The UA Department of Art and Art History presents BLENDED, the BFA in Graphic Design degree exhibition, April 15-22, 2024, in the Sella-Granata Art Gallery, Woods Hall. The public is invited to a reception for the artists on Thursday, April 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 
Eight degree candidates will exhibit their work:
Gabriel Allen, from Watkinsville, Georgia, writes that he “utilizes a function-first framework in his practice to develop work that balances communicative clarity and visual interest.” Allen has a “versatile practice that adapts to the constantly changing world of design and communication.” Find designs by Gabriel Allen here.
Audrey Charlton, from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, primarily finds her creative outlet in Illustrator and Photoshop, crafting unique designs. Charlton said she has “ventured into the realm of web design using Figma, and been experimenting with avant-garde styles like Brutalism and Neobrutalism.” When not using her digital canvas, she spends her free time in the studio painting or drawing. Find designs by Audrey Charlton here.
Andy Nguyen’s design for a mobile website was recognized in the 60th GDUSA (Graphic Design USA) Annual Showcase. Nguyen, from Madison, Alabama, won the Tuscaloosa AAF Silver ADDY this year for Book Design for his “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Typeface.” From Madison, Alabama, he has explored photography since high school. He originally majored in aerospace engineering at UA but said that he changed to graphic design when he realized his passions resided in design. He has worked as a designer and photographer for Audio Theater, and his freelance clients include Winter Guard International and Drum Corps International. Find designs by Andy Nguyen on Instagram @andytnphotography.
Darrell Shelby, a Tuscaloosa native, was named one of the “Students to Watch” by Graphic Design USA in February 2024. He said that he has “a passion for creating brand identities, user experience and user-oriented design” and currently holds a graphic design internship with Hand in Paw. Find designs by Shelby here. Shelby has been named the department’s 2024 Outstanding Student in Graphic Design.
Erin Shelton, from Huntsville, Alabama, said that her “main goal is to explore the ways that art can be integrated into our everyday lives.” Shelton also enjoys a variety of mediums alongside graphic design, including painting and ceramics and is inspired in her work by nature and a variety of online subcultures. She is an intern for the North Alabama Korean Association and volunteers with Reading Allies. Find designs by Erin Shelton here.
Julianne White, from Tallahassee, Florida, uses her practice in painting and photography to enhance her design work, especially in illustration, typography, branding, and publication design. White won the 2023 Tuscaloosa AAF Gold ADDY in Book Design, an Honorable Mention in the Glitch 2023 National Student Design Competition, and received UA’s Harold Bishop Award. She holds an Associate of Arts from Tallahassee Community College and plans to enter an MFA program in visual art in Florida after graduation. Find designs by Julianne White here.
Alexandria Yongue, from Oak Grove, Alabama, said that she is “a competitive person who uses creative solving skills to make sleek and interesting designs that feature pairing typefaces and unique colors” and “what can make or break a design.” Find designs by Alexandria Yongue here.
TiYana Young, from Tuscaloosa, said that she “enjoys experimenting with color, shape and type, and has a knack for visual brand identity and logo design.” Young has worked as a graphic designer for University Programs, UA’s Capstone Center for Student Success, and UA EcoCAR, and served as secretary for the Capstone Graphic Design Society. Find designs by TiYana Young here.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is the professional degree for the artist and prepares students to go directly into careers such as creative director, graphic designer, art director, motion graphics designer, illustrator, brand designer, package designer, mobile app designer, interactive designer, user experience designer, publication designer, environmental designer, among others.
The Sella-Granata Art Gallery is an essential part of the education and development of UA students and our community. Hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. when school is in session. The gallery is located at 109 Woods Hall, 7th Avenue, on UA campus in Tuscaloosa and admission is free and open to the public. Visitors are welcome, although not required, to wear face coverings inside the gallery.
To find out more about The University of Alabama’s programs in studio art and art history, visit our Degree Programs page.