For the design students in Gerald Mead’s DES 414 Senior Seminar Class, life doesn't imitate art, life is art. The senior seminar provides students with the much-needed tools required for life as a working artist—self-presentation and promotion concepts, interview skills and resume writing, portfolio development, exhibition preparation/design and documentation.
As part of the course curriculum, students are required to have an exhibition either on or off campus. Hosting an exhibition is no mean feat. In addition to securing a location, the students must hang or display their work and promote the show to the local community. By exhibiting their work to the public, students are given the opportunity to learn more about their chosen discipline and future career.

"The students' final exhibition is the culminating event of their academic studies at Buffalo State," said Mead. "It provides them with the valuable experience of sharing a broad representation of their creative talents with fellow students, faculty, family, friends, and the public."

The following design students have coordinated off campus exhibitions:

Shannon Berkel
Insightful Illuminations: Ornamented Manuscripts by Shannon Berkel
Location: Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 220 North Street, Buffalo
Dates: April 1-30
Opening reception: Friday, April 1, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Deanna Kwiatkowski
Dexterous Works: Narratives in Multiple Mediums by Deanna Kwiatkowski
Location: Blink Gallery, 466 Amherst Street, Buffalo
Dates: April 8-13
Opening reception: Friday, April 8, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Kyle Lefort
Curious Concepts: Illustrations by Kyle Lefort
Location: E. H. Butler Library, Mezzanine Gallery (Second Floor)
Dates: April 16-20
Opening reception: Monday, April 18, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Marlee McCabe
Naturally Inspired: Graphic Designs by Marlee McCabe
Location: ZGM Fine Arts, 1045 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo
Dates: April 15-20
Opening reception: Friday, April 15, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
 
Stefanie Pokorski
En Route: Internationally Inspired Graphic Designs by Stefanie Pokorski
Location: Space 224 Gallery, 224 Allen Street, Buffalo
Dates: April 8-13
Opening Reception: Friday, April 8, 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Joshua Ray
Analogous Identities: Restaurant Branding by Joshua Ray
Location: Space 224 Gallery, 224 Allen Street, Buffalo
Dates: April 15-20
Opening reception: Friday, April 15, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
 
Molly Vigrass
Sonic References: Music-Inspired Designs (image pictured)
Location: ZGM Fine Arts, 1045 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo
Dates: April 15-20
Opening reception: Friday, April 15, 6:00-10:00 p.m.