See how our students are mastering the fine arts, in year-end exhibitions and shows, all of them free.

• Design M.F.A. Graduation Exhibition — Master of Fine Arts candidates Charlotte Semmes and Christine Tao present their final research and creative projects, documenting the theoretical framework and methodology that went into them. Through June 6, Design Museum, 124 Cruess Hall. Opening reception and M.F.A. presentations, 6-8 p.m. May 23. Regular hours: noon-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 2-4 p.m. Sunday.

• Between Time and Beyond Words: Patterns of Consciousness — Semmes demonstrates through creative explorations in pattern how mindfulness and ritual can enhance the design process. The intuitive play of line, color and shape in each pattern is a sensory and emotive response to a moment in time. The body of work includes hand-painted mandalas on silk, a unique collaborative community quilt project and digitally printed textiles encompassing 100 days of spontaneous hand-drawn patterns.
• Visual Research Archives: Rethinking and Redesigning the Management of Research Materials — Tao identifies design strategies to increase the organization, dimensionality, clarity and accessibility of information stored in digital reference management applications. Her work demonstrates how visual and spatial attributes improve recognition, memory and recall to more effectively manage and make sense of the vast and invaluable resources collected by researchers. This exhibition highlights Tao’s user-centered and collaborative interdisciplinary research and design process, from initial inspirations to concept and design development.

• Ensemble Explorations — Two dramatic art M.F.A. candidates show their directing skills. Peet Cocke directs Heaven on Earth by Charles Mee; and Andrea del Moral directs three selected scenes, including one from Romeo and Juliet. 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 120 Wright Hall. Followed by an audience talk-back.

• M.F.A. Dramatic Art Design Showcase — In which scenic designer Travis Kerr and costume designer Loree Sweger discuss their work for stage and screen. 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, Main Theatre (Wright Hall).

• Past Year Reservations ­— Works by first-year Master of Fine Arts students in studio art: Brett Davis, Jamie Dunn, Rachel Gelenius, Jacob Greenlund, Daniel Harano, Jeffrey King, Alyssa Lempesis and Joyce Nojima. May 23-June 4, in the old Nelson Gallery offices on the first floor of the Art Building. Opening reception, 5-8 p.m. May 23.

• 2013 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition — Works by Andrew Armas, Jason Engelund, Evan Jose, Sarah Julig, Andrea Muñoz Martinez, John Tronsor and May Wilson. June 1-22, Nelson Gallery, Nelson Hall. Opening reception, 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 7. Regular hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday, and by appointment on Fridays.