Design department alumni stage 'Vis Com Home' exhibit
LAWRENCE — Graduates from the University of Kansas Department of Design have found success at graphic design firms, newspapers and magazines, branding companies, in television, art education and many other careers.
This week 64 of them are showing their work at the department's first exhibit dedicated to artwork and designs created by alumni. The show, titled "Vis Com Home Alumni," is located in the Gallery on the third floor of the Art & Design Building and will be open through Friday, Oct. 26.
Jeremy Shellhorn, associate professor of graphic design, and Tim Hossler, visiting professor, organized the exhibit.
"The best part of the show is that it allowed us to connect with visual communication alums. Some graduated recently; others graduated 20 and even 30 years ago and have very impressive resumes," said Shellhorn.
A wide variety of projects are featured, including book jackets, magazine spreads, illustrations and posters, and book designs. Included is work for The New York Times, Nickelodeon and National Public Radio.
"The show lets students see firsthand that there are great opportunities for success as a designer or illustrator after graduation," says Andrea Herstowski, associate professor and interim department chair.
Tad Carpenter, adjunct professor, concurs. "It can be hard sometimes for current students to grasp where and what they could be doing when they graduate. Exposing them to the work of people who once walked these same hallways is a great way to show them what they can do."
Both Carpenter and his father, Stephen, have illustrations, books, and posters on display. They live and work in the Kansas City area.
The KU Department of Design is part of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning.