James LaFollette in front of his poster

Fine Arts freshman James LaFollette presented at the 13^th Annual Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion, and Disability Conference at Ohio State University. The conference, which was held April 16 and 17, had more than 200 attendees.

LaFollette competed in a poster session with students from across the U.S. His presentation on Crohn’s disease, Making Crohn’s Visible: From Struggles to Strides with an Internal Disorder, won in the art and performance category. As a prize, he received $200 from the Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation.

“My main goal was just to simply bring awareness to the disability and also help others feel more comfortable about their own personal disabilities,” LaFollette said.

Through his 20-page book, LaFollette, who has Crohn’s, explains what it is, how it affects the body, and possible side effects from taking medication.

“The main reason I wanted to even talk about Crohn’s was because most people have never heard of it, and since it’s an internal disorder, people can never tell when you’re in pain or struggling that day,” LaFollette said.

LaFollette is from Westerville, OH, and attended Northside Christian School.

Marquee at 134th spring commencement

Nearly 250 Columbus College of Art & Design students graced the stage of the historic Ohio Theatre to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 11, 2013.

The 134^th annual commencement in downtown Columbus included an address by nationally renowned artist Mel Chin, who was also awarded an honorary degree by the college.

James E. Kunk, vice chair of CCAD’s board of trustees; Dennison W. Griffith, CCAD president; Kevin J. Conlon, vice president for academic affairs; and director of graduate studies and professor Ric Petry conferred the nine master of fine arts degrees and the bachelor of fine arts.

Student government president and Advertising & Graphic Design major Cailyn Driscoll addressed the audience of peers and family, followed by recognition of the nine outstanding seniors:

• Lillie Templeton, Advertising & Graphic Design
• Tyler Crowley, Animation
• Patrick Kain, Cinematic Arts
• Katharine Hire, Fashion Design
• Stefanie Cook, Fine Arts
• Wesley Talbott, Illustration
• Justin Brown, Industrial Design
• Katelyn Venia, Interior Design
• Kayla Holdgreve, Photography

President Griffith introduced the 2013 class valedictorian, Advertising & Graphic Design major Lillie Templeton.

Following the valedictorian’s address, Griffith spoke to the graduating class. He offered them a heartfelt farewell and encouraged them to spread their talent and the message of love across the world.

CCAD Outstanding Senior Kayla Holdgreve, wearing her “signature” sunglasses

At the end of the academic year, CCAD deans names the faculty-selected outstanding seniors for each undergraduate major. Today, in part nine of our nine-part series, meet Photography outstanding senior Kayla Holdgreve.

Q: What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

This last semester. I figured out what I wanted to do, and I created a really strong body of work that represents me as a person, as an artist, and the direction I want to go. The work is a three-part series that deals with the personal journey one takes within time and space. I used a lot of different photo processes and mixed digital and film.

Q: What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

Just managing everything. It is such a heavy workload here, and you have to balance that with jobs, internships, personal work, and hanging out with friends.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

Developing my own work, and I would like to travel. I am going to wait a couple years, but then I will start applying to grad schools.

Q: What’s your ultimate dream job or goal?

My ultimate dream job would be to look at old photographs all the time, and travel, and get paid to do that.

Q: Why is it important as an alumnus to give back to CCAD?

It is necessary to keep things going and growing. We have to ensure that students have access to what we did and even more.

Q: Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

There was a moment when I was in the darkroom and I was experimenting with these negatives and trying to come up with something I have never tried before. I was in there for two hours, and finally when I was hovering over the chemicals the image came out, and I just thought “thank you, this is it.”

Q: What smell, word, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

The fix and the photo chemicals.

Q: What will you miss the most?

The connections and the closeness of the students and the faculty here. We were able to have constant feedback, stay up late working with peers, and chat with the faculty on our work. Also, the equipment we had available to us.

Q: If you could describe what graduation feels like in one word or sentence what would it be?

Bittersweet. It is exciting to move on, but there are a lot of things that will be missed.

Q: What was your favorite class at CCAD?

Poetry with Lesley Jenike, feminism in art with Susanne Myers, and my materials study class with Helen Hoffelt. Those three factored so much into who I am and the work that I am about.

Q: What did you like to do during your free time?

Read, that is one thing that I have been enjoying. I’m currently reading 1984.

Q: What is your fondest memory at CCAD?

Just hanging out with everyone in the labs; I practically lived there.

Q: What would you change about your undergraduate career?

Focus more and take advantage of everything offered here, from the equipment to the visiting artists’ lectures.

Q: What is your advice to future CCAD students?

