Creating positive social change in rural America through the use of design is the subject of a Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition at the WVU Creative Arts Center by graphic design graduate student Lauren Schiefelbein. The exhibition is open from March 30 to April 3.

Titled “Rural America: Facilitating Dialogue through Design to Create Positive Social Change,” the graphic design project will be available for viewing in the Laura Mesaros Gallery. A public reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, April 2 at 6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Schiefelbein’s exhibit will allow visitors to understand design’s role in approaching challenges in rural America, with the goal of creating meaningful and lasting change.

The exhibition’s centerpiece is a case study project with a local organization called the Friends of George Byrer Field. Located in Barbour County, West Virginia, the group is a grass-roots organization of concerned citizens who are seeking financial solutions to address the poor condition of the lone outdoor athletic complex in the county.

Schiefelbein joined the committee as a graphic designer to help brainstorm ideas and develop potential strategies for increasing community support for the proposed outdoor performance, athletic and fitness facility—one that can provide health, economic and social benefits to Barbour County and its residents.

“I wanted to use my research as a chance to give back to a community that has provided me with so much love and support throughout the years,” Schiefelbein said. “My hometown is full of hardworking and caring people, and I think that they deserve the same opportunities that surrounding areas are lucky enough to have.”

She said the benefits that would come with a new public facility would be great for the local economy and the overall morale of the community.

“Exercise opportunities aren’t easily accessible in the area, but with the central location and free use, this safe and modern facility could increase community wellness and fitness,” she said. “A successful campaign could create a crown jewel for the county, while bringing residents together to work towards a common goal.”

To help achieve this goal, Schiefelbein developed a design campaign to utilize existing organizations and local resources to help promote the project and educate residents on why Barbour County needs a new facility.

“I also have been working with the community to explore the many long-term benefits that could follow,” she said. “With this initiative taking place in a rural area with very limited resources, I have had to think creatively about how to package and disseminate this information to ensure that it reaches the intended audience.”

Schiefelbein holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design and electronic media from West Virginia University. She will graduate this spring with an MFA in graphic design from the WVU School of Art and Design. She will graduate this spring with an MFA in graphic design from the WVU School of Art and Design.

The Mesaros Galleries are open Monday through Saturday from noon to 9:30 p.m. For more information on the event, please contact Robert Bridges, curator of the Mesaros Galleries at 304-293-2312.

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CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu

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