MILLIGAN, Tenn. (March 18, 2026) – Seniors in Milligan University’s graphic design program will display their creative work in a showcase titled “Liminal” on display in the Milligan Art Gallery in Derthick Hall from March 22–27.
An opening reception will be held on Sunday, March 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The showcase features works by graphic design seniors Adam Bengtson, of Crystal Lake, Illinois; Spencer Hall, of Thomasville, North Carolina; Joselin Martinez, of San Salvador, El Salvador; and Emy Rose Leggett, of Fort Worth, Texas.
The title for this year’s exhibit, “Liminal,” reflects the in-between stage seniors feel as they prepare to graduate and become professionals. Bengtson thought of the concept behind the title and the promotional image for the exhibit.
“I used a bus shelter as the main image because it’s a space that only exists for waiting. You’re not meant to stay there,” shared Bengtson. “That felt like an honest way to represent this moment in our lives. The word ‘liminal’ is oversized and sits behind the structure, so it almost feels bigger than the space itself. It creates a sense of pressure and scale, like the idea that transition is larger than any one of us.”
For Martinez, her graphic design major aligned well with her business major at Milligan. Her favorite areas of graphic design include logo making, branding and editorial design. She enjoyed solving design and visual communication problems, essential skills for business.
“I like to put myself in the shoes of my audience and ask myself what would catch their attention,” she said.
Hall was introduced to graphic design in high school. While he received a solid foundation, his studies at Milligan helped him learn and strengthen his own techniques. He also appreciated the small class sizes, where students and professors could collaborate.
“I have refined my skills and learned things that continue to allow me to grow,” shared Hall. “I have also developed a community of designers that support each other and give constructive feedback to make our designs the best they can be.”
Leggett intends to pursue a graduate program in animation to further her passion for design. She appreciates Milligan’s program for helping her learn more about other designers and strengthen her skills.
“I want to continue to improve and expand my interests,” Leggett said. “I plan to take everything I have learned in the graphic design program at Milligan and apply it to animation at the graduate school level.”
Milligan’s graphic design program teaches the elements of design and how to apply them across various media, in addition to the fundamental skills, theories, principles and technologies necessary for design work. Central to all design and art majors at Milligan is the integration of the Christian liberal arts.
For more information on Milligan’s visual and communicative arts program, visit www.milligan.edu/pvc.