Utilize all of the space, equipment, workshops, and visiting artists’ talks, just everything that is offered on campus.

Holdgreve is from Lima, OH, and attended Lima Senior High School.

CCAD Outstanding Senior Katelyn Venia

At the end of the academic year, CCAD names the faculty-selected outstanding seniors for each undergraduate major. Today, in part eight of our nine-part series, meet Interior Design outstanding senior Katelyn Venia.

Q: What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

Being able to start up the ASID [American Society of Interior Designers] chapter again. The co-president and I worked really hard to get it off the ground and bring back that networking and professional spirit to CCAD and our major.

Q: What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

The amount of work and deadlines. This program is really tough, and we are always under a lot of stress, but it really does prepare you for the outside world.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

I want to stay in Columbus, and I have been applying for a lot of stuff. I am really interested in higher education in Interior Design.

Q: What’s your ultimate dream job or goal?

Just designing, honestly. I have thought about opening my own firm, but just being able to design for a large amount of people and having those people experience that is really important to me.

Q: Why is it important as an alumnus to give back to CCAD?

Especially in Interior Design, the insight you can get from people who have been through this before is really helpful. It not only clears up questions you may have, but it gives you contacts as you enter the professional world.

Q: Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

This year has been a good year for me, and those moments have happened a lot. In particular, last semester we did a hotel project, and we were able to really just do what we wanted to do. I was able to see my vision come to life, and I knew that this was what I wanted to do.

Q: What smell, word, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

Work.

Q: What will you miss the most?

The people here—our interior group is very compact, there are about 15 of us. We are really tightknit, and there is a lot of fun that happens. It is that family atmosphere that everyone thrives on, so hopefully I find a workplace that is similar to that.

Q: If you could describe what graduation feels like in one word or sentence what would it be?

Amazing. The amount of work that I have done in the past four years is insane, so it’s a good feeling and signifies the end of this time and my transition out. I am ready.

Q: What was your favorite class at CCAD?

There were a few, but probably display design. We have to take it as an advanced course, and I got some really good portfolio pieces. Justin Martini, who taught us, was really great about letting us run with our ideas and really pushing us.

Q: What did you like to do during your free time?

Relax. I love to read, and I haven’t read a book for fun in probably six months—I’m feeling deprived.

Q: What is your fondest memory at CCAD?

That would have to be last semester again, during the hotel presentation. I was able to have a relaxed presentation, and a lot of CCAD faculty and staff came through. It was probably the most fun presentation that I’ve had.

Q: What would you change about your undergraduate career?

I would and I wouldn’t change things. I would have maybe changed how I learned a little bit. I think I needed to see things a little better. We got a lot of information over our time here, and sometimes I wish I could have spent more time on some of those things.

Q: What is your advice to future CCAD students?

Hang in there, it is only four years. It is all worth it in the end. Do your best, people will notice. Work ethic is really important, and if you can show that, you’re good to go.

Venia is from Toledo, OH, and attended Whitmer Senior High School.

CCAD 2013 outstanding senior Justin Brown

At the end of the academic year, CCAD names the faculty-selected outstanding seniors for each undergraduate major.  Today, in part seven of our nine-part series, meet Industrial Design outstanding senior Justin Brown.

Q: What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

My Zwei Desk I created my junior year; it was selected for the Design Emphasis Showcase at the International Woodworking Fair, and I placed second in my category.

Q: What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

I broke my arm my freshman year while throwing a dodgeball. I didn’t think I was going to finish the year. I was in a temporary cast for a week, then I had to have surgery and couldn’t move my arm for about a month, and then I was in another cast after that.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

I have a job. Throughout the year and during school breaks I have been interning at MidWest Studios in Indiana. I will be an exhibit design fabricator.

Q: What’s your ultimate dream job or goal?

Just being a craftsman; craft is something that I try to emphasize in all my work. So as far as a dream job I can’t really pinpoint that—as long as I am able to build and be a craftsman.

Justin Brown’s Zwei Desk

Q: Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

There have been a lot of times when I am asking “why am I doing this?” and I don’t know if that’s been answered yet. It is one of those questions I am still looking to answer. Meeting with my teachers has been very inspiring and they have pushed me to where I am now.

Q: What smell, word, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

The Motorist building—it always just reminds me of Columbus.

Q: What will you miss the most?

Probably the old wood shop and working with Frank Laskowsky and John Henning.

Q: What are you most excited to leave behind?

The stress, absolutely.

Q: If you could describe what graduation feels like in one word or sentence what would it be?

I would have to say a relief, and I’m looking forward to it.

Q: What was your favorite class at CCAD?

