Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition
Date and Time
- Mon, Dec 1, 2025 - Thu, Dec 4, 2025 12pm - 5pm
Category
Details
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Art, Art History & Design presents the work of graduating graphic design students in the Fall 2025 Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition, which will run Dec. 1-5 in the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery.
The biannual capstone exhibitions are held at the end of the fall and spring semesters and present the work of each semester’s graduating Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) seniors in studio art and graphic design as a culmination of their coursework and exploration. The studio art capstone exhibition will be Dec. 15-19.
Regular gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. A closing reception will be held on Friday, Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery.
The following students are participating in this year’s Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition (name, degree, hometown):
• Caylie Anker, B.F.A., Lincoln, Nebraska
• Cassi Jacobsen, B.F.A., Kearney, Nebraska
• Jessica Jacoby-Campbell, B.A., Thornton, Colorado
• Cal Kennedy, B.F.A., Mendota Heights, Minnesota
• Grace Merklein, B.A., Lincoln, Nebraska
• Briella Ostwald, B.F.A., Lincoln, Nebraska
• Pat Rijrayanyong, B.F.A., Pathum Thani, Thailand
• Rylee Schulz, B.F.A., Fremont, Nebraska
• Alec Schutt, B.F.A., Omaha, Nebraska
• Kylie Soots, B.F.A., Bellevue, Nebraska
• Molly Sorensen, B.F.A., Bellevue, Nebraska
• Elizabeth Spires, B.F.A., Papillion, Nebraska
• David Suarez-Guzman, B.F.A., Lincoln, Nebraska
Thirteen visual research projects will be on display in the Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition, exploring a variety of media.
“It’s been a joy to see the student’s ideas come to life over the past few months,” said Assistant Professor of Practice in Graphic Design Jen Landis. “They are looking forward to sharing their Capstone projects with their peers, family and faculty in early December.”
Ostwald encouraged people to attend the exhibition and support the graduating seniors.
“I think if people can, they should show up and support the students who are participating,” she said. “Every student has worked incredibly hard to bring to life a small part of something they really care about. It’s our way of acclimating ourselves into the real world we set ourselves up to be in. Above all else, everyone is insanely talented and creative and that type of work should be acknowledged.”
The projects in the exhibition are varied. Schulz created “Stop Clowning Around!” It is a children’s book based on a clown finding his place in the circus.
“This book explores themes of self-acceptance and perseverance through playful storytelling and design,” she said. “Each page has a unique pop-up element that merges storytelling, illustration and 3D construction to create an engaging reading experience.
Schutt’s project is titled “AS1 Astra,” where he examines automotive design in the future.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how automotive design blends art and engineering—where form, function and emotion matter,” he said. “This project allows me to explore that balance while looking ahead to the future, imagining what performance, efficiency and style might look like 25 years from now. It’s a glimpse into a future where creativity and engineering continue to evolve together.”
Kennedy said his project, “Lionfish: Nature’s Beautiful Killer,” represents the culmination of his college experience.
“It bridges together the creative and technical skills I’ve developed across many mediums with the time I’ve spent working as a commercial scuba diver during my summers,” he said. “It reflects my passion for marine conservation, scuba diving and invasive species removal while highlighting the tools I’ve learned to use at UNL, including Illustrator, XD, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Rhino, laser cutting, CNC fabrication and structural art. With the lionfish as a focal point, I wanted to combine everything I’ve learned into one cohesive educational display that raises awareness about one of the most destructive species threatening American reefs.”
Spires’ project, “Still Watching?” explored user experience and interace.
“’Still Watching?’ helped me understand how UX/UI design can turn something simple like tracking shows into an experience that feels personal and human,” she said. “It taught me how empathy and storytelling shape meaningful digital design.”
Jacoby-Campbell’s project is titled “Rooted” and is focused on sustainability.
“”Rooted’ is an exhibition meant to encourage people to live more sustainable lives through tiny homesteading practices by caring for the things they own,” she said. “Rooted supplies easy, approachable ways to live more mindfully through everyday, tiny homesteading habits.”
Soots’s project, “Weather in a Bottle,” focuses on branding.
“My capstone project is a culmination of the skills I’ve learned throughout my degree, as well as my love for branding,” she said. “I wanted to create a brand based within a fantasy world and help market a product that is intangible in the real world. I combined my passion for fantasy with my love for whimsical design, taking inspiration from woodcut illustrations.”
The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery is located on the first floor of Richards Hall at Stadium Drive and T streets. Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public.
Follow the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery on social media via Instagram @eisentragerhoward to stay apprised of any updates for the Capstone exhibition.