SADAH students make their mark on JMU
SADAH students walk the runway, earn awards, and present their research, celebrating the end of the 2022-2023 academic year.
School of Art Design and Art History
James Madison University
SADAH has over 600 students across its majors and minors, making for many artworks, research projects, and critiques each semester. The 2022-2023 academic year brought many opportunities for James Madison University School of Art, Design, and Art History students. From making their runway debut to building the new StoryWalk at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, students made their mark on JMU this semester.
Students representing all SADAH's areas participated in these events, celebrating the tight-knit arts community. MOMENTUM, SADAH's inaugural wearables runway exhibit, brought together Art and Industrial Design students and faculty with works from Metals, Fibers, and Footwear. Similarly, the Senior Graphic Design exhibition and the Design Banquet brought together students from across SADAH, celebrating students and faculty. Lastly, the 2023 Art History Forum and the StoryWalk and Reading Roost Opening allowed students to show their work from the Spring 2023 semester.
This semester brought scholarship, artwork, and exhibitions to celebrate.
Design Banquet
Wednesday, April 19 | 6:30pm | Festival Ballroom
The 2023 Design Banquet was quite the event! It was a night of camaraderie, celebration, and fun for the many that call the Studio Center home. The three design-centered student organizations organized the banquet: the Industrial Design Student Association, the American Institute of Architecture Students, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The students worked together to create a wonderful atmosphere celebrating each other and their professors for their various accomplishments. Professor of Industrial Design Audrey Barnes was honored for her 11 years of service to the JMU Industrial Design program, and Visiting Professor of Industrial Design Anna Marie Smith was named Studio Center Professor of the Year! The night was complete with a delicious menu, a preview of the upcoming runway show, and even a game of Kahoot. Congratulations to everyone involved for putting on a fantastic celebratory evening.
Art History Forum
Friday, April 21 | 4pm | Duke Hall Gallery Court
SADAH's annual Art History Forum featured eight research projects. The student Art Historians presented their semester's research to visitors, covering various topics. Students complete research each semester and are encouraged to submit their favorite paper for consideration in each year's forum. Participating in the Art History Forum is an exciting opportunity for students to present their research to fellow majors, friends, and family. Presenting at the Art History Forum adds valuable and marketable experience to a professional resume.
Congratulations to the 2023 Art History Forum winners Lily Parker and Anna Keath Smith for "Weaving Clouds: Textiles of Central Asia in the Madison Art Collection" and Emmi Goodman's research "Stereotypes and Documentary Reality: General Letellier on his Deathbed."
Momentum: An Art & Design Wearables Runway Exhibit
Thursday, April 27 | 6-8 pm | Duke Hall Gallery Court
SADAH's first-ever wearables runway exhibit was a hit. The show featured wearable artwork from Fiber Arts and Weaving, Metals and Jewelry, and Footwear. Visiting Professor of Industrial Design, Anna Marie Smith, spearheaded the event giving students from four SADAH classes the opportunity to model their wearables. Attendees filled the Duke Hall Gallery Court, supporting students and the arts. Students sported handmade Chuck Taylors, protective talismans, tailored capes, and more. With over 30 student artists modeling their creations, a DJ playing tunes, and an epic dance party afterward, the event was sure to be a success. This event will reoccur each academic year, showcasing the best wearable works created by students.
Thank you to material vendors Ecco Leather, ISA Textiles, and District Leather Supplies for donations and student discounts.
StoryWalk & Reading Roost Opening
Friday, May 5 | 4-6 pm | Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Built in collaboration with the City of Harrisonburg, the JMU Architectural Design Build Studio constructed the StoryWalk and Reading Roost at the Edith J Carrier Arboretum. The new nature walk invites visitors to get outside and read, incorporating constructed "bookmarks" with pages of a selected story throughout the trail. The Architectural Design Juniors utilized repurposed lumber through the City of Harrisonburg's Urban Forestry Program to build the StoryWalk. With guidance from Professor of Architecture Nick Brinen, the student team took on real-world roles in the project, managing construction, communications, working in the woodshop, and more. Featuring several new structures and tiny libraries, the StoryWalk and Reading Roost is open to visitors after its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, May 5.
Details sourced from the Daily News Record "Harrisonburg Urban Wood Used to Add Interactive Element to Arboretum"
Luminescence: Graphic Design Senior Exhibition
Friday, May 12 | 6-9pm | ArtWorks Gallery
Each spring, Senior Graphic Design students present their portfolios in an exhibition at the ArtWorks Gallery. This year the show and reception fell on the night before the seniors' graduation. Seniors gathered with friends, family, and faculty to celebrate their work and accomplishments from the past four years. Congratulations to all Graphic Design Seniors!