Check out the 2025 Art & Design Thesis and Promotional Video edited by Darcy Ancil.
Opening Reception: Friday, April 25, 2025, 5:00 – 7:00pm.
Click on the video for a preview!
ART & DESIGN SENIOR THESIS EXHIBITION 2024
On view April 25 – May 22, 2025
University of St. Francis – ART GALLERY
25 E. Van Buren, Joliet, Illinois, 60432
EXHIBITING SENIORS
__________________________________________________________________
DARCY ANCEL
Drag racing has been at the core of the Ancel family on Morris, Illinois, for three generations. For her thesis, Darcy “Dynamite” Ancel has created a family history in racing through the production of a hardcover book, graphic design items, and an installation that resembles an auto racing garage, complete with all the tools required to assemble a top level experience.
CHEN YIMING (JOHNNY)
As part of the SUSE/USF partnership with Sichuan University of Science and Engineering in Zigong, Sichuan, China, Chen Yiming (Johnny) transferred to USF to spend his 4th year focused upon creating a series of designs and paintings that cross-fertilize iconic 1980s horror characters with traditional Chinese interior and exterior architecture. Chen’s objective is to look at how east and west intersect to inform his current artistic investigations.
JARESET LAGUNAS
Through a series of documentary photographs, Jareset Lagunas, has documented the effects of the recent rally’s in support of immigrants to the United States. As a Latina, who’s family is from Mexico, Lagunas has a personal connection that can be seen and felt in this collection of images.
LIU JIARUI (JERRY)
One of Liu Jiarui (Jerry’s) dreams has been to create his very own Lego design. Liu, another SUSE student transfer, has assemble 20,000+ blocks in a variety of forms (digital, tactile, and video) to provide an introduction into his love for the widely known brand with his interest in architecture, design, and video gaming. Liu’s examination is achieved through a series of Lego paintings, a 3D rendering of the USF Art Gallery, short videos, and a handful of prints that offer an understanding of why play is something we should retain into adulthood.
TIFFANY LEHMANN
Visual Arts Education major, Tiffany Lehmann, has focused her thesis upon translating her interest in eduction, interior design, museum studies and Mexican culture. In Lehmann’s thesis installation, she literally creates a min-museum that offers insight into her studies of traditional Mexican vernacular art and architecture. One will encounter long standing art forms (e.g., ceramics) contrasted with contemporary renditions.
ALANA WENDEL
Graphic Design major, Alana Wendel focused her thesis on the branding of Minnie’s Rabbit Rescue. Through a series of design items (brochure, wall decal, pins, and other paraphernalia), Wendel illustrates her passion for design, illustration and her connection with her longtime pet.
ZHU WEIYA (VIVIAN)
Our third SUSE/USF international partnership undergraduate candidate, Zhu Weiya (Vivian) has spent three semesters in the Art & Design program. Over the past year she has developed an interest in documenting Asian communities that have embraced Christianity. For Zhu’s thesis, she has been documenting church communities in an examination of the intersection encountered between the East and West. Through this, Zhu will present a series of photographs and observations on her first person encounters with these communities.
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Moore, Gallery Director, at jmoore@stfrancis.edu.
