Events

Abstract

The era of strife and uncertainty that we currently find ourselves in is a serendipitous chance to ask what part the creative community can play in instigating positive discourse and change. Through creative work and outreach projects, the arts have the potential to connect with society and generate impact that is complementary to the data and information that is most often conveyed through conventional media forms (and perhaps does not catalyze response). From the perspective of the artist/designer, inquiry through making is an effective problem-solving methodology, and opens new realms of discovery and communication. Furthermore, engaging the public in haptic processes extends the experience beyond the classrooms, studios, galleries, and museums—aspiring towards action. Whether on a local or global scale, the arts can reach people on personal, sensory, and emotional levels. Drawing on a body of work spanning 20 years, this presentation will share a series of community-based projects that implement visual and tactile graphic design to catalyze social, political, and environmental progress.

Bio:

Kelly Salchow MacArthur is a Professor of Graphic Design at Michigan State University (MSU), a 2-time Olympic rower, a 2-time Olympian Artist, and a Member of the IOC's Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission. She is an Honorary Visiting Researcher in UCC's School of Education through June 2026. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with Honors from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design Magna Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. Before joining the faculty at MSU, she taught at Kansas City Art Institute, RISD and The College of New Jersey. 

Kelly’s graphic design practice and creative research focus on environmental awareness, advocacy and action. Her work has been disseminated internationally through exhibition, design awards, conference, and publication, and is included in several permanent collections. She is President Emerita of the international design organization, United Designs Alliance and AIGA Detroit. She is a former member of the UCDA Design Educator's Advisory Committee, and CAA's Committee on Intellectual Property. Kelly initiated the AIGA Get Out The Vote: Empowering the Women’s Vote national poster initiative to commemorate 100 years of the women’s vote in 2020. She is a recipient of MSU’s Distinguished Partnership Award for Community-Engaged Service for her green mapping projects with Monroe County.

Venue and registration details to follow shortly.