1st Place

Dorian Sabo, Transportation Design, Senior

“Eternal Flow”. This design was inspired by the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s, a man-made ecological disaster that turned vast stretches of the American Midwest into barren wastelands. Decades of aggressive farming practices stripped the land of its natural resilience, allowing massive dust storms to sweep across the plains, displacing millions. Yet, from that devastation emerged a lesson in sustainability—soil conservation efforts restored fertility, native grasses returned, and ecosystems slowly healed. The flowing, organic forms in Eternal Flow echo the shifting winds and rolling dunes of that era, while the earthy greens and deep terracotta’s symbolize both the scars of overexploitation and the promise of renewal. The lone plant stretching upward is a tribute to nature’s endurance, reminding us that balance can be restored if we learn from the past. Eternal Flow is not just a rug—it’s a call to honor the land and ensure history does not repeat itself.

2nd Place

Anya Shpeter, Product Design, Senior

“Reef Revival” – tells the story of resilience beneath the waves - a tribute to the coral reefs that fight to survive despite climate change and pollution. Inspired by the regenerative beauty of ocean ecosystems, the design echoes the vibrant tapestry of marine life, where corals, seaweeds, and hidden creatures weave together in a delicate dance of renewal. Bold organic shapes and fluid patterns represent the evershifting tides, the struggle, and the hope of nature’s recovery. This rug is meant to be the heart of an eco-conscious space – a home, a marine conservation center, or an educational space - serving as a daily reminder that healing is possible when we protect and nurture our planet. Like a reef rebuilding after bleaching, this design reflects the power of restoration, urging us to take action before the oceans lose their color forever. It is a symbol of both warning and hope, a call to preserve the beauty we still have.

3rd Place

Karlee Szczesniak, Interior Design, Senior

“Ripples”. Inspired by the movement of water, Ripples symbolizes impact, regeneration, and the connection between humanity’s actions and the planet. The flowing lines and organic forms symbolize water’s continuous movement, representing nature’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global warming. Each ripple reflects the daily choices individuals make, illustrating how these decisions leave lasting imprints on the natural world. Despite the negative effects humanity has imposed on Earth, Ripples serves as a reminder that even the smallest actions can promote meaningful, positive change, reinforcing the power we hold to regenerate and restore. Designed for sustainable interiors, Ripples encourages reflection and fosters conversation around healthy living. Spaces such as water conservation centers, wellness and reflection rooms, and sustainable homes align with the values of growth and transformation, promoting sustainability and the health of the planet.

Honorable Mention

Rachel Barker, Colors Materials Finish

We have an underlying desire to follow nature. To adhere to its underlying forms in the pursuit of harmony and beauty. We are constantly overwhelmed by nature’s surprises and find ourselves wanting to mimic the natural phenomena. We are in the midst of a turbulent climate that is searching for the impossible. When considering Earth’s ability to transform and evolve, I encourage one to consider bioluminessece. The biochemical reaction on a living organism. Within a source of midnight blues, neon like teals and the hint of Future Dusk purple. These colors are driven by imagination and the unknown technological future, set against a backdrop of a shadowy mysterious purple. Filling us
with uncertainty and wonder feeding into the transition of the brightness below. The possibility of synthetic creativity blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Taking into consideration the texture of a dry soil but emitting a glow that could quite possibly link us to reducing mankind’s ecological footprint. This is dedicated to the global work that is currently being done for climate change. To perhaps harness the capabilities of bioluminessence for a sustainable alternative to public lighting. Combatting visual pollution, cutting energy costs and improving quality of life through aesthetic appeal. What we could learn from future inspired climate action can be as endless as the bioluminescent glow, because life will always find a way.

Honorable Mention

Madeline Riggs, Photography, Senior

“Roots of Change” – depicts a world growing too hot for nature to sustain. The flowers melting under the intense heat symbolize the fragility of life in a warming climate and how fast action is needed. Despite speaking about warm temperatures, I choose a cooler palette to suggest hope of improvement and change in the future. I envision the work to live at a coffee shop, sit-down restaurants, library, a modern home, or even a school study room. The work is suited for more quiet, relaxing places.

