Original graphic designs created in 2004 by students in the York/Sheridan joint program in design will be featured at a design spectacular, titled Work in Progress, on view Feb.14-25 in The Gallery in the Goldfarb Centre, Keele campus.
“Spectacular is an apt description for this year’s annual exhibition,” said York design professor Wendy Wong. “Work in Progress is a superb, highly professional showcase of student achievement – beautiful designs, skillfully rendered, and presented in a dynamic show.”
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Above: A stamp design by third-year York/Sheridan design student Janelle Berry is one of the works displayed in the Work in Progress show
First-year design student Nelson Cheng conceptualized the theme of this year’s show and designed the promotional poster for it. Work in Progress evolved from his award-winning piece titled “Passion for the Designerr”. Cheng’s work took top honours in the department’s first juried postcard competition in November 2004, which was adjudicated by Wendy Wong, Sheridan Design Professor Angela Iarocci and Steve Balaban, 
design student association representative.
Cheng’s award-winning postcard design was printed and distributed at National Portfolio Day, hosted by the Ontario College of Art & Design in November 2004. Last month, Nelson’s design received further exposure when it was distributed to high schools with arts programs in the greater Toronto area. During the exhibition, his award-winning image will be displayed on the plasma-size monitors on the ground level in the TEL Building.
Right: Nelson Cheng’s promotional poster for Work in Progress
“The design department scheduled portfolio review for new students to coincide with the opening week of the show,”said Wong. “The show is an excellent opportunity for potential students to see firsthand the work of our students, who will be on hand at The Gallery to greet and meet new students, offer tours and answer questions.”
The annual design area show is an important part of student training in graphic design, providing real-life experience to the students. Combining technical and creative skills, the students’ graphic design projects provide viewers with the opportunity to experience an exceptional sense of style in a contemporary context. Through their visual interpretations, these up-and-coming designers will influence how our world looks.
The Joint Program in Design, Ontario’s first Bachelor of Design degree program, provides a professional education in a humanistic context. It is offered jointly by York University and the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, located in Oakville, with students taking courses at both institutions.
The Design Area Show is being held at both campuses. Work in Progress will be on view at York until Feb. 25 and at Sheridan from March 7 – 18. The Gallery is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.
This article was submitted to YFile by Mary-Lou Schagena, publicist, Faculty of Fine Arts