Conceptual drawing with Thornton Lothrop—it was a test class. I learned a lot of things in that class and a lot of interesting concepts that weren’t necessarily covered in my major, and the teacher was very, very inspiring.

Q: What did you like to do during your free time?

I build furniture; it is all I do. I don’t exhibit or sell it, I just give it away. It allows me to keep up with that hobby and be able to just be a craftsman.

Q: What is your fondest memory at CCAD?

Working in the wood shop with Frank and John, that was great.

Q: What would you change about your undergraduate career?

I would have had more of a Fine Arts emphasis. I would take glassblowing, more ceramics, and woodworking, and I would combine those three mediums into a thesis. I have always had this dream of just making bowls out of all three mediums to emphasize the craft.

Learning that stuff is definitely still an option; it’s not too late. I think that if I want to pursue something like that I would look into an apprenticeship, something I can do in my free time, since right now I don’t necessarily want to go back to school.

What is your advice to future CCAD students?

Choose your major wisely.

Brown is a native of Troy, OH, and attended Miami East High School.

Part of Colleen Clark’s comic featured in “Huffington Post”

On April 24, Illustration student Colleen Clark and her comic on body issues were featured in the Huffington Post.

It all started during earlier this year, when she made the comic for a class project and uploaded it to her tumblr.

“There’s a really big body awareness and feminist community on tumblr,” Clark said. “I guess it was just the right audience and time for me to put that up there because it blew up—I was really lucky.”

Nina Bahadur, the author of the Huffington Post article, contacted Clark after spotting the comic and asked to feature it in the women’s section of the online news source.

After what Clark said was three pages of responses to Bahadur’s questions, she sat on pins and needles waiting for the story to be published.

“I was freaking out as I read it, crying, and calling my mom and dad,” Clark said. “I was overwhelmed, flattered, and surprised—all of these emotions—and was really, really grateful that people were noticing my work and it was affecting them in the right way.”

Responses continued many days after the article was published.

“It is really kind of scary and gratifying how many responses I have gotten from women telling me that it changed how they felt or that they could relate to it,” Clark said.

Clark shared one response that she received at a time that she was feeling down about herself and lacking motivation. It was an email from a stranger who confessed that she had been bingeing on food, but that upon reading Clark’s comic she had been able to stop and feel better about herself and her body issues.

“I immediately felt better then. I just couldn’t believe she sat down and took the time out her life to send me that,” Clark said. “I am dumbfounded every single time someone says ‘I’ve felt better about my body after reading your comic.’ I can’t even process that because it is so hard for me to feel better about my body and it’s so flattering that I can have that effect on someone else. If I can even do that for one person it is worth all the work.”

Her comic didn’t come from a moment of insecurity, but from a battle most women face with body issues. She struggled drawing the original comic, having to pull from her own insecurities. One of the main images is an exaggerated sketch of how she views her body.

“What I have realized throughout my career at CCAD and this experience is that I want to continue this and I want to create stories for women,” Clark said. “In comics, there is nothing for young adult women and if there is, it is unrealistic and not relatable.”

“I think that the huge response to this comic shows that there is a need for this idea and this role model,” Clark said. “I want to stay doing these comics because it is a great way to express yourself and marry narrative and illustration.”

To keep up with Clark and her drawings, visit her tumblr.

Clark is from Gaithersburg, MD, and attended Colonel Zadok Magruder High School.

CCAD Outstanding Senior Katharine Hire

At the end of the academic year, CCAD presents the faculty-selected outstanding seniors for each undergraduate major. Today, in part four of our nine-part series, meet Fashion Design outstanding senior Katharine Hire.

Q: What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

My senior collection and the fact that I am actually graduating.

Q: What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

Everything. I was a ballet dancer for a long time and came into fashion not knowing where I stood, so it was a big change.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

I have a job with Lane Bryant; I have been interning with them for the last two years. I will be an assistant designer in knit tops.

Q: What’s your ultimate dream job or goal?

My collection is about using African fabric to create flattering silhouettes for women, and my end goal and dream would be to develop a collection that allows me to give back to the African women I met during a missionary trip. I would love to be able to buy African-made textiles and create jobs for those women.

Q: Why is it important as an alumnus to give back to CCAD?

When alumni come back to talk to students, it allows us to see that they have now made it, but were where we are now and were struggling too—it gives us insight on where we can go from here.

Q: Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

Definitely finishing my collection with the African tie-in. For me, things have to have a little more meaning then just an assignment. With this, I want to be able to give back and send that message that beauty goes deeper.

Q: What smell, word, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

Probably muslin.

What will you miss the most?

Being able to focus on my own work and my own stuff.

