Mixed Media

Professor of History Robert Churchill (Hillyer) examines the role geography and violence play in the narrative of the Underground Railroad in his latest book, The Underground Railroad and the Geography of Violence in Antebellum America. Churchill is a noted historian of American political violence.

Fresh off a Screen Actors Guild nomination for his role in The Irishman, actor and stuntman Jim Ford ’04 (Hartt) has released a book, My Take on All Fifty States. The memoir features highlights and insights into his journey so far. Included are mentions of his fond memories of the University, including the year he spent as Howie the Hawk.

Sara Mellas ’14 (Hartt) published The Easy Baked Donut Cookbook, taking readers on the path to mouthwatering and mess-free donuts through tried-andtrue tricks and tasty recipes for beautifully baked donuts, donut holes, mini donuts, and more. The first Friday each June is National Donut Day.

Greg Newbold ’09 (HAS) released If Monet Painted a Monster, the third book in a popular kid’s arts series exploring how 16 famous artists might have painted a monster. The volume explores the styles of famous artists, giving readers permission to create art in whatever style they choose.

Professor of English and Modern Languages Benjamin Grossberg (A&S) has released two new books during the pandemic. He says both are the result of many years of work and it is a coincidence that they are being published at the same time. His first book, The Poetry of Capital, an anthology of poems from 44 authors that he coedited, addresses the contemporary American relationship with money. His second book, My Husband Would, is a poetry piece that tackles the idea of marriage and family in the context of middle age. Along with writing two new books, Grossberg has been recently named West Hartford’s Poet Laureate, awarded to an individual who gives back to the community of West Hartford by hosting poetry workshops and readings.

Noted singer-songwriter, musician, and former Blue Oyster Cult bass player Joe Bouchard M ’95 (Hartt) has released his sixth solo album Strange Legends. Since his Blue Oyster Cult days, Bouchard graduated from Ithaca College, earned a master’s in musical composition from The Hartt School, taught music, and worked at a music publisher. He has released three albums with his current group Blue Coupe in addition to 20 albums with Blue Oyster Cult and other groups.

Singer-songwriter Debbie Chou ’04 (Hartt) recently released a new album, The End of Our Time. Chou had released her debut album, Lovebug, in 2012, followed by a single in 2013, “Little Prince,” both of which reflected her piano and synth-based aesthetic borrowed from post-punk, indie, classical, and electronic music.

Share your newly released book, album, or film with the UHart community. Email editor@hartford.edu.