Designs, models and projects created by University of Arkansas students and alumni at the University of Arkansas Rome Center are on display in a "Back From Italy" exhibition hosted by the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The exhibition began May 18 and will conclude June 2.

All students participating in the exhibition have spent one or more semesters studying abroad in Italy, where some of architecture's greatest achievements served as the students' classrooms. The exhibition explores the nature and extent of the influence immersion in Italian architecture, art and culture has on students' work.

Students whose works will be featured in the exhibition are:

• Ashely Wagner, architecture major
• Holli Esmundo, architecture major
• Brandon McKenzie, architecture major
• Robert McElvain, architecture alumnus
• Patrick Colby Leding, architecture alumnus
• Lauren Evans, architecture major
• Laura Cochran, architecture major
• Kayode Grimes, architecture alumnus
• Caitlyn Juarez, architecture alumna
• Shaelyn Vinson, architecture alumna
• Juan Martinez, architecture alumnus
• Hayden Bramel, architecture major
• Phoebe Norcross, architecture major
• Ashlie Barnard, architecture major

Students from partners at the University of Arkansas Rome Center, including Auburn University and Philadelphia University, along with California State University, Clemson University, Florida International University, The Catholic University of America and the University of Notre Dame are also displaying works in the exhibition.

"I am very proud of the work produced by our students during their semester in Rome," said Davide Vitali, professor of architecture and director of the University of Arkansas Rome Center. "The working process the students undergo represents one of the 'significant moments' of their studies in architecture. For me, this is evidence of the positive impact that international education has in preparing future generations for their professional career."

The event is sponsored by the Embassy of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Association of American College and University Programs in Italy.