Otis College of Art and Design will present its annual O-Launch weekend, May 10–12, 2024. The weekend of in-person and virtual programs will showcase the future of art and design through a campus-wide exhibition of student work and a commencement ceremony celebrating graduating students and honorary degree recipients.
The weekend kicks off with two days of exhibitions and events throughout the College’s Los Angeles campus. An annual campus-wide exhibition—free and open to the public on Friday and Saturday—features work by graduating students from every department in the College, including Animation, Environmental Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Game and Entertainment Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Product Design, and Toy Design. Visitors can expect everything from galleries and showrooms to interactive displays and digital presentations, all with students on hand to discuss their work.
Friday’s festivities begin with an industry preview, where employers representing Los Angeles' creative industries will connect with students while getting to see their work up close. The night ends with the Fashion Department’s annual runway show, featuring the work of the junior and senior class. This year's theme is “The Art of Duality.” The fashion show demonstrates the mastery of skills developed under the tutelage of seasoned industry professionals who mentor Fashion Design students over the course of the academic year.
Concurrent to the campus-wide exhibition, MFA Fine Arts and MFA Graphic Design students will host open studios, offering an intimate view of their workspaces and creative output. There will also be a book sale hosted by the campus library and a ceramics sale, featuring work by students and alumni.
Alumni Connections
Many alumni return during O-Launch to visit their programs, reconnect with faculty and fellow alumni, and see work by the new class of Otis graduates. This year, the weekend includes the inaugural Welcome Back Alumni Happy Hour on Saturday, May 11, offering alumni from every class a chance to connect over refreshments and bask in the creative energy of our vibrant community.
Whether they work in creative fields or are simply looking for creative talent, Otis alumni can also participate in the industry preview as employers. They’ll have an opportunity to spot exceptionally trained artists and designers for their businesses, organizations, galleries, and studios while being inspired by work across a wide range of disciplines.
Commencement
O-Launch weekend culminates with the commencement ceremony, which celebrates graduating BFA and MFA students as well as honorary degree recipients. This year, acclaimed visual artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby will receive an honorary degree and deliver the 2024 commencement address. Architect and urban planner Janet Marie Smith, Executive Vice President of Planning and Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will also receive an honorary degree and offer remarks during the ceremony.
Otis College’s commencement ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at El Camino College’s Marsee Auditorium.
Visit the O-Launch event page for more information, RSVP details, and a full schedule.