ArtCenter College of Design Showcases the Collective Imagination of 175 Emerging Artists and Designers

ArtCenter College of Design is proud to present a one-day-only pop-up exhibition featuring the work of emerging artists and designers. Join one of the largest, most diverse pop-up exhibitions on the West Coast.

For one day only, enjoy work in the fields of animation, art, film, furniture design, game design, graphic design, illustration, product design, photography, transportation design, UX/UI design and more.

ArtCenter’s Grad Show offers a wide array of eye-popping and thought-provoking work by the next generation of creatives. Approximately 175 graduating students will exhibit their work at Grad Show, a free public showcase open to the public from noon–5 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, in Exhibit Halls A and B of the Pasadena Convention Center, following the College’s private graduation ceremony taking place in the Grand Ballroom.

During the ceremony, the graduating class will receive an inspirational speech from the legendary Bob Gurr (BS 52 Transportation Design) and hear from the Student Leadership Award winner, Product Design graduate Lucy Lue and class Valedictorian, Graphic Design graduate Aldon Chen.

The last of the original Disney Imagineers, 94-year old Gurr was born with a fascination for cars and mechanical devices. He studied industrial design at ArtCenter and was hired by the Ford Motor Company upon graduation. He was later recruited by none other than Walt Disney himself to work on constructions that went on to define Disneyland. Bob was recognized for his contributions to design and our culture in 2022 when he received ArtCenter’s Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement. Gurr played an instrumental role in creating over 100 magical Disney theme park attractions, including Autopia and the Matterhorn Bobsleds.

“I’m thrilled to welcome everyone to celebrate the vibrant and extraordinary talent of the ArtCenter community,” said Karen Hofmann, president at ArtCenter College of Design. “Bob’s immense imagination and creativity will undoubtedly be an inspiration to all.”

The Student Leadership Award winner, Lucy Lue is graduating with a degree in Product Design. At ArtCenter, she transformed from a shy individual into a confident leader who uplifts other students by establishing a virtual community for her peers and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Lue also actively participated in the College’s Student Government, where she served as director of events, vice president and then president.

The graduation ceremony is a ticketed event (live-streamed on artcenter.edu) reserved for friends, family, faculty and staff to celebrate with the graduating class. However, everyone is invited to participate in the following Grad Show in the afternoon.

Grad Show is part of ArtCenter’s unique Graduation Activities that take place twice a year, which support students in launching their creative careers. On Thursday, graduating students have an opportunity to connect with potential employers during Grad Show Preview.

Students participate in portfolio presentation sessions with industry partners via the virtual career fair platform. Professionals can also choose to attend an exclusive in-person recruitment and networking event in the evening to connect with graduates and view their work in person.

These events help students refine their communication skills, build social capital and gain insights into industry expectations, setting a strong foundation for future success.

ArtCenter Graduation Events

Fall 2024 Graduation Ceremony
December 14, 2024 | 10 a.m.–noon
Grand Ballroom, Pasadena Convention Center
Ticketed event for friends, family, faculty and staff to celebrate the commencement of our graduating class.

Watch the livestream of the ceremony on artcenter.edu.

ArtCenter Grad Show
December 14, 2024 | Noon–5 p.m.
Pasadena Convention Center | Exhibit Hall A and B
FREE and open to the public, friends and families.
No RSVP required.

To view all Fall 2024 Graduation Activities, view this event page.

To view the College’s virtual Grad Show representing the achievements of the Class of 2024, please visit gradshow.artcenter.edu.