NMU Art & Design Students, Alumnus Score Achievements

Northern Michigan University Art and Design students Keall Emmers, Lex Klamer and Keziah Arrington, along with alumnus James Asava, have recently been recognized for their work in a variety of ways, including an award, scholarship, exhibitions and acceptance into a graduate program.

Emmers, a Crystal Falls native pursuing a bachelor's degree in Digital Cinema, was awarded the Student Technology Innovation Award for his capstone short film, The Need for Praise. The film, a psychological thriller, focuses on religious trauma through the story of a socially isolated man who believes in a higher power after being pushed to the brink.

"Receiving the award means a lot to me because it reflects how much I've grown throughout my time at NMU, both creatively and technically." Emmers said. "It also feels like a really encouraging step as I keep pursuing filmmaking after graduation."

Klamer, a BFA alumna originally from Holland, Mich., won the $2,000 Nancy Lee Rhodes Roberts Scholarship from the Society of Illustrators (New York) Competition for a work in the medium of gouache titled Pond Water Souls. Lex was one of only 216 artists from more than 4,550 entries selected for an exhibition at the society's museum in May. She specializes in illustration with an expertise in narrative and poster illustration. In another achievement, Klamer has three works in the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles ' Illustration West 64 exhibition.

Arrington, a Grand Rapids native, is an illustration and interdisciplinary artist who will exhibit her work in the Arrival Gallery International Exhibition in Osaka, Japan April 17-20. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a specialization in illustration and studio arts, and also works as the administrative coordinator for NMU's art studio.

Asava, originally from Traverse City Mich., graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography and ceramics. He works as the assistant studio technician at NMU. Asava uses his art to delve into his Indian heritage, showcase the means of feminism, and engage in the complexities of the human experience. He was recently accepted into the Stamps School of Art and Design graduate program at the University of Michigan.