From garden sculptures to posters of actor Johnny Depp, this year’s “Degree Projects” show by Pacific Union College art students was a study in variety—and depth.

Some may not consider art projects to be very scholarly, thinking that an artist merely creates something that looks nice. But there’s much more than “looking nice” in the artwork of these senior fine art, graphic design and photography majors. In addition to the months of intensive planning, research and lab time, many of the projects displayed in this PUC Rasmussen Art Gallery show have deep personal or social significance.

Take graphic design major John Predmore’s “Y Estos son los Nombres/And These are the Names.” Drawing from his Columbian heritage, Predmore documents in a small, cleanly designed book the history of his grandfather’s family. As Columbians leave their country in astonishing numbers, Predmore’s commentary zooms in on individual faces and offers first-person narratives from each family member. Hearing from such individuals, Predmore suggests, “will teach that these topics … are just as much about you as it is about anyone.”

Another project exhibited was “Pods,” Bethany Hufnagel’s giant, mosaic-covered garden sculptures displayed on a tidy bed of real grass. Her project may not offer social commentary, but it does reflect a practical direction in Hufnagel’s life: After she completes the landscape architecture program at UC Davis, Hufnagel hopes to use mosaics in pool and walkway design. “I want to incorporate art and landscape,” she explains.

The show also included photography. “Immortals,” Kara L. Wetterlin’s captivating collection of black and white portraits, shows elderly people making expressive faces. Wetterlin explains, “Black and white photography has the ability to capture the beauty of growing old; it emphasizes the deep lines of life and laughter.”

As she spent time with these individuals, Wetterlin found herself touched. “The subjects for ‘Immortals’ blessed me with amazing reactions,” she recounts. “The interaction was fascinating.” “Immortals” will also be exhibited in the care facility where some of the individuals live.

“Degree Projects” demonstrated that these 22 talented, dedicated young artists have tuned their eyes and minds beyond the surface of appearances—and, in the process, have also created works of art that please, inform and move their viewers.