UCF School of Visual Arts and Design

SVAD recap because this year deserves a photo dump 📸

As summer semester kicks off, we’re looking back at some of our favorite moments from this academic year — exhibitions, workshops, late nights in the studio and everything in between.

Swipe through some of the highlights ✨

Celebrating excellence in the UCF College of Arts & Humanities ✨

On May 7, the college hosted its annual Staff Awards ceremony, recognizing staff members whose dedication, impact, and commitment help shape the UCF community every day. Among this year’s honorees was SVAD’s very own Jason Fronezek, who received the award in honor of Dr. David Vickers. Each award recipient was recognized with a $1,000 prize in appreciation of their outstanding contributions.

Congratulations, Jason! 👏

Learn more:

Annual CAH Staff Awards Honor Excellence and Service - CAH News On May 7, the UCF College of Arts and Humanities hosted its annual Staff Awards ceremony, celebrating the dedication, excellence and lasting contributions of its staff members. The event underscored the college’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the vital role staff play in the university’s suc...

Serving fresh Florida talent 🍊✨

We’re excited to celebrate Alberto Alonso and Angelina Palmisano, two SVAD MFA alumni featured in Fresh Squeezed 10 at the Morean Arts Center — an exhibition spotlighting emerging artists creating bold work across Florida.

Catch their virtual artist talks:

🎙️ Alberto Alonso | May 14 at 6 PM
🎙️ Angelina Palmisano | June 18 at 6 PM

The exhibition is free, open to the public, and on view through June 25.

RSVP for the artist talks and learn more about the exhibition and artists: https://cah.ucf.edu/news/fresh-squeezed-10/

💫 Art that creates conversation >>>

University of Central Florida School of Visual Arts and Design MFA graduate Kenyari Gil Rosario uses participatory art and community partnerships to spark conversations around neurodivergence and mental health. 🖤

Learn more about her work and creative journey at cah.ucf.edu/news/creating-community-through-art-kenyari-gil-rosario/

University of Central Florida School of Visual Arts and Design students swept every scholarship at Creative South 2026, a premiere design conference in Columbus, Georgia. ✨

The experience gave students the opportunity to build industry connections, grow their creative confidence, and gain real-world insight for their future careers.

🖋️ Learn more about the conference and our students’ experiences: https://www.ucf.edu/news/ucf-students-sweep-scholarships-at-creative-south-conference/

Step into the secret garden 🌿✨

UCF School of Visual Arts and Design students and alumni showed up in full bloom at the 59th Annual American Advertising Awards, earning a variety of awards for their standout creative work 🏆

Swipe to meet the winners and get a glimpse into their award-winning projects!

AAF Orlando Ad 2 Orlando

The one-of-a-kind piece you didn’t know you needed 🪴

The UCF Potter's Guild end-of-semester sale is officially on! Shop handmade ceramics created by University of Central Florida students — from mugs and bowls to whistles, charms, and more. Every piece is unique, and every purchase goes right back to supporting these student artists and helping the guild keep creating opportunities for the community ✨

Catch them in the VAB Breezeway from 9 AM–5 PM on April 30. Come find your new favorite piece 🫶

Lights, camera… animation ✨

Join SVAD on Friday, May 1 for the Character Animation Premieres, featuring brand-new 2D and 3D animated films by Character Animation BFA and Animation/VFX MFA students 🎥

Public screenings begin at 6:30 PM in Room 132 of the Visual Arts Building. Free and open to the public!

Every year on the first Wednesday of April, University of Central Florida celebrates Founders’ Day by recognizing the outstanding achievements of its students, faculty, and staff. ✨

This year, we’re especially proud to celebrate two SVAD students who have earned the 🐎 Order of Pegasus, UCF’s highest student honor: Emerging Media undergraduate Nico Chen and Studio Art graduate student Stacie Becker.

Their creativity, dedication, and commitment to their practice reflect the very best of SVAD and the impact our students are making both on campus and beyond. 🖤💛