Q: If you could describe what graduation feels like in one word or sentence what would it be?

I am so excited; it is just an “I did it!” moment.

Q: What was your favorite class at CCAD?

I took a watercolor class with Linda Gall, and she really encouraged me and changed my perspective on what I was doing. I felt like I could really experiment because it wasn’t a fashion class, and she just took all the fear out of grades. I really learned a lot from her.

Q: What did you like to do during your free time?

I love to dance, and over the years my friends and I would go salsa dancing—that became an outlet for me.

Q: What is your fondest memory at CCAD?

This senior year has been really neat for me to see the camaraderie in our class. I feel we have all got each others’ backs and we’re all pushing and helping each other out, which sometimes is rare in this environment and industry.

Q: What would you change about your undergraduate career?

I would have learned to deal with my anxiety a lot earlier.

Q: What is your advice to future CCAD students?

Put an emphasis on sleep and taking care of yourself. You will perform a lot better.

Hire is from Mansfield, OH, and attended Mansfield Christian High School.

CCAD Outstanding Senior Patrick Kain

At the end of the academic year, CCAD names outstanding seniors for each undergraduate major. Today, in part three of our nine-part series, meet Cinematic Arts outstanding senior Patrick Kain.

Q: What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

Showing at the Columbus Museum of Art; I had a few of my films show over there last fall and this fall.

Q: What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

Nothing, I wasn’t really afraid of coming here at all or anything while I was here.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

I am working for Human, and we just got offices over in Studio Hall actually. So I will be designing t-shirts and creating animations.

Q: What’s your ultimate dream job or goal?

I interned with this company in New York City that does cartoons for [Cartoon Network's] Adult Swim and I got a little taste of doing that in between animations and clean-ups, so I would love to go to LA and create my own show.

Q: Why is it important as an alumnus to give back to CCAD?

I’ve already started to give back; I helped out with the We Have Answers session for Admissions recently. Without CCAD, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities that I have had. We put an investment into our degree, so we don’t want the school to lose its reputation; it’s important for our own sake to keep the school up and supported.

Q: Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

I was a little kid actually. I have been making films forever, and I remember I was trying to learn how to do stop motion. I was a little hustler back then, always trying to get people to watch my stuff.

Q: What smell, word, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

Hunger pains.

Q: What will you miss the most?

Having faculty like Andy Friz, Tom Richner, and Charlotte Belland—as awesome as everyone here is, I really connected to the professors because of their knowledge and I spent a lot of time talking to them. I’ll miss the immediacy of being able to contact them and ask them any question that pops into my mind.

Q: If you could describe what graduation feels like in one word or sentence what would it be?

I don’t know—I have never been sentimental about ending something. Vitamin C’s song doesn’t play in my head when I think about it, it is just another step in life.

Q: What was your favorite class at CCAD?

Design for Media, which is the class that I did my first film in that showed at the museum. We created a log during the class of our process and how we built it. That log is irreplaceable to show people in the industry what you have done and that you’re familiar with the process that it takes to create a short.

Q: What did you like to do during your free time?

I listen to music. Right now I am into Devo.

Q: What is your fondest memory at CCAD?

Meeting my fiancee.

Q: What would you change about your undergraduate career?

I started out in Animation—I probably would have just stayed in Animation. I’m interested in a lot, so I wanted to dabble in a little bit of everything, but I probably should have just stayed in Animation.

Q: What is your advice to future CCAD students?

Work harder then everyone you are surrounded by.

Kain is from Kettering, OH, and attended Kettering Fairmont High School.

2013 Outstanding Senior Lillie Templeton

At the end of the academic year, CCAD presents the faculty selected outstanding seniors for each undergraduate major.  Today, in part one of our nine-part series, meet Advertising & Graphic Design outstanding senior Lillie Templeton.

Q: What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

Being a part of the team that kick-started the pop-up store effort here at CCAD. I was part of the honors class project’s One and now I am working on FORTHMADE, which will go up at Easton.

Q: What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

Probably being so far away from my family in North Carolina—it was a really big transition from a small town to a big city.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

I currently have a job as a designer at SBC Advertising; I was hired in January, and I am really happy to be a part of the team. I am primarily working with the Bed Bath & Beyond team, and I have worked on their email, their campus and beyond campaigns, their bridal campaigns, and just a little bit of everything.

Q: What’s your ultimate dream job or goal?

Ultimately I want to be a creative director. I like doing a little bit of everything, and I love seeing a project through from the strategy and research to the final visual project.

Q: Why is it important as an alumnus to give back to CCAD?

