Focus Grant Exhibit Text with bright imagery surrounding including a painting of a person with red hair, part of a sculpture in white, a book cover, a painting of a tree, and batik in orange and yellow.

On display March 30 - April 30, 2025 

The Memorial Union Art Gallery is hosting the 53rd annual Focus Grant Exhibit, the culmination of funded projects by students who demonstrate imagination, creativity, and development in the arts. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 11am-4pm and Sunday from 1-4pm. A reception will be held on Wednesday, April 9 at 6pm with comments beginning at 6:15pm. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Since 1972, students of all majors have applied for Focus funding for creative projects outside of the classroom. Focus Grant funds support the creation and presentation of new work in visual art, apparel design, writing, theater, dance, and musical performances. Funded projects in 2024-2025 include sculpture, film, letterpress, cyanotypes, bioplastic, pattern drafting, 3D printing, fibers, painting, and mixed media by the following students:

Elli Allen, Senior in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
TJ Benson, Graduate Student in Creative Writing and Environment with a Minor in Integrated Studio Arts
Camila Cebollero, Senior in Integrated Studio Arts
Josephine Crow, Junior in Industrial Design
Ugochukwu "Ugo" Eluchie, Graduate Student in Graphic Design
Cha Cha Hudson, Ph.D. Candidate in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Kierra Jack, Senior in Interior Design with a Minor in Entrepreneurship
Elizabeth Jones, Graduate Student in Student Affairs
Marisol Karcs, Graduate Student in Creative Writing and Environment 
Ehyun Iris Kim, Sophomore in Industrial Design
Sam McCauley, Graduate Student in Integrated Visual Arts
Chloe Otto, Senior in Industrial Design
Nicole Soriano, Graduate Student in Integrated Studio Arts
Tiara Young, Junior in Graphic Design

Funding for Focus is made possible through Student Government, and awards are determined by a committee of students, faculty and staff representing a broad range of the arts. The Memorial Union is located at 2229 Lincoln Way in Ames on the ISU campus, and paid parking is available in the ramp adjacent to the building. The Art Gallery is on the first floor.