“Ouroboros”: A Commemoration of the Annual Senior Graphic Design and Studio Art Majors Exhibition
By Lily Papendick
On Saturday, Mar. 15, the opening reception for the annual Senior Graphic Design and Studio Art Exhibition took place in Lore Degenstein Gallery.
This year’s theme “Ouroboros” represents the ancient symbol of a snake eating its own tail, depicting themes of eternity and interconnectedness and reminding us that emergence of the new means leaving behind the old.
The senior capstone gallery exhibit is cyclical in itself, a repetitive demonstration of the consistent talent that enters and exits through the revolving doors of the school’s art department.
By reimagining artwork from older media—such as redesigned covers for Agatha Christie’s classic detective novels Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile—each student reminds us that earlier works still hold value today and are always worth revisiting.
With a whopping eighteen seniors’ work highlighted in the gallery this spring, the show was certainly no easy feat to put on. The seniors had been preparing for their exhibit since early in the fall semester, spending countless hours on the design and formation of the show. “All of my classmates gave their all to put on an amazing show,” said senior graphic design major Robert Lelli. “It was a really special moment for all of us to see four years of work on display for our friends and families to see.”
Although every graduating senior arrived at Susquehanna from a different place, with one having already designed a clothing brand during COVID-19, to others taking art programs at different institutions prior to attending college, they have all had the unique opportunity to work together and hone their craft through Susquehanna’s Department of Art and Design. The result is a beautiful exhibition of each student’s work over the past four years.
“I was undecided coming to Susquehanna, but graphic design gave me a chance to express myself creatively and do something every day that I love,” said Lelli. “I am going to miss coming to class every day, eager to see what the next project is and how to make it come to life.”
The exhibition not only provided students with a platform to display their work, but it also offered them the ability to network and discuss their career plans. Many students distributed hand-outs, including business cards and resumes, underscoring their distinctive skills as they prepare for their futures.
“Ouroboros” features sixteen graphic design seniors: Hannah Baloga, Katharine Clarke, August Clements, Lauren Cook, Brianna Dorsey, Jillian Haddon, Kris Kerschner, Robert Lelli, Emily Nagy, Dylan Raymond, Kayleigh Saboja, Seth Sidle, Molly Stahl, Abigail Willmot, Emily Yoder, and Ethan Zabinski. It also showcases the work of two studio art majors: Ella Collura, with a concentration in photography, and Lily Gordon, specializing in painting and drawing.
Their work will be on display in the gallery until April 28, and the gallery is open from 11 AM to 5 PM seven days a week.