Michaela Conway ’23, created art exhibition inspired by Ochre Court

Michaela Conway ’23, who just graduated with a degree in studio art concentrating in graphic design and interactive media arts, will be heading to Boston, Massachusetts, where she hopes to land her dream role within a design agency. Conway also plans to combine her minor in psychology with her passion for design to develop a brand’s image and market it efficiently and accurately.

Throughout her time at Salve Regina, Conway has been able to see her graphic design and studio art skills flourish.

Chosen for the Senior Honors Thesis Exhibition

This spring semester, Conway was one of just four students chosen for the Honors Thesis Program in Studio Art.

Part if this honor gave Conway the ability to participate in the Department of Art and Art History’s Senior Honors Thesis Show, entitled “Vitruvian Women,” in the Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery during the spring 2023 semester.

For this special exhibition, Conway created the brand Florence — a sophisticated fashion line that took inspiration from historic Newport mansions like Ochre Court.

“After establishing the brand identity, I designed a logo to reflect the luxury aesthetic of Florence and curated a ten-piece collection,” said Conway. “I then collaborated with a photographer to realize my creative vision. These elements all came together into a cohesive pop-up shop that allowed for an immersive consumer experience.”

Florence is a mock fashion line that explores brand identity design.

This project required her to explore all aspects of brand identity including: logo design, print, packaging, video campaigns and web design.

“Her design work evolved by being immersed in one of the many things that makes Salve so unique,” described Bert Emerson, associate professor in the Department of Art and Art History.

Salve Regina University, the muse

While the opulence and architecture in Newport, Rhode Island, inspired Conway’s senior honors thesis, it was the Salve Regina community that nurtured her passion for design.

Conway recalls many professors throughout her four-year journey that had lasting impacts on her as an artist. Emerson, mentioned above — along with Gerry Perrino and Susannah Strong, associate professors in the Department of Art History — all helped her grow not only as an artist, but as an individual.

“They have fostered my creativity and inspired me to think critically about my work,” emphasized Conway.

As she says goodbye to Salve Regina, Conway encourages any and all undecided students to consider the art program at Salve Regina. With an intimate number of students majoring in art-related fields, there is an emphasis on individualism.

“The small class sizes means that the faculty can tailor the program to your needs and ambitions so that you get the most out of your experience,” she described. “It really fosters creativity.”

It is hard to think of Salve Regina without noting its beautiful oceanside campus. For artists, Conway finds that Salve Regina’s campus always offers artistic ideas.

“The beautiful campus with its natural elements and intricate architecture is a source of inspiration, and you never know where that inspiration will lead you,” she described.

For more Class of 2023 stories, go here.

This story was written by student writer Catherine Dolan ’23

Salve Spotlights is a series of people-centered stories periodically featured on SALVEtoday. Check out the tag Salve Spotlights for more stories.