Welcome to the 2024 School of Art + Art History + Design Graduate Showcase! There are many motivations behind the choice to enroll as a graduate student, most of them based on a passion for ideas, extending one’s knowledge in a given field, developing an independent voice, all the while working within a community that questions, respects, and supports the work being created. Graduate school is inherently a challenging environment, all the more so in these recent years that have been marked by oh so many unforeseen challenges.

So much of the all-encompassing and precious experience that graduate school affords was disrupted by forces brought upon all of us during these particular times. But these are the times we live in, and take classes in, and work in studios, and write papers, and simply get on with being human. The resilience and grace of this graduate cohort through it all was notable and the successful completion of their respective MA, MDes, and MFA degrees was well earned. The thesis work shared in this Graduate Showcase is reflective of the thoughtful consideration of the issues, ideas, and experiences that permeate the world we live in.

The years of graduate study are rarely a solitary endeavor, but rather made possible by an essential and supportive community that includes fellow students, family, friends, distinguished visitors, staff, and faculty. I especially want to acknowledge the support and mentorship offered by our faculty and staff who are so committed to creating an educational environment where our graduate students are able to grow and thrive.

I want to recognize and thank Inji Kim and Heidi Biggs, for their efforts and insights gleaned during their interviews with the Art and Design grads and shared with you. Thanks so much to the Jacob Lawrence Gallery and to RailSpur for serving as hosts for the MDes and MFA exhibitions this year.

I hope you enjoy exploring this online showcase where you will discover how each graduate student transformed their ideas, passions, and skills into a body of research that reflects and addresses the opportunities, challenges, wonder, confusion, and joy of the world we all inhabit.

On behalf of the School of Art + Art History + Design, congratulations to the Graduate Class of 2024!
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