Honorable Mention

Karlee Szczesniak, Interior Design, Senior

“Rings”. Inspired by the growth of rings of a tree, Rings symbolizes growth, resilience, and the passage of time. Serving as Earth’s lungs, trees breathe life into our planet, cleansing the air and sustaining ecosystems across the globe. Each ring represents Earth’s ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment, showcasing nature’s persistence despite drastic shifts in climate change. The organic shapes and fluid lines reflect the strength of forests and remind humanity of the importance of sustainability and regeneration. Inspired by the natural world and designed to promote sustainable living, Rings is crafted for eco-conscious interiors. These spaces not only bring the outdoors in but also seamlessly blend with their surrounding’s offering occupants a deeper sense of connection to the environment. Interiors such as wellness and reflection centers, nature preserves, and sustainable houses embody the values Rings promotes, fostering a stronger connection between people and the world around them.

1st Place

Rachel Barker, MA Color & Materials, 1st Year

I was inspired by the Biomorphic designs that generate such organic and naturally occurring patterns and their translation to the viewer. When you pair this with the current movement pressing forward to Biophilic living, you retain an appreciation for all that surrounds us. Many are finding that adopting this lifestyle we become a bit more productive, reduce our stress levels and become more focused. Especially when it comes to our own healing and mental well- being. With the reality that we have grown accustomed to due to the Pandemic, redesigning how we engage within our homes with others and ourselves is very important. Japanese-American Designer, Architect and Sculptor Isamu Noguchi had an affinity for biomorphic designs. Displayed unequivocally in his very famous coffee table design. He believed that ART should become one with its surroundings. This resonates well with me. This design is an ode to Isamu Noguchi as well as the emerging geometries of Pop art and architecture during the 1960’s thru the 80’s with a slightly modern calligraphic appeal is some of the forms I chose. Selecting neutral greens and browns that will go well with trending colors and themes emerging for this year.

2nd Place

Milena Pukalo, Product Design, Sophomore

“Nuclear Family Redefined”. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant and political American culture of the 1960s and1980s, where new genres including pop art, concept art, modernism emerged, my rug aims to capture the newfound essence of artistic rebellion and social commentary in the beauty of art during these eras. Particularly, the iconic imagery associated with Andy Warhol and the dynamic street art of Keith Haring. Intermingling colors reminiscent of Haring’s palette are juxtaposed with modern interior trends on the market; interwoven with Haring-esque figures, & the belief that simplicity is still beautiful. This fusion creates a striking narrative that reflects the spirit of now and then, emphasizing the importance of art as a medium for social change and self-expression. My rug serves not only as a functional piece but also as a thought-provoking canvas, inviting viewers to engage with its message and history; while making them feel al home, together and lavish.

3rd Place

Hoda Solati, MFA UXD, 2nd Year

“Nostalgia Elegance”. This design, influenced by the captivating OP Art movement, mesmerizes with intricate patterns and optical illusions reminiscent of the era’s bold creativity. Infused with warm, earthy colors echoing nature’s palette, our rug effortlessly blends nostalgia with modern aesthetics. “Retro Now” isn’t just a rug, it’s a statement piece crafted to transcend spaces. Whether adorning homes craving a touch of nostalgia, design and art offices seeking inspiration, personal studios yearning for creativity, or hotels embracing tranquility, this rug creates a sanctuary of calmness and relaxation inspired by nature itself.

Honorable Mention

Samanta Mantua, Communication Design, Senior

After researching artists from the time period, artist, nun and educator Corita Kent, stood out as the perfect source of inspiration. Corita Kent’s most influential work existed in the 1960s and 1970s. Her artwork reflected the time period, using language to express concerns about poverty and war, advocating for civil rights, peace, and social justice. Her bold silk screen printed pieces drew inspiration from modern day pop culture and consumerism, similar to Andy Warhol. In contrast to Warhol, Kent used consumerism language to spread messages of positivity and hope. She looked for joy in everyday things. I took inspiration from Kent’s bold colors, imperfect shapes, and the ability to overlap colors to create depth. This rug fits a modern interior design aesthetic that would work well in a space of warm tones. I can see this rug in a space with mid- century modern furniture that balances neutrals with pops of color.

