The University of Alabama Department of Art and Art History presents the 2022 Senior BFA Thesis Exhibition, December 6-9, 2022, in the Sella-Granata Art Gallery, in Woods Hall on UA campus. In this exhibition, seniors Courtney Simmons and Zim Major present their final thesis work in fulfillment of the requirements of their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree paths. The public is invited to a reception on Thursday, December 8 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the gallery.
Mobile, Alabama, native Zim Major is pursuing a BFA in graphic design. The title of her exhibition is “AfriCOBRA vs. The Black Community.” Major said that her work, which riffs off of the basic ideas and images of the historic art movement founded in the 1960s, also challenges its assumptions, especially in gender and race. While working toward her degree, Major served as graphic designer for UA’s Student Health Center. She won a silver ADDY at the 2021 AAF Tuscaloosa ADDY Awards for editorial design. Besides her work in design, especially branding and packaging, Major enjoys studying French and working in ceramics.
Talladega, Alabama, native Courtney Simmons is pursuing a BFA in studio art with a concentration in digital media and photography. The title of her exhibition is “Happiness is the Secret Sauce,” and Simmons said that she is “creating a brand for happiness.” She said, “I want to spread happiness and impact communities by showing that happiness is essential to life.” Simmons made the Dean’s List for four semesters and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. While working toward her degree, she has freelanced as a graphic designer and worked in retail sales.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is the professional degree for the artist and prepares students to go directly into a career, such as professional photography, digital media, graphic design, printmaking or any number of careers in the arts. The department offers the BFA in studio art degree and the BFA in graphic design degree. The BFA is also the foundation for the master’s program in studio art at UA and lays the groundwork for more advanced studies toward the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees.
Hours for the Sella-Granata Art Gallery are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. when school is in session. The gallery, located in 109 Woods Hall on 7th Avenue, UA campus in Tuscaloosa, features student exhibitions as well as visiting artists and is an essential part of the education and development of UA students and our community.
For more information about the BFA degree in studio art or graphic design, or any of our degree programs in the UA Department of Art and Art History, go to this page or contact the department at (205) 348-5967.