Fallon Navarro is a 3rd year MFA candidate in Ceramics
Why did you choose UMass Dartmouth/CVPA to begin with?
A major reason I chose this program was the studios, equipment in the Star Store. I had never been to Massachusetts before, but after seeing photos of my future studio and visiting New Bedford, I knew I wanted to move here. I was excited to attend a graduate program where students could work collaboratively with other departments and the community.
What you have lost thus far, educationally, creatively, personally?
The sudden loss of the Star Store and the ongoing lack of concern from the University has been extremely detrimental to my academic progress and overall well-being. I’m in the final year of my Master’s program and don’t have access to the space, equipment, and resources needed to work. My excitement for my future has been replaced by uncertainty that I will even be able to graduate.
What made you decide to organize and try to save the Star Store? Why was it was important to your education/creative life?
I wanted to organize to try and get accountability for the thoughtless decision to shut down the Star Store and UMass Dartmouth’s subsequent choice not to provide the education it promised to students. The Star Store was more than a school building. It was like a second home for me and many of the students and created a space where we could come together.