The Bates College Museum of Art presents the Senior Thesis Exhibition 2026, running from April 17 to May 30, 2026, with a special opening on June 12 after a brief closure for summer exhibition preparations. The show features works by eleven graduating Studio Art seniors: Sam Bunar, Audrey Esteves, Jeremy Felton, Aratrika Ghosh, Mia Goodwin, Ella Hannaford, Bissan Kablawi, Simon Klompus, Qwynn Kobertz, Maia Schifman, and Grace Thomas. Their thesis projects, developed over a year under the guidance of Art & Visual Culture faculty, range from ceramics and painting to photography and mixed media, each reflecting individual artistic interests and sustained studio practice.
This exhibition matters because it represents the culmination of undergraduate art education at Bates College, highlighting the institution's commitment to nurturing emerging visual artists through rigorous studio practice and critical inquiry. By providing a professional museum platform for student work, the museum bridges academic training and public exhibition, offering these young artists valuable exposure and experience as they transition from students to practicing artists. The show also underscores the vital role of college museums in supporting and showcasing the next generation of creative talent.