Inka Essenhigh’s painting “Moon and Tide”

Fine Arts alumna Inka Essenhigh (CCAD 1991) had two paintings reproduced in Artist Daily, an online forum for the art community.

Essenhigh’s paintings Moon and Tide and Minor Sea Gods of Maine accompanied a March 12 blog post that discussed the need for artists to be brave and fight to show their work to people and galleries. The article was written by the editor of Artist Daily, Courtney Jordan.

Essenhigh lives and works in New York City. She is from Columbus and attended Upper Arlington High School.

Classnotes, March 2013

We do our best to get most of the news you submit to us onto the CCAD News Blog, but because there are more than 10,000 of you making news all over the world, not everything can make it into the blog. We’re glad to have another venue where we can share everything with you—this newsletter’s classnotes.

You can submit classnotes via the easy-to-use form on the alumni landing page. We only post career-related successes, awards, exhibitions, and publications, but we’d also love to know when you move, get married, or have children—just use that same form.

Now, without further ado, your classnotes from December, January, and February!

Tim Rietenbach ’77, Joel Gundlach ’86, David Burghy ’89, and Danielle Julian Norton ’99 showed their work in a CCAD faculty exhibition at Columbus’ Cultural Arts Center. Read more here.

Jamie Berger ’78 curated PUSH Print, a book on contemporary printmaking published by Lark Crafts. Read more here.

Paul Emory ’78, Ellen O’Connell Bazzoli ’83, Alex Conrad MFA ’12, Nicole Crock MFA ’12, and Virginia Kistler MFA ’12 showed their work in the Ohio Art League Curated Exhibition, presented at the Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery. Read more here.

Richard Cowdrey ’81 illustrated the re-released children’s book The Legend of the Candy Cane. Read more here.

Joel Gundlach ’86 designed new starting blocks for New Albany High School’s natatorium. Read more here.

Ed Valentine ’91 and Michael Stillion ’02 had exhibitions at Linda Warren Projects in Chicago. Read more here.

Julie Abijanac ’92 had her piece Disease Mapping selected for the Fiberart International 2013 exhibition. Read more here.

Anthony Weiler ’94, Annie Weihrauch ’03, Hazel Tarr ’07, and Maggy O’Reilly VanOrder ’09 are participants in CCAD’s MindMarket Incubator. Read more here.

Benjamin Lane ’96 is now a story artist at Disney Feature Animation Studio in Burbank, CA.

Daniel King ’00 was featured in Temporary Art Review discussing his artistic career and inspiration. Read more here.

Anne Holman ’02 had a busy winter full of exhibitions and art sales. Read more here.

Mariana Smith ’02 showed work in exhibitions from the East Coast to the West Coast. Read more here.  She also had her piece Untitled (After Tarkousky Stalker) in the 34th Bradley International Print and Drawing Exhibition, hosted by Bradley University, Peoria, IL. Read more here.

Brian Williams ’03 had an illustration featured in ARTnews. Read more here.

Lea Gray ’04 and Eric Jefferson ’04 were featured in Alive!, a weekly magazine that covers events and culture in Columbus, OH. Read more on Gray here and Jefferson here.

Sean Conner ’05, Nate Reese ’05, Chris Meister ’06, Andrew Mark ’07, Scott Ulliman ’10, and Chavilah Bennett ’12 took home Columbus Society of Communicating Arts (CSCA) Creative Best Awards for their work with S77, a motion graphics company in Columbus, OH. Read more here.

Joaquin Baldwin ’06 was a juror for the 40^th Annual Annie Awards. Read more here.

Andrew Ina ’06 received a Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) Individual Art Fellowship in Media Arts this year. Read more here.

Boryana Rusenova Ina ’06 was in two group exhibitions in Michigan. Read more here.

Brent Payne ’06 was included in two juried exhibitions in Ohio. Read more here. He was also had work in an exhibition hosted by Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, TX. Read more here.

Michelle Dick ’08 is now working as an interior designer with Organized Home Remodeling, in Columbus, OH.

Brian Uhl ’08 had a solo exhibition at Static Age Gallery in Cincinnati. Read more here.

Steve Hubbard ’10 worked on animations for the movie Life of Pi. Read more here.

John Malta ’10 had his third illustration published in The New York Times. Read more here.

Kerry Kunze ’11 showed work in a group exhibition at Mount Vernon University. Read more here.

Alex Conrad MFA ’12, Nicole Crock MFA ’12, Leah Fisher ’12, and Crystal Tursich MFA ’12 had work included in the 13^th annual ImageOhio exhibition organized by Roy G Biv Gallery. Read more here.

Amanda Rouse MFA ’12 had a busy exhibition schedule including three juried and two group exhibitions. Read more here.

Ed Valentine’s “Untitled Portrait with Blue Drip and Painted Hat”

Associate professor and Fine Arts alumnus Ed Valentine (CCAD 1991) and adjunct faculty and Fine Arts alumnus Michael Stillion (CCAD 2002) have exhibitions at Linda Warren Projects through April 5 in Chicago.

Valentine’s exhibition Somebody’s Beauty will be up in Gallery Y, with Stillion’s exhibition B.Z.&C.: Bent, Zigzag and Crooked in Gallery X.

Both artists focus on portraiture—although their styles are drastically different.

Michael Stillion’s “Feather In a Cap”

Valentine’s portraits combine realistic painting with dripping lines, flat shapes, and patches that serve to spark the imagination and lead to a more complex manner of interpretation.

Stillion’s exhibition title references the historical Bellaire, Zanesville, and Cincinnati Railroad. In his portraits, Stillion embraces the meaning of items like scarves, gloves, socks, and jackets, which he uses to form his subjects.

From left to right: Mike Lorenz, Sean Svendsen, Sherry Jones, Chris Daniels, Todd Mendoza, Mark Mnich, Harlan Peden, Rob Green, and Kiel Mohrman

If you visit Priority Designs in Columbus you will likely run into some CCAD alumni, whether in the engineering studio, the prototype shop, browsing through fabrics in the materials library, or playing racquetball on the court they have in their lunchroom.

Priority Designs is a leading industrial design consultant and product development firm that works with companies such as Adidas, Mead, Lowe’s, TaylorMade, and more. We talked with several CCAD alumni employed there to ask what it’s like to work not only in a creative environment, but also alongside fellow CCAD alumni.

