William Blizard Gallery - Past Shows - 2024

Student Graphic Design Show

December 20, 2023 - January 18, 2024
This graphic design student exhibition showcases visual identity systems developed for potential Olympic host city candidates. The work was created as part of a semester-long assignment where each team of students was assigned a host city candidate. These designers conducted research into not only their candidate city/nation, but also the history and culture of the Olympics, and the history of design systems along with current trends. The resulting visual identity work presented at this exhibition includes logos, style guides, tickets, pictograms, posters, medals, environmental graphics, motion graphics, and more.

Blizzard in Blizard 

January 29 2024 - February 19 2024
Snow is forecast for the gallery and the Springfield College community is invited to join the festive flurries by submitting artwork that celebrates the beauty and intrigue of winter. Visit the gallery throughout February to see the flurries accumulate!
Open Call specs: Winter theme. Abstract and/or representational, all art mediums are welcome. If work is framed, a hanging wire must be included. Unframed work will be pinned to the wall. Size limitations apply. Artwork may be submitted throughout the duration of the exhibit as space allows. 

Summer Snaps, Scrapbook Style!

September 9 2024 - September 26 2024
Second Floor, Blake Hall, Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In the spirit of community arts engagement, the William Blizard Gallery will kick off the Simpson Fine Arts fall season with "Summer Snaps, Scrapbook Style!" This exhibition will feature a sprawling composite of summer imagery pinned to the gallery walls in a scrapbook fashion. We encourage you to participate. 

Colors of Grief: Perspectives of Families After Loss

November 11-15

William Blizard Gallery
Second Floor, Blake Hall, Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rick’s Place, a beacon of support for children, teens, and families navigating grief, is proud to present this special gallery exhibit and opening reception in commemoration of National Children's Grief Awareness Month. We recognize this each November to normalize the conversation around grief and loss, and its impact on young people. In the United States, it is estimated that one in 12 youth will lose a parent or sibling by the time they reach 18 years of age. In Hampden County, there are more than 5,000 young people living with a death loss.

Rick’s Place artists were encouraged to reflect on their unique grief journeys and how these experiences have left an indelible mark. Each piece presented encapsulates an intimate, heartfelt narrative of personal journeys through grief.

We invite the community to join our Memory Wall Installation by contributing a photograph of a loved one who has died, along with a message or note in their memory. Additionally, during the opening reception, you'll have the chance to express your creativity at our collaborative art-making tables. We look forward to getting creative with you at this very special event.
 

Artwork by Talia, Age 12