Honorable Mention

Morgan Newby, Interior Design, Freshman

My rug is based on the Afro Hair Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It was a cultural and political statement that challenged the Eurocentric beauty standard of having straight hair. This movement in particular spoke to me as a black woman because it’s very clear that afros were a huge staple at this specific point in time but I feel like we recognize the style as more of a trend and less of a political movement. In the design itself I incorporated line art and a silhouette of a black woman sporting her natural hair along with warm and vibrant oranges. I believe that all of these elements scream 1970s and shed light on an important moment in history that should be given more attention. I could see this rug in the living room in front of a brown leather sofa with some complimentary throw pillows to tie it all together.

Honorable Mention

Kyleigh Kotulis, Interior Design, Sophomore

The inspiration behind this rug derives from the Neo-Expressionism era of the 1970s – 1980s with a retro-now execution. Neo- Expressionism can be identified in art by usage of bold and saturated colors, paired with dramatic and distorted shapes to curate an emotional response to tell a particular story. Pulling inspiration from a notable artist of this period, Philip Guston (1913- 1980) and Georg Baselitz (1938 present day); their artwork consists of primarily abstract forms accompanied by a bold color palette. I chose to maintain the original narrative of the Neo- Expressionism movement, a retaliation against minimalistic artwork while incorporating modern elements of modernism. My idealized placement of this rug is to be displayed in a gathering setting; a great room; a home library, and a living room. The reasoning behind this is that I envision this rug being a conversation starter, a piece to be viewed with interpretation, pondered and analyzed.

1st Place

Samantha Mantua, Junior, Communication Design

I was inspired by Dada artist Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Though some of her work involves geometric shapes and grids, I was drawn to the pieces she made that showed a human side, with imperfect lines and illogical placement of forms. With this in mind, I took a checkerboard pattern and abstracted it, drawing not so much with reason, but with feeling, until the positive and negative space felt balanced. Growing up, my mother taught me to look at abstract shapes and think of things it resembled. Still to this day, I am drawn to abstractness, where meaning is endless and the energy of the piece is really what moves you. This rug would be used in an environment that was neutral and in need of additional energy. The soft geometric form would work well with a modern space, with modern pieces.

2nd Place

Madeline Riggs, Sophomore, Photography

“The Pinecone”. The Pinecone is an abstraction of an organic composition, which is a true interpretation of surrealism. The piece reminds me that we are all organic seeds of something much bigger. When you look deep inside of all of us, we are quite different than our shell.
A pinecone can be recognized quickly from a distance, yet one must look closely in order to differentiate a single cone from others. They offer strong lines and textures that vary from one another. They are simultaneously rough and smooth. The shapes are simple, curvy, and natural. I chose a black background, representing night-time, where the seed is both vulnerable and protected. Strong, yet softer tonal colors of brown, tan, beige and cream indicate warmth and offer an inviting aura. “The Pinecone” is a charming, versatile piece in which I vision laying in a cozy room, such as foyer or bedroom. Although its organic woodsy feel would fit well in a den, library, lodge, or a room with a cobblestone fireplace.

3rd Place

Shima Solati, Graduate Student, MFA

“Soundless Sound”. The Soundless Sound is the sound of our world. It is inspired by nature and dreams. It represents calmness, beauty, and magic behind a turbulent world. Using Persian calligraphy for the expression of discipline and conveying the emotions with the help of colors show the essence of this world which is harmony and peace in the middle of disorder. Circular forms in contrast with harsh forms are the sign of contrast and at the same time they are the sign of connection and uniformity. Bright colors are the sign of hope and enlightenment. Combination of forms and colors and using calligraphy and letters is the best way for representing meaning, emotion, and movement. Soundless sound challenges the viewers to find beauty and hope in the middle of chaos and disorder. This asks the viewer to think and hear the sound behind reality.

