“Major Shift” Showcases Senior Visual Communication Design Work
Anderson University students present personal, creative projects in Wilson Gallery exhibition.
Anderson University seniors in the visual communication design major will showcase their work in a new exhibition titled “Major Shift.” The gallery opens with a special event in the Wilson Gallery on Friday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The four graduating students, Demonte’ Ferguson, Matt Hagenbuch, Maddi Martin, and Cassie Sumerford, have developed their projects since the fall through peer critiques, revisions, and creative exploration. “Major Shift” highlights the shared experiences of these students while celebrating their transition into postgraduate life and honoring their work and tenacity within the concluding program.
Throughout the year, the students have encouraged one another and pushed the boundaries of their creativity. Presenting personal work can feel vulnerable, but they have supported each other by offering fresh perspectives and embracing new challenges. Each project highlights the students’ unique interests, stories, and artistic media.
“It shows the love and passion for what we do,” said Demonte’ Ferguson.
As a group, they are eager to see how audiences respond to and engage with their work.
“Ask yourself: What artwork would you make purely for your own enjoyment if given no initial prompt?” said Jeffrey Jackson, adjunct professor of visual communication and creative manager of the university. “It’s intentionally open-ended. It’s intentionally bold, scary, and exciting. This show is a practice of designing for yourself—where you write your own prompt, ask yourself hard questions, and work through visual solutions before being brave enough to share that result publicly.”
Jackson connects this idea to a larger creative philosophy. “Martin Scorsese is quoted as saying, ‘The most personal is the most creative.’ I love that,” he said. “Armed with that, I’m proud to have guided this group into their own personal-first art. What you’ll experience is undeniably creative at its core. It’s visual communication, designed.”
Kameron Robinson, adjunct professor and gallery director, led the senior seminar alongside Jackson and also encouraged students to create work rooted in personal meaning and creative risk.
At the exhibition opening, each student will present their project and share personal insight into their creative process. The exhibit is open to the public on March 27 and can also be viewed in Wilson Gallery weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
About Anderson University
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.
