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How Han Ramirez-Garcia Found Freedom in Art at Alfred University

Posted By Valeriia Radko

May 15, 2026 | Art & Design Current Students General Blogs Performing Arts

For Han Ramirez-Garcia, a senior majoring in Art and Design with a minor in Dance, Alfred University became a place where they could constantly expand their creativity. Originally from Lilburn, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, Han made a big change by coming to a small and unfamiliar community. However, they used it as an opportunity to explore new mediums, combine visual art with movement, and redefine what their work could be.

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Why They Chose Alfred

A photo of Han Ramirez-Garcia For Han, choosing a college was not just about finding a strong art program. They wanted an environment where they could grow in different ways and feel supported. After researching top fine arts programs and applying to several highly ranked schools, Alfred quickly stood out. It offered not only a strong academic reputation but also unique opportunities beyond the classroom.

Coming to Alfred also meant adapting to a completely different environment.

“My high school had 5,000 people,” Han said. “So, coming here was a very drastic change.”

But rather than feeling limited, the smaller campus allowed them to slow down and focus more deeply on their work.

“It’s allowed me to get more in tune with myself and my work,” they shared.

Exploring Creativity Without Limits

During their time at Alfred, Han became deeply involved in both visual and performing arts. As a member of AU Dance Theatre, they spent months rehearsing, collaborating, and preparing for performances.

“From September to February, it’s constant work — rehearsals, costumes, lighting, composition. It’s a huge part of my life here.”

Over time, Han performed in multiple works each season and, this year, choreographed and performed their own solo — an especially meaningful accomplishment.

Outside of dance, Han continues to experiment across a wide range of artistic mediums, including sculpture, painting, and neon. “I’m always doing something I’ve never done before,” they said.

One sculpture project reflects their Mexican and Venezuelan heritage, featuring a large-scale mobile inspired by cultural symbolism, including spiritual animals known as alebrijes. At the same time, Han is exploring collage in painting and creating a conceptual neon piece that addresses themes of immigration. The wearable neon design spirals up the arms to represent the feeling of being physically and emotionally “stuck.”

“You can’t move forward, backward, or even lift your arms,” Han explained. “It’s about that sense of being bound.”

A photo of a sculpture — Han Ramirez-Garcia's mobile sculpture, inspired by their Mexican and Venezuelan heritage.

A photo of a neon sculpture — Han Ramirez-Garcia's wearable neon sculpture.

Blending Movement and Visual Art

Working across multiple disciplines has led Han to combine them into immersive, interdisciplinary work.

In one recent project, they merged dance, painting, and performance by creating a pair of “drawing shoes.” Using materials like markers, yarn, and brushes attached to the shoes, Han danced across a large canvas, allowing movement and music to shape the artwork in real time.

“You can see the motion everywhere,” they said. “It’s abstract, but it’s entirely made through movement.”

The final piece became a vibrant reflection of rhythm and energy. Han hopes to continue developing this concept and exploring new ways to merge movement with visual art.

A photo of Han Ramirez-Garcia standing next to their artwork

Discovering New Possibilities

A defining part of Han’s experience at Alfred has been their willingness to try new things. Before college, they were a formally trained ballet dancer, and transitioning to AU Dance Theatre pushed them outside of their comfort zone. Moving from structured classical training to contemporary and improvisational styles was challenging, but ultimately rewarding.

“Learning to move more freely was challenging,” they said. “But it was also empowering.”

That same willingness to experiment led Han to discover a passion for neon. Before coming to Alfred, they never imagined working with it, especially due to a fear of flames.

“I was terrified of flames,” they admitted. “So, it’s crazy to think this is what I’m doing now.”

Alfred University’s unique neon program, one of the few offering bombard training, gave Han the chance to gain hands-on experience with glass, flame work, and installation techniques. What once felt intimidating has now become a central part of their artistic practice.

Looking Ahead

A photo of Han Ramirez-Garcia working with neon in an art lab Han’s future plans are closely tied to the experiences they’ve gained at Alfred. They hope to continue working in the neon industry, building a portfolio and pursuing mentorships or apprenticeships after graduation.

Through Alfred’s program, Han has already made connections with artists across the country—from Atlanta to California, South Carolina, and Colorado.

“There’s such a big industry for it,” they said. “I just want to get started and keep learning.”

A Defining Experience

Han’s journey at Alfred shows the importance of taking risks and embracing new opportunities. Their willingness to explore has helped them discover new passions and develop skills across multiple forms of art.

With the support of faculty and the Alfred community, Han built an experience that is both meaningful and unforgettable.

Reflecting on their time at Alfred, they described it simply: “Opportunities that never end.”

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About the Writer

Meet Valeriia

Valeriia Radko is a first-year student at Alfred University from Cherkassy, Ukraine, studying psychology and marketing. As a student writer for the university’s marketing team, she develops content focused on providing helpful information for current and prospective students as well as highlighting campus life and available resources. Her interests include content marketing and media psychology, shaped by her involvement in student government and several other organizations on campus. In her free time, Valeriia enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with a good book.

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