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The University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design is pleased to share documentation of the 2026 MFA + MDes Thesis Exhibition, presented at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle from May 16–June 14, 2026.
The exhibition featured the thesis work of ten graduates receiving Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in New Genres, Painting + Printmaking, and 3D4M: ceramics + glass + sculpture, and Master of Design (MDes). During the second year of their program, these students work closely with a thesis chair and committee to develop a body of work while simultaneously shaping their written thesis. Students emerge with a vision and direction for their practice and research, embodied in the concepts and pieces they chose to present in the museum.
Produced in close collaboration with the Henry Art Gallery, the MFA + MDes Thesis Exhibition marks an important milestone for these emerging artists and designers, bringing new bodies of work into dialogue with a broad public audience within a contemporary art museum setting.
Artists + Designers
Stephanie Alacon, Dahae Cheon, Li-Yuan Chiou, Jeff Jiang, Victoria Mackender, Alex Moni-Sauri, Oscar Pearson, Chave Pichardo, Andrew Roibal, Ryan Walters
The School also recognizes two Art History graduates who completed their degrees in 2026: Veronica Markey (MA) and Julia Stimac (PhD).
Credits
The 2026 University of Washington MFA + MDes Thesis Exhibition was organized by the Henry Art Gallery’s staff Trevor Goosen, Fabricator and Preparator, and Jackson Irvine, Exhibition Tech.
Publication
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Henry Art Gallery produced a digital publication highlighting each student’s work and practice.
Written Thesis
As part of their degree requirements, each graduate student also completes a written thesis. These theses will be published on the UW ResearchWorks Archive later in the summer. Explore graduate theses from previous years: fine art, art history, and design.
About the Graduate Programs
The School of Art + Art History + Design at the University of Washington offers graduate programs that prepare artists, designers, and scholars to shape the future of visual culture through creative practice, research, and critical inquiry. Graduate degrees include the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Design (MDes), and Master of Arts (MA) in Art History. Applications for Autumn 2027 admission are due January 15, 2027. To learn more, visit art.washington.edu.
