Elisabeth Kvernen is a graphic designer and communications specialist with more than a decade of experience working in multiple design disciplines. She has worked with non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, universities, and small businesses — both locally and globally. Past clients include the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, the Louvre Museum, the New York Public Library, and the Kennedy Center. She currently works as an Assistant Professor at the School of Media Arts & Design at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Elisabeth earned her M.F.A. in Integrated Design from the University of Baltimore in 2009. Her M.F.A. thesis project on Arabic, Ottoman, and Persian calligraphy http://calligraphyqalam.com received international acclaim. She recently curated an exhibit, “Here + There: Exploring Multi-layered Identity through Photography” featuring photography by refugee high school students that received an Anthem Award for Best Local Community Engagement.
Elisabeth grew up a global citizen, living in Ethiopia, Nepal, India, and the United States. As an adult, she has lived in Syria and Vietnam and has spent extended time in the Netherlands, Thailand, Lebanon, and Turkey. These international experiences continue to shape her perspective and approach to communications and design. Elisabeth teaches magazine design in Urbino.