54th Annual Focus Grant Exhibition at the Memorial Union

Collage of Focus Grant artwork

On Display March 29, 2026-April 29, 2026

The Memorial Union Art Gallery is hosting the final exhibition for twenty Iowa State students who received Focus Grants over the past year. Since 1972, students of all majors have applied for Focus funding for creative projects outside of the classroom. Funds can support the creation and presentation of new work in visual art, apparel design, writing, theater, dance, and musical performances.

Funded projects in 2025-2026 include painting, mosaic, glass, cyanotype, collage, printmaking, photography, apparel design, and music performance by the following students:

Jacob Aldrich, Senior in Music

Elli Allen, Senior and Graduate Student in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design

TJ Benson, Graduate Student in Creative Writing and Environment with a Minor in Integrated Studio Arts

Charlie Bledsoe, Senior in Integrated Studio Arts

Daniel Brumm, Senior in Music

Alina Cielak, Senior in Scientific Visualization and Illustration

Harper Danielson, Senior in Art and Design, Environmental Studies

Viviana S. Dieppa, Junior in Studio Arts

Ben Drzycimski, Senior in Music

John Freund, Senior in Music

Yadira González Pérez, Junior in Art 

Janea Johnson, Senior in Industrial Design

Katie Kangas, Senior in Graphic Design

Alec Kissane, Sophomore in Marketing

Ace Kyer, Senior in Integrated Studio Arts

Adayansy Maceda Mireles, Junior in Political Science and Communication Studies

Julianna Rios, Senior in Integrated Studio Arts

Gabrielle Van Paemel, Senior in Architecture

Elias Vargas, Senior in Music

Stephanie Wessels, Senior in Industrial Technology

A reception will be held on Wednesday, April 8 from 6-7:30pm.

Focus is funded in part by students through the Student Government, and awards are determined by a student, faculty, and staff committee 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. Both the Gallery and the Art Reception are open to the public. The Art Gallery is located on the 1st floor and has free admission.
Hours are Monday-Friday from 11am to 4pm and Sunday from 1- 4pm.