Students from the Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) are gearing up to present their final projects at the upcoming graduation show.
Photo from the 2023 graduation show
On April 25, the multidisciplinary exhibition Creatures of Curiosity will showcase over 100 creative students' projects and portfolios.
The graduating cohort are students enrolled in Fashion and Technology, Fashion Marketing, Foundations in Design, Graphic Design for Marketing, Interior Design, Product Design, and Technical Apparel Design programs.
"Our students at the Wilson School of Design are not just learning to create but to innovate with purpose. These future leaders are demonstrating that design extends far beyond aesthetics - it's about creating impactful solutions for a sustainable and inclusive future," says Andhra Goundrey, Dean of the Wilson School of Design.
Graduating students are ready to effect meaningful change in society with their projects. Notable projects include a recovery centre for women and children escaping domestic violence and a specialized school providing sensory education for deaf students.
The exhibition also spotlights sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. Designs include rainwater harvesting systems that promote responsible water management and wearable mosquito net garments designed to combat malaria, among others.
Projects focused on the health and well-being of communities demonstrate students' drive to make an impact. Some key projects feature specialized technical apparel to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in female retail workers and ergonomic beanbags to alleviate loneliness.
"Curiosity is an incredible tool that drives every single person who enters through the doors of Wilson," shares Cherlin Eggenfellner, a graduating student who inspired the concept of this year's theme. "Throughout my four years, whether by closely observing the work of my peers, peeking into other classrooms, or browsing the works in the display cases, the endless creations of wonder by students have never failed to fill me with awe."
The exhibition campaign theme is a student-led initiative developed by the fourth-year students of the Graphic Design for Marketing program. Each student presents three campaign concepts at the term's outset, with one chosen as a central theme through a class vote. Together, they create a suite of campaign assets, including branding, social media content and promotional materials.
The Creatures of Curiosity exhibition will take place at the Wilson School of Design, 5600 Kwantlen St. in Richmond. The event, scheduled for April 25, welcomes community and industry professionals from 6 to 8 p.m. and offers high school tours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission is free, guests are asked to register in advance.
