April 23, 2025
Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design to showcase 2025 graduates’ work in an expanded Annual Student Exhibition at DeVos Place
Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design will spotlight the creative talents of graduating seniors during the 2025 Annual Student Exhibition, on view from May 3 to 11 across two prominent downtown venues.
For the first time, KCAD’s 2025 Annual Student Exhibition will expand beyond campus, spanning both the college’s 17 Fountain St. NW building and the Grand Gallery skywalk at DeVos Place Convention Center.
This dual-venue approach marks an exciting expansion of the college’s signature year-end celebration, creating a dynamic art and design experience in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
Emerging artists and designers from all programs will present a diverse showcase of their best creative work, including Collaborative Design, Digital Art and Design, Fashion Studies, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration, Photography, Product Design, and Studio Arts.
The two venues will transform into interconnected exhibition spaces on display to the public for one week. Visitors are encouraged to experience both locations to fully appreciate the breadth of student achievement.
All are invited to attend a special two-part closing reception celebrating KCAD’s 2025 Annual Student Exhibition on Friday, May 9 from 3 to 7 p.m., beginning on the KCAD campus before continuing at DeVos Place. A free shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between the two locations during the reception.
“The 2025 Annual Student Exhibition is a powerful expression of our students’ creativity, vision, and growth,” KCAD President Tara McCrackin said.
“This year’s expanded format brings even more visibility to their accomplishments and invites the broader community to experience the future of art and design firsthand. We are incredibly proud to celebrate these emerging creative leaders as they take the next step in their journeys.”
For prospective students, the show offers a chance to visualize their own creative journeys while providing a valuable glimpse at KCAD's wide range of programs, close-knit community, and creative career possibilities.
High school and transfer students and their supporters are invited to join the KCAD Admissions team for a free Connect to KCAD event on Wednesday, May 7 from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Participants can meet with faculty and current students, learn about the admissions process, and take a guided tour of campus.
Guests must register for Connect to KCAD to attend. Group tours of the 2025 Annual Student Exhibition are available on request.
This year’s expanded exhibition format offers enhanced opportunities for employers to connect with the next generation of creative leaders, while giving collectors a unique occasion to discover and purchase work by emerging artists and designers.
An online exhibition, opening May 5 at kcad.edu/ase, will complement the on-campus exhibition.
The annual tradition culminates with KCAD’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10 at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.
Supporting sponsors include: ASM Global, Custer, Interphase Interiors | Haworth, and Rapid Growth Media; Program Sponsors: AHC Hospitality, Boxed Water, DK Security, Granger Construction, Fishbeck, Landscape Forms, Mathison | Mathison Architects, River City Mechanical, and Van Dyken Mechanical; and Friends Sponsors: Blick Art Materials, C.C. Sullivan, Grand Valley Automation Inc, Via Design, and VizCom Media.
Please visit kcad.edu/events for more information.