By REBEKAH REED
Tiger Media Network
The 16th annual ‘Let Your Voice Be Heard’ political poster competition has begun with 53 posters currently being displayed in the atrium of the Art Building. Posters were made by students in the History of Graphic Design class. The goal of the exhibition is to shine a light on political and social issues. Students choose the issue their poster focuses on. Topics range from immigration to the upcoming election.
“We started working on these posters at the beginning of the semester,” said Kim Wertz, a senior in the design program. “It was a long process of brainstorming, conceptual thinking, then refining.”
Department Chair and Graphic Design Professor Karrie Simpson Voth requires the students to thoroughly research their topics to ensure their claims and information are accurate.
This competition promotes civil engagement and political awareness. Not all the students were ever involved with politics, so this pushed them in new ways.
“I didn’t grow up talking about politics. So I had to watch the news, research world issues, and learn about what was happening in the world,” said Dawsone Svaty, another student in the class.
Politics and social issues can be messy conversation topics. With many sensitive issues, it can be hard to converse with those of opposing positions. Wertz spoke on the classroom atmosphere throughout the process.
“There are pro-choice and pro-life students, pro this or that. Yet, we all helped each other to succeed,” she said. “We learned about each other’s perspectives and had good discussions. It didn’t change the way we saw each other. We still respect and care for one another.”
The posters voice an opinion but also a call to action. What is the problem? What should the audience do about it? Students invite the public to join the cause to solve or advocate for them, too. Voting is open to the public. Voting ends on Friday, but the posters will be on display until Nov. 3rd. Winners will be announced on Monday and will also be announced on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/275758358773479?ref=newsfeed.
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