On Friday, May 13, family and friends gathered on the CalArts campus for a joyous graduation ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2016.
The event was marked by lively performances from CalArts’ music and dance ensembles, creative costumes worn by some of the graduates and thought-provoking speeches by CalArts President Steven D. Lavine and honorary doctorate recipients, Academy Award-nominated actor and CalArts alum Don Cheadle (Theater BFA 86) and musician, composer and former CalArts faculty member Wadada Leo Smith.
The graduation was followed by a reception in the Main Gallery, where guests enjoyed additional performances by the African Music and Dance Ensemble as well as the CalArts Salsa Band.
The photos in the gallery, above, were taken by Institute photographer Rafael Hernandez. We’ll be back tomorrow with a selection of candid shots from the day.