Design Faculty Exhibition

October 29 - December 13, 2024

Chang Sik Kim, Typography Odyssey, 2023, Digital graphics, printed on paper. Photo by Hunter Ridenour

The Natalie and James Thompson Art Gallery is pleased to present this periodic exhibition of works of faculty members in the Department of Design. Showcasing a divergent group of Graphic Designers, Industrial Designers, Interior Designers, and Animators who share a devotion to teaching and research, this display reveals a variety of emphases and creative solutions to the practical and aesthetic issues of design. The exhibition showcases the work of Alison Armstrong, David Chai, Leila Ensaniat, Earl Gee, Mara Holt Skov, Marjan Khatibi, Eleanor Pries, Dana Ragouzeos, Virginia San Fratello, Chang Sik Kim, Ashly Vineyard and Angela Wu.

Virginia San Fratello, My Sugar Puff Love,The Verdant Dreams of My Youth, The Blood of My Enemies, 2023, 3D printed bioplastic. Photo by Hunter Ridenour

The Department of Design at SJSU is committed now more than ever to educating, inspiring, and empowering our students and community through good design. Design is a tool for understanding and developing solutions to today’s challenges including climate change, issues around health and well-being, new and emerging technologies, identity, kindness, and social justice.  In their professional and creative work our design faculty endeavor to develop meaningful and relevant solutions for solving real-world problems and deepening connections to the world around us. Faculty in our Interior Design program have been imagining ways to build the world using 3D printers and robots, both of which are sustainable manufacturing methods for the future. Additive manufacturing reduces energy use, and material waste, and allows for freedom of fabrication and customization.  Faculty in our Animation program use humor and animated graphics to tell stories about human kindness and illuminate ways in which to embrace difference.  Our Graphic and Industrial Design faculty are tackling topics around diversity, identity, life, and longevity.  The works that you see in the show are all examples of experimental and thoughtful design at the front lines. The challenges we are facing as a society are great, but the opportunities for designers are even greater!

Alison Armstrong, Dandy, 2023, Steel, wood, brass, and copper. Photo by Hunter Ridenour

Artist Presentation and Exhibition Opening Reception

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Artist Presentation: 5-6 pm

Opening Reception: 6-7:30 pm

Natalie and James Thompson Art Gallery