Capstone experience opened May 3

Emma Lyness, “lupine,” watercolor, acrylic and ink on canvas, 48.5” x 36.5” x 1.5”, 2020.
Emma Lyness, “lupine,” watercolor, acrylic and ink on canvas, 48.5” x 36.5” x 1.5”, 2020.

The School of Art, Art History & Design at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will present the work of 40 undergraduate students in the upcoming Spring 2021 Capstone experience, which will have both online and in-person components.

“We live in a time where creatives are expected to supplement their brick-and-mortar shows via a virtual exhibition, a website or social media presence,” said Patricia Davis, the director of the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery. “And due to the pandemic, that was (and still is) the only option for many. Last spring, we began working with a web-based presentation for the Capstone out of necessity, and it has changed everything. This semester we are continuing to use that online presentation and re-incorporating in-person activity. Offering both avenues for presentation is a great way for us to meet the display needs of our students and expand their audience.”

This biannual experience is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters and presents the work of each semester's graduating Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) seniors as a culmination of their coursework and exploration.

The online experience will go live at http://www.unlcapstone.com/2021-spring on May 3 and will feature the digital presentation of Capstone projects from all 40 graduating students in art history, design and studio art. Viewers will find a page for each student that contains information on their personal research as well as links to further information like websites, CVs, social media handles, and more.

In addition to the website, students with a focus in design and illustration will have an in-person experience on display from May 3-5 in the Nebraska Union’s Centennial Ballroom, located at 14th and R streets. Viewing hours are 12 to 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and 12 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Design will hold an additional closing reception at the Union on Wednesday, May 5 from 5-8 p.m. Admission to the Union is free and open to the public, and facial coverings are required.

In addition to the website, students with a focus in studio art will have work on display (in-person) from May 3-7 in the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery of Richards Hall. Public viewing hours for this experience are 12:30-4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

“Many of our students make works that demand to be experienced in person. But we also have students creating works that are made for the virtual world or a hybrid of both,” Davis said. “While Capstone has historically been an in-person exhibition, the number of students in this exhibition grows every year, and we are always trying to determine the best display solutions for all of their creative activity.”

The School of Art, Art History & Design will host a virtual closing announcement for the public via Zoom on Friday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. CST. Director and Professor of Art Francisco Souto will announce the Capstone awards. Selected by the School of Art, Art History & Design faculty, the awards are given to students whose works display creative and technical excellence. The public can access the experience at https://unl.zoom.us/j/9952241001.

Until further notice, all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors are required to comply with current CDC safety guidelines (social distancing and facial coverings) in response to COVID-19. Details, exclusions and updates can be found at the City of Lincoln’s website at https://go.unl.edu/xj5c and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln website at https://covid19.unl.edu.

The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery is located on the first floor of Richards Hall at Stadium Drive and T streets. Admission is free and open to the public. Additionally, all campus visitors must enter Richards Hall via the north doors if unaccompanied by student, faculty or staff. If greeted by an attendant at the stairs, please call (402) 472-5522 for further assistance.

For more information about any aspects of the Spring 2021 Capstone experience or if you require any assistance entering the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery, please contact the School of Art, Art History & Design at schoolaahd@unl.edu or (402) 472-5522.

Follow the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery on social media via Instagram @eisentragerhoward to stay apprised of any updates on the plans for the Capstone website and in-person activity for design and studio experiences.

The following students are participating in this year’s Capstone experience.

Graphic Design (22 students), coordinated by Assistant Professor of Practice Benjamin Evjen:
Macy Behrens, Hannah Birdwell, Trevor Boesiger, Destiney Chitrodom, Emily Dennis, Eden Gose, Thao Huynh, Tea Ilic, Anna Lee, Michael Lembree, Yunyu Li, Ming Shen Lim, Cole Munsterman, Carter Nelson, Amanda Rigsby, Sabrina Sommer, Brianna Sorgen, Joanna Stallworth, Lindsey Stewart, Khalifa Teya, Ashley Wanser and Machala Woodcock.

Studio Art (16 students), coordinated by Hixson-Lied Professor of Art Dana Fritz:
Taylor Blanchard, Carolyn Brady, Alissa Clarke, Noah Clayton, Sofia Fernandez Echeverri, Tyler Hornby, Brianna Kleinschmit, Alyssa Kobza, Vanessa Lekule, Emma Lyness, Dahlia Mosko, Kasaria Murphy, Grace Orwen, Connor Schultz, Jane Speier and Mikayla Zulkoski.

Art History (2 students), coordinated by Assistant Professor of Art History Katie Anania:
Rachael Rawson and Angela Papstein-Haith.