It is very important. I was part of the phonathon team my sophomore year, so I got to speak to a lot of alumni firsthand. Most of the alumni were eager to talk to students, and they would keep us on the phone sharing tips, knowledge, and wisdom. It was wonderful and made such an impression on me. Alumni donations, involvement, or even willingness to look at your portfolio really does make a difference in a student’s education.

Q: Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

Yes, absolutely. Normally it is when you finish a big project at the end of the year, and you step back a bit and get a phone call from your mom and she says she loves the project and you get messages from outside people saying how much they love your work. Those moments make the all-nighters worth it.

But the big moment for me was sophomore year when I was an illustration major (I’ve changed my major four times), and I was taking the advertising classes that were required and I realized I was the only person in the class that was enjoying myself. I liked it and wanted to do it the rest of my life.

Q: What smell, word, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

All-nighters.

Q: What will you miss the most?

I am going to miss the community here; I think that is the scariest thing about leaving here. I have so many friends, and there are faces that you are familiar with seeing every day—walking away from that and starting over is just terrifying, I am going to miss saying hi to Denny [Griffith, CCAD president] and seeing Jim [Lutz, chair of Advertising & Graphic Design] walk around outside, everything.

Q: If you can describe what graduation feels like in one word or sentence what would it be?

Victory.

Q: What was your favorite class at CCAD?

Biotechnology Inspires Artistry. I enjoyed it so much because it was unrelated to anything else I have done in my career. It was with Julie Posey; she taught the biology side and Kristine Schramer taught the art side. It was entirely new curriculum. Julie spent the first half of the semester talking about human anatomy and biology, and then Kristine helped us create gallery pieces and we had in a show at the end. It was fun because it got me away from the computer and I learned so much.

Q: What did you like to do during your free time?

If I did have free time, I probably just cleaned, since it was long overdue by the time I got to it.

Q: What is your fondest memory at CCAD?

Freshman year, those were the days. Hanging out in the dorms and late-night walks.

Q: What would you change about your undergraduate career?

I would have taken more credits my first semester. I only took 12 and I knew you could take up 18; that way I would have had less of a workload my last year.

Q: What is your advice to future CCAD students?

It is never too late to start your LinkedIn profile. You can start building your professional presence online, and LinkedIn can help back up your reputation. It also is helpful if you don’t have your website built yet. It’s so easy to neglect the business and networking side when you are in the arts, and this helps you get connected to those networks.

Templeton is from Wadesboro, NC, and was home schooled.

From left, Animation Chair Charlotte Beland, Toon Boom CEO Joan Vogelesang, CCAD President Dennison Griffith, Cinematic Arts Chair Ron Saks, and Toon Boom Market Development Director Mark MacLellan,
photo by Katlin McNally

This morning Columbus College of Art & Design was officially declared a Center of Excellence by Toon Boom, a global leader in digital content and animation software. CCAD is the first college or university in the U. S. to receive such an honor.

The announcement was made, fittingly, in the college’s labs for Animation and Cinematic Arts. Toon Boom CEO and President Joan Vogelesang flew in from Montreal (where the company is based) to celebrate CCAD’s selection with faculty, staff, students, guests, and media including WCMH-NBC4, WBNS-10TV, and WSYX . As CCAD was honored, a moment was taken to give a special thanks Cinematic Arts Chair Ron Saks for his ongoing commitment to the industry

“CCAD has been a long-standing customer and supporter of Toon Boom. We are thrilled to see them become the first Center of Excellence in the U.S. and prepare students for the marketplace. CCAD will be highly recommended to all our customers as a prime source of talents for their productions,” Vogelesang said.

Dana Turtle (right) interviews Don Yoakam while a few feet away Angela An interviews Andrea Rawson and Emma Pennington, photo by Katlin McNally

When asked why Columbus was chosen for the site of their first U.S. Center of Excellence, Vogelesang noted that in addition to Columbus having a solid reputation, CCAD was an early adopter of the technology. Toon Boom began changing how animation was produced 14 years ago. They not only sought to create paperless methods of production, but to utilize technology in a way that allowed for more creative flexibility. CCAD was among the first institutions to embrace these advances in the industry.

“Being a Center of Excellence provides CCAD students with the opportunity to test and use the latest versions of this industry-leading software and maximize their value among film and animation employers,” said Dennison Griffith, president of CCAD. “Employment opportunities in this field are growing significantly with the use of animation not just in the entertainment industry, but in the development of apps, software, and gaming technology.”

Rather than explain the value of Toon Boom software in Animation and Cinematic Arts work, CCAD chose to show how students work with the product. A team of three Animation students worked together to animat three local television anchors.

