Klamer Caps Off NMU Experience with Illustration Honors

Northern Michigan University May BFA graduate Lexi Klamer scored some impressive achievements in her final semester. She was selected for the Society of Illustrators (New York) 2026 Student Scholarship Competition, and received the $2,000 Nancy Lee Rhodes Roberts Scholarship for a gouache-on-paper work titled Pond Water Souls. Klamer was one of only 216 artists from more than 4,550 entries selected for an exhibition in the society's museum, which she attended shortly after commencement.

Klamer previously became the first NMU student featured in the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles' Illustration West 64 exhibition. Her selected works included a poster she made for the NMU Theatre & Dance production of Into the Woods as a project for one of Professor Steve Hughes' classes. View Klamer's three pieces from the show here. Finally, on the eve of commencement, she was announced as the gold award recipient for best in show at the closing reception for the NMU School of Art & Design Senior Exhibition.

Originally from Holland, Mich., Klamer has expertise in narrative and poster illustration. According to her artist website, "the themes in her work orbit the realm of fantastical with dream-like imagery and bold colors." When she is not in her studio, Klamer can often be found in the woods with an easel painting plein air and enjoying the outdoors.