The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Art and Design is recognizing the hard work and achievements of its senior students with an exhibit of their senior projects in the Cook Library Art Gallery and Learning Commons Gallery. The exhibit opened Nov. 19 and will run through Dec. 13.

Featured in the show are the works of: Danielle Christensen, Deonica Davis, Taylor Henry, Keia Hinton, Aryn Johnson, Amanda Mullins, Rebekah Olson, Kim Pham, Rodney Pevey, April Smith, Grant Stephens, Jordan Stephens, Kierra Thomas and Katrina Zahniser.

Featured senior Stephens said the project included three presentations and a research paper in addition to the large amount of design work that Stephens did for his video game-themed piece.

According to the Department of Art and Design, the project is intended to be intensive and combines an area of personal vision with students’ professional goals. This certainly shows in the project topics, which range from Stephen’s video game-themed work to Christensen’s piece that is centered around an imaginary record label and band.

The students in the show feel the project and exhibition marks a milestone and demonstrates they are capable of being successful graphic designers.

“The senior show is so important because we work on it all semester and it’s kind of our way to show that we have what it takes to enter the design world,” Stephens said.

“It’s about showing off my special talents and abilities that I have developed in college,” Christensen said.

Members of the senior class are waiting on the judgment of a panel of art and design teachers to decide their fate.

“It’s a somewhat bittersweet time now, because as the senior design class we have all worked so hard for this moment, and it’s over in the blink of an eye,” Christensen said.
Stephens feels relieved to finally see the fruits of his labor.

“I spent a lot of time on the project,” he said. “At least three all-nighters a week and a lot of late nights, and reaching this point finally means we are finished. It feels amazing to be done.”
For Stephens and Christensen, their sights are now set on the future.

“Of course, we are all looking forward to graduating and finding a job where we can continue producing work at the same level as that of the design show,” Christensen said.
“I’m nervous but ready to start my career as a designer,” Stephens said.