Stafford Smith and Ritsu Katsumata– Public Lecture and Reception

She developed her innovative fingerstyle acoustic guitar technique while studying music theory and composition at New York University. Williams has released two previous albums, Unwind (2018) and Urban Driftwood (2021), where she introduced unique approaches, such as playing kalimba and guitar simultaneously. Her music also incorporates instruments like the kora, harp guitar and banjo. Despite her use of folk instruments, she resists being categorized, valuing creative freedom over conformity. Her latest record, Acadia, is out from Nonesuch Records.

Exhibition: November 5 – December 15Lecture & Opening Reception: November 5, 5:00 PMSmith (visual art) and Katsumata (electric violin) present their collaborative practice weaving image, sound, history, and memory. Smith draws from comic books, manga, surrealism, Ukiyo-e, anime, and pop culture to examine cultural narratives, while Katsumata creates vivid soundscapes blending classical training with experimental composition. Together, their work explores ancestry, cultural identity, and the stories that connect us.