April marks the month for many senior art shows at Winona State University. The spree of shows kicked off last week with the graphic design senior show, titled “For Your Eyes Only.”
In the show, 14 senior graphic design students presented their senior capstone projects to students and community members in Watkins Hall.
The gallery presented a variety of graphic projects such as designs for commercial packaging, logos and magazine layouts.
For student Ka Ling Fung, her capstone presentation highlighted her progress in the graphic design program. She said that she has been able to improve her computer skills, which have allowed her to expand the extensiveness of her work.
“I like to think of a different style every time I start a new project. I’m still exploring,” Ling Fung said.
Many of the students’ design projects were already displayed on campus, including a collection of study abroad and music department posters and part of the Winona State student planner that was distributed to students this school year.
“I didn’t know the graphic design artists have designed so many things I’ve seen on campus,” junior Mandy Reker said, at the gallery reception Wednesday night.
Family and friends came out to the gallery reception to support the senior students.
The gallery provided the seniors a time to market themselves to the community and share the progress of their work.
Several gallery viewers commented on the innovative designs and work the presenting seniors had created.
“I think it’s wonderful what youth can do. It’s a new experience for me,” said Mabel Larsen, grandmother of presenting senior Beth Larsen.
Larsen and senior graphic design student Christine Szulczewski also won the honor of presenting at one of two select senior shows. Their show, titled “The Art of Product,” will showcase commercial product designing.
Szulzewski will be working with food storage containers and Larsen with a spice line to showcase their recognized talents.
“The purpose of the show is to show that products, something you use every day, can be and are artistic,” Szulzewski said.
The other senior select show titled “Polarity,” based on the idea of polar opposites, featuring the work of Cassandra Buck and Samuel Ng.
Gallery director Anne Plummer was enthused about the turnout and collection this year.
“I think it’s the best one yet. The graphic design program is pretty new; it gets better and better,” Plummer said.
The entire designing process is more work than one would think, Szulcewski said.
For Szulcewski motivation for these projects is primarily attributed to one thing.
“Just have a passion for it is inspiration enough,” Szulcewski said.
This month students and community members will also be able to see the studio art and art education senior show. The gallery titled “Manifest Destiny” will span the week of April 18-25.

Contact Rachel at RDSmith5997@winona.edu