For students at Northern Michigan University’s School of Art and Design, every semester ends with a senior exhibition. This event allows graduating seniors to present their final projects in the DeVos Art Museum on campus.

This makes sense. For such majors, their work is visual, and what better way to show off their efforts than to hold an exhibition where other people may enjoy them?

Of course, with the COVID-19 pandemic making brick-and-mortar learning off limits, at least temporarily, this semester’s show had to be different.

So, an online exhibition launched Monday at http://art.nmu.edu/department/index.html.

Here you can see Patrick Bawden’s metal works, which include pendants and a broach. His artist statement reads: “The beginning of each piece is always the same, however, the finished work is as unique as each moment of its creation.”

Kira Holloway called her “Phantom Senses” a one-shot graphic novel following the story of four adventurers as they traverse the jungle in search of ghosts that have been terrorizing local villages.

Donnie Huntze’s computer art depicts twin castles.

“Exploring the duality of good and evil is something that has always interested me,” Huntze said in his artist statement.

And there are more.

Emily Lanctot, director and curator of the DeVos Art Museum, told The Mining Journal that the exhibition offers students a professional development experience.

Also, the Friends of the DeVos organization and NMU faculty are giving gold, silver and bronze awards of $500, $250 and $125, respectively, to three students.

A short awards ceremony will be held for students, faculty and invited supporters, which will be recorded and shared on the museum’s social media platforms.

The exhibition is interactive as well. Lanctot said visitors can ask students about their artwork, which we believe has to be rewarding for the artists too.

We also agree with Lanctot that it’s important for students to understand how the public views their work and why it’s important to the community –a wonderful way to be inspired.

This is a great way for students to finish their art and design studies at NMU, and we hope that the exhibition encourages them to continue their artistic endeavors.