Juniors Andrea Rawson and Don Yoakam along with sophomore Emma Pennington turned Angela An (WBNS-10TV), Monica Day (WCHM-NBC4), and Dana Turtle (WSYX) into animated characters.

Juniors Andrea Rawson and Don Yoakam along with sophomore Emma Pennington turned Angela An (WBNS-10TV), Monica Day (WCHM-NBC4), and Dana Turtle (WSYX) into animated characters—which were shared to the delight of the gathered audience, which included An and Turtle.

The audience also viewed a live demonstration, thanks to senior Alan Backer, who showed how the software works through each phase of concepting and producing animation.

The audience was also shown a trailer for the student-made film Lumin, which utilized Toon Boom software in its production. Lumin has been submitted to more than 30 festivals internationally and nationally and it has already been accepted into several, including Chile Monos, Leeds Young Film Festival, Ohio Shorts, taafi Official Selection, and Sff International Film Festival.

To cap off the event, CCAD announced a storyboard contest for high school students with a prize worth nearly $3,000. Students are invited to create and submit a storyboard for a short film (not to exceed one minute of screen time). The winner will receive a full-ride scholarship to attend CCAD’s three-week residential summer program College PreView, where they will be able to focus on Animation and Cinematic Arts and work with Toon Boom production suite software. Details on the contest can be found here.

The choice of CCAD as the first American Center of Excellence follows Toon Boom’s selection as an official educational resource and curriculum to support development of 21st century skills among Canadian students by the Information and Communications Technology Council in Canada.

Becker is from Columbus, OH, and graduated from Dublin High School; Rawson is a from Buffalo, NY, and graduated from Williamsville East High School; Yoakam is from Delaware, OH, and graduated from Bishop Watterson High School; and Pennington is from Hilliard, OH, and graduated from Hilliard Bradley High School.

Photo from 2012 commencement

May is quickly on its way, accompanied by rain, flowers, and, very soon, graduation caps and gowns. On May 11 Columbus College of Art & Design will celebrate nearly 250 graduating CCAD students as they cross the stage of the historic Ohio Theatre and receive their hard-earned diplomas.

As the countdown to commencement begins, CCAD honors this year’s outstanding seniors. Each year department heads choose an outstanding senior for each undergraduate major. This year’s awardees include Justin Brown, Industrial Design; Stefanie Cook, Fine Arts; Tyler Crowley, Animation; Katharine Hire, Fashion Design; Kayla Holdgreve, Photography; Patrick Kain, Cinematic Arts; Wesley Talbot, Illustration; Lille Templeton, Advertising & Graphic Design; and Katelyn Venia, Interior Design.

We sat down to interview each of these stellar students, and we’ll publish a profile a day (on school days) starting on April 29 and culminating on May 10 when we announce the class valedictorian(s).

The outstanding seniors and valedictorian(s) will be honored at commencement, which will also feature an address by nationally renowned artist Mel Chin.

FORTHMADE is a pop-up store created by CCAD students; click above to watch the video.

Last semester, CCAD honors students created One, a one-day pop-up store on campus. This semester the students are at it again with FORTHMADE and they are partnering with Easton Town Center to bring the one-day store to the outdoor shopping center located in Columbus, OH.

The honors Developing Retail class is a project-based class led by adjunct faculty Marcia Tabler.

“It has been really interesting to watch the creative juices flow,” Tabler said. “There is so much satisfaction in seeing these students create something of their own from the ground up, and watching the natural ebb and flow of designers as they work as part of a team.”

The nine students handled everything from the marketing strategy, including the promotional photography and video, to the store design. Details such as branding the shopping bags, price tags, and even hangers were not overlooked.

Students involved in the execution of FORTHMADE are Advertising & Graphic Design seniors Alex Laniosz and Lillie Templeton, junior Haley Fischer, and sophomore Qisha Kendy; Cinematic Arts juniors Amanda Hess and Richard Smith; Fashion Design senior Ryun Harrison and junior Lauren Colbert; Illustration sophomore Phong Nguyen; and Industrial Design senior Meara Swiler.

The class sent a request campuswide for students to submit their work to be judged and possibly sold in the store. The response was overwhelming, which wasn’t surprising considering last semester’s store sold more than 70 percent of its inventory. Submissions ranged from clothing to jewelry to prints and everything in between. One thing that is certain is that the products available will all be CCAD-designed, handcrafted, and one-of-a-kind.

“Our ultimate goal is to have this project be self-funded,” Tabler said. “All the profits from this store will go to the next class’s retail store project, and hopefully this can become an ongoing tradition here at CCAD.”

