La Roche University Celebrates Student Creativity at Positive Space 2026

PITTSBURGH, Mar. 27, 2026 – La Roche University welcomed students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals to the opening reception and awards ceremony for Positive Space, the University’s annual juried art and design show. The event took place in the Cantellops Art Gallery on March 26, with an awards reception in the Zappala Campus Center Square.

The exhibition features outstanding work from students in Graphic Design, Interior Architecture and Design, and Design Studies, providing a dynamic showcase of creativity across disciplines. Positive Space offers students the opportunity to share their work with the public and connect with professionals in their fields, highlighting the depth and diversity of talent within La Roche’s Design Division.

The exhibition runs through April 16, 2026, is free, and open to the public, with works spanning design, photography and visual arts.

Best in Show Winners

Interior Architecture and Design – In Good Company
Krishna Patel, Laura Adams, Amanda Santiago and Faith Pongrace

In Good Company is a whimsical tabletop store concept designed to celebrate the joy of hosting and gathering. Through layered lighting, tactile materials, and thoughtful layouts, the space encourages visitors to explore curated tableware and home pieces while imagining meaningful moments around the table.

Ms. Patel shared, “Receiving Best in Show is deeply meaningful, as it reflects the level of intention, discipline and thought invested throughout the process. From shaping the spatial experience to refining each detail, this project challenged me to design with greater clarity and purpose. I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished and grateful for the dedication my team brought to every stage. After many long nights, seeing everything come together made this recognition especially rewarding!”

Ms. Pongrace added, “To put it simply: thank you for holding this show, and for this opportunity. I am someone who is shy and reserved about myself and my work, so to hold this event where you can put work out there and allow it to speak for itself — a quiet relief for someone more at ease making things than explaining things — is extraordinary. Thank you for encouraging students like us to share our work; to let it be seen, to be appreciated. To maybe even be loved in ways we never could have anticipated. The confidence gained from that is irreplaceable, and I’m grateful to be part of a department so willing to instill that in its students.”

Ms. Adams also shared, “Winning Best in Show for our 3D retail model is incredibly meaningful to us because it represents not just the final product, but the countless hours of collaboration, creativity, and care that went into it. It was an unbelievable feeling to be recognized for something we were already so proud of. Positive Space gave us the opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come as designers and to celebrate that journey alongside our peers and faculty, which made the experience even more special.”

Graphic Design – Extinct Animation
Lucy McGonigal

Extinct Animation is a hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation exploring the world’s environmental and social challenges through the lens of a woman observing the consequences of human division. The narrative encourages audiences to confront pressing issues and work collaboratively to restore the planet. The animation can be viewed here.

Ms. McGonigal shared, “La Roche University is a close-knit community, which is something I have found strength in, moving on my own from Northern Ireland to Pittsburgh. Through the support of the design team and my peers at La Roche University, I have watched my confidence, ability and reliance grow stronger not only in Graphic Design skills but also as a person in just one year. I had limited knowledge before, and now I will leave with so much more. I am truly thankful; I’ve made a home – away from home.”

She continued, “Positive Space has truly been an unforgettable experience for my close friends and me. It’s so exciting to celebrate our accomplishments and hard work that paid off. I was in total shock at all to receive any reward; it’s a privilege and an amazing opportunity to see other creatives’ hard work and talent. When an opportunity knocks, answer it.”

About Positive Space

Positive Space provides a platform for students to showcase their work publicly, engage with professionals from their industries, and celebrate their growth as designers and artists. With a wide array of categories and disciplines, the exhibition highlights the innovative spirit and talent of La Roche University’s Design Division.

Exhibition Details

Dates: March 26 – April 16, 2026
Location: Cantellops Art Gallery, Zappala Campus Center
Admission: Free and open to the public

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.