CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art will present the Spring 2026 Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Group Thesis Exhibition from Friday, May 1 through Friday, May 15.

An opening reception will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1, in the south lobby of the Kamerick Art Building (KAB). The exhibition will feature the work of four graduating seniors completing their Art Studio degrees.

On the same evening, the Department of Art & Graphic Design and Women’s & Gender Studies celebrate “Birds & Babes: Gender Roles and Feminine Expression from the UNI Permanent Collection,” by Ian Less, senior BFA Studio/BA Art History/Certificate in Museum Studies student, with a joint reception. The exhibition is located in the Mary Haskell-Hansen room of the UNI Gallery of Art and celebrates the 50th anniversary of UNI Women’s and Gender Studies. Featuring Barbara Cutter and Ted Hovet, presentations on the history of WGS will begin at 5:30 p.m. in KAB 111. 

Morgan Drilling (Riceville, IA) presents “Behind Closed Doors,” a series of intimate self-portraits set within the private space of a bathroom. This series of self-portraits examines feminine experiences and gender expectations through quiet scenes within a bathroom. The bathroom is a place of privacy and control where we are confronted with self-reflection, internalized social pressure and routine.

Ian Less (Dubuque, IA) debuts “FIDO,” a multimedia exhibition blending printmaking, sculpture and drawing.  Less brings a silly tone to sentimental topics. Their work uses a single symbol, affectionately named “Big-Headed Dog,” to speak about the cycle of love, loyalty and loss in day-to-day life. 

Rose Moses (Cedar Rapids, IA) will present an exhibition of printmaking, drawing, photography, video, and more, titled “In Transit to Paper Paradise.” His work deals with issues of gender, science, cars and the self through inspiration from macho films like “The Fast and the Furious,” outfits, hair and makeup of actresses in the 60s, science fiction media and the constantly changing scope of technological advances in our real world.

Grace Pratt (Cumming, IA) showcases “Introspection Illuminates Body,” a sculptural exploration of personal growth and self-discovery. Working across unconventional materials — including butter, ceramic and yarn — Pratt creates abstract forms that illuminate the body and inner experience. She is currently apprenticing with Iowa State Fair Butter Sculptor Sarah Pratt.

Guests are encouraged to attend the WGS presentations at 5:30 p.m. in KAB 111 followed by the joint reception at 6 p.m. on May 1, celebrating the BFA seniors, the closing of “Birds & Babes: Gender Roles and Feminine Expression from the UNI Permanent Collection” and the milestone anniversary of Women’s and Gender Studies at UNI.

All events are free and open to the public.

The UNI Gallery of Art is located on the main floor of the Kamerick Art Building. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special hours of 10 a.m. to noon on May 15.