Meet Model Maker Rob Green (Illustration 1997), Senior Industrial Designer Michael Lorenz (Industrial Design 1991), Industrial Designer/Prototypist Todd Mendoza  (Industrial Design 2008), Senior Designer/Director Business Development Mark Mnich (Industrial Design 1997), Industrial Designer/Model Maker Kiel Mohrman (Industrial Design 2009), Senior Industrial Designer Harlan Peden (Industrial Design 2004), and Senior Industrial Designer/Insights & Brand Director Sean Svendsen (Industrial Design 1992).

Q) What is it like to work with other CCAD alumni?

Rob Green (RG): It’s strangely similar to the group projects we participated in during school. CCAD put an emphasis on group projects while I was there. It is how most projects are done in the workplace; multiple people are involved in the process of taking a project from idea to final deliverable. Knowing how to work in a group setting, being able to set egos aside to complete a task, and the ability to pull your own weight are abilities I have noticed in other CCAD grads.

Michael Lorenz (ML): One characteristic that stands out, in my experience, is the ability of CCAD alumni to communicate visually, through rapid sketching and other techniques, with confidence. Early in the design process when concepts are generated through sketching, whether digitally or [with] pen and paper, it should be clear what the intent of function and form are. Also, [CCAD grads have] a tendency to push the envelope in terms of material, form, color, mechanism, etc., and really get the details nailed down, which is revealing of a fine arts background.

Todd Mendoza (TM): We’re all family here. Working with CCAD alumni is really is no different than working with other industrial designers or mechanical engineers. We all come from various backgrounds that complement each other’s skills.

Mark Mnich (MM): Of course we often know many of the same people and, depending on our age, can sometimes recall the same instructors. We respect each other knowing that we’ve gone through the same grind and pulled those all-nighters. Eventually, we discover that most designers have a lot in common, no matter where they went to school.

Kiel Mohrman (KM): It’s great! Alumni are easy to work with and the projects always run smoothly. I’m guessing that what we learned at CCAD contributes to this.

Harlan Peden (HP): It definitely makes for a fun environment. Sharing our stories, ideas, and experiences from CCAD adds to our creative environment.

Sean Svendsen (SS): CCAD alumni are great to work with—CCAD grads are highly creative and generally have amazing artistic skills.

Q) Why do you think Priority Designs has a lot of CCAD alumni?

RG: With several other design schools close by, I doubt that proximity plays a large role in the decision. I would have to say that the students that are hired at Priority are the standouts in their class. When coming out of school, the strength of one’s portfolio and the internships that are under your belt are two key factors for getting hired, and a positive attitude always helps.

ML: Just a guess, but there is an emphasis on versatility at Priority Designs in terms of product category, material application, and level of mechanical complexity that creates a working environment that is suitable for a designer that is multifaceted in skill set, or at least multifaceted in interests.

TM: We’re a local company, minutes away from campus. Not to mention the talent that arises from basic foundation studies to extensive studio classes, all directly related to that specific career field.

MM: Proximity certainly has a hand in it, but we try to stay engaged with [CCAD] students by hosting tours of our office, reviewing portfolios, critiquing projects, etc. This interaction helps us identify the top students, so when it’s time to hire we know who to call.

KM: The hard work ethic and skills acquired at CCAD have a lot to do with it. When you’re done with the program, and if you’ve applied yourself, you’ll have a decent skill set to work with.

HP: For starters, Priority Design is located in Columbus. PD over the years has also been available to CCAD for critiques, in studio workshops, and assists with senior theses. This involvement allows for students to have an early exposure to PD, as well as helps develop a rapport that can lend itself to opening up future job opportunities.

SS:  I’ve found that CCAD alumni have higher visual communication skills than [those from] many other schools. Because of CCAD’s focus on fundamental art skills development, students get a deep grounding in fine arts. I find them generally better at sketching and 3D form sensitivity, which I think makes designs more emotionally compelling.

Q) Any advice for current students or fellow alumni who want to become involved with a company like Priority Designs?

RG: Make your portfolio as strong as possible. Feel free to contact any potential employer for portfolio reviews prior to graduating. Learn what they are looking for, because that will be applicable to most companies you will be applying to. Take the suggestions given to you and attempt to work them into your portfolio; it will usually improve the quality of your presentation. It also never hurts to get involved in portfolio competitions and win awards before you graduate; prospective employers look at those activities.

ML: When I was in college I had the benefit of being in a class where there was competitiveness, but also a willingness to share and critique each others’ ideas. I think that having a sharing attitude and not being afraid to critique and be critiqued while in school pays off big in professional life.

TM: Networking is key. While in school it’s important to meet and keep in touch with as many people in the industry as possible. Timing is everything, just as much as having a strong portfolio that accentuates your skill sets. We hire people not only for what they do, but who they are.

MM: Extend yourself beyond the requirements of the assignment. Like most employers, we’re looking for skills, passion, and commitment. We want people who are willing to keep asking questions and continue pushing themselves and those around them. You have to be highly adaptable; our world can change with a phone call.

KM: Don’t be afraid to reach out to [an employer] and show them your best work; if the quality is there then there is no problem getting matched up with a company like Priority Designs.

HP: Take an active role in visiting/touring or even having a portfolio review with local design firms. The design community is a close-knit group and having exposure and a line of communication open with any design firm can go a long way in helping a student find their first job.

SS: Work at making your portfolio visually impactful. We get tons of portfolios sent to us, and most of them don’t stick in our minds—they all look the same. You need to be distinctive, but in a way that is still appropriate. Use fewer words, and instead tell your story with simple compelling visuals. We see so many portfolios with tons of text and diagrams trying to tell a complicated story about the innovations they’ve created. The sad reality is when we get portfolios sent to us, they literally get about 10 seconds to catch our attention. If you didn’t instantly grab us with amazing visuals that tell a simple story, we move on. The marketplace of real products is the same. Consumers only give products on the shelf the same 10 seconds. Your portfolio is your shot to prove you know how to design successful products that can sell. If you want a great job out of school, your portfolio better be amazing.

Q)  Why do you love your job/working in a creative environment?

RG: What I like the most about my work environment is that we are rarely doing the same thing twice. There are projects that you are not as excited about, but that is always tempered by interesting and sometimes exciting projects that do come along. Plus, learning new skills is something that is always encouraged. It helps everyone when you can add a new skill set to the company’s bag of tricks.

