Art & Design Students Showcase Work at MoCCA Arts Festival

Students from Montclair State University’s Department of Art and Design made a powerful impression at this year’s MoCCA Arts Festival, one of New York City’s most prominent events celebrating independent comics, illustration, and small press culture.

Accompanied by Professor A. T. Pratt, students from the Products and Zines course participated in the festival, held March 28 and 29 at the Metropolitan Pavilion and hosted by the Society of Illustrators. Now in its fifth year under Professor Pratt’s leadership, the course’s presence at MoCCA has become a hallmark experiential learning opportunity within the department.

Throughout the weekend, students independently ran their own exhibition table, presenting and selling original work to a large and engaged audience. Their offerings included comics, zines, prints, stickers, T-shirts, and handmade objects, many of which sold attendees eagerly supported emerging artists. This direct interaction with the public gave students invaluable real world experience in marketing, audience engagement, and creative entrepreneurship.

The 2026 festival drew thousands of artists, publishers, and fans, reinforcing its reputation as the city’s largest independent comics and cartoon event. For Montclair students, the experience extended beyond sales. It was an opportunity to network with industry professionals, observe current trends in illustration and publishing, and situate their work within a broader creative community.

Over the past two years, the Products and Zines course has seen significant growth, expanding to three sections. In addition to Professor Pratt, this year’s sections were also taught by Professors Andre L Davis and Anthony Gambino, allowing for increased student participation and a larger presence at the festival.

The department also celebrates Professor Pratt’s individual achievement at this year’s festival. He was one of only fifteen artists to receive a MoCCA Award of Excellence for his comic Action Baby Comics: Animal Alphabet, a prestigious recognition highlighting outstanding work in the field.

Participating students included Angel Rodriguez, Ashley Ortiz Tovar, Justinee Massabny, Kelsey Ayala, Liany Sanchez, Jerusa Larancuent, Jazmin Gamboa, Jailynn Winn, Hailey Amanna, Abubacar Keita, Alana Schwartz, Alexa D’Alessandro, Amelie Barritas, Arianny Matos, Camila Pena Marte, Celeste Nova, Cyan Villar, Gavin Kisla, Elias Galdamez, Kaden Zofrea, Katherine Nicholas, Kimberly Peralta, Liz Seidemann, Maura Mayfield, Melissa Aydogan, Nate Quintero, Pauline Magos, Sean Wall, Simone Lino, and Skyla Vera.

The Department of Art and Design is incredibly proud of these students for their professionalism, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their success at MoCCA reflects the strength of Montclair’s commitment to hands-on, career focused learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in the evolving landscape of contemporary art and design.