“The Stories We Carry” – Alma’s 2025 Art & Design Senior Show

LEXIE THAYER
STAFF WRITER

3/10/2025

With much-awaited anticipation, Alma College’s 2025 Art and Design Senior Show, “The Stories We Carry,” is set to open Monday, March 10, in Clack Art Center’s Flora Kirsch Beck Gallery. 

The opening reception will take place in Clack’s lobby and gallery on Saturday, March 22, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to this, the Art and Design students will be presenting at Honor’s Day on April 3. 

This opening reception will allow for a rare opportunity in which Alma College students and Alma’s community will be able to meet the artist behind the artwork. This allows for meaningful conversations to occur, such as inspirations and techniques. 

Moreover, the show, which has themes of nostalgia, family history, playfulness and environment, showcases the immense work that this year’s group of seniors has put in throughout their four years at Alma. 

“I’ve seen bits and pieces of artwork from the seniors, so I’m excited to see what pieces they pick and how they display them as a cohesive show,” said Elinor Hnzida (‘27). 

On Honor’s Day, the show will begin with a brief speech, introducing the students and format of presentation. However, students are welcome to come and view the gallery throughout any day from March 10 to April 7. 

Art within the showcase includes traditional art, such as drawing, painting and sculpture, as well as digital art, such as design, photography and animation. There will be a mixture of conventional and unconventional materials used within the artworks. 

In addition to presenting their art, students will be discussing their core concepts, creative processes, challenges, resources, materials and stories behind their work. 

“My biggest challenge has been articulating concisely all the ideas and inspirations that led to creating my pieces. I tend to ramble when I’m beginning to introduce my work to someone, but it’s been a fun challenge…” said Charlayane-Aye Olegario (‘25). 

The gallery encourages one-on-one dialogue with the audience as well, encouraging questions and open taking are welcomed. Viewers are able to walk around the gallery as the presentation occurs. 

“As an art student, I’m so excited to see everyone’s hard work. I know it’s going to look spectacular, and I know a lot of the works are unique,” said Lily Malamis (‘27). 

“As another Art and Design major, I hope to gain some inspiration for my future senior show and presentations,” said Hnzida. 

“I’m very excited to just have all my work up in the gallery and for people to see and engage with it… Once everything is hung up in the gallery, I think it’ll also feel more real that graduation is coming up fast,” said Olegario. 

The 10 students behind the art include Evdokia Blysniuk (’25), Michael Campione (’25), Shelly Fisk (’25), Reyna Jayson (’25), Leia Lehrer (’25), Atticus Mulder (’25), Olegario, Aubrey Seger (’25), Freya Soffredine (’25) and Jack Townsend (’25). 

The showcase was additionally made possible through faculty sponsors Jillian Dickson and Lee VanderKooi, who have shown unwavering support and guidance in bringing this event to life for another year. 

Whether you’re a student, art enthusiast or general community member, this show provides a unique opportunity to meet the next generation of artists entering the field. For more information, please visit Alma College’s Instagram page, @almacollegeart, or stay tuned on the Alma College’s Honor’s Day announcements.