ML: For me, the variety of experiences and challenges are fulfilling; there are always things to learn about technology, how things work, and human nature. And in a creative environment people tend to be optimistic and willing to share ideas. And of course, getting those projects that really improve life for others is what you tend to appreciate the most.

TM: I love being able to use my creativity to solve complex problems that arise in every product or project we work on. I also love that it’s different every day at Priority Designs. Since we’re a consultancy, we’d be working on appliances for Electrolux one day and then Nike golf clubs the next. We’ve fabricated concept bicycles, designed firearms, and engineered medical equipment. You really don’t know what client or what type of product you’ll be working on when you come into the studio on Monday morning.

MM: After 15 years, I can still make the claim that every day is different. It’s hard to imagine another job or career that can make that claim.

KM: I get to work on different projects every day; work never gets boring. I could be working on a project the size of a fork-lift one day and as small as surgical devices the next. Anything from prototyping to ideation, we do on a daily basis, so it stays super fresh.

HP: It’s fun, creative, goofy, exciting, and always different each day. Creative minds in a collective group can get crazy. Each day is a whole new task, and a whole new set of constraints, and a whole new objective. Projects can go from the most complex to the most simple and to-the-point. It’s great to have that uncertainty of what you are getting your hands into each day—it adds to the excitement. And having a group of people who you can bounce ideas off and work with to come to a common final result is extremely gratifying.

SS: I love the diversity of projects that we get at Priority Designs. It’s a fast-paced environment where we never know what we will be working on next. I can be designing golf clubs in our studio one week and the next week be conducting insight research on industrial equipment at the world’s largest copper mine in Utah. (That really happened.) The size and experience of our firm allows us to enjoy ever more challenging projects from the world’s most recognizable brands.

Q) What past experiences do you share and remember from being a student at CCAD? How has this impacted your professional career?

RG: The ability to work with deadlines and under pressure are two experiences that I will never forget from my time at CCAD. Short-timeline projects, especially in a group setting, were emphasized while I was there. Working at a consultancy, those skills are used over and over to deliver projects to our clients in a timely fashion. We always try to over-deliver our services to keep our clients coming back and telling others about Priority Designs.

ML: Honestly, what I remember the most is the exhaustion and sometimes despair of trying to get everything done well and on time. Also, being in a group of students that shared and critiqued out of a spirit of competitiveness, but also good will is something I remember. As trite as it may sound, these are the kind of experiences that prepare you for the real world.

TM: All-nighters. You may tend to think that once you’re in the “real world” they don’t exist anymore, but they do, at least they do here, anyway. Far too often we have large corporate clients with ridiculous lead times, and the bottom line is they have to get done. Unlike school, though, you can obviously not miss a deadline.

MM: Many of the design assignments at CCAD left some latitude for interpretation. Being resourceful and planning your work was critical to performing well. That holds true outside the classroom; not every client comes in with a clearly identified development path. You have to adapt to the situation, utilize your skills (and those of your co-workers), and follow through with passion and commitment.

KM: The hands-on experience was great. Being able to try everything or anything I wanted to do really helped me figure out the direction I wanted to go when I graduated.

HP: All-nighters, staying in the studio burning the midnight oil trying to get work done for a critique the next morning. It is still so true in the real world. There are times when it’s “all hands on deck.” Clients in the real world can sometimes have an unrealistic deadline that you have to meet; that’s when you buckle down, cancel any plans, and work till it’s done.

SS: I met some wonderful students when I was at CCAD. I still work with several of those people today. These relationships allowed me to find a great job at a great studio and have helped me build a great career.

Michael Bonardi’s “Newton’s Platter”

Fine Arts alumnus and CCAD admissions advisor Michael Bonardi (CCAD 2004), Fine Arts alumna William Shearrow (CCAD 1991), and Fine Arts alumnus and professor Kaname Takada (CCAD 1989) are featured in the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum’s Clay & Bead Works: Binding Together Two Cultures in Coshocton, Ohio.

The exhibition features Native American artifacts and works by contemporary artists and runs Aug. 17–Oct. 7, with an artist’s reception Aug. 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

The Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum opened in 1931 and is located at 300 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton, OH, 43812.

Nationwide downtown office

They can be found working on branding or pulling together a commercial or photograph. They’re our alumni, and they work for one of the leading insurance companies in the country, Nationwide. We recently got a chance to chat with four CCAD grads about what it is like to work with fellow alumni at Nationwide.

Meet Brand/Reputation Director Tara Roe (Illustration, 1999), Campaign Manager Pamela Watkins (Advertising & Graphic Design, 1983), Creative Director Marc Lincewicz (Illustration, 1992), and Multimedia Senior Coordinator Mary Kay Kemper (Advertising & Graphic Design, 1991).

Q) What is it like to work with other CCAD alumni?

Tara Roe (TR):  It’s fun! There is a common understanding of design and color because we all had the same foundation courses. CCAD grads have a lot of pride in their work and it helps Nationwide’s design continue to grow and evolve.

Pamela Watkins (PW): It’s great to find out someone is a graduate of CCAD—because of foundation courses and instructors, you immediately have a bond with a co-worker. It is also fun to see where we have landed; our careers can take such diverse courses.

Marc Lincewicz (ML): I guess I would say that when I discover that someone I’m working with has graduated from CCAD it forms sort of an instant bond. We have an understanding that we both went through a similar learning experience and probably have similar levels of understanding with regards to finding creative solutions to complex problems. It’s sort of that unsaid wink and smile that we get each other.

Mary Kay Kemper (MK): It’s great to re-connect with people I went to school with and to meet other alumni. It’s almost like they get it and they have a slightly better work ethic then others (at times).

Q) Why do you think Nationwide has a lot of CCAD alumni?

TR: Nationwide is a great place to work! We have a great creative culture within our design teams and they are encouraged to challenge ideas and push the envelope. There are also a variety of projects and opportunities to move within the company.

PW: There are so many opportunities at Nationwide that incorporate a part of your education from CCAD. We have great creative teams. Having both CCAD and Nationwide as such a big part of Columbus’ culture, it only makes sense that so many of us end up here.

