Congratulations to the contemporary artist and educator Brian Benfer who received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to Latvia. Benfer’s work will be as much a tribute to his professional history as it is a gesture in giving back. Benfer will spend six months mentoring and conducting research at the Art Academy of Latvia while revisiting the international exchange program facilitated by the late Latvian American artist, Maris Benson.

The Benson Project will explore the exchange program Benson created at Humboldt State University and its participants, as well as utilize the platform as a catalyst for a dialogue surrounding time, memory and residue.