Honorable Mention

Sarah Craven, MFA, Color & Materials

This design channels the dreamlike landscape of surrealism through organic movement. The use of bold colors paired with black lines harkens to the graphic quality of works by Girogio Di Chirico and Salvador Dali. Step gradient swirls create illusions of depth, leading the viewer throughout the composition. Two eyes anchor the design and pay homage to the special treatment eyes, and perception played in Surrealism. This rug could exist in a contemporary space as a statement focal piece.

Honorable Mention

Mahsa Khashkbar Poroushan, MFA, UX Design

“Woman”. This rug is designed for a cozy feminine interior, and its overall form is a mixture of contemporary and retro styles. The women’s freedom movement in Iran inspires this rug. In this design, the two contrasting colors, “Italian Clay” and “Midnight Blue”, are used to express the gentle presence of women in a dark society. Mid-tones like blue-purples and yellow-mustard drive the color’s narrative and balance, and alongside the curves, feel soft-modern. The surreal intersection of the dark shadow with the soft clay pink, which shows the image of a woman’s face with its curved form, signifies a woman’s resistance against the surreal shadow of tyranny. A wavy curve on the right side of the design expresses the women’s hair tied around the neck of a dictator. Also, a woman’s fingerprint has been used for the background texture. The reason for this choice is to illustrate women’s determination to change the
arms of power.

Honorable Mention

Desreal Shorts, Junior, Crafts and Materials Studies

“Any Body?” The inspiration for this piece came from redefining the conversation we are having about the human form. What is the female body vs the male body vs a body that is no longer defined by those terms. Where do the curves belong and who do they belong to? Who gets to be called a woman or a man and who defines what that looks like? How do I define it? The natural pastel color range helps guide how the conversation is shaping and being shaped by other races, cultures, and communities? As soon as we seen to come about an answer it slips delicately away, peering out and hiding, creating a maze of non-sequential patterns that we playfully continue to discover.

1st Place

Alore Niemi, Junior, Fashion Accessories

When reading the prompt, I was inspired to tackle the subject of “culture” differently. I chose a subculture that has a history rooted in Detroit but has affected the whole world – the culture of nightclubs. The history of music in this city is incredibly rich and I wanted to celebrate it through this design. Clubs bring people of all walks of life together, and they are all enjoying a shared experience of music and socializing. The colors are pulled from a 70’s style color palette, with brick red and tan complimenting teals and greens, to create a subtle but will bold appearance on the rug. Teal is a combination of the calmness that comes with blues and renewing properties of green, symbolizing a feeling that can overcome you when you experience live music. The cool colors play with the warmth of the brick and tan, which symbolizes sensuality as well as stabilization through friends. These elements work together in the form of loose interpretations of audio waves, to dance across the composition and bring this theme to life.

2nd Place

Marziehsadat (Mahsa) Banadaki, MFA, Color & Materials Design

All of these colors have unique poetic meanings in Persian culture. Torques blue represents the Iranian sky. The color was especially highlighted in the golden period of Persian architecture; they used blue in their mosques to illustrate the sky on the interior of the building. The Persian (dark) blue color is used as an accent to give different variations of a single red hue, depending on the surrounding blue. Ancient Iranians use to make this dark blue color out of costly stone, because of this, it represents pride in their culture. The red color is very unique, especially in the Persian Rug, and is known as “Lucky Red” in Iran. It is often used in their traditional clothes and even in their carpets. The extraordinary light cream color in Iran is called “Khaki Cream”. It represents the soil and is seen as vital to life, without land, they believed there was no life the earth. Together these colors illustrate the traditional Persian aesthetic in a modern way. The forms are simple, and the aim is to allow the color to be the focal point within the rug.