ML:  Some people may be surprised to learn that Nationwide recognizes the impact that strong creativity has on our ability to communicate with our members. In my experience, on the design side of my training, CCAD taught me to always create with users in mind. People may be unaware that Nationwide sells much more than just auto insurance. Our in-house creative also consists of an internal photography department, web and interactive teams, video production, photo retouching, and we’re even moving towards 3D modeling. I also think Nationwide understands that CCAD turns out quality people who are prepared to take on a variety of creative challenges. Finally, the combination of the company wanting to be a creative leader and having a leading creative institution in the same city simply works well together.

MK: A big perk is having Nationwide located conveniently near the school. I was out of state for a while and when I returned to find work in Columbus I knew having a CCAD education on my resume would be a big benefit.

Remodeled Nationwide plaza/lobby

Q) Any advice for current students or fellow alumni who want to become involved at Nationwide?

TR: I started at Nationwide as an intern after attending a job fair just before graduating. My advice is to show up to job fairs and make connections. It truly is a key to building your network. It’s all about who you know. That will help you get the time to prove yourself to a potential employer. Have a strong portfolio, practice interviewing, and continue to push yourself creatively.

PW: Never close the door on what you might bring to the table as a result of your excellent education at CCAD. After a long career in graphic design, my first job at Nationwide was as a print buyer. That opened so many doors, and now I’m a campaign manager for Nationwide Financial, who would have thought!

ML: It can be a long, hard, and competitive process to break into Nationwide. The best approach is to be willing to start in a junior position and work your way up. If you are an alumnus with experience, your book needs to show serious talent and a commitment to your craft. Either way, a candidate’s book needs to be excellent, clean, and professional.

MK: A good way is to start as a contractor and test the water, see if Nationwide is right for you while the company will see if you will work out. I contracted for a while before going full time.

Q) Why do you love your job?

TR: I love managing a team of campaign managers and working daily with designers and writers. Although I’m no longer designing myself, I know that I need to stay close to it. Creative people bring so much more energy to the table.

PW: I still get to be a huge part of the creative process without doing the actual designs. I co-lead projects from strategy through completion. I’m always working on various platforms from collateral to conferences to web presence. I still get to partake in the background I love, while learning new things and developing new relationships every day.

ML: I love that Nationwide offers more creative opportunities than many people realize. I love the variety of creative challenges—there’s something new each day. I’ll be honest, I love a steady paycheck; the freelance world wasn’t for me, although I understand the corporate world is certainly not for everyone. I also like that what I do plays a small part in helping people get their lives back together after a problem. This company believes in the success of our city and our community.

MK: I just love it here and love the people! It’s a great creative environment!

Q) What past experiences do you share and remember from being a student at CCAD? How has this impacted your professional career? 

TR: I do lunch with Marc Lincewicz. We challenge each other to work on our art outside of Nationwide since we are both in management roles. I continue using my Color Concept and 2D skills in creating cards and occasionally selling them at the CCAD Art Sales, and Marc has showed his drawings/paintings in local art galleries. It’s great to have a fun, creative full-time gig, but also express our art on the side.

PW: All nighters! I worked part time, so my time was valuable and every minute counted. That taught me the discipline it takes to run a large campaign, work with so many teams, and balance budgets and deadlines. I also have an eye for what works and what doesn’t from messaging through design and that doesn’t come naturally. My education taught me to look at the details.

ML: My experience at CCAD was about constant work, a ton of pressure, and deadlines. I learned those deadlines had to be met. (Even the time I was at the hospital at 3 a.m. getting stitches for an Exacto knife cut.) It was an endless period of trial and error, of reworking and refining. I remember on my orientation day, President Cazani said to the freshmen, “Look to your left, look to your right, those people will not be with you on graduation day.” I knew at that moment I was probably facing a tough four and half years (it took 4.5 years to earn a BFA when I attended CCAD).  But the program being that tough taught me that I could take on seemingly impossible challenges. While I was never the smartest or the most talented artist, I knew I could hold my own. That core idea has stayed with me during my 17 years with Nationwide. It also applies to my fine art work that I do outside of the office.

Inka Essenhigh’s painting “Stubborn Tree Spirit”

CCAD alumna Inka Essenhigh (CCAD 1991) has a busy exhibition schedule this year with her work traveling to Japan, Ohio, Maine, and Tennessee.

Her first solo exhibition of the year, The Natural and the Man-Made, is being shown at Tomio Koyama Gallery in Kyoto, Japan. The exhibition features five paintings that showcase a progression from nature to the man-made world. The first painting in the series, Late August, depicts trees and nature at their most mature states. The paintings progress until the last, Manhattan, which shows a spirit world infusing with the man-made world.

Tomio Koyama Gallery describes Essenhigh’s paintings as presenting “a celestial and mystic sense of goddess in the natural world,” including “ugliness and beauty, sophistication and naïveté, the calm eyes and skepticism, and the strength of utopist dreams and beliefs.”

The Tomio Koyama Gallery exhibition is open until April 7, 2012.

Essenhigh, who lives and works in New York City, will show her work throughout 2012 in group exhibitions at the Dayton Art Institute in Dayton, OH, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport, ME, and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, TN.

American Greetings logo

Visit American Greetings and you could run into as many as 23 CCAD alumni. We got a chance to chat recently with four employees about what it is like to work with fellow CCAD grads in this great creative environment.

The CCAD alumni we talked to were Senior Designer/Illustrator Kelly Grupczynski (CCAD, 2002, Illustration), Senior Writer/Illustrator Erik Flesher (CCAD, 1991, Illustration), Creative Director Mark Harvey (CCAD, 1984, Illustration), and Graphic Designer New Product Concepts Heidi Appel (CCAD, 2001, Advertising & Graphic Design).

American Greetings states that they  hire people who “are passionate about their craft, exhibit engaging personalities, demonstrate very good communication skills, and who have an insatiable appetite for the world and people around them.” The company has nothing but high regards for the alumni who are currently employed there. “CCAD students and alumni stand out in specific ways with a good right/left brain balance—a positive career path since most of our creative leaders are CCAD alumni, and their creative development process stands out.”

Q) What is it like to work with other CCAD alumni?

Kelly Grupczynski (KG): It is has been nice. Starting a new job can always be daunting, and seeing a familiar face or having a common background helps take the edge off.

Erik Flesher (EF): I have worked with dozens of alumni over the years, and I always find it interesting to hear their stories about classes and professors. There is a sense of commonality among us that I think helps build a professional camaraderie as well as a friendship. I also know that being a CCAD alumni means they have mad skills.

