Rosemont College is excited to announce the Senior BFA Exhibit by Student Exhibitors, opening April 18 – May 11, 2026, in the Patricia M Nugent Gallery. This highly anticipated show features two gifted Rosemont seniors, Phoenix Gruver and Tyrone Butler, whose work reflects years of passion, perseverance, and creative growth.

The Senior BFA Exhibit offers the Rosemont community a powerful look at the next generation of artists as they step into their professional journeys. Each BFA Senior artist will have an opening reception to feature their work.

The Phoenix Gruver opening reception will be held on Saturday, April 18th from 12:00 – 2:00pm. The opening reception for Tyrone Butler’s work will be held on Saturday, May 2nd from 4:00 – 7:00pm. Each reception offers a perfect opportunity to meet the artists, celebrate their achievements, and experience their stunning pieces firsthand.

Both students defend their thesis in the gallery. Phoenix Gruver will present on Wednesday, April 22nd, at 11:00am, and Tyrone Butler will present on Wednesday, May 6th, at 11:00am.

Meet Phoenix Gruver: Bold Design That Twists Expectations

Phoenix Gruver, a graphic designer from York Pennsylvania, discovered his love for art after years of college athletics. In 2021, he launched Frankly Unique, a t shirt company based in York and Bethlehem, which quickly turned a hobby into a true passion. His work has already earned national recognition, with pieces featured at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival in 2025. He placed 2nd in a statewide marketing competition this past fall called the Direct Effect Innovation Challenge sponsored by America250PA for his design of a proposed Pennsylvania Turnpike app inspired by the theme Miles of Impact. Following his success in the competition, Phoenix interns with America250PA.

Phoenix invites viewers into experiences that challenge what we think graphic design can be. His featured projects in the Senior BFA Exhibit include the Forbidden Fusion Trading Card Game, America250 PA internship work, an award winning design poster series, mixed media pieces, paintings, t shirt collections, and a rare peek inside his personal sketchbooks.

Tyrone Butler Journey: Clay as Artistic Home

Tyrone Butler has been searching for the one art form that makes him feel truly alive since childhood. Inspired by creators like Jaiden Animations, Scott Pilgrim graphic novels, and JoJos Bizarre Adventure, he explored sixteen different mediums, painting, animation, fashion, graffiti, and more, but none quite clicked.

Everything changed in his third year at Rosemont when a ceramics class with Professor Donna Usher placed a ball of clay in his hands. It was immediate, Tyrone experienced a kind of artistic love at first sight. Clay felt responsive, hopeful, and full of possibility.

After eleven years of searching through pandemic disruptions, school closures, and countless creative experiments, ceramics finally gave him the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment he had longed for.

In the Senior BFA Exhibit, Tyrones’s ceramic works represent the culmination of that journey and the beginning of a lifelong artistic relationship. He is now pursuing a master’s degree in ceramics, ready to deepen his craft even further.

Join Us for the Senior BFA Exhibit Opening Reception

The Senior BFA Exhibit runs April 29 through May 11, 2026, in the Patricia M Nugent Gallery. The opening reception on May 2nd from 4:00 – 7:00 pm is free and open to the entire Rosemont community: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. The public is also invited to come to their thesis defense events on Wednesday, April 22nd & Wednesday, May 6th – both at 11:00am.

Come celebrate these talented students, connect with fellow art lovers, and witness the incredible talent that defines Rosemont’s creative spirit.

The Rosemont Experience

At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, effective communication and problem solving are cornerstones to success. That’s why students take classes across multiple disciplines—to learn to approach complex situations from multiple angles. We also recognize the importance of real world experience in preparing you for a career. In fact, every student engages in at least one internship, volunteer effort, or service learning opportunity.

In the Heart of Suburban Philadelphia's Iconic Main Line

• Beautiful 58 acre Main Line campus located in serene suburban Philadelphia.
• Current students have access to world class advanced degree programs through exclusive partnerships.
• Rooted in Catholicism we welcome all faiths and beliefs.
• Coveted 11:1 student to faculty ratio providing an unparalleled educational experience.
• An average class size of 13 ensures a high caliber, personalized education.