Contact: Sasha Steinberg

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Works of nearly two dozen fine art seniors specializing in graphic design at Mississippi State go on display Tuesday [April 28] at the Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery.

Free to all, the second-floor "Offset" exhibition running through May 8 at the university's Welcome Center celebrates the conclusion of the students' art department studies.

The wide array of portfolio works includes posters, illustration, packaging, editorial design, typography, advertising design, visual identity design, web design, video work and self-promotional materials. In addition to the physical displays, individual portfolio books will be available for viewing on opening night. For a preview, visit www.offsetmsu.com.

A 5-7 p.m. opening reception Tuesday at the location with include complimentary refreshments provided by Starkville's City Bagel Café.

The featured images reflect a successful culmination of the students' research, writing, presentation and advanced studio practice, as well as foundational coursework, survey, art history, academic and emphasis classes, said Lori Neuenfeldt, coordinator for gallery and outreach programs.

In deciding on a theme, each designer could draw from two different definitions of the word 'offset,' Neuenfeldt explained. One means to create an equal balance between two things; the other, a specific style of printing through plate impressions.

"Drawing from both meanings, the students created an environment that showcases their individual styles and collective talent, all while inviting those who attend a chance to create a little artwork of their own," she added.

The Offset exhibitors include (by hometown):

BAY ST. LOUIS--Britney R. Johnson.

BRANDON--Blair Toney.

CLINTON--Patrick W. Finch.

COLUMBUS--Caleb E. Hunt.

CRYSTAL SPRINGS--Kimberlin A. Singletary.

FAYETTE, Alabama--Anna Leigh Richards.

HATTIESBURG--George T. "Trey" Hardin.

KOSCIUSKO--Joseph T. Cain.

LONG BEACH--Justin R. Ladner.

MADISON--Katelyn N. Napier.

MEMPHIS, Tennessee--Rebecca E. Brannen, Lilly M. Scheibelhut, and Victoria C. Sharp, who also is double-majoring in marketing.

MERIDIAN--Stephanie E. Travis.

OCEAN SPRINGS--Dominique J. Belcher, Sydney M. Lesniewski and Maura D. Worch.

OLIVE BRANCH--Lauren E. Blalock.

PASS CHRISTIAN--Anthony J. "A.J." Vaught.

STARKVILLE--Kaitlyn M. Lincoln.

TUPELO--John David "J.D." Cox and Tucker Napier.

TYLER, Texas--Mickenzie Robbins.

The exhibition and reception are made possible by the art department, home to the Magnolia State's largest undergraduate studio art program.

One of several departmental venues, the Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery regularly features traveling exhibits, student shows, and group and solo exhibitions by professional artists. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more, see at bit.ly/MSUArtGalleriesFB.

Additional gallery information is available from Neuenfeldt at 662-325-2973 or LNeuenfeldt@caad.msstate.edu.

Part of the College of Architecture, Art and Design, the art department offers a bachelor of fine arts degree, with concentrations in graphic design, photography and fine art (ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture). For detailed information about the graphic design curriculum, contact professor Jamie Mixon at 662-325-1904 or jmixon@caad.msstate.edu.

Other information is found at www.caad.msstate.edu, facebook.com/CAADatMSU and twitter.com/CAADatMSU.

MSU, the state's flagship research institution, is online at msstate.edu, meridian.msstate.edu, facebook.com/msstate, instagram.com/msstate, pinterest.com/msstate and twitter.com/msstate, using hashtag #WeRingTrue.