The department of art is sad to announce the passing of Professor Matthew Zivich. One day shy of retiring from a 48 year career as an influential instructor and colleague, he will be missed. Find his obituary here.
Michael Crawford, SVSU Adjunct Professor in Graphic Design named 2023-2024 the winner of the Mary H. Anderson Adjunct Teaching Award.
Matt Massey (BA-Art/Graphic Design '21) at the Palmer Park Art Festival Detroit
Matthew Massey was featured on Fox 2 the Detroit Michigan channel for his work with the Palmer Park Art Festival. The interview shows Massey discussing his work and history at SVSU.
Winners announced in the Art 260 Craft Beer Label Competition
The Theodore Roethke Festival will be using the #1 design, by Austin Hlinka. But the judges also recognized #2 and #3 label designs presented as very close in caliber!
The Judges for this competition were Carlos Ramet, Assistant Dean of ABS, and Cody Smith, partner owner of Oracle Beer in Old Town Saginaw, as well as Professor Josh Kirby.
#1 - Hlinka, Austin
#2 - Johnson, DeQuandre
#3 - Kasper, Karsyn
University Art Gallery Art Acquisitions
The Department of Art and University Art Gallery Collection were just gifted three photographic works of art from retiring Professor of Art Hideki Kihata. Panorama with Doll, Door, and Lily all represent the techniques Kihata was best known for in the classes he taught for 35 years; pin hole photography being his first love, silver dye bleach taken as a pin hole image, and photogram collage referencing his early background in abstract painting. Department Chairperson Shaun Bangert wrote: These works are “a wonderful addition to the collection!” They will be used both educationally and for upcoming exhibitions.
The Art Department at SVSU is dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in a diverse and inclusive environment. We are committed to providing a comprehensive education that nurtures artistic growth, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and prepares our students for professional success. Through our engagement with the communities of the Great Lakes Bay Region and state of Michigan, we strive to inspire positive change and contribute to the cultural enrichment of our campus and beyond.
Student Spotlight
Listed below are the three most recent entries for the Student Spotlight, featuring alumni and what they are doing since graduation. For the complete listing, please click here.
Shayla Krygier
graphic designer, Health Enhancement Systems (HES), Midland, MI & also freelance
Shayla Krygier
graphic designer, Health Enhancement Systems (HES), Midland, MI & also freelance
Shayla graduated in 2019. In the 2019 American Advertising Federation Awards, her work was forwarded to the regional level of the competition in Chicago, where she receive a Gold Addy for her branding campaign. She received two Silver Addy Awards in the Professional Division of the Advertising Federation in the 2020 Great Lakes Bay Addy. Within the student division of the local A.F.A,she received "Best of Show," Greatest assets of the SVSU Art Department:is the smaller classroom sizes. This allows for the students and professors to become more familiar with each other and their design work. It is beneficial to have a professor that is aware of a student's progress and can help to pinpoint areas of both success and improvement, as a student progresses through the program. Smaller classroom sizes also help to make sure that students aren’t just a number. They receive more specific guidance towards their design work as opposed to general information and critics that are often applied to larger classroom sizes.
Kait Harris
Artist at Speedball Art Products. Featured artist in Blick Art Materials Anniv limited edition printmaking kits.
Kait Harris
Artist at Speedball Art Products. Featured artist in Blick Art Materials Anniv limited edition printmaking kits.
Degree: Major: BFA Printmaking (relief printing) - minor Biology. Graduated: May 2012
Kait also sells commission pieces, at art markets, and local shops in Memphis,TN. Collaborated with Shelby Farms Park for greeting cards.
I recommend SVSU's Art Dept because of the smaller class sizes and personable faculty. I loved knowing the majority of fellow art students and your professors took the time to get to know you. I always felt free to experiment and the critique environment was very positive. I also feel critiques helped me become a better person overall. Reflecting back on studio classes I remember them being "fun" and really loved the group setting to bounce creative ideas off other people in the class or laugh together over 80s metal. I was able to create independent study classes and use tools from traditional printmaking and computer graphic design courses to make images for my BFA show. Overall, it was rigorous and created a wonderful base of knowledge for me to continue to make art on my own after SVSU. The general vibe of the department is very welcoming, open, supportive, and fun.
Taylor Stone
In August Taylor will be moving to Florida to accept a position for the Walt Disney Company.
Taylor Stone
In August Taylor will be moving to Florida to accept a position for the Walt Disney Company.
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, May 2020
Greatest Assets of SVSU Art Department:The Art Department at SVSU has been such a strong support system in this journey. Going into the program I was nervous about creating a children’s books because I had no experience in it. However, with advice and suggestions from the art department I was able to create work that I am so proud of. This opportunity to work with such creative minds was a challenge and honor, and I’ve come out of it learning so much about myself and my artwork. I cannot thank my committee and the art department enough for their support through this adventure."