ArtCenter College of Design to Host Summer Grad Show Showcasing New Graduates’ Work

ArtCenter College of Design is set to celebrate its latest cohort of graduates with a Summer Grad Show, part of its “Main Event,” on August 17 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The event will showcase the creative works of 120 newly minted graduates.

The exhibition, scheduled from noon to 5:00 p.m. in Exhibit Hall A at 300 East Green Street,will offer visitors a chance to explore a diverse array of artistic talents. ArtCenter’s official social media account described it as an opportunity to “be inspired while soaking up the abundance of awe-inspiring creative work.”

Grad Show, held in both digital and physical spaces, is a cornerstone of ArtCenter’s biannual graduation festivities, complementing the formal commencement ceremony. The exhibition provides a platform for graduating students to display their best portfolio pieces to potential employers, family, and the public.

The event, held off-campus in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, is part of a broader program designed to bridge the gap between education and industry. In the days leading up to graduation, ArtCenter hosts networking opportunities with major companies like Netflix, Google, and SpaceX.

These interactions often result in valuable professional connections and potential job offers for the graduates. The college’s Career and Professional Development department organizes these activities to support students’ transition into the workforce.

The graduation ceremony, a ticketed event featuring speeches from notable figures in art and design, includes presentations by the Student Leadership Award winner and class Valedictorian.

Following the ceremony, the Grad Show opens to the general public. This timing allows for a more relaxed viewing experience of the graduates’ work. ArtCenter’s commitment to showcasing student talent extends beyond the physical exhibition, maintaining an online platform, Grad Show Online, for remote viewing.

The Summer Grad Show on August 17 is free and open to the public, requiring no RSVP. It offers an opportunity for the Greater Los Angeles community to engage with emerging artists and designers at the outset of their careers. ArtCenter’s next graduation event is scheduled for Fall 2024 on December 14.