3rd Place

Kelsey Dahl, Senior, Illustration

As an artist, my passion has been to create work that is centered around growth, enlightenment and community
empowerment. With so many distressing issues occurring worldwide, that we’re all facing collectively, I find it very important for us to seek peace and healing during times of transition. The color I’ve selected (Cobalt Blue) is a descendant of the color Azure Blue which can be linked to the Blue Buddha. This color in Tibetan culture represents tranquility, ascension, infinite, purity and healing. I’ve selected the Buddhist culture for my design inspiration because this culture shares similar values to my core values as an artist, such as the Four Noble Truths, which Buddha taught, the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that frees us from suffering. The thesis for my design is focused on the importance of alinement and balance in the world of experience. At the center of the composition is an abstract depiction of the Yin and Yang, symbol which represent balance. The shapes around the center can be represented as communities acting as a support structure. The surrounding Lotus flowers symbolize the enlightenment we will find collectively when we learn to work, live and love together. The rays beaming out of the composition represent the sun which is the source of life. I believe we’re all searching for truth and peace in our lives. I feel this design can speak to many target segments and be appreciated in home settings, many public settings such as office spaces, hospitals, school libraries or almost anywhere were individuals are seeking to find a sense of calmness or grounding during their day to day.

Honorable Mention

Kaitlyn Krueger, Senior, Textiles

Indigo + Terracotta is a rug design inspired by the beautiful natural history of Chinese culture. In China the color blue represents the natural element of wood. Blue is also used to symbolize immortality and advancement. The Chinese often use the color blue in their kitchens to represent growth and optimism. Terracotta is an earthy read/orange tone clay that was found by the First Emperor of China, Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum (246 to 208 BCE, but not discovered until 1974 by Chinese farmers). Terracotta is used often for sculpture; it has a thick and malleable texture that can easily be molded. Many planters are molded out of terracotta, similar to how the color blue represents growth and optimism, terracotta pots are used for the growth and protection of natural plant life. I envision this rug being loved in someones kitchen or someones sunroom, where growth of all life takes place whether a human or plant./p>

Honorable Mention

Ashley Waddell, Senior, Illustration

This rug design is inspired by the African tradition of mudcloth dying. I was fascinated with both the mudcloth dying process, as well as the beautiful natural colors and patterns achieved by using this technique. This fabric dying tradition comes from northern Africa and is a tradition that dates back to the 12th century. The process involves weaving together thin strips of plain fabric and dying them in a bath of leaves and branches. After the first layer of fabric dye dries, beautiful patterns are painted on the cloth with mud. After the mud dries it changes color from dark brown, black or gray depending on the type of mud used. The designs painted on the cloth are used to tell stories, some relating to family traditions and others having more generalized meanings. In my rug design the main shapes I use are triangles. Triangles are important to
African culture, because they represent their strong connection to the cosmos. An inverted triangle symbolizes the stars and/or the sun while a triangle resting “upright” symbolizes earth. Their connection to the natural world is something I wanted to capture in my design. As for my color choices I chose a two-tone design using white and tan. This color pallet is subdued as I wanted to fit into a buyers existing color pallet. This rug is meant to be used in the home, in a space where people come together. My hope is to inspire others to think about their connection to the natural world while also introducing pattern and variety into their space.

Honorable Mention

Jenna Wyly, Freshman, Photography

My color is bronzed-golden. There are infinite amounts of colors, but not all of them are referred to by their titles, that would simply be too complicated and confusing! Just as I have described this color instead of labeling it plainly as yellow, or over complexly with its actual scientific name, I believe people should not be categorized into such basic colors as Black or White, etc. I chose a color that I feel the same way about.
Humans are such complex beings that they don’t deserve such fundamental descriptions just as colors don’t. The culture I have chosen is the mixed race. I am mixed between African American and Caucasian, however, the rug does not stand for only one mix, it stands for all culture combinations. Within my design, the bronzed-golden color may not appear strikingly saturated but is most definitely prevalent. Although biracial people are typically raised in a way that suits one side of their heritage more heavily than another, both sides are there, and both matter. The side that is overpowered is the side that sets apart the individual from those they are typically surrounded by. Just a hint of another culture adds a shimmer, a golden light to an otherwise bland canvas of culture. The golden color is often also a common trait to be found in the iris of biracial people. Finally, the pattern is seemingly random and unconventional. Not only is it made to represent the curl pattern often unique to mixed men and women, but it is also meant as a statement that it is okay to not always go with what is common. It shows a new path, a new way for a new race. The mixed race. The human race. I will no longer check my race as black or as white, I am a bronzed golden. Just like a rug, we are all made to be adored, looked at beautifully, and we all add something special to the room.

