SARASOTA (WSNN) – Ringling College of Art and Design seniors pivot through the pandemic as they put their Thesis exhibition to a digital platform.
“No one expected to graduate into a global pandemic,” Ringling Business of Art and Design, or BOAD, graduate, Emily Fritz, said.
So, Fritz took her Thesis online. She’s one of 350 others doing the same.
Ringling College created ten virtual galleries; everything from computer animation to business portfolios.
Fritz says while they’re losing audience reaction and in-person communication, a virtual platform plays to their advantage.
“I mean it’s going to reach a much broader audience and it’s also going to be accessible to people that otherwise wouldn’t have been,” Fritz said.
“I think the beauty of the senior show being online is that their contact information is going to be available to anyone that views the show,” BOAD Department Head, Kathleen Sobr, said.
Sobr says seniors are uniquely equipped to handle adaptation in tough times by living through this global pandemic.
“With limitations and constraints, that’s when you become more creative,” Sobr said.
Fritz says the BOAD program was able to pivot, with a bigger focus on how businesses can adapt to unforeseen changes.
“Business isn’t just a gray pantsuit, it’s not just board rooms anymore; it’s creative and it’s disruptive,” Fritz said.
Sobr says living through this pandemic presents marketable skills for future employers.
“I think that their adaptability and their ability to be flexible and to experiment is only going to present additional value to the business that they end up working for,” Sobr said.
Fritz says at the start of the pandemic she had fears about finding a job after graduation. But, she’s getting comfortable with the ambiguity.
“I have come to terms with the situation I recognize it could be a lot worse,” Fritz said. “It’s just about keeping this positive mindset knowing what you can do on a day–to–day basis.”
The Senior Thesis show launches Thursday at 4 pm. The website is ringlingthesis.com. From there, visitors will be able to access each department’s exhibition.
