The University City Municipal Commission on Arts and Letters celebrated a week of work by the 2012 Returning Artists Sallie DuMaine and Darwin Harris. The pair worked with students at the elementary, middle and high school level.

The annual Returning Artists Program, since 1994, features artistically renowned University City High School (UCHS) graduates who return to share their fields of creative work with University City’s current students.

UCALC sees the program as a chance to enrich the University City schools’ art programs and to encourage students to consider careers in the arts.

See related video: Returning Artists Sing Art Education's Praises.

DuMaine, UCHS Class of 1981, is a writer and musician, nominated in last year’s Kevin Kline award for her musical direction in “Pump Boys and Dinettes” at the Bear Stage.

Harris, UCHS Class of 1991, pursues acting in Los Angeles where he has appeared in commercials, television and films. Previously he worked in television and stage productions out of Chicago.

Returning artists in past programs have included visual artists, glassblowers, photographers, writers, filmmakers, graphic designers, videographers, animators, instrumental musicians, composers, actors, singers and dancers.

Funding for the Returning Artists Program is provided by the City of University City and the Darwin Portman Fund.