Easton Town Center generously donated space for the store. The class will take advantage of the large theater that once housed Shadowbox Live.

“At Easton, we’re always looking to present new ideas,” said Beau Anderson, the executive vice president for asset performance of Steiner + Associates. “We’ve enjoyed a wonderful relationship with CCAD, and the pop-up shop seemed like a logical way to extend our partnership while offering our customers unique, locally designed apparel and accessories. This will be a shop of discovery, and we cannot wait to see what the students offer in this space and how they will approach the visual merchandising.”

FORTHMADE will be in business May 4, 1–9 p.m., at 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH.

Colbert is from Westerville, OH, and attended Saint Francis De Sales High School; Fischer is from Lawrence, KS, and attended Lawrence High School; Harrison is from Alpharetta, GA, and attended Alpharetta High School; Hess is from Columbus, OH, and attended American School of Technology; Kendy is from Jakarta, Indonesia, and attended Jakarta International School; Laniosz is from Willowbrook, IL, and attended Hinsdale South High School; Nguyen is from Germantown, MD, and attended Mansfield High School; Smith is from Blacklick, OH, and attended Licking Heights High School; Swiler is from Maumee, OH, and attended Trinity High School; and Templeton is from Wadesboro, NC, and was home schooled.

Liz Trapp’s “Orifice Installation”

Adjunct faculty Andrea Myers and MFA candidate Liz Trapp will have work in Tell/Tale, a one-day exhibition on May 18.

Myers curated the exhibition, which will feature her work alongside that of Trapp and another local artist, Josh Welker. The show is part of the Rooms to Let Temporary Art Space program.

Tell/Tale refers to Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” bringing attention to the internal life and space of the architecture with a parallel interest in the formal space between painting and sculpture.

Rooms to Let was founded in 2010 by adjunct faculty Melissa Vogley Woods. It allows artists to show their work in diverse environments by staging exhibitions in empty houses, lots, and warehouses.

Tell/Tale will take place in a vacant house at 219 N. 22nd St., in Columbus, OH. The house was provided by Homeport.

Part of Andrew J. McCauley’s final thesis

On April 12, CCAD will open the exhibition Trace of a Moving Point, which is the culmination of two years of intense study for nine MFA candidates.

The exhibition in the Canzani Center Gallery will showcase the graduating MFA students’ innovative work, ranging from glass, installation, video, and photography to illustration, painting, and digital media.

The artists are Kristin Baird, Amy Cubberly-Yeager, Linda T. Diec, Laurie Ihlenfield, Mike Laughead, Andrew J. McCauley, Liz Morrison, Amy Lynn Schweizer, and Pamela I. Theodotou.

“My work revolves around the effects that diseases like multiple sclerosis have on the body and mind,” Andrew J. McCauley says in his artist statement.

McCauley’s multimedia paintings incorporate the human figure into a narrative landscape that acts as a metaphor for memory loss.

Photograph by Amy Schweizer

He creates his work by carving into the surface, adding a mixture of gasoline and paint pigments to the panels, and then igniting them. The stains left on the surface call to mind blood vessels and neurons underneath the skin.

Another MFA candidate, Amy Lynn Schweizer, also relates her work to illness. “Illness is a common thread that connects all people to one another. And as changes in health occur, one’s sense of self can change as well,” she says in her artist statement.

Schweizer photographs in black and white, capturing the subjects as they are moving, to create a ghostlike appearance.

Still from Pamela I. Theodotou’s “Pandora”

Pamela I. Theodotou’s final thesis also explores the world through a lens.

During her time at CCAD, Theodotou created three “cinemagraphic novels,” which combines words, images, video, and motion graphics. According to her artist statement, the final one, Pandora, looks at “confrontations created when beauty and the grotesque are brought into the philosophiocal dualities of truth and immortality.”

Theodotou was the writer, producer, cinematographer, artistic director, and production designer for the project. The second film in her series, Stark Justice, will appear in film festivals in Columbus, OH, and Los Angeles this year.

The cover of Mike Laughead’s graphic novel

While Theodotou uses moving pictures for her “novels,” Mike Laughead takes a more classic illustration approach with his thesis project. The Legend of Acornhead is a fantasy-genre graphic novel about a teenage girl leaving her religious commune to seek a husband.

Laughead collaborated with an inker and colorist to develop the story, for which he drew inspiration from his experiences as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and, in particular, his time as a missionary in Argentina. The graphic novel addresses themes of acceptance between people with different points of view, but with a sense of humor to appeal to a younger audience.