Mark Harvey (MH): We are scattered all around American Greetings, and it truly has become a giant melting pot of talent. We even have mini impromptu reunions!

Heidi Appel (HA): I think it is excellent—we all share such rich experiences, and it is wonderful to be able to swap stories

Q) Why do you think American Greetings has so many CCAD alumni?

All: Their past relationship with recruitment and [AG's] proximity to the school.

EF: CCAD’s emphasis on learning solid design skills as well as trying to tap into each student’s imagination is a big reason. Whether they are looking for artists or writers, American Greetings has come to expect a certain level of professionalism and talent coming out of CCAD, so they tend to hire those graduates.

Q) Any advice for current students or fellow alumni who want to become involved at American Greetings?

MH: You need to be open to all possibilities. And have multiple skill sets in each category of art. The best philosophy is to work hard and play hard.

EF:  Develop a strong work ethic. Bring your sketchbooks along with your finished pieces to show the company. It will help American Greetings see how you think and construct. If you are looking to write, bring your own voice! Also, here is a biggie—spell everything correctly in your writing submission, I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but check and re-check.

KG: Take time in your portfolio and put something unique together. Reach out to fellow alumni at the company and have them offer their suggestions and critiques.

HA: Be persistent! Keep checking job boards, and make a website that houses your work.

The Town Square at the American Greetings headquarters

Q) Why do you love your job?

HA: I love the diversity of job positions available. There are also a lot of opportunities to collaborate and work with other areas of the company.

KG: My whole life I wanted to work in children’s entertainment and illustrations and here, I’m able to do just that! Currently, I am the lead illustrator for Strawberry Shortcake, which means pretty much everything and anything Strawberry gets seen by me! It’s an exciting prospect to think that one of my own ideas can get made into a television series or toy one day for the next generation to enjoy.

EF: I have worked here nearly 20 years and I can honestly say I still love coming in every day. Oh sure, there are frustrations and headaches, but that’s going to occur at any company. There is a freedom to be creative here. In many ways, AG is like an art school—you’re surrounded every day by other creative people, all doing amazing work, sharing ideas, and speaking the same language—but, unlike an art school, you get paid to do this.

MH: I have been with American Greetings for 27 years and I still love coming to work every day!

Q) What past experiences do you share and remember from being a student at CCAD? How has this impacted your professional career?

HA: I remember working my butt off! The work ethic has followed me into my professional career.

KG: Ha! For some reason, the first thing I thought of with this question was eating at our dorm cafeteria.  One time, the cooks made chicken cordon bleu and the sauce on the chicken was actually blue … cerulean blue in fact. Sadly, I declined the blue chicken. But what I really remember about school was how enthusiastic and encouraging our instructors were. Bruce Barnes taught me animation. Ron Saks taught me story boarding. I had illustration with Dave Groff, figure drawing with Dennis Drummond, oils and watercolor with Arthur Wang, portfolio class with Evangelia Philippidis—to name a few.

EF: When I think about CCAD, I can’t help but think of me all jacked up on caffeine, trying to finish projects at two, three in the morning. If you haven’t pulled more than a few all-nighters at that school, then you’re clearly not working hard enough! I also remember all the critiques. Sitting through those critiques definitely helped me learn to accept and give feedback—both good and bad.

Interbrand alumni: Front Row: Jen Rossignol, Les Maass, Jon Moser, Lauren Kemnitz, Ted Monnin; Back Row: Kayla Risch, Jack Hinkel, Susan Burke, Derek Robinson

Back in 1974, when Interbrand was founded, the world still thought of brands as just another word for logo and Les Maass (CCAD, 1974) was fresh out of college.

Since then, the Illustration major and a steady stream of other alumni talent have joined the ranks of Interbrand—a business at the forefront of the movement to capitalize on brands as business assets.

With one of the world’s leading brand consultancy companies consistently hiring our graduates we thought it would be worthwhile to take a look at the creative assets and traditional skills that CCAD contributes to the business of brand management.

Understandably, Interbrand’s human resources department must remain impartial and recruit from various schools, but we think (and admittedly we may be biased) that the company has made some wonderful hires and has some very talented tenured employees within its leadership who are graduates of CCAD.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, all of the CCAD alumni currently working at the Cincinnati office of Interbrand were Advertising & Graphic Design majors. We queried two of the nine alumni: Art Director Lauren Kemnitz (CCAD 2005) and Creative Director Ted Monnin (CCAD 1991). They don’t claim to speak directly for their classmates, but their perspectives illuminate the work environment of designers Susan Burke (CCAD 2010), Jon Moser (CCAD 2007), Kayla Risch (CCAD 2010), Jen Rossignol (CCAD 2009), Associate Creative Director Derek Robinson (CCAD 2001), Executive Director of Implementation Jack Hinkel (CCAD 1983), and last but certainly not least, the aforementioned Les Maass, who is a senior implementation designer.

Q) What’s it like to work for a company that hires so many CCAD alumni?
Lauren Kemnitz (LK) It makes me proud that Interbrand hires so many students from CCAD. It verifies that our education prepared us well for the working world. We all share a strong bond from our years at CCAD and love sharing stories about our experiences there. We respect each other’s skills and count on our ability to deliver strong strategic design solutions. The energy and passion for design we all carry is intoxicating.

Q) Why do you think Interbrand keeps coming to CCAD for employees?
Ted Monnin (TM) Interbrand is very interested in bringing in strong talent and developing them into world-class branding creatives. Our design process is built around concept development via collaboration and sketching ideas before going to the computer.  Having traditional hand skills to clearly communicate concepts and experience in a critique-based environment is key to successful design development here at Interbrand. CCAD grads have the skill set that works very well with our creative process. That, along with personal creative passion, are the elements we are looking for in our employees.

Q) For any CCAD grads heading to Interbrand or dreaming of one day working at Interbrand, what’s your advice?
TM) Package Design class is not optional, it is imperative. For a CCAD student it is where you will learn how a brand functions in the real word. Also, focus on your hand skills and how clearly you can represent your ideas through typography, color, pattern, and verbal expression. The idea is king, so make sure you can communicate your ideas clearly and can highlight all the facets of your concepts. If you are passionate about design and having your creative work and your career reach a global audience, then you need to look at Interbrand.

