Art Exhibits

Inclusive Excellence

West Entrance Flowers List

Mezzanine Gallery and West Entrance

In the fall of 2024, Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design Katie Heater ‘09, visual arts, and MFA ‘13, imaging and digital arts, was invited by Dr. Renique Kersh, vice president for student affairs, to collaborate on a visual art initiative to highlight and promote UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Dr. Kersh wanted to explore how this core value could be reflected visually in several locations in The Commons – a student-centered building – through the eyes of UMBC students. “Place is so important to building community, and it is even more meaningful when students have a voice in how that place is formed.”

In response, Heater integrated the project into her spring 2025 Professional Practices in Graphic Design course, a senior/junior-level seminar and studio class that provides students the opportunity to apply design thinking while gaining professional skills and real world, client-facing experience. The students were tasked with exploring what inclusive excellence means to them and then developed ways to visually represent these ideas within the building.

Through class discussions and reflection, students defined inclusive excellence as “UMBC’s commitment to equality and engagement which enriches the diverse community and its dedication to multiculturalism, academic success, and honors everyone who studies, works, and lives here”; “A culture that celebrates diversity, honors the complex and varied lives of students and staff, and allows members of the community to become the driving force behind the way the institution functions”; and “When diversity meets representation.”

Over the course of several weeks, students were divided into three design teams, each with a designated creative lead. Each group created visual language, mockups, and processes by which to create site-specific artworks in The Commons. Students then formally presented their work to Dr. Kersh, along with Student Affairs Communications and Marketing and Commons facilities leadership and staff, who provided constructive feedback on their ideas.

While only one artwork was expected to be chosen, a version of all three initiatives received the green light to move forward and become prominent installations in three sections of the building. Over the remainder of the semester, groups refined their work to incorporate feedback and meet professional standards while maintaining the integrity of their original artistic visions.

Seniors expressed their gratitude at being invited to contribute meaningfully to the visual fabric of the UMBC community before they graduate.

We invite all members of the UMBC community to spend time with these installations, reflect on what inclusive excellence means to them, and engage in discussions with fellow community members.

West Entrance Flowers