Student art exhibit uses design to explore topics in social change

North Central College presents the student art exhibit “Design for Good.” Seniors Rachel Maher and Annie Dipert will showcase prints of their design work through Dec. 18.

The free exhibit is on display in the College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall Gallery, 31 S. Ellsworth St. An artist’s reception will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, in the gallery; light refreshments will be served.

Maher and Dipert explain that “Design for Good” is driven by their two parallel passions: social change and design thinking. Their exhibition explores topics in human sex trafficking, music, environment and sustainability and ranges from the simple and light-hearted to the dirty and uncomfortable.

“The range is purposeful,” says Maher. “‘Design for Good’ is a testament to our passion to help raise awareness and inspire change. Viewers are invited to take elements of the displays as a personal touch or gifts from us.”

Maher, of Oswego, is majoring in interactive media studies and graphic arts and her preferred medium is digital and print design. She’s developed a design style that employs a rational, logical and pragmatic approach with a strong interest in social change. She likes to use design to inform audiences about topics that might be under-represented in the design world. Her works are human centered, with the viewer always in mind.

Dipert, of Charlevoix, Mich., is studying interactive media studies with a graphic arts concentration and studio art minor. As a designer, she continues to enhance her abilities in forming purposeful and intentional design that will provoke an emotional connection in viewers. Her preferred medium is digital and print design.

Art students at North Central College learn traditional and contemporary media, to communicate ideas visually, and engage in analytical, critical and abstract thinking. Students attend gallery and museum openings and exhibits in Naperville and Chicago, meet visiting artists, enter juried exhibitions and gain an academic foundation for graduate study in studio art, art education, art history, art therapy, arts administration, art criticism and visual communications. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/majors/art to learn more about North Central’s art program.