Q) What’s the best part about your job?
LK) I work with such talented people! I am inspired daily by the people sitting right next to me. The design world is ever-changing and learning from your colleagues is key.

TM) I really enjoy the collaboration involved in our creative process—the way we all work toward a common goal and how different ideas can come together to create exciting, breakthrough work. I also enjoy working closely with our younger employees and helping them develop into strong, world-class creative talent.

Q) What do you miss most about CCAD?
LK) Being around amazing artists all the time. The exposure you have to all the other art disciplines when you are at CCAD is incredible. I would definitely recommend to everyone that they network during their time at CCAD. Knowing the best photographers, illustrators, and artists can be a great advantage in the future.

Media Studies alumnus Nick Burkard worked on feature film Puss in Boots

Classnotes

We do our best to get most of the news you submit to us onto the CCAD News Blog, but since there are more than 10,000 of you making news all over the world, not everything can make it into the blog. We’re glad to have another venue where we can share everything with you—this newsletter’s classnotes.

You, too, can submit classnotes via the easy-to-use form on the alumni landing page. We only post career-related successes, awards, exhibitions, and publications, but we’d also love to know when you move, get married, or have children—just use that same form.

Now, without further ado, your classnotes from June 2011 – August 2011.

Jerry W. McDaniel (CCAD, Illustration, 1957) opened an art gallery and created a process video. Read more here.

Ming Fay (CCAD, Industrial Design, 1965) marked his 20-year anniversary displaying at Butters Gallery with his exhibit Full Circle.

James Markle (CCAD, Industrial Design, 1970) presented a speech about his environmental photography at the Tahoe Art League. Read more here.

Ron Miller (CCAD, Illustration, 1970) illustrates a French youth science magazine. Read more here.

Jamie Berger (CCAD 1975-1978) was featured in a HOW magazine article detailing the rebranding and success of their printing company. Read more here.

Jon Hair (CCAD,  Advertising & Graphic Design, 1976-1978) was featured in North Carolina’s Our State magazine. Read more here.

Kate Rivers (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1977) had an exhibition in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Read more here.

Michele Householder Funk (CCAD, Illustration, 1978) has released her children’s book, The Adventures of Pete and Max and the Lost Sock. Read more here.

David Groff (CCAD, Illustration, 1979) had illustrations featured in a healthcare calendar.

Matthew Kaser (CCAD, Industrial Design, 1984) and his design firm, Kaser Design, were recently awarded another interpretive planning and design job in Texas. The newest project is the historic site Presidio de San Sabá, in Menard, Texas.

Kurt Fondriest (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1985) was included in the annual Misericordia Home group show, which was visited by more than 1,400 guests. Read more here.

Jeff Preston (CCAD, Illustration, 1985) is featured in the DVD Masters of Art: Markers with Jeff Preston. Read more here.

Edward Buchanan (CCAD, Fashion Design, 1988-1991) had his designs  featured in the spring 2011 issue of France’s Blast magazine. Read more here.

Paul Hamilton (CCAD, Illustration, 1988) received the Phil Desind Award, given annually by the Butler Institute of American Art to an outstanding representational work. Read more here.

Scott Musgrove (CCAD, Illustration, 1989) launched an online show and nearly sold out in only three weeks. Read more here.

Tracy Hayes (CCAD 1990) recently moved her design firm SKUBA Designs to a new location on New Orleans’s popular Magazine Street. Read more here.

Peter Wachtel’s (CCAD, Industrial Design, 1990) invention, STAKE, is available for presale on Quirky. Read more here.

Wendy Emrey’s (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 1991) long career influenced a new pursuit. Read more here.

Julie Abijanac (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1992) has been accepted into the Studios of Key West Artist in Residency Program for the summer 2012. Read more here.

Samantha Bennett (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1995-1999) appeared on an episode of Everyday People on TLC’s NY Ink. Find out more here.

Hiroshi Hayakawa (CCAD, Photography, 1995) showed his kinetic sculptures in a Columbus gallery. Read more here.

Susan Li O’Connor (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1996) was one of three artists featured in an exhibition at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Carnegie Gallery. Read more here.

Sara Adrian (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1998) presented in September at FLASH!, an art show in Columbus.

Several CCAD alumni received awards at the opening of this year’s fine arts exhibition at the Ohio State Fair, including Andrew Ina (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2006), Corey Aumiller (CCAD, Media Studies, 2006), Amanda H. Cook (CCAD, Illustration, 1999), Eric Homan (CCAD, Media Studies, 1998), Brandon Antczak (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2007), and Adam Brouillette (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2002) . Find out more here.

Justin Shady (CCAD, Media Studies, 1998) interviewed Michael Altman (CCAD, Media Studies, 2000) in OC Weekly. Read more here.

Danielle Julian-Norton (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1999), a co-founder of Suite 42,  had an open-studio exhibition in Dresden, Germany. Read more here.

Michael Marucco (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 1999) has been promoted at Limited Brands, Inc., to senior art director of internet content for Victoria’s Secret Direct.

Damian Ward (CCAD, Illustration, 1999) illustrated a book written by Oscar-nominated writers. Read more here.

Anthony M. Nesossis (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 2000) recently completed a rebrand of various materials for the Educational Council. Read more here.

Brent Woodard (CCAD, Illustration, 2000) helped with a global anti-drug message. Read more and see the image here.

Paul Tepper (CCAD, Illustration, 2001) was recently featured on the cover of Columbus Alive! Read more here.

Nikos Rutowkski, (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2002) helped coordinate Franklinton’s Go West Festival, which featured work by several CCAD Alumni. Read more here.

Michelle Rozic (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2003) was appointed the new assistant professor of art at California State University, Northridge.

Cat Sheridan (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2003) was featured in a Wexner Center blog for her volunteer efforts. Read more here.

Michael Carney (CCAD, Media Studies, 2004) and John Malta (CCAD, Illustration, 2010) were both in the NY Times in August. Read more here.

Jen Chapman (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 2004) will be featured in HOW magazine in the fall of 2011 for her company Redsnapper Baby & Toddler. Read more here.

The alumni music trio of Beth Murphy (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2004), Adam Elliot (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2004), and Jared Phillips (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2004) performed at the Wexner Center and were featured in the Columbus Dispatch. Read more here.

Manjari Sharma’s (CCAD, Media Studies, 2004) latest project was featured on an NPR blog. Read more here.

