PNCA : programs : bfa : senior

Senior Year

In late May, the Stevens Studios building, 2 blocks from the main campus, is opened up to the public for an impressive display of senior projects in a variety of media

Fourth-year students in most disciplines hone in on a thesis project throughout their final year, working in a concentrated manner to realize an independent vision. Senior students create this body of work under the guidance of their thesis mentors, faculty member who work closely as advisors. Just before the Holiday break, senior thesis students present work to a small group of artists, educators, critics and gallery owners from the larger Portland arts community.

The culmination of this work is the much anticipated Senior Exhibition. Every year, hundreds gather to view student artwork at PNCA’s annual Senior Exhibition. In late May, the Stevens Studios building, 2 blocks from the main campus, is opened up to the public for an impressive display of senior projects in a variety of media.

The Senior Exhibition’s First Thursday public reception draws a great crowd of artists, patrons, critics, curators, and others in Portland’s robust and supportive art community. The private opening of the Senior Exhibition is the highlight of the commencement activities. This year, immediately following graduation, a drum corps led a parade of family, friends, students, and alumni the two blocks from campus to the Stevens Studios exhibition.