Ashley Sowerby

An Interactive Exhibition on Nostalgia, Abandonment, and the Illusion of Celebration Pity Party is a conceptual thesis exhibition created as my BFA capstone in Graphic Design at the University of Iowa. Developed over the course of my final academic year, the project bridges my personal history with my formal training in experiential design, fabrication, and emotional storytelling. It served not only as the culminating expression of my undergraduate education, but also as a personal reckoning with themes of covert childhood abandonment and emotional performance. Set within the familiar framework of a child’s birthday party, the installation juxtaposes visual playfulness with emotional unease. I fabricated key elements including a looping birthday calendar, oversized sticker dispensers, custom party signage, and nostalgic decor. These components were created using laser cutting, CNC routing, vinyl graphics, projection mapping, and traditional sculptural methods. Each object was intentionally distressed, altered, or scaled to subtly undermine its celebratory function. The design process included extensive prototyping, materials testing, and environmental planning to ensure the final space felt immersive but dissonant. I paid particular attention to visitor flow, sightlines, and how interactivity could function without digital intervention. Sound design, ambient lighting, and carefully curated textures all contributed to a multi-sensory experience meant to slow down the viewer and invite uncomfortable reflection. Inspired by I Spy books and the aesthetics of childhood ephemera, Pity Party presents hyper-detailed tableaus that reward lingering and introspection. Visitors were invited to interact with elements of the installation and contribute personal notes to a communal “wish box,” blurring the line between passive observer and emotional participant. Pity Party embodies my approach to design as both a storytelling tool and a form of personal excavation—crafted with technical precision, emotional depth, and a firm commitment to immersive, narrative-rich environments.

A Community Conversation on Modern Masculinity Redefining Him was a live storytelling event developed in collaboration with Investigate Midwest to raise funds and foster nuanced conversations around masculinity, identity, and vulnerability. Held at Poindexter Coffee in Iowa City, the event featured five speakers from diverse backgrounds sharing personal stories that challenged cultural expectations and traditional gender norms. As part of a student-led planning team, I served as team lead and coordinated all aspects of the event—from early concept development to day-of execution. I oversaw communication with our nonprofit client, managed internal collaboration, and supported key workstreams across marketing, programming, and guest experience. The evening was designed to feel intimate and reflective, with carefully curated decor, strategic lighting, and seating that supported open conversation. Interactive elements included live audience trivia between speakers, a silent auction, and social media prompts to extend engagement beyond the event itself. We prioritized accessibility, sustainability, and emotional authenticity throughout the planning process. Marketing focused on expanding beyond a college-age demographic, including a robust Facebook campaign and in-person flyer distribution. The event exceeded its fundraising goal, bringing in over $2,000 through tickets, donations, and silent auction proceeds. Redefining Him not only strengthened the community’s relationship with Investigate Midwest, but also offered a rare space for men and masculine-presenting individuals to be heard—unfiltered, vulnerable, and real.

An Interactive Jewish Gathering That Lights Up the Night Constellations of Community was a fully developed event proposal designed for the Jewish United Fund (JUF) to engage a diverse range of Jewish adults through interactive connection and storytelling. Though not implemented, the event was conceptualized in full detail with the intent to be handed off for execution. Set at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, the event centered on a star-themed framework that invited attendees to reflect on their individual identities and map shared experiences. Guests would receive color-coded tokens symbolizing aspects of their backgrounds and values, which they could exchange and contribute to a large-scale, evolving constellation installation throughout the night. As the lead planner and designer, I created the event’s visual identity, engagement strategy, activity flow, and take-home elements. Every aspect was intentionally crafted to prioritize accessibility, organic connection, and a sense of belonging—without relying on digital tech or forced icebreakers. The project included: A full event proposal deck and run-of-show Custom-designed interactive elements and signage Strategic engagement activities grounded in data visualization A branded takeaway concept to extend the experience beyond the event This concept was developed as part of an experiential design portfolio, with the potential to be adapted or implemented by partner organizations seeking creative ways to foster Jewish community. As part of the project handoff to JUF, I delivered a comprehensive event planning package that included a detailed run-of-show, venue layout recommendations, branded signage mockups, and a full suite of interactive activity materials. This also encompassed custom-designed token systems for participant engagement, concept renderings of the live constellation mapping installation, and copywriting for promotional materials. Additionally, I provided strategic guidance for outreach, accessibility considerations, and post-event engagement tools to help extend the event’s impact beyond a single evening.