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Finding Her Voice Through Art and Community: Sarah Dexter

The College of Liberal Arts is proud to recognize Sarah Dexter as the 2024–2025 Outstanding Graduate Student in the Department of Art. Sarah is currently an MFA candidate in fine arts, specializing in textiles, sculpture, and printmaking—a journey that represents not just a change in career, but a profound leap of faith in herself and her creative vision.

Sarah’s path to the arts was anything but conventional. With a long and successful background in the medical field, she built a career defined by structure, service, and precision. But even as she cared for others, a different passion quietly called to her. “I was still working in the medical field when I started at UAF,” Sarah recalls. “I was honestly a little afraid to fully make the leap into art. It felt risky to shift my life in such a big way.”

That all changed when Sarah reached a turning point in her graduate studies. “There came a moment when I decided to really go all in—to put my time, my energy, and my heart into my art,” she says. “It was such a relief. It felt like I was finally exactly where I needed to be. I realized this was what I was supposed to be doing, and it was time to trust that.”

Since making that decision, Sarah has thrived in UAF’s creative community, both as an artist and a leader. She’s not just focused on her own work; she’s actively shaping the Fairbanks arts scene. Over the past few years, Sarah has organized and coordinated a large community art and fashion show every New Year’s. “I wanted to bring together visual artists, musicians, and performers from all over the community to celebrate,” she explains. “It’s a huge project—so much work goes into coordinating people, networking, and planning—but it’s incredibly rewarding. Seeing artists collaborate, meeting people I might never have connected with otherwise, and creating a space for the community to come together, that’s what it’s all about.”

For Sarah, these experiences have taught her lessons in leadership and collaboration. “I learned how important it is to reach out, to organize, and to trust others’ creativity,” she says. “You grow so much by working with people whose perspectives and talents are different from your own.”

When she reflects on her time at UAF, Sarah emphasizes the importance of presence. “Graduate school is so much work, and there’s always life happening outside of school,” she says. “But this time is precious. It goes by so quickly. My biggest piece of advice to other students is: Be present. Prioritize your education and your creative experiences. You’ll miss it when it’s over—I already feel that way, and I haven’t even graduated yet!”

Perhaps the most powerful lesson Sarah will carry with her is one of self-worth. “UAF taught me that I have a voice, and that my contribution matters,” she says. “That realization—that I am worthy of being heard, and that what I create is meaningful—has changed everything for me. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve found here.”

Sarah’s story is a testament to the courage it takes to change course and follow your calling, no matter when or how that calling arrives. As she enters her final year and prepares to step into new roles as an artist and community leader, she does so with confidence, creativity, and a renewed belief in the value of her own voice.