The School of Art at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences kicks off the new year with an anticipated visiting artist: Sara Greenberger-Rafferty.

Sara Greenberger-Rafferty is an interdisciplinary visual artist whose work focuses on gender and body politics. Her photographs, sculptures, paintings and performances often incorporate comedy as a vehicle to discuss societal norms, labor and popular culture.

Greenberger-Rafferty's lecture is Thursday, Jan. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Hillside Auditorium, room 206.

Her work explores vexing themes with the direct purpose of calling attention to social disarray. Greenberger-Rafferty has been unwavering in her cultural critiques over the past decade. Although her work is often incisive, she cites her use of humor as one possible way her work connects with so many viewers.

As a result, Greenberger-Rafferty creates a space to confront topics that are culturally odious. By doing so, however, she steers critical conversations and prods our collective consciousness in productive directions.

In addition to the Jan. 25 lecture, Sara Greenberger Rafferty: Tailored Content, will be on exhibition at the Fine Arts Gallery Jan. 22 - Feb. 25, 2018.

The lecture series featuring Greenberger-Rafferty is a 30-year tradition, made possible by the Joy Pratt Markham Visiting Artist Fund. The fund supports the School of Art by bringing renowned artists, designers and scholars to the University of Arkansas to speak to both students and the community.

Guest speakers inspire critical thinking, provide introductions to experts and spark a range of discussions in both group and one on one settings. This series brings in top professionals within all art mediums, providing inclusive art education.

Through this program participants also get to experience the answer to the question all too often asked of art students and faculty - What do you do with an art degree?

Students can see success first hand and expand how they think about their discipline in art education, art history, graphic design or studio art.

The School of Art invites all to expand their horizons with Sara Greenberger-Rafferty and the full calendar of artists, designers and scholars this spring 2018 semester.

Find out more about the series by visiting the Fine Arts Center Gallery online.