect, and make sense of the world.
Read her storyEllie Rui 瑞 ’20
Ellie Rui 瑞 ’20 is a Chicago-based jazz drummer known for her bold rhythms and genre-crossing style. From late-night sets to experimental collaborations, she brings curiosity and creativity to every beat — most recently performing with Susie Ibarra and organizing shows like “Hopscotch With the Homies.”
Read her storyLaura Gamboa ’13
Laura Gamboa ’13 is a violinist, educator, and doctoral student at the University of Southern California, where she studies with L.A. Philharmonic concertmaster Martin Chalifour. A past Aspen Music Festival fellow, she brings presence and depth to every performance, finding meaning in the stillness between the notes.
Read her storyMax Schmitz ’14
Max Schmitz ’14 is a bassist, songwriter, and genre-defying musician based in Athens, Ohio. As a member of The Burning Brain Band and a solo artist behind Charlie & the Mark-Ups, he’s building a bold, boundary-pushing sound — and launching a new label, Magnetic Service Records, to help others do the same.
Read his storyDawning (Welliver) Vajdi ’14
Dawning Welliver ’14 is a violinist and co-founder of the Empowered Creatives Project, a hands-on initiative making arts education more inclusive. Based in Indianapolis, she blends performance with purpose — creating welcoming spaces where curiosity leads and every learner belongs.
Read her storyNegesti Kaudo ’11
Negesti Kaudo ’11 is a writer and educator whose debut essay collection, "Ripe," has been praised for its sharp honesty and emotional depth. Based in Columbus, she teaches and leads workshops across the country — helping writers find clarity, courage, and their own original voice.
Read her storyAlex Brown ’04
Alex Brown ’04 is a Brooklyn-based artist whose work spans fine art and fashion. Known for his distinctive “men in suits” series and hand-drawn designs for Small Talk Studio, his illustrations now appear on everything from gallery walls to custom jackets sold around the world.
Read his story
Justin R. Cockrell ’21
Justin R. Cockrell ’21 is a fiber artist and educator whose work fuses craft, identity, and environmental storytelling. Studying at Virginia Commonwealth University, they blend natural dye, woodworking, and poetry to create tactile pieces that explore queerness, sustainability, and the stories materials hold.
Read their storyJack Ludlam ’09
Jack Ludlam ’09 is a Denver-based photographer whose work captures stillness, nostalgia, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. Working primarily with film, he brings a storyteller’s eye to every frame — creating images that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
Read his storyZane Miller ’05
Zane Miller ’05 is a Columbus-based installation artist whose work blends sculpture, light, and reflection to explore perception and process. Also a lead art preparator and fabricator, he approaches each project with curiosity and experimentation — treating the studio like a lab for wonder.
Read his story