Santa Fe College (SF) will debut “AMPERSAND,” the newly named annual Graphic Design Student Exhibition, on Thursday, April 30.
Presented by SCAD Media, the free event will begin at 6 p.m. on the third floor of Building N at SF’s Northwest Campus (3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville). The public is welcome to attend.
According to an SF press release, AMPERSAND reflects the moment of transition that SF’s graduating students are experiencing as they transition from the college’s degree program into the next chapter of their lives.
“The ampersand symbol itself represents connection – something designers and typographers have long appreciated,” the release said. “It speaks to the ongoing relationship between our students, alumni and faculty, and our commitment to staying connected and supportive well beyond graduation.”
The exhibition showcases work by both graduating and undergraduate students in SF’s Graphic Design Technology A.S. degree program.
“Known for its hands-on, career-focused approach, the program maintains a high standard while preparing students with the practical skills and creative thinking needed to enter the design industry,” the release said.
This year’s exhibition is expected to include over 100 entries, ranging from communication design, advertising and digital media. The event will also feature immersive installations, themed photo areas, interactive elements and live music provided by Rayvon “Purple Kloud” Rollins.
A panel of industry professionals are expected to jury the exhibition. They include Matías Raby Coddou, digital marketing strategist at Creative Springs; Casey Bissell, director of Global Product Experience Design at Mastercard; and Emily McMahon-Lynch, marketing manager at Scorpio.
The event will also include the winning promotional poster designed by graduating SF student, Mariajose Garcia Badillo. Her concept explores the theme “Precarious.”
“My inspiration comes from the act of stitching – holding fragile pieces together with care,” Garcia Badillo said in the release. “It’s about embracing vulnerability as part of the repair process and finding beauty in what’s imperfect.”
The release states that the exhibition has become a growing tradition within the local arts scene, attracting more than 150 attendees in each of the past three years.
SF professor Shawna Mansfield emphasized both the evolution of the exhibition and the meaning behind its new identity.
“Our Graphic Design A.S. degree has been called one of Santa Fe College’s best-kept secrets – but, believe me, we don’t want to be a secret! Our program is high-level, and our reputation is stellar,” Mansfield said in the release. “Our students are doing incredible work, and AMPERSAND is about bringing people together to celebrate that. This is why I call it the ‘Best Creative Party of the Year’! It’s interactive, it’s fun, and it’s full of personality – come see for yourself.”
For more information about the event, contact Mansfield at shawna.mansfield@sfcollege.edu.