Five Art + Design seniors have launched their Virtual BFA Thesis Exhibitions, and their shows are now available to view online. Join us as we celebrate selected works by Caroline Bushman, Jordan DeFelice, Madison Frey, Melissa McElin, and Lasha Stewart. The virtual exhibitions will be available from April 22 – May 31, 2021. Please scroll down to learn more about each student and click on links to take you to their individual shows and exhibition catalogs. You can tour their virtual exhibitions by choosing to enter and navigate the space with your arrow keys, or by selecting “Start Guided Tour” which will automatically take you around the gallery. Congratulations, seniors! We wish you all the best.
CAROLINE BUSHMAN
Caroline Bushman grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her parents, four siblings, and beloved sheepdog. After studying at BYU, she transferred to Drake University where she earned her BA in Painting and BFA in graphic design. She counts her education as a huge blessing because of the wonderful peers, thoughtful teachers, and invaluable skills she has gained. Her artwork is honest and true to her experiences, both painful and beautiful. Drawn to topics such as grief, fear, growth, and hope, she explores many mediums and finds this creation to be healing and sacred. While painting is her first love, Caroline is delighted to have a full time graphic design job. When she is not working and creating, she spends quality time with her very supportive husband, Joey, and their new sheepdog puppy, Sam.
JORDAN DEFELICE
Jordan DeFelice is graduating with a BFA and is based in Des Moines, Iowa. He uses digital illustration tools to create art inspired by the techniques of traditional media. When he isn’t working on art, he spends his time playing games and sleeping. Mostly sleeping.
MADISON FREY
Madison Frey is from St. Charles, Illinois, and is a Graphic Design major. She uses antiquated imagery to address contemporary issues. Her work, “Silent All These Years,” was recently included in the “50th Annual Juried Student Exhibition.”
MELISSA MCELIN
Melisaa McElin is from Stillwater, Minnesota. She is graduating with a BFA in Graphic Design, a printmaking minor, and a Women and Gender Studies Concentration. Melissa had prints and a powerful film on beauty included in the recent “50th Annual Juried Student Exhibition.” For the future, Melissa plans to create and launch her own brand of clothing, designs and prints.
LASHA STEWART
Lasha Stewart came to Drake University from Anna, Texas, to start her path towards a BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Drawing. Lasha’s work discusses topics related to race, gender, and society. Her work has recently been featured in the Anderson Gallery’s “50th Annual Student Juried Exhibition” where she won overall Best in Show. When she is not focusing on her art, Lasha likes to take care of her plants and knit blankets. After she graduates from Drake University, she plans to enroll in the MFA Program at the Pennsylvania Academy of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Anderson Gallery will be featuring these seniors on social media during late April and early May. Follow us!