First Friday Exhibition
Date: April 4
Time: 4-7pm
Place: UNL Architecture Hall, HDR Pavilion Lobby

Placemaking in Cultural Landscapes: Memories from the Killinger China Program
About the Exhibition:
This exhibition by Professor Emeritus Mark Hoistad explores the concept of placemaking through a curated collection of ink drawings that capture the cultural landscapes of China and Japan. Based on photographs taken by the artist between 2008 and 2019 and completed as drawings in 2024, the series reflects the intersection of natural landscapes, designed structures, and the people who shape them. The exhibit features thirty black-and-white ink drawings, ranging in size from eight inches square to ten by thirteen inches. With a disciplined focus on light, texture, and patina, the works emphasize structure and nuance over personal interpretation, offering a bridge between traditional realism and abstract minimalism.
About the Artist:
Professor Emeritus Mark Hoistad is an internationally respected urban designer whose work spans five continents, earning numerous design awards and publication in professional journals. His projects range from large-scale urban design in the U.S., Africa, and Asia to commercial, residential, and institutional architecture, as well as liturgical furniture and decorative arts.
Throughout his career, Hoistad has held key administrative roles, including founding the Landscape Architecture Program and serving as Associate Dean. He has fostered interdisciplinary collaborations across the university and developed a semester-long study program in China—both central to his career and legacy.