1st Place

Samantha Tenorio, Freshman, Illustration

I visited Mexico City and was greatly inspired by the Aztec Culture, specifically the Aztec ran god Tlaloc. The Aztec People would always do an annual ritual so that the rain god Tlaloc would bring bountiful rain and help their crops grow. The design of the water comes from ancient drawings from the Aztec people who documented the rituals they held. I wanted to bring in a sense of growth to my design that shows how important rainwater can be to the land, along with using the colors that were used in many Aztec paintings seen in caves or their own buildings that were close to water.

2nd Place

Abigail McManaman, Junior, Illustration

“Hope for the Future”. Water is at the very center of our lives. It is vital to our present and future. Here in Michigan we are blessed to be surrounded by such an abundance of water. I remember on a family vacation in my childhood going to a lake absolutely filled with water lilies. It was probably one of the most beautiful things I have seen. I’ve always loved the romance and beauty of the water lily. They were my main source of inspiration for the project. I thought their repetitive nature would translate beautifully into a rug design.

3rd Place

Kelsey Dahl, Senior, Illustration

“A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold to a thirsty man”-Unknown. Water is a necessity we all take for granted every day. Everyone was reminded of the importance of clean water in 2014 when we found out the residents of Flint, Michigan are consuming, cooking, and bathing in water contaminated with lead. My rug design is an abstract reflection of how the Flint water crisis caused detrimental damage to the residents of Flint, Michigan. Still continues to every day, for no other reason other than greed and negligence. The design has a base of beautiful blue clean water. The rust orange color on the rug represents the color of Flint’s water. They form into ripple-like motifs to symbolize the impact of a few covetous city officials had on the entire community of Flint. When designing the rug I was keeping a residential environment in mind.

1st Place

Manal Shoukair - Senior, Fine Arts

Inspired by The Heidelberg Project – in part of a political protest as neighborhoods began to deteriorate after the 1967 riots.The Heidelberg Project welcomed visitors, developed a creative art center, community garden and a welcoming atmosphere to name a few. The design of this rug should be used in any optimistic, creative and welcoming space.

2nd Place

Nadine DuPont - Senior, Interior Design

This rug design is a deconstruction of Woodward’s original plan for the City of Detroit. The pattern represents communities coming together, to build a better future. The colors are meant to evoke happiness and positivity, while the color disbursement shows activity and activation expanding outwards from the heart of Detroit.

3rd Place

Indigo Carr - Senior, Fine Art

Being born and raised in Detroit I can witness firsthand how things have changed and evolved here in my hometown. The theme I decided to focus on was Detroit’s transit. In honor of black history month, I learned that all the people-mover stations downtown was designed by a black architect and now the QLine being here, Detroiters are able to get to destinations all over midtown and downtown the transit system has changed drastically, the growth here as definitely shown in transportation so I decided to make that the focus of my design for this year’s Student Rug Competition.

1st Place

Katherine Chmielewski, Junior

This rug is inspired by the concept that graffiti is not only a form of art and expression, but a form of communication. The design featured on this rug takes deconstructed letters of the alphabet and connects them to create a graphic pattern. The scrambled letters represent the potential for expression as well as the potential power that words hold when the letters are assembled - similar to the power that graffiti holds in communities as public art.

2nd Place

Josephine Leone, Sophomore

For my rug design I chose to abstract the form of clay brick. Many street artists choose to use bricks as a canvas for their expressive and colorful art. I believe brick is a warm material that instills feelings of security because if its strength. I relate to the material because the skill of masonry is one that has been passed down through generations in my family. I see how this fundamental skill has influenced me and my own creative decisions throughout my life.

