Santa Fe College announced on April 14 that it will launch AMPERSAND, the newly named annual Graphic Design Student Exhibition, on Thursday, April 30 at its Northwest Campus. The event is presented by SCAD Media and will take place on the third floor of Building N. It is free and open to the public.
The exhibition aims to highlight the transition of graduating students from their degree program into professional life. Organizers say the ampersand symbol was chosen because it represents connection and ongoing relationships between students, alumni, and faculty.
The event will feature work from both graduating and undergraduate students in Santa Fe College’s Graphic Design Technology Associate in Science degree program. The program is known for a hands-on approach focused on preparing students with practical skills needed for careers in design. Attendees can expect to see a variety of student projects covering communication design, advertising, and digital media.
Professor Shawna Mansfield said: “Our Graphic Design A.S. degree has been called one of Santa Fe College’s best-kept secrets—but, believe me, we don’t want to be a secret! Our program is high-level, and our reputation is stellar. Our students are doing incredible work, and AMPERSAND is about bringing people together to celebrate that. This is why I call it ‘The Best Creative Party of the Year’! It’s interactive, it’s fun, and it’s full of personality—come see for yourself.”
A panel of industry professionals will jury more than 100 entries this year. Judges include Matías Raby Coddou from Creative Springs; Casey Bissell from Mastercard; and Emily McMahon-Lynch from Scorpio. Graduating students will also participate in a portfolio review with representatives from companies such as Mastercard, PHOS Creative, James Moore & Co., Fanatics, General Electric Credit Union, Anda Inc., and Caitlyn Dweiri Design.
Mariajose Garcia Badillo designed this year’s winning promotional poster around the theme “Precarious.” She said: “My inspiration comes from the act of stitching—holding fragile pieces together with care… embracing vulnerability as part of the repair process.”
Community members have praised previous exhibitions as inspiring events that connect designers across generations. Bobby Davidson said: “If you haven’t been to an SFC Student Exhibition yet… Every portfolio is full of fresh ideas… It’s a fun inspiring experience.” Jamie Greenspan added: “Every student exhibition I’ve attended at Santa Fe leaves me inspired…” Alumni like Jesse Painter emphasized networking opportunities: “It keeps our local design community connected… It really feels like a big design party…”
SCAD Media serves as platinum sponsor alongside several gold sponsors including Renaissance Printing and Frankel: Agency among others. Live music by Rayvon “Purple Kloud” Rollins returns this year along with catering by MidiCi.
