2020 – 2021 MFA + MDes Thesis Exhibition

Henry Art Gallery Director’s Letter

The Henry Art Gallery and the University of Washington’s School of Art + Art History + Design have a history of over 60 years of partnering in presenting the work of graduating master’s degree students. The Henry’s hosting of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) + Master of Design (MDes) Thesis Exhibition is a hallmark of our commitment to supporting artistic innovation and a culture of creativity campus-wide.

Last year, with the University closed during the State of Washington’s period of quarantine to combat the coronavirus, we deeply felt the absence of that exciting experience of students partnering with our expert team at the Henry on the installation of their work in our galleries.

Now, it is a pleasure and a privilege to celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduates in art and design, as well as work from the Class of 2020. For many, this has been their first experience working with a professional museum staff and crew. Special recognition goes to Katie Miller, Henry Preparator and Public Projects Manager, who has worked with the students to develop their installations and realize their visions. Thanks also go to our colleagues at the School of Art + Art History + Design, in particular Jamie Walker, Director, and members of the faculty for partnering in this initiative.

We applaud all exhibitors for their work and their academic accomplishments, and we wish them the very best in the years to come. We thank them for making the art and design that is the subject of this exhibition and for sharing with us this important juncture in their lives and careers.

Congratulations to the 2021 recipients of the School of Art+ Art History + Design’s Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design degrees, and to those who graduated in 2020 and are joining us onsite this year. Cheers!

Sylvia Wolf, John S. Behnke Director
Henry Art Gallery

Exhibition

The 2020 – 2021 University of Washington MFA + MDes Thesis Exhibition is presented by the Henry Art Gallery, May 29 – June 27, 2021. Throughout their programs, fine arts and design students work with advisers and other artists to develop advanced techniques, expand concepts, discuss critical issues, and emerge with a vision and direction for their own work. This year’s presentation includes work by both 2020 and 2021 graduating students.