BU’s Graphic Design Program Shines Bright at Boston Art Book Fair

Pictured, left to right: Bella Bennett (CFA’22), Cecilia Yue (CFA’24) and Tico Chen (CFA’24) at the 2023 Boston Art Book Fair
BU’s Graphic Design Program Shines Bright at Boston Art Book Fair
BU School of Visual Arts’ graphic design program emphasizes artistry that extends beyond BU’s campus
Hands-on learning. Stepping out of your comfort zone. Exploring dynamic design.
Among the labyrinth of graphic designers showcasing their work at the Boston Art Book Fair (BosABF) last month at the Cyclorama of Boston Center for the Arts were some familiar faces — BU students and faculty. Boston University School of Visual Arts’ Graphic Design program showcased a wide variety of student and faculty work at the BosABF, marking many students’ first opportunity not only to exhibit their work but sell their prints.
The Boston Art Book Fair was presented by the Boston Center for the Arts in collaboration with Bodega, a Boston-based streetwear company. The fair, which featured over 140 artists from around Boston, showcased a wide variety of graphic designers, ranging from nationally reputed artists to local graphic designers based out of Boston.
BU’s table featured over 30 volunteers, along with the work of 26 students, faculty and alumni, and was open to work from students within the School of Visual Arts (SVA). Two BU students the graphic design graduate program, one of whose thesis intersects with artist book fairs, were tasked with organizing the table.

“[The students] are steering the work that gets shared at the table…the fair is a fantastic hands-on learning experience and a way to create work that the public will enjoy,” says Christopher Sleboda, associate professor of art and graphic design. While Sleboda served as the main product manager of BU’s table at the BosABF, he was also featured as an artist.
Draw Down Books, a graphic design company that Sleboda co-founded with his partner Kathleen Sleboda, lecturer of graphic design, tabled at the fair alongside BU’s graphic design program, highlighting a strong theme represented within the graphic design program’s participation: artistry that extends beyond the limits of BU’s campus.
A hands-on, professional environment
“They’re prepared to thrive in a creative professional environment,” reflects Sleboda of his students. “Part of being an adaptable designer is learning how to continue learning, and the BU Graphic Design program encourages students to be curious.”
Curiosity is part of what re-initiated BU’s involvement in the art fair.
It was Bella Bennett (CFA’22), an alum of the MFA graphic design program and CFA lecturer who re-introduced the idea of organizing a table for BU graphic design students to exhibit their work, after the fair went on hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bennett noted that while many creative projects are shelved after they are completed in students’ studio classes, opportunities like the BosABF allow students to show their work to audiences and give them the opportunity to sell their work. “It was really special when the students who were volunteering at the table had someone buy their work from themselves,” said Bennett. “It was almost funny seeing their reactions to their work being sold, like the students were asking, ‘you really want to buy this piece?’”
Bennett’s advice for students extends beyond the work they make — she emphasizes the importance of taking pride in your existence as an artist as well. “I think putting yourself out there and taking agency are incredibly important,” said Bennett. “It’s saying things like ‘I’m a graphic designer,’ rather than a ‘graphic design student’ that makes a huge difference.”
While new students will have to wait until next year to be involved with the next BosABF, both Sleboda and Bennett noted that the rich arts scene present in Boston extends far beyond a single event. Bennett recommends reaching out to other artists and graphic designers that students find align with their work, as well as visiting the plentiful thesis shows and exhibitions present on BU’s campus.
Leaving the comfort zone
And Sleboda’s advice for students looking to explore the Boston arts scene? Step out of your comfort zone.
“The first step is usually the hardest, and becoming active in any community often requires persistence,” said Sleboda. “But once you find folks you connect with or an art space that feels like home, you’ll have an anchor that can help you keep exploring everything Boston offers.”


Images courtesy of Rachel Chen (CFA’24), a design student in SVA’s MFA graphic design program
Sleboda recommends that interested students look into events like the BosABF presented by the Center for the Arts, as well as publications like the Boston Art Review. And for students looking for art opportunities a bit closer to campus, they need look no further than BU’s own art galleries right on Comm Ave., which feature exhibitions from artists on BU’s campus and beyond.
“Events like an art book fair offer the perfect opportunity to make connections with other creative folks,” reflected Sleboda. “It’s an experience I’m delighted to share with BU students.”