Gabe Shultz (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 2004) created an experimental multimedia project and music album samples from the music of rock band Steely Dan. Read more here.

Elizabeth Weissbrod (CCAD, Illustration, 2004) was one of the featured artists in the June 2011 Hopkins Medicine magazine article “Illustrators of the Century.” Read more here.

Brian Scott Campbell (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2005) was invited to Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina as a visiting artist in September and will also be an artist in residence this fall at the McColl Center for Visual Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Steven Weinzierl (CCAD, Media Studies, 2005) has been named Favorite Color’s new creative director. Read more here.

Molly Burke (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2006) recently participated in a Cleveland West Art League (CWAL) exhibition with Cleveland painter Julie Morgan. Read more  here.

Andrew Ina’s (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2006) exhibition New Frontier was recently reviewed in the Columbus Dispatch. Read more here.

Melissa (Hofelzer) Spencer (CCAD, Media Studies, 2006) designed an exhibition invite and an interactive website. Read more here.

Seven alumni, including Nate Burns (CCAD, Illustration, 2010), Travis Czekalski (CCAD, Media Studies, 2010), Julie Hall (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2010) Katie Herbst (CCAD, Media Studies, 2010), Michael Lovett (CCAD, Fine Arts 2011), Alex Moore (CCAD, Fine Arts 2011), and Kevin Smalley (CCAD, Media Studies, 2006-08) teamed up to present Fringed: A Fashionably Fine Art Exhibition in Columbus. Read more here.

Nick Burkard, (CCAD, Media Studies, 2007) Dreamworks effects animator, detailed the work he did on the upcoming film Puss in Boots. Read more here.

Michelle Dick (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2008) had her first trunk show hosted by a Columbus boutique. Read more here.

Ashley K. Alexander (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2009) published her first novel. Read more here.

Cory Cantelupe (CCAD, Illustration, 2009) is currently doing work as a freelance sculptor for Hasbro, Inc.

Navy Seaman Jessica M. Pettinger (CCAD, Interior Design, 2009) recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Emily Spear (CCAD, Illustration, 2009) is finishing her first year as an associate product designer for Hasbro Inc.

Ian Horn (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2010) has found success with a new NYC business. Read more here.

Mallory McClellan (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2010) was featured in Columbus Alive! for the sculpture she built for Harrison Park in Columbus. Read more here.

Kartika Mediani (CCAD, Animation, 2010) was one of 40 college students across the country to receive a summer internship with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation. Read more here.

Ross Caliendo (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2011) was featured in a weekly Cincinnati newspaper for his participation in an exhibition. Read more here.

Jen Hutson (CCAD, Fine Arts, 2011) has been accepted into the St. Petersburg Clay Company’s Artist in Residence Program for the 2011-2012 term.

Angela Mancuso (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 2011) was appointed as the newest art director at Peebles Creative Group. Read more on their blog.

Amy McQuillin (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 2011) was hired as the Upper Arlington’s Cultural Arts Division’s intern.

Local tech company Bluemile, ranked in 2010 by Inc. Magazine as one of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, is featuring artwork by CCAD alumni and faculty in its New Albany office as one way to introduce visitors and other programs to the college. Read more here.

In Memoriam
Edmund Kuehn, (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1938). Read more here.
Charles (Chip) Kirker III, (CCAD, Illustration, 1971). Obituary here.
Dan (Danny) J. Schroll, (CCAD, Fine Arts, 1973). Obituary here.
Gerome Alexander, (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 1982). Obituary here.
Teresa Williams, (CCAD, Illustration, 1988). Obituary here.
Kathryn A. Gough, (CCAD, 1990). Obituary here.
Lacey L. Pope, (CCAD, Industrial Design, 2002). Obituary here.
Christine Salisbury, (CCAD, Media Studies, 2005). Obituary here.

Sample from a CCAD teaching portfolio

Several CCAD faculty were presenters at the recent Assessment in the Arts Conference in Denver, CO.

Associate Provost Char Norman, Dean of Fine Arts and Foundation Studies Julie Taggart (CCAD 1991), and Christopher Yates (CCAD 1987), chair of Foundation Studies, were among the art and academic professionals who shared their first-hand knowledge and experiences. Their presentation, Accountability and Exchange: Using Digital Portfolios for Assessment, focused on CCAD’s use, beginning in 2010, of faculty and student digital portfolios as part of its assessment process. The discussion touched upon the benefits, challenges, and opportunities inherent in the method.

Additionally, Liberal Arts’ Jeannine Kraft, chair of history of art and design, and Julie Posey, chair of science, teamed together to deliver a paper entitled Assessment in the Liberal Arts in the Art and Design College Context.

Held at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, the conference was designed to add to the body of knowledge of assessment of creative academic programs. Focal topics included improvement of student learning, how the arts can be appropriately assessed for accreditation, and techniques of providing assessment feedback.

Image courtesy of Wendy Emery

An recent article in the Columbus Dispatch spotlighting a local music and arts festival tells the story of how one CCAD alumna left a 20-year design career in pursuit of another successful artistic dream.

Advertising & Graphic Design alumna Wendy Emrey (CCAD 1991) traded commercial design projects for making glass beads and jewelry, which are available in several area galleries.

Through the process known as lampworking, Emrey melts and shapes glass to create unique beads. “I don’t make any two pieces the same,” she said. “No single bead is perfect, and no two beads are alike—just like each of us.”

The Westerville, OH artist began working with glass in 2008 and applies her graphic design and color expertise to each bead. For the third time, her work was entered in the juried art show of the annual Westerville Music & Arts Festival.

Read more about the Emery and the 37th annual festival in the complete article.

Alumni tell us why they love the Alumni Facebook page.

When we created the CCAD Alumni page on Facebook, all we asked was that you “like” us. What we didn’t anticipate was that you would love us.

In the few months it’s been up, the Alumni Facebook page has connected more than 1,000 alumni—you have shared everything from the best advice you ever received to the smell that always reminds you of CCAD. You’re sharing job openings and news; you’re searching for old friends and connecting with new ones. And now you’re telling us why you love the page.

From Walter King (CCAD 1981)
“For me, this site does double duty. As an alumnus, it’s where I access old photos, new information, and keep in touch with old friends. As a professor, it helps me stay in touch with all of the students I’ve taught over the past 25 years. It’s our CCAD alumni meeting place, and (since it’s already on Facebook) I can stay in touch with old friends all in one place with only one password to remember. Perfect!”

