Visual Arts Students Develop Installations Reflecting on Inclusive Excellence

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," Dr. Kersh said.

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 (SACM) and Commons facilities leadership and staff, who provided constructive feedback on their ideas.

"I was really wowed by the students' presentations," said Heater. "It blew me away, seeing how they distilled their ideas and experiences about inclusive excellence at UMBC, from their own experiences to their classmates', and as part of a community."

While only one artwork was expected to be chosen, two initiatives received the green light to move forward and become prominent installations at the west entrance and in the Mezzanine Gallery. 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 also expressed their gratitude at being invited to contribute meaningfully to the visual fabric of the UMBC community before they graduate.

Petra Janka '25 said, "ART 426, Professional Practices in Graphic Design, has been such an encouraging and eye-opening course. One of the things I've valued most is how the class prepares us for the real world—especially in terms of professional expectations and how to navigate them. The Division of Student Affairs project is definitely a highlight for me. It gave us a real sense of what it's like to collaborate as a team on a client-focused project, from brainstorming ideas to presenting a final product. It taught us how important it is to listen closely, adapt our ideas to meet client needs, and work together to bring a shared vision to life. 

"It's been a great experience—definitely a meaningful challenge to dive into and really explore what inclusive excellence means, not just as an academic term but within the context of our own community."

The project, part of UMBC's Arts+ initiative, was completed and installed by commonvision students Shomapti Hussein '25 and Thomas Hammond '25, under the print and installation guidance of Tori Richner '22, print production associate, and the supervision of SACM staff. (Pictured in thumbnail)

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