PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — Walking through Mosely Gallery, it’s hard not to feel it — pride, nostalgia, and a little uncertainty mixed with excitement about what comes next. For graduating art students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, these aren’t just pieces they created — it’s the final chapter of their undergraduate journeys. In their final semesters, these soon-to-be UMES alums completed their senior thesis exhibition — tying together all they’ve learned for the past four years before walking across the stage.
“It’s really cool to see them think about a body of work rather than just generating work in response to class assignments,” said Mosely Gallery Director and Senior Thesis Professor.
Commercial photography major Donyell Lyons spent multiple seasons traveling with the women’s basketball team as their photographer. Now, he’s reflecting on how that experience shaped him into the artist he is today. “I really chose the images that stood out to me when my mind went blank — when my mind went silent. These are basically the silent moments of my mind.”
Students say they didn’t get here alone. “All my professors have been great mentors for me. . . They really introduced me to a world that I never saw before I was here,” said Graphic Illustration major Ava Hudson.
“The relationships I’ve gotten here with these professors, and my fellow classmates have been absolutely lovely. I did not expect that at all when I was applying here,” said graduating senior Matthew Pattison.
Students added that having the creative freedom to experiment with different styles helped them find their voice.
“I haven’t found a set in stone style. . . I think I’ve definitely made a big improvement, and it’s showed a lot in the capstone project,” said graduating senior Jonah Stepner.
Their director and professor said that at UMES, they focus on the whole artist, and that shines through in their work. “I want all of them to take intentional steps towards what they want to do in life, and that then connects to every single artwork that they’ll make.”