From Lisa Watson (CCAD 1991)
“The Alumni Facebook page is not only informative, but a motivating reminder of the past. All CCAD alumni hoped to make money with our talents. Reading of the success of friends and current students is good for the soul. It’s like social media stimulation for those rainy days in life!”

From Lauren Davis (CCAD 2009)
“There are certain things about social media I hate, and the main thing is the negativity (bullying, drama, games, etc.) that can stem from social media outlets. On the other hand, though, there are many things that social media is good for, one of which is connecting with fellow artists in your community or from our alma mater.

CCAD’s Alumni page on Facebook is a great example of this. My best friend (a fellow CCADer) recommended it to me, and it is amazing all of the people who do frequent the page. My favorite thing about it is being able to hear the stories, or see pictures of other people’s experiences at CCAD.

I know I haven’t been out of school long, but, like many people in my field, I work a lot just to be ‘living the dream,’ which I’m okay with, but it doesn’t leave time for going out and connecting with others. So I feel this page definitely helps me to see what is going on in the CCAD art world and with fellow artists in general. For instance, I would have never known that a fellow CCAD alumnus [Michael Carney (CCAD 2004)] is actually the one who designed the Brothers album artwork for the Black Keys. In all honesty…that is amazing.”

Want to get in on the fun? “Like” us today.

Designs by Fashion Design alumnus Edward Buchanan were featured in Vice Magazine.

Designs by Fashion Design alumnus and CCAD Fashion Icon award winner Edward Buchanan (CCAD 1988-1991) are featured in the spring 2011 issue of France’s Blast magazine; the spring summer 2011 issue of Italy’s Hunter Fashion Magazine; in Volume 3, Issue 3 of France’s Vice magazine; and in the first installment of Viktor Mag.

Buchanan is the owner and designer of international fashion line Sansovino 6. His spring line was also featured in the Ahead of the Class article in the March issue of W Magazine.

“This spring he has taken on the world of jeans,” wrote J.J. Martin for W. “Indigo knits, washed and distressed by an Italian denim specialist, have been used to create unisex cutoff shorts, jackets, and various pant silhouettes. The five pocket boot cut could be mistaken for a stylishly worn-in pair of Levi’s, but done up in fine-gauge cotton knit, it feels as snuggly as sweats.”

Read more in the CCAD News Blog, Alumnus, Fashion Icon Award Winner Featured in W Magazine.

Learn more about the fashion line on its website.

Roll Bike Air by Vince Campise

Vince Campise, a CCAD alumnus and an adjunct instructor in Advertising & Graphic Design, has a poster included in Pinchflat, an event to celebrate bikes and the opportunity to buy bike-themed works of art by Central Ohio artists.

The festivities on Saturday, May 14 began with a 1 p.m. bike ride leaving from Wild Goose Creative, 2491 Summit St. in Columbus, to pick up a beer keg. Other activities through 9 p.m. include music, food trucks, prizes, and art.

Over 25 limited edition posters, including one by Campise (class of 1991), will be available for $30 each. Attendees who buy a poster will be entered into a raffle to win prizes. Pinchflat posters will be available for online viewing May 14—June 17.

Pedal Instead is providing a free bike corral at Pinchflat and ThoughtCo will be printing t-shirts on demand.

Work by alumna Inka Essenhigh will be awarded to Tribeca Film Fest winners.

Fine Arts alumna Inka Essenhigh (CCAD 1991) is among the nine artists whose work will be awarded to Tribeca Film Festival winners during the 2011 event.

Essenhigh is joined by Robert De Niro Sr., Stephen Hannock, Mark Innerst, Tom Otterness, Will Ryman, Clifford Ross, Taryn Simon and Nate Lowman. The group represents the first set of donating artists for the Chanel-sponsored Artists Awards Program. Their work will be awarded to the filmmakers who win jury prizes at the fest’s awards ceremony April 28.

“When we started Tribeca we decided to award original artwork to the winning filmmakers in lieu of a trophy because we felt that one artist giving to another demonstrated the importance of artists supporting each other in their work,” said fest co-founder Jane Rosenthal in a blog on Hollywood Reporter. “We are so pleased to have these nine talented artists continue this tradition.”

The Tribeca fest runs April 20 to May 1. Learn more about Essenhigh on her website.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Kereszi, lisakereszi.com

The Alumni Society of School of Visual Arts will host CCAD Fine Arts alumna Inka Essenhigh (CCAD 1991) for the Distinguished Alumnus Lecture, March 3 at 7 p.m. at the SVA Theatre in New York City. Essenhigh earned her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in 1994.

After completing her MFA from the School of Visual Arts, Essenhigh had her first New York solo show in 1997. She gained attention as a member of the heralded late ’90s generation of New York artists. Her paintings depicting cartoonish figures floating on monochromatic backgrounds helped to resurrect the public’s interest in figurative painting through their graphic narratives.

Her work has been collected by public art collections such as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo; Denver Art Museum; PS1 Center for Contemporary Art/ MoMA, New York; Tate Gallery, London; Saatchi Gallery, London; and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. She has had solo exhibitions at 303 Gallery, New York; Victoria Miro Gallery, London; and Mary Boone Gallery, New York.

Essenhigh is represented by 303 Gallery in New York and Victoria Miro Gallery in London. She currently lives and works in New York City with her husband Steve Mumford.

Learn more on her website.

by Aadam Soorma

Moreland-Garnett holding her Art Educator of the Year award.

Kymberly Moreland-Garnett (CCAD ’91) has been honored with the 2010 Middle School Art Educator of the Year award by the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA).

Moreland-Garnett, who teaches sixth, seventh, and eighth graders at The Trinity Preparatory School (TPS), was also a member of the FAEA Board from 2007-2009. In addition to the statewide award, the CCAD alumna brought home Trinity Prep’s Teacher of the Year award in 2009.

TPS is a selective, independent school affiliated with the Episcopal Church that enrolls 834 students in grades 6 through 12 in Winter Park, Florida—approximately 15 minutes from downtown Orlando.

A 1991 fine arts graduate of CCAD, Moreland-Garnett has lived in Ohio, Wyoming, Chicago and Florida.

This post was included in the spring 2011 issue of IMAGE Magazine.