2021 Art & Design Promo Video:
Senior Thesis Exhibition 2021
Public Reception, Friday, April 30, 6-9pm
USF Art Gallery
25 E. Van Buren, Joliet
2021 Senior Thesis Exhibition features the work of 6 graduating seniors from the Department of Art & Design at the University of St. Francis. Working across a variety of media, these artists explore themes unique to each of them. As the culmination of their journey at the University of St. Francis, this exhibit not only reflects the skills gained from their time as a student but also their personal growth as artists.
The exhibition is on display April 30 – July 30, 2021 at the University of St. Francis Art Gallery located at 25 E. Van Buren St., Joliet. Public reception is on Friday, April 30, 2021, 6-8pm.
Exhibiting students: Amber Daraka, Austin Hines, Jamie Stolfo, Lauren Tuider, Maria Cruz Uceda, Odessa Villarreal.
Amber Daraka – Photography
Amber is a Chicago area native who enjoys photographing in black and white. She aims to capture the purest, most suspenseful moments on camera.
Austin Hines – Studio Art
Austin’s work does not aim to comfort. Rather, his work consists of large scale paintings depicting figures screaming. His works are large and unruly and in your face. Each painting forces viewers to face discomfort and anguish. Interested in making work that can evoke various reactions, Austin paints with more aggressive strokes, building up more expression leading to reaction. Each individual painting is named after a subject that causes some to experience mental discomfort or anguish.
Jamie Stolfo – Studio Art
Jamie has always had a love for art. Her work explores her love for illusions and puzzles. Jamie will be starting the masters of art program at Marywood University in Scranton, PA in the fall.
Lauren Tuider – Graphic Design
Lauren Tuider works in luxury fashion resale management with a focus on sustainability, digital marketing, and eCommerce. Passionate about bringing sustainable fashion to the general public through quality resale clothing options and positive service. Additional professional experience in graphic design with a focus on commercial marketing, photo editing, and branding.
Maria Cruz Uceda – Graphic Design
Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Maria Cruz Uceda is a graphic design major who couples interest in urban culture (art, fashion, music) with her innate skills as an athlete. For her 2021 Art & Design thesis, Maria produced a series of branding materials that include the reimaging of Thomas Coffee’s logo/trademark, uniforms, shop interiors, and packaging design.
Odessa Villarreal – Studio Art and Graphic Design
Odessa Villarreal is a studio artist and graphic designer based in the Chicagoland area. Odessa experiments with painting, screen printing, graphic design and photography. Her work combines unique designs and abstract ideas.
USF Art Gallery
25 East Van Buren, Joliet
Summer gallery hours: Thursdays, 10am-3pm
