Dean’s Medal Honorable Mention: Julie Ann Araujo – Department of Art, Design and Art History

“Everyone has a voice, and it sometimes takes people a lifetime to find it. I have found mine at this university. My story isn’t sad but one of perseverance. I have an endless list of people who believed in me; without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Julie Ann Araujo is a graduate student receiving her M.A. in studio arts. She is representing the Department of Art, Design and Art History and is a graduate Dean’s Medalist Honorable Mention. 

Araujo said she faced great adversity during her journey but was able to turn it around, thanks to her eldest daughter. 

“After completing a six-month inpatient program called ‘Spirit of Women,’ I enrolled in Fresno Community College. I lived in the tutorial center to get help with math and writing. Passing these classes gave me newfound confidence that assured me I could learn and grow if I put in the time and effort,” Araujo said. “It was there at FCC that I met Anne Scheid, a professor of Figure Drawing. It was Anne who inspired me to change my degree to art.”

During her graduate program, Araujo was able to go on a three-week study abroad program in London thanks to the Edward O. Lund scholarship.

“Julie is driven. As a studio artist, she is thorough in her research and in seeking fresh and creative strategies to convey meaning through her ambitious work. I have no doubt that she will make an impact in the field of fine arts with the thoughtful and provocative work of her project exhibition, which I hope to see shown in more venues,” said Stephanie J. Ryan, professor of art in painting/drawing.

For her art thesis, Araujo addressed the issue of body image and the expectations and lack of confidence often occur. She did this through a series of paintings of women in the community, intended for women “struggling with their bodies, those who don’t feel accepted or ‘normal.’”

“I showcased the variety in all our bodies. This gained a lot of traction with the community and outside sources. In the end, 72 women participated in the series. I was awarded an emerging artist award by the California Arts Council (CAC) and later the Artist Disruptor Award from The Center for Cultural Power and CAC,” Araujo said.

“Julie’s project represents a revival and continuation of the feminist art tradition pioneered over five decades ago by Judy Chicago’s first feminist art studio program in the U.S., right here in the art department at Fresno State,” said Dr. Keith Jordan, professor of art history. “Her thesis show is a worthy successor to the groundbreaking work of these bold forerunners and, like them, puts the university on the map as a force for positive change in the world.” 

In Fall 2023, she began working as an instructor at Fresno City College, in the same room where she found her passion years ago.

“I believe immensely in the Central Valley; the talent and the hunger for change make it a hotspot for growth and potential.”

Following graduation, Araujo intends to live in Germany with her family. She will continue her education in Europe, where she hopes to bring back her knowledge to the valley in the future.