Owls in the Arts: Celebrating Temple Alumni Artists
From musicians and filmmakers to producers and podcasters, long-established artists to those just getting started, every artistic Owl has their own journey. These profiles offer just a peek into the extraordinary range of talents in our alumni community.
A Caribbean-born artist who uses Morse code to translate lighthouse signals into song. An award-winning filmmaker who connects transit employees and passengers through VR installations. An L.A. transplant who juggles his day job in higher education with a burgeoning R&B career.
From producers to podcasters, long-established artists to those just getting started, every artistic Owl has their own journey. These are just a few of the stories of Temple alumni artists you’ll find in our list below. Who knows? Your new favorite artist might just be a fellow Owl!
Alumni Artist Features A-Z
2023 Art Market at Tyler: Featured Artists
The 12th anniversary of Tyler School of Art and Architecture's Art Market, an annual staple of Homecoming & Family Weekend programming.
2024 Art Market at Tyler: Featured Artists
The 13th anniversary of Tyler School of Art and Architecture's Art Market, an annual staple of Homecoming & Family Weekend programming.
An Owl’s Leap of Faith:
Breaking Into the Music Industry
When Reggie Becton, KLN ’15, graduated, he was unsure of his next move. He loved to sing, but moving to Los Angeles to pursue a music career was a big risk. With the help of friends, the alumni community and his own determination, he took that leap of faith, leading him on a journey to success in the music industry.
The Artistic Evolution of
Jeffrey Meris
Since being named a 30 Under 30 honoree in 2020, Jeffrey Meris, TYL ’15, has expanded his artistic practice, engaging with themes of ecology, embodiment and care through ambitious projects, including his upcoming inclusion in Prospect New Orleans.
Behind the Lens
with Carli Showmaker
At just 26 years old, Carli Showmaker, KLN ’19, already has her own video production company, crediting the skills she sharpened during her four years at Temple. And she’s not slowing down any time soon.
Boyer Alum Pays Tribute to Mentor, Friend and Musical Icon
For generations of violinists, Edgar Ortenberg was an icon. To Desimont “Desi” Alston, BYR ’74, he was so much more.
Cinema as Compassion:
Anula Shetty's Storytelling Ethos
Through her award-winning work as a filmmaker, and her return to Temple to bestow the knowledge she’s accrued, Anula Shetty, TFM ’97, a first-generation South Asian immigrant, has made it part of her mission to uplift the stories of the underrepresented, especially in Philadelphia.
Conducting His Own Path: Dan Schwartz's Journey Through Music
From his early days as a percussionist to leading acclaimed choirs and performing with world-renowned orchestras, Dan Schwartz, BYR ’09, ’11, has crafted a versatile and inspiring career in music—proving that success often lies beyond the traditional path.
Crafting the American Dream: An Entrepreneurship Journey in Sustainable Fashion
Sharmin Khan, FOX ’20, defies expectations with AAIZAA, a sustainable, modern brand that celebrates South Asian heritage, while making a lasting impact on the fashion industry and beyond.
Experiencing Sports
Through Art
Jordan Spector, CPH ’15, always had two passions: sports and art. Making Temple's football team was a dream come true, but an injury cut his time short. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, leading him to pivot back to the world of art creation and allow him to blend his two passions into one.
From Campus to Center Stage: Alum’s Musical Celebrates Community at Temple Theaters
Erlina Ortiz, TFM ’12, co-founder of Power Street Theatre, reflects on her Temple journey as she prepares to debut her first musical Siluetas, at Temple Theaters where it all began.
Illustrating Identity:
Portraits of Impact, Culture and #TempleMade Pride
Iranian-born graphic designer Dora Moghaddami, TYL ’25, recently showcased her work highlighting immigrant Temple alumnae making a difference.
Lights, Camera, Dedication: Nasir Kenneth Ferebee's Humble Industry Journey
Through unwavering determination and relentless hustle, Nasir Kenneth Ferebee, TFM ’07, has built a successful film and television career staying true to his Philly roots and commitment to storytelling excellence.
Maggie Andresen's Unceasing Journey of Advocacy and Impact
Five years after being among the first cohort of Temple’s prestigious 30 Under 30 award, Maggie Andresen, KLN ’17, remains as dedicated and steadfast as ever in her work as a human rights advocate.
Soaring Stars: Temple Alumni Shine Bright on Stage This Holiday Season
From heartwarming holiday shows to powerful dramas, Temple alumni are lighting up theaters and dazzling audiences across the stage.
Temple University Voices: Podcasts from the Boldest and Brightest Owls
Looking to become more involved and educated in areas that interest you at Temple University and beyond? We've compiled a list of some of our favorite podcasts from across the university.
Temple Alumni Paint the Town… Literally
With thousands of public artworks gracing our buildings, Philadelphia is known as the “Mural Capital of the World.” These murals tell stories about the pride, unity and perseverance so deeply ingrained within the Temple community.
These Owls May Keep You Up at Night
Whether it’s with a work of horror, science fiction, mystery or other speculative fiction these genre-bending Owl storytellers will satisfy your thirst for a thrill.
Written by Owls
Looking for something to read by a fellow Owl? Whether you’re more into history, poetry, self-help, memoirs, thrillers or even something for the kids, we’ve got some great works by alumni of Temple University for you to check out.
Wunderkind Alumna Blazes Her Own Trail in the Theater and Arts Community
Sabriaya Shipley, TFM ’18, has achieved an extraordinary resume in just a short time since graduating from Temple. With a deep passion for the arts, theater and community connection, she shows no signs of slowing down.
Temple alumni bravely pursue their biggest ideas and transform them into #TempleMade businesses that defy expectations and shake up the rules of the game. To learn more about Temple Made businesses or list your own business, visit the Alumni-Owned Business Directory today!




















