Spring Convocation is still a few weeks away, but this year’s Bachelor of Design graduates are already celebrating – and showcasing – their achievements in their annual portfolio show at the Mitchell Art Gallery.
The theme of this year’s show is Unfolding. According to Chloe Anna – one of the graduates featured in the show and the co-president of the show’s executive committee – the theme speaks to the way students discover and reveal the many facets of their potential during their educational journey. “We fold, score, crease and manipulate our creative abilities to become dynamic pieces that can be viewed from many angles to reveal new depths and understanding,” she explains.
An opening reception was held on April 27, which included an invitation for industry professionals to view the portfolios and interact with the students – a critical networking opportunity for students looking to make professional connections as they start their careers. However, Anna points out that some of the most important networking happens a little closer to home. “It’s always important to gain industry contacts and build relationships; however, it is equally important to build those relationships with your peers,” she says. “The portfolio show is a great way for the graduates to celebrate with their fellow classmates! You never know where you will end up in the future, so it’s important to maintain the friendships you built during school because they may come in handy later on in life.”
The projects that Anna chose to exhibit in the portfolio show focus on making different types of information accessible and appealing to audiences. She partnered with Explore Edmonton to create multilingual signage; developed branding and advertising for Shoots, an in-home garden kit; and created an informational video titled “What Does Your Zodiac Sign Mean?”
Design is a discipline with many avenues and applications, so this year’s grads will move on to a wide variety of opportunities – from marketing and advertising to product design and user experience. Anna will be heading to the UK to pursue a masters in Museum Studies at the University College London. “I want to explore the museum world while also implementing my design skills and thinking so that I may have a different perspective on history and social issues the sector faces,” she says.
For more information on the Design Portfolio Show and other upcoming exhibitions at the Mitchell Art Gallery, visit MacEwan.ca/MitchellArtGallery.
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