A successful artist or designer must balance the roles of event planner, promoter, and curator. Moreover, they have to prepare and maintain a portfolio; market their work for representation, sale, or freelance commissions; seek and apply for exhibitions; and hone their resume-writing and interview skills.
In Gerald Mead’s DES 414/FAR 470 Senior Seminar, art and design students gain first-hand experience in all facets of being a working designer.
“This semester is unique in that the students are enrolled in a ‘co-mingled’ course and as a result, the range of disciplines is much broader than usual,” Mead said. “The combination of graphic designers, painters, sculptors, woodworkers, fiber artisans, and jewelers in one class has enabled discussion on diverse perspectives on art and design practice and career opportunities.”
As a requirement of Mead’s course, each student must present a solo exhibition. Whether the exhibition is on or off campus, students are responsible for securing the location; creating and distributing invitations and posters; promoting their show; hanging and installing their artwork; and connecting with an audience.
This is all in addition to spending countless hours in a studio, creating and refining their work.
Independently orchestrating a presentation of their work gives students valuable practical experience in a number of activities that they will be able to apply to their future careers as graphic designers, craft artisans, or fine artists.
DES 414 Seniors Seminar Student Exhibitions
Tangible Essence, Sculptural Works by Maryrose Fridey
April 13–21
Reception: Friday, April 13, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
125 Art Collective, 125 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, noon–8:00 p.m.
Multiple Representations: Paintings by Ann Marie Pearson
April 25–May 2
Reception: Friday, April 27, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
125 Art Collective, 125 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, noon–8:00 p.m.
Hand-Built Harmony: Instruments and chairs by Matthew Burch
Performance: Wednesday, April 25, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
The artist will perform his compositions written for the instruments.
Louis P.Ciminelli Recital Hall, Rockwell Hall Third Floor, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222
Exhibition: May 4–18
Reception: Friday, May 4, 7:00 -9:00 p.m.
Artspace, 1219 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209
Hours by appointment.
Fabrications: Fiber and Textile Designs by Canaan Ray Mehnert
April 26–30
Reception: April 27, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
1045 Elmwood Gallery for the Arts, 1045 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Perfect Pairings: Jewelry and Painting by Ke Shi
May 2–8
Reception: Friday, May 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
1045 Elmwood Gallery for the Arts, 1045 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222
Hours: Tuesday –Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Charming Chillers: Movie Poster Designs by Cassie Chu
May 6–12
Reception: Sunday, May 6, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Sugar City, 1239 Niagara St., Buffalo, NY 14213
Hours: Friday, 5:30–7:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Deified Predictions: Tarot Card Illustrations by Kathryn Glowacki
May 7–11
Reception: Monday, May 7, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Bacon Gallery, Upton Hall, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222
Gallery Hours: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday or by appointment.
Cut and Cast: Woodwork by Noah Giusana
May 11–18
Reception: Friday, May 11, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Ashker's Black Rock, 414 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14207
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Regeneration: Nature/Art Center Rebranding by Nick Faraci
May 19–20
Reception: Saturday, May 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Revolution Gallery, 1419 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214
Hours: Saturday-Sunday,noon-8:00 p.m.
