December 08, 2025
ArtCenter to Present One of The West Coast's Largest Exhibitions of Emerging Artists & Designers at Its Fall 2025 Grad Show
December 20 Public Exhibition is Part of ArtCenter’s Fall 2025 Graduation, Including a Morning Commencement with Keynote Speaker Rafael López
PASADENA, CA – ArtCenter College of Design will present the work of over 270 graduating undergraduate and graduate students at its Fall 2025 Grad Show on Saturday, December 20. Highly anticipated and recognized as one of the West Coast’s largest exhibitions of its kind, the major showcase introduces visitors to the next generation of artists and designers through a free, one-day public event that runs from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center. Featuring exceptional and engaging student work on a large scale, the exhibition follows two private viewing days for industry and invited guests, as well as the College’s private morning graduation ceremony, featuring commencement speaker Rafael López (BFA 85 Graphic Design).
A centerpiece of ArtCenter’s graduation and a signature exhibition for the College, the Fall 2025 Grad Show offers graduating students a high-profile opportunity to showcase the final creative results of their studies. For the public, Grad Show provides an in-depth look at work representing all of the College’s disciplines, including fine art, photography, animation, concept design, film, game design, illustration, graphic design, interaction design (UX/UI), product design, spatial experience design, furniture and lighting and transportation design.
“The scope, creativity and excellence demonstrated by the work presented at Grad Show reflects the incredible talent of our students and the strength of an ArtCenter education,” said Karen Hofmann, president of ArtCenter. “Across every discipline, our graduates demonstrate a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and meaningful problem-solving. They are beginning their careers at a moment when our world urgently needs creative thinkers, and the work on view makes it clear they are ready to meet that challenge.”
The morning of Grad Show, ArtCenter will host its Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony as a private, ticketed event at the Pasadena Convention Center. Acclaimed illustrator and muralist Rafael López will deliver the keynote address to more than 300 graduates. A distinguished alumnus of the College and the recipient of its 2023 ArtCenter Distinguished Mid-Career Award, López creates work that is rooted in social justice and community empowerment.
The Fall 2025 Graduation will also include remarks from two graduating students: Valedictorian Lan Candice Yao (Environmental Design) and Student Leadership Award recipient Josephine Zazueta (Fine Art). During the ceremony, Illustration faculty member Bill Perkins (BFA 80 Illustration) will be honored with the full-time faculty Great Teacher Award, while fellow faculty member Ben Sanders (BFA 13 Illustration) will receive the part-time faculty Great Teacher Award.
In addition to showcasing student work to the public, Grad Show is also an important part of ArtCenter’s graduation activities that support students as they transition from their studies at the College into professional practice. In the days leading up to the exhibition and commencement ceremony, students participate in portfolio reviews and industry networking opportunities. Prospective students interested in exploring ArtCenter’s many disciplines are also invited to attend guided Grad Show tours with a member of the College’s Admissions team on the Friday prior to the Saturday public opening.
GRAD SHOW AND GRADUATION DETAILS
ArtCenter Fall 2025 Grad Show details
Pasadena Convention Center | Exhibit Halls A and B
300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Saturday, December 20 | Noon to 5 p.m.
ArtCenter Fall 2025 Grad Show - Public Exhibition
Pasadena Convention Center | Exhibit Halls A and B
FREE and open to the public, friends and families
No RSVP required.
Saturday, December 20 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
ArtCenter Fall 2025 Graduation Ceremony
Pasadena Convention Center | Grand Ballroom
By invitation only, ticketed event for friends, family, faculty and staff to celebrate the commencement.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Friday, December 19 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ArtCenter Fall 2025 Grad Show - Prospective and Accepted Student Tours
Pasadena Convention Center | Exhibit Halls A and B
ArtCenter’s Admissions Office will host guided Grad Show tours every hour beginning at 11 a.m., offering prospective and accepted students and families an exclusive opportunity to view graduating student projects. Free tours will be led by an Admissions staff member.
RSVP required.
Friday, December 19 | 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.*
ArtCenter Fall 2025 Grad Show – Animation Showcase
Ahmanson Theater - ArtCenter College of Design (Hillside Campus)
1700 Lida Street, Pasadena CA 91103
Friday, December 19 | 7:30 p.m.*
ArtCenter Fall 2025 Grad Show – Film Showcase
Ahmanson Theater - ArtCenter College of Design (Hillside Campus) 1700 Lida Street, Pasadena CA 91103
*Note: These Grad Show screenings are at ArtCenter, not the Pasadena Convention Center.
For more information on all Fall 2025 Graduation activities, view this event page.
To view the College’s virtual Grad Show illustrating the achievements of ArtCenter’s most recent graduating classes, please visit gradshow.artcenter.edu. (The updated site will be accessible starting December 11.)
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Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education. ArtCenter offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of industrial design disciplines as well as visual and applied arts. Renowned for both its ties to industry and its social impact initiatives, ArtCenter is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College’s long and storied history, ArtCenter alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live, and important issues in our society.
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