Appalachian State University Art Department

Last night’s reception for CAPS LOCK, the BFA Graphic Design senior exhibition, was so fun. Thanks to all who came to see the wonderful work by our uppercase students!

This to all who came out to last night’s reception for “In Other Words” and to see work by the seniors in BFA Studio Art and BFA Photography. The exhibition is on view through Friday, May 8 in the Smith and Walling Galleries.

Art Education major Cat Laws presented her research, based on her Honors thesis, at the 29th Annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors. For her thesis, Cat did research with the Black Mountain College collections at the Western Regional Archives, funded with a travel grant from the Honors College. Cat will defend her Honors thesis on April 30th. Congratulations Cat!

The Exhibition Practicum class in the Department of Art presents, “Allusion of a Symphony,” an exhibition using artwork from the Plemmons Student Union Appalachian Artist Collection and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Permanent Collection.

A reception will be held at the McKinney Alumni Center on Tuesday, April 28th, from 2:30pm-4pm. All are welcome and there will be free refreshments. Please join us in celebrating these students and their hard work!

Big thanks to Rachael Seatvet for visiting the GD studios to talk about finding "the better why” when documenting your work. Rachael, a 2016 graduate, is a Tiohtià:ke/Montréal-based designer and maker stubbornly committed to creating celebration within the wild experience of being alive. The workshop after her talk helped our students plan how to celebrate their work with creative, thoughtful documentation.

Be sure to hit CAPS LOCK May 2–8 in Wey 317 to see the Graphic Design Senior Studio Exhibition.

CAPS LOCK explores what it means to be bold, original, and distinct in a world of sameness. Featuring the work of 17 designers, the exhibition highlights individual perspectives while sharing a collective passion that shapes who they are.

Featuring work by:
Heath Albright
Emma Francis
Lauren Frassi
Thomas Hager
Nic Moore
Jalen Motola
Brandon Mullins
Laney Newton
Molly Newton
Alyson Pritchard
Meredith Purdy
Lindsey Reece
Kayla Shute
Reese Simmons
Hailey Stanifer
Anna Stewart
Kora Turner

Reception May 6, 5–7pm

Jeana Klein (Professor of Fibers) has been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Contextile – Biennial of Contemporary Textile Art that will be on exhibition from September 5 to November 9 in Guimarães, Portugal. 51 artists representing 27 countries were selected from amongst the 1,604 applicants.

Klein is one of just three artists who will be exhibiting two works, “Poolside” (2025, 49” x 57”) and “Escape” (2025, 42” x 58”). Both pieces are hand-woven plastic beads, monofilament, and acrylic yarn.

We’re inviting alumni to complete a short survey about what they’re doing now and how their path has unfolded since graduating.

Responses will help us show both success stories and the wide range of directions our graduates take. Creative careers are rarely linear, and sharing that reality matters for current and prospective students.

Selected responses may be featured on our website, social media, and publications (with your permission).

Take a few minutes to share your story in our alumni survey: We’re inviting alumni to complete a short survey about what they’re doing now and how their path has unfolded since graduating.

Responses will help us show both success stories and the wide range of directions our graduates take. Creative careers are rarely linear, and sharing that reality matters for current and prospective students.

Selected responses may be featured on our website, social media, and publications (with your permission).

Take a few minutes to share your story in our alumni survey: https://forms.gle/gviLJpeLdZ8worGg8
[survey link in bio]

Thank you for helping us show what’s possible with an Appalachian education!

This Thursday April 16, 2026

Patrick Dougherty: Pilgrimage
Artist talk at 6:30 PM
Refreshments at 6:00 PM

Living and Learning Center, Great Room
301 Bodenheimer Drive

This event is presented in partnership between BRAHM and Appalachian State University’s Department of Art Lecture Series, with support from the Cathy P. Walling Visiting Artist Fund.

Join the Student Roundtable Discussion with Patrick Dougherty

April 16, 2026 from 2:30-3:30 PM
McKinney Alumni Center Great Room
(across from the Convocation Center)
553 Blowing Rock Rd.

photo credit slide 1–3 Josh White

Abby Poling, a student in the Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design area, recently had her work featured in an exhibition curated by Riot Productions. On March 14, Poling’s Coraline Pendant was showcased in London as part of a gallery event organized by the North Carolina-based, youth-centered media collective.

The London exhibition, led by young curators, explored the intersection of technology and art. The showcase examined how emerging technologies influence contemporary artistic practice, creative expression, and youth culture.