3rd Place

Jacqueline Franciosi, Freshman

My design was inspired by the adrenaline rush experienced by graffiti artists as they quickly apply the medium before being caught. The pattern was created by drawing adrenaline molecules and allowing the pen to smear. The rug can fit into various spaces, such as a contemporary loft or school.

Honorable Mention

Abraham Buddish, Junior

Graffiti is ever changing.It starts with one mark and then grows until the creator is done. It often continues to change by people adding on to it or painting over it. Sometimes the city/owners paint over the graffiti blocking our view of it. But we still know that something exists beneath the gray paint. The censored or covered areas spark our imagination wondering what was there. The gray also creates a fresh canvas for the next beginning.

Honorable Mention

Jennifer Rudziensky, Freshman

When I think of Detroit street art, the first things that come to mind are the little things I see everyday that help make Detroit feel like home to me and the thousands of other people that live here. One of these such things are the several underpasses in the Midtown area that feature colorful geometric designs painted by local community groups (including CCS students!). For this reason I chose to create a design that also reflected this sense of playful geometry, that would remind people of these "voices of Detroit. In examination of the cultural impact that graffiti art has had on our city, I think it is also important to note the work of extremely influential artists such as Shepard Fairey, who have left their own mark on the Motor City and its wonders. The color palette I chose for the rug is intended to mimic that of Shephard Fairey's pieces, which often feature a neutral color palette with red for their defining elements.

1st Place

Ashley Kreger

A fingerprint. The most true form of someone’s identity. Each of us is made up of so much; our appearance, our race, our religion, and our citizenship. Those of us who stand together in the great City of Detroit may come from many unique places but we stand as brothers and sisters.

2nd Place

Esther Licata

I am the daughter of an amazing woman who is a German immigrant to Detroit, and this design was largely inspired by my mom’s story. I wanted to focus on the importance of family in a strong community, and on my Mom’s irreplaceable influence in my family. I used pattern motifs from German folk art, as well as personal symbols of my mother, such as the central flower. Throughout the design, there are images of more organic forms transitioning into more geometric patterns.This is my attempt to depict how the variety of people and families here in Detroit combine to create a beautiful structure. The environment where I see this rug being used would be in a lively dining room, under a family table. My intent was to create an image consisting of spoon-shapes adding a delicious variety of colorful things to the design.The rug would be an appetizing reminder of a family dinner table, and also a depiction of Detroit as a “mixing bowl” filled with the great variety of living cultures welcome here.

3rd Place

Nadine DuPont

The inspiration for my design was an emotional response to the effects of immigrants being extracted from their sense of familiarity. I feel as though their energy permeates as they search to find their place in their new surroundings. The flowing circles represent a rippling effect, and the darker aqua cores represent the inner peace that we are all searching for within ourselves.

Honorable Mention

Rebecca Zimmerman

For this rug I was really inspired by the immigrant families I have met and became friends with. All of these families are extremely diverse in personality, values, cultures and dynamics but they all share a common goal, to make the lives of their families better. All of the people I have drawn are made from one line to show this connection. I think this particular rug would be cool in a more contemporary environment.

1st Place

Casey Follen

Casey used the iconic architecture, Belle Isle’s history and the impressions of light and color encountered in the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

2nd Place

Katherine Chmielewski

Katerine found her inspiration in beautiful glasswork in the Belle Isle Conservatory

3rd Place

Amy Ferguson

Amy drew her inspiration from the history of Belle Isle “The White Swan”

Honorable Mention

Nadine Dupont

Nadine’s inspiration included the natural elements of water and sky and the revitalization of the Isle

Honorable Mention

Mallory Waring

Mallory’s design was inspired by the weddings held on Belle Isle using the beautiful myriad of colors on Belle Isle throughout the year.

Honorable Mention

Rebecca Zimmerman

Rebecca’s design was inspired by the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.

1st Place

Nicole Doering
“My design symbolizes that all animals need to be cared for.”

2nd Place

Maria Leone
“My design was inspired by the look of how the fur of an animal grows.”

