ArtCenter Spring 2025 Grad Show Returns April 26 After Devastating Fires

ArtCenter College of Design will showcase the creative achievements of 327 graduating students at its Spring 2025 Grad Show on April 26. The free public exhibition at the Pasadena Convention Center 300 East Green Street represents one of the West Coast’s largest showcases of emerging artists and designers, carrying special significance as the first such event since January’s devastating Los Angeles and Altadena fires.

“The quality of work shown at Grad Show is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Karen Hofmann, president of ArtCenter College of Design. “Visitors will see firsthand the creativity and innovative thinking that define an ArtCenter education. Our graduating students are ready to make an impact on the world—from the products we use and the cars we drive, to the games we play and the art we see.”

A centerpiece of this year’s exhibition is the poignant, immersive and participatory installation “Resilience in the Ashes,” created in response to the January Eaton fire. The collaborative project features three elements—The Photograph, The Chair, and The Tree—and was developed by faculty members James Meraz, associate chair of Spatial Experience Design; Everard Williams, chair of Photography and Imaging; and artist Jeffrey Sugishita, an ArtCenter alumnus and former valedictorian. Both Williams and Sugishita lost their Altadena homes in the fire.

The installation incorporates materials salvaged from the destroyed properties, including a chair from the home of late faculty member Norm Schureman, a photograph of charred wood from Williams’ property, and a tree sculpture assembled from burnt branches recovered from Sugishita’s home. Visitors are encouraged to contribute written thoughts and wishes, transforming the installation into a collective expression of community healing.

The one-day public showcase, running from noon to 5:00 p.m., will display exceptional work spanning multiple creative disciplines. These include animation, art, film, furniture design, game design, graphic design, illustration, product design, photography, spatial experience design, transportation design, and UX/UI design. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity for visitors to engage with the next generation of creative professionals, in addition to viewing very high-caliber work.

Earlier that morning, ArtCenter will host its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony from 10:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. This is a by invitation only, ticketed event for friends, family, faculty and staff to celebrate the commencement. Steven Lewis, an award-winning Altadena architect, mentor and social justice advocate, will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary doctorate. The ceremony will also feature speeches from Valedictorian Zachary Gibson (Graphic Design) and Student Leadership Award recipient Alan Smith-Daigle (Illustration).

Prior to the exhibition, graduating students participate in portfolio reviews and industry networking opportunities as part of their transition from academic to professional practice. The public exhibition day follows two private event viewing days and will be held immediately after the College’s private commencement ceremony.

The free public exhibition requires no RSVP and will take place at the Pasadena Convention Center’s Exhibit Halls A and B, located at 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual version of the Grad Show will be available online at gradshow.artcenter.edu starting Wednesday, May 23. For more information on all Spring 2025 Graduation Activities, visit the event page on ArtCenter’s website.