Graphic design faculty present at conference in Finland

Published 09.20.2022

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Two graphic design faculty members from Pennsylvania College of Technology presented insights on visual literacy at an international conference in Finland in mid-August.

Brian A. Flynn and David M. Moyer, assistant professors of graphic design, were featured at the 54th Annual Conference of the International Visual Literacy Association, held at the University of Jyväskylä, in Jyväskylä, Finland.



David M. Moyer (left) and Brian A. Flynn, assistant professors of graphic design at Pennsylvania College of Technology, presented at the International Visual Literacy Association Conference, held in Finland. (Photo provided by Flynn)The duo’s presentation, “Visual Literacy: A Foundation for Design Foundation Curriculums,” included material from their co-authored publication, “Visual Literacy Workbook for Graphic Design and Fine Art Students,” published by Oxford University Press.

With the theme “Connecting & Sharing – Envisioning the Futures of Visual Literacy,” the conference invited scholars, educators, students and practitioners from around the world to discuss theoretical insights and to share research, artistic and educational practices around the concept of visual literacy.

“Our experience in Finland, at the 54th International Visual Literacy Association Conference, was both productive and informative, providing us with the opportunity to interact with visual educators from 13 different countries as well as faculty from Purdue, Rutgers, Louisiana State University and other U.S. college and universities,” Flynn and Moyer shared. “The conference sessions we attended and conversations we had with presenters enhanced our perspective on visual literacy.”

A photo taken by Flynn showcases the Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki, the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.Visual literacy is a vital part of pedagogical, artistic and research practices of various kinds. For over five decades, the concept of visual literacy has been used across disciplines, most prominently in education, art, museum studies, information design, photography and new literacies research.

Flynn holds a Master of Fine Arts from Indiana State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbus College of Art & Design.

Moyer received a Master of Fine Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Delaware.

To learn more about Penn College’s graphic design and advertising art majors, contact the School of Business, Arts & Sciences at 570-327-4521.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.