2026 Spring Exhibitions In Bloom at the Kent State School of Art
The 5XÉçÇø School of Art proudly presented a series of student exhibitions this Spring, showcasing the artistic development of emerging undergraduate and graduate artists. These exhibitions highlighted the culminating M.F.A., M.A., B.A. and B.F.A. work of our students, showcasing their most ambitious and innovative projects.
Master's of Fine Art Thesis Exhibition
March 31 – April 10, 2026 | Center for the Visual Arts
As the School of Art’s advanced studio degree, the Master’s of Fine Arts program requires graduate students to produce and defend a rigorous, research-driven body of work that reflects technical mastery, conceptual depth and professional preparedness. Each exhibition represents years of intensive studio practice and critical dialogue across a range of artistic disciplines, supported by extensive material investigation. The Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibitions unfolded over two weeks, each with distinct student groupings and gallery assignments.
Week One
March 31 – April 3, 2026
CVA Gallery: Riley Sims, Colby Schwartz
Payto Gallery: Nicole Malcolm
Crawford Gallery: Sofia Pozzi Jauregui
Week Two
April 7 – April 10, 2026
CVA Gallery: Chris Liu, Violet Maimbourg
Payto Gallery: Christian Roberts
Crawford Gallery: Beckett Chomyn
Master of Arts Group Exhibition
March 31 – April 10, 2026 | Alumni Visual Resource Center (AVRC), Room 155
The Master of Arts program emphasizes deepened research and focused studio exploration, allowing students to refine their artistic voice while developing analytical and scholarly approaches to their work. The Master of Arts Group Exhibition brought together students examining material processes, concept-driven inquiry and interdisciplinary experimentation.
Exhibiting Artists
Berend Hawks
Denise A. Harrison
Kendall Hamilton
Bachelor of Arts Capstone Exhibition
April 14 – April 16, 2026 | Center for the Visual Arts Gallery
The Bachelor of Arts Capstone Exhibition showcased the culminating research, creative inquiry and portfolio development of students completing their Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art or Art Education. Bachelor of Arts students combine coursework, experimental exploration and personal interests into cohesive final projects that reflect their growth as emerging artists and educators.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Thesis Exhibition
April 21 – May 1, 2026 | Center for the Visual Arts Gallery
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Thesis Exhibitions are the capstone experience for students pursuing the School of Art’s studio-intensive undergraduate degree. Bachelor of Fine Arts students spend their final year developing a substantial body of work that demonstrates advanced technical ability, conceptual refinement and strong professional presentation.
Week One
April 21 – April 24, 2026
Reception: April 24, 5-7 p.m.
Week Two
April 28 – May 1, 2026
Reception: May 1, 5-7 p.m.
Week One
Week Two
ABOUT THE STUDIO ART PROGRAMS
5XÉçÇø’s School of Art offers one of the most comprehensive Studio Art programs in Ohio, providing students with access to an exceptional range of disciplines including ceramics, drawing, glass, painting, jewelry/metals/enameling, print media and photography, sculpture and expanded media, and textiles. Students work across traditional and contemporary practices while engaging with state-of-the-art facilities, including the ARTech Studio and expansive dedicated studio spaces – all housed under one roof in the Center of Visual Arts. Whether pursuing the B.A., B.F.A., M.A., or M.F.A. in Studio Art, students collaborate with world-class faculty, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and develop a personal artistic voice grounded in both experimentation and rigor. Learn more about our Studio Art degrees at /art/studio-art.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ART COLLECTION AND GALLERIES
The School of Art Collection and Galleries consists of seven exhibition spaces located on the Kent campus and downtown Kent, and a collection of over 4,500 artworks and objects.