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MHC grads present final art exhibition

In an end-of-semester finale, Medicine Hat College (MHC) art and design graduates are celebrating their artistic growth. Their final grad show, living:room, is now open and runs until April 25, 2025.

Annually, the graduating art and design class is tasked with collaborating, designing, and promoting an art exhibition. The students take on a variety of roles, such as illustration and web design, marketing, fundraising, and curating the show.

Graduating student, Stormy Forsberg, who worked as the task manager in the process, says the concept for this year’s exhibition welcomes the viewer to see through the eyes of the artists and designers.  

“A living room doesn't have to necessarily be a room with four walls, a couch, and a tv. It can be a space of community, entertainment, and growth, or even just comfort and security,” says Forsberg. “We’ve all grown so much in this program, so it was an homage to that.”

living:room opened with a public reception on April 12, 2025, where the students celebrated the exhibition's launch. 

Kennedy Chisholm, who worked alongside Forsberg, learned fundamental skills in the process of creating the exhibition, which she says will benefit her career.

“I learned how to write grants and it was really educational for me, because to be an artist, you have to apply for a lot of those different things,” says Chisholm. “There was a lot of communication and collaboration, and I feel like everybody got to have their hand in every different area.”

The students each reflect on their time in the program, stating that the projects and support of their classmates and instructors, has transformed the way they approach their work. They now approach their final work-term this month, applying their skills in a real-world context. 

“Prior to coming into the program, I was not a painter. Now, I've transformed into being a painter and I think that's a sentiment that lots of us can relate to,” says Forsberg.

“I feel like I have more of a purpose now and a better understanding of myself. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals has significantly impacted my life for the better and I'm really happy I chose to come here.”

Chisholm, who will complete her work-term in Toronto with clothing designer, Shannon Passero, looks forward to learning how her skills apply to fashion - from design and creation to product promotions.  

“I feel like a completely different person,” says Chisholm, who adds her classes helped impact both her art and perspective. “My teachers were so engaged, and I was so engaged in what I was doing, that it completely changed who I am and how I think about things.”

The exhibition is available for public viewing in the One on One gallery, located in the Cultural Centre, Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. An extension of the exhibition is located at TREX Space, which is available for viewing Tuesday-Saturday between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

To learn more about the grad show, visit www.livingroom2025.com.