WKU News

Hilarie Spangler (MHC ’19) is taking New York (and the world) by storm.

During her time at WKU, Hilarie studied and conducted research in Italy, Ireland, and Greece. Her work abroad fueled her passionate CE/T project, “The Art of Connecting: A Collection and Study of Community-Based Arts as a Restorative Practice”. This project detailed her exploration of restorative community arts initiatives in rural, urban, and international communities. In her CE/T, she combined experience-based learning with research to co-found a new community-based Arts initiative that offers a dedicated space for interdisciplinary, first-voice exploration of 21st century Appalachian identity in live performance. Hilarie also collaborated with Tony Award-winning Rachel Chavkin’s group, The TEAM to present an intercultural workshop, featuring their piece Anything That Gives Off Light in rural East Tennessee.

Hilarie’s endeavors were supported by the CE/T Excellence Grant, Honors Development Grant, Potter College Travel Fund, FUSE International Grant, and the Diversity Abroad Grant.

Currently, Hilarie is the Director of Programs, Grants, and Ventures for the FreshGrass Foundation in New York City. She continues her inspiring CE/T work in everyday practice as she helps the FreshGrass Foundation to preserve, support and create innovative grassroots music. She is also purusing her Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Arts and Cultural Management at Pratt Institute.

Keep telling your story, Hilarie. Thanks for including us in the journey.