May 10-12, 2024
See New Ideas Take Flight at Otis College
O-Launch is a weekend of in-person and virtual programs showcasing the future of art and design through the work of Otis College’s talented graduating students. Highlights include the campus-wide Annual Exhibition, the Fashion Show and Industry Night, and the commencement ceremony featuring special guest speakers and honorary degree recipients.
O-Launch Schedule
Friday, May 10
- Industry Preview: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- Annual Exhibition: 5:00–10:00 p.m.
- Otis Ceramic Student Sale: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
- MFA Fine Arts and MFA Graphic Design Open Studios: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
- Opening Reception: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
- Book Sale: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
- Fashion Show: 8:00–9:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11
- Welcome Back Alumni Happy Hour: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
- Annual Exhibition: Noon–6:00 p.m.
- MFA Fine Arts and MFA Graphic Design Open Studios: Noon–6:00 p.m.
- Otis Ceramic Student Sale: Noon–6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 12
Otis College Commencement in the Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College: Noon
O-Launch Events
Annual Exhibition
Friday, May 10, 5:00–10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 12:00–6:00 p.m., Campuswide
This campus-wide event showcases graduating student work across the College’s BFA and MFA programs as well as Interdisciplinary Studies. The MFA programs host open studios concurrently. Visit the 2023 Annual Exhibition website.
Industry Preview
Friday, May 10, 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Campuswide
Employers representing Los Angeles' creative industries will connect with graduating Otis College students who are shaping the future of art and design. Employers will have an opportunity to view senior projects from every department exhibited throughout campus and enjoy meeting the Class of 2024!
Opening Reception
Friday, May 10, 6:00–9:00 p.m. | Bobrow Thomas Green
Our opening reception welcomes alumni and friends of Otis College to view the Annual Exhibition and experience graduating student work. The evening includes music, complimentary drinks,hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to network with the Otis College community.
Fashion Show
Friday, May 10, 8:00–9:00 p.m. | Campus Commons
The Fashion Department hosts its annual runway show, featuring the work of the Junior and Senior class. This year's theme is The Art of Duality. The fashion show demonstrates the mastery of skills developed under the tutelage of seasoned industry professionals.
Welcome Back Alumni Happy Hour
Saturday May 11, 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Bobrow Thomas Green
Calling all Otis alumni! Join us for a special alumni happy hour during O-Launch weekend. Reconnect with fellow alumni, enjoy delightful refreshments, and immerse yourself in the inspiring work of the talented Class of 2024.
MFA Fine Arts Open Studios
Friday, May 10, 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 12:00–6:00 p.m.
(Galef Building)
MFA Fine Arts presents its annual open studios on Friday and Saturday of O-Launch weekend. Visitors can explore the individual studios of MFA candidates, meet and talk with the artists, and see firsthand why the Otis MFA program is one of the most vibrant, diverse, relevant, and vital MFA Fine Arts graduate programs.
MFA Graphic Design Open Studios
Friday, May 10, 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 12:00–6:00 p.m.
(Ahmanson, 612)
MFA Graphic Design presents its open studios on Friday and Saturday of O-Launch weekend. Visitors can experience student work and learn firsthand what makes the Otis MFA Graphic Design program unique.
Otis Ceramic Student Sale
Friday, May 10, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 12:00–6:00 p.m.
The Otis Ceramic Student Sale holds historic meaning beginning with Peter Voulkos in the 1950s, Helen Watson and Robert Glover in the 1960s and 1970s, Ralph Bacerra in the 1980s and 1990s, and Joan Takayama-Ogawa since 2011.
Book Sale
Friday, May 10, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Teaching and Learning Center, Anne Cole, 160
Don’t miss the Millard Sheets Library Book Sale. Check out new and gently used books, including art exhibition catalogs. All proceeds benefit the Otis College Library.
Commencement
Sunday, May 12, 12:00 p.m. | Marsee Auditorium
El Camino College in Torrance, CA
(In Person and Online)
O-Launch ‘24 culminates in Otis College’s Commencement ceremony, held at the El Camino College on Sunday, May 12, 2024. During the event, the College will also award honorary degrees. In-person attendance is by invitation only, however the online presentation is open to all.
Virtual Exhibition
(Online)
Whether you are an excited family member, a supportive friend, or on the lookout for new talent, explore the work of Otis College’s class of 2024! From dynamic animation to eye-popping designs, the 2024 Virtual Exhibition highlights top work by Otis College’s graduating students.
Los Angeles is a thriving hub of creativity and Otis College is at its heart. Join us for a full weekend of events and celebrate a new generation of artists and designers.
— Charles Hirschhorn
President, Otis College of Art and Design
Our Mission
Established in 1918 as Los Angeles’ first professional school of the arts, Otis College of Art and Design educates a diverse community of students to become highly skilled, well-informed, and responsible professionals—empowering them to shape the world. Alumni and faculty are Fulbright, MacArthur, and Guggenheim grant recipients, Oscar winners, legendary costume designers, leaders of contemporary art movements, entrepreneurs, and design stars.
Join Us
Have questions about where to park? Visit our Maps and Parking page to access directions and our full campus map. Please visit our Commencement page for event parking information. Parking is available in our main college lot which is accessible from La Tijera Blvd. Parking is limited and available on a first come first served basis. Ride share and public transit are highly recommended alternative modes of transportation for O-Launch weekend. Additional event parking was available at the corner of La Tijera Blvd. and Loyola Blvd. Signage was posted to guide visitors.