3rd Place

Alejandra Roig
“I was touched my Mr. Snow’s love for animals and based my design off his name reflecting animal and human footprints.”

Honorable Mention

Andrea Del Rio
“Welcoming Red Shelters”

Honorable Mention

Julie George
“Animal Kingdom”

1st Place

Andrea Del Rio

Her inspiration was derived from local historic buildings and the use of Pewabic tiles on them.

2nd Place

Bethany Radloff

Her inspiration was the colors and designs of Pewabic tiles.

3rd Place

Dan Marceau

His inspiration was the artistic vision of Mary Chase Stratton.

Honorable Mention

Andrea Del Rio

Her inspiration was derived from local historic buildings and the use of Pewabic tiles on them.

1st Place

Jessie Morley

"Industrial Revolution"

This rug is inspired by traditional Pewabic tiles. Meant to represent a single tile which speaks to Detroit’ s past, present and future. Detroit has always flourished with the help of industry and is on the path to returning to its former glory.The rug can be either stand alone on a wall as an art piece or be placed on a floor.

2nd Place

Daniel Haidar

"Peace"

The Dandelion Tree has cotton like fibers that carries away seeds and spreads them everywhere as it flies with the wind. This is the way we can bring both nature and peace to Detroit.

3rd Place

Joseph Diamond

"People Mover"

The uniqueness of Pewabic Pottery is not in the pottery, but it is the fact that the pottery is made in Detroit. This rug is inspired by something that is unique only to the city of Detroit, The People Mover. The design is based upon the routeof the people mover.

Honorable Mention

Sarah Maczko

"Restoration"

The blue squares represent the revelation collection of the Pewabic Pottery. The blue is the riverfront mosaic, which signifies the Detroit River. The black line is an abstract form of the Detroit skyline. It is done with imperfection to represent the arts and crafts movement. The black line and blue squares are intertwined to show that the old and new buildings in Detroit are still today created by using Pewabic Pottery.

1st Place

Miyi Li

Inspired by cracks in the concrete and community gardens.

2nd Place

Julie George

Inspired by Detroit skylines.

3rd Place

Kelleigh Swain

Inspired by Detroit architecture and a flame rising out of the ashes” dawning on a revitalized City.

1st Place

Nichole Davis

Inspired by the tires left around the city. The green track represents moving in a direction where cars will be greener.

2nd Place

Josh Thornton

Inspired by cells under- going mitosis” and “two major grids that make up Detroit.

3rd Place

Rachel Kowalczyk

Inspired by the people of Detroit reaching out to one another to help strengthen their city.

Honorable Mention

Tra Page

Inspired by revitalization, creating more green spaces & public gathering places.

1st Place

Lauren Magda

"Natural Wonders"

2nd Place

Emily Crowley

"Michigan Waterways"

3rd Place

Jacqueline Sommerville

"Petoskey Stones"

Honorable Mention

Erin Greener

"Raisin River"

1st Place

Anthony Kieren

2nd Place

Kristina Prybula

3rd Place

Veronica Bayagich

1st Place

Virginia Peckenpaugh

2nd Place

Maria Filar

3rd Place

Bridget Sullivan

Honorable Mention

Stephanie Kolb

1st Place

Lauren Moyer

"Campus Martius"

2nd Place

Virginia Peckenpaugh

3rd Place

Anh "Nicole" Phan

"The Trail of Earth"

Honorable Mention

Lauren Moyer

1st Place

Diana Skylacos

2nd Place

Charlotte Lemke

3rd Place

Diana Skylacos

Honorable Mention

Megan Deal

1st Place

Kevin Beasley

2nd Place

Megan Deal

3rd Place

Amy Rauner

Honorable Mention

Megan Deal

1st Place

Tracy Metivier

2nd Place

John Arndt

3rd Place

Sarah Tereau

Honorable Mention

Kacy Semma

1st Place

Daniel DeMaggio
2004

2nd Place

Sheila Baker
2004

1st Place

Golnaz Armin
2003

2nd Place

Saima Qureshi
2003