2022 MFA + MDes Thesis Exhibition
Henry Art Gallery Director’s Letter
The Henry Art Gallery was founded as Washington State’s first art museum in 1927 by Horace C. Henry, on the principle that art stimulates inquiry, fosters knowledge, and builds healthy communities. Today, the Henry is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the research and presentation of contemporary art. We engage artists to consider the museum as a studio or laboratory for creativity, and our exhibitions and programs invite audiences to push the boundaries of traditional thinking. In all that we do, we live our mission: to engage all people in the transformative power of contemporary art and ideas.
This year, the Henry and the University of Washington’s School of Art + Art History + Design celebrate over 60 years of partnering in presenting the work of graduating master’s degree students. The Henry’s presentation of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) + Master of Design (MDes) Thesis Exhibition is a hallmark of our commitment to supporting artistic innovation and a culture of creativity campus-wide. We serve as a cultural resource and training ground — opening our doors and resources without charge — for over 65,000 students, faculty, and staff.
The museum actively participates in the academic life of University students by offering jointly developed courses, student internships, practicums, and work-study opportunities, and we collaborate with over 35 academic departments across campus. The Henry encourages access to, and research on, the 28,000 objects in our permanent collection through our Eleanor Henry Reed Collection Study Center, the only facility of its kind in the region, where visitors can study from original works of art.
It is a pleasure and a privilege to celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduates in Art and Design. For many students, this has been their first experience working with a professional museum staff and crew. Special recognition goes to Eric Zimmerman, Henry Exhibitions Designer and Preparator, who has worked with students throughout the year to develop their installations and realize their visions. Thanks also go to our colleagues at the School of Art + Art History + Design, in particular Jamie Walker, Director, and members of the faculty for partnering in this initiative.
Above all, we thank this year’s graduates for making the art and design that is the subject of this exhibition and for sharing with us this important juncture in their lives. We applaud them for their educational achievements and wish them the very best as they launch their careers.
Congratulations to the 2022 recipients of the School of Art + Art History + Design’s Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design degrees. Cheers!
Sylvia Wolf, John S. Behnke Director
Henry Art Gallery
Exhibition
The 2022 MFA + MDes Thesis Exhibition was presented by the Henry Art Gallery, May 28 – June 26, 2022. Throughout their programs, fine arts and design students work with advisers and other artists or designers to develop advanced techniques, expand concepts, discuss critical issues, and emerge with a vision and direction for their own work.