Amy Cubberly-Yeager’s multiple self-portraits

The idea of identity is explored in Amy Cubberly-Yeager’s final thesis. Her work explores portraiture and self-portraiture in materials such as oil, charcoal, wood, wool, coffee, and beans.

Cubberly-Yeager uses repeated self-portraits to reveal her true identity through repetition and redundancy. This process, according to her artist statement, is similar to when a word is repeated over and over again and begins to sound bizarre and lose its meaning.

Kristin Baird’s paintings deal with repetition—in her case, the patterns of “the urban core, be they structures that make up the urban environment, the footprint on which the city is built, or the human interactions and relationships occuring within the city,” as noted in her artist statement.

Detail of Kristin Baird’s “Tracing 1″

Her two- and three-dimensional works showcase layers of patterns and elements found in her urban surroundings and her movements within them.

Another MFA candidate that explores repetition and order is Laurie Ihlenfield. Her work considers the idea that order is consistently being challenged by nature and time and that man has no control over this.

“We find comfort in order, but our push toward order is constantly challenged by nature and time,” Ihlenfield said in her artist statement. “Nature is a force that can be altered, but not ignored.”

Detail shot of Laurie Ihlenfield’s work

Her large-scale embroidered drawings have a sense of grandeur, but at the same time are delicate and precise.

Her inspiration comes from the the cities, cultures, and landscapes she has viewed in her lifetime and her observation of how humans arrange and react those environments.

Linda T. Diec is similarly inspired by her culture and environment. A first-generation American born to Vietnamese refugees, she grew up in a home where her parents were pressured to stop speaking their native language. This led Diec to look at the meaning and origins of language and translate that investigation into her work.

Linda Diec in her studio

Diec’s final project, Halo, “illustrates the ego and futility of the human desire for perfection with poetic environments rich in cultural, spatial, and theoretical irony.” Her artist statement also describes her desire to create something extraordinary out of common materials.

Liz Morrison’s final thesis derives from something that is certainly not a common material— the night sky and the chaos and beauty in its constellations.

Her original poetry is presented visually as though it were a constellation—with clusters of words and connecting lines highlighted against deeply colored backgrounds.

Detail of one of Liz Morrison’s works

“The setting for the stories is a quiet, personal cosmos, an intimate experience of the infinite created through scale and construction,” she says in her statement. “Whereas the expansive night sky overhead is overpowering, these modestly sized pieces are approachable.”

Check out all nine candidates’ work in Trace of a Moving Point, April 12–May 3 in the Canzani Center Gallery. There will be an opening reception April 12, 6 p.m.

CCAD’s MFA in Visual Arts is a project-based, non-media-specific curriculum that focuses on individual artistic/design development and creative leadership. It brings together talented individuals from a variety of different media to build a community that fosters exploration, professionalism, and creative success.

Still from the animated film “Lumin”

An advanced animation class at CCAD has just completed a project that is now being entered in national festivals. The Advanced Time-Based Projects class, taught by Associate Professor Tom Richner, created an animated short named Lumin.

Lumin tells the story of a young boy and his escape from dozens of monsters who pursue him for one thing, his light.

The 17 students in the class spent four months creating the film from start to finish, working on all aspects from script writing and sound development to animation and final editing.

“We [the Animation faculty] have been talking about working on complete films during the course of a class,” Richner said. “When we saw the talent that was in this past fall’s class we knew we had to make a film with this group.”

The class included Animation seniors Christopher Campbell, Tyler Crowley, David King, Arianni Kurniawati, Laura Maue, Bekah Nunn, Jonathan Pezzatta, and David T. Reed; Animation junior Kelly Cumpson; Cinematic Arts seniors Alan Becker, Patrick Kain, Lauren Thornberry, and Mariah Ward; Cinematic Arts juniors Grace Kim and Aaron Zawisa; and recent Animation graduate Victor Dearing (CCAD 2012) and Cinematic Arts graduate Alex Trimpe (CCAD 2012).

“I was really impressed about how all the students handled the whole semester,” Richner said. “There was never a point where we got behind schedule. They all bought into the project and took ownership and worked very hard.”

“A lot of these students have aspirations to go work in studios, big and small, and the nature of animated films is that you need a lot of bodies to get these projects done. Working in a studio environment means that they are going to be collaborating with people, so I think giving them that chance to do it here gives them the opportunity to fine tune those skills they’ll need in the real world.”

The class had to make some decisions in order to finish the project on time, such as creating it in black and white instead of color and keeping the length of the video managable.

“Even though we did do some things on the design end to make it easier, we didn’t cut any corners in terms of the story we wanted to tell; we did what we set out to do,” Richner said.

Character line-up from the animated film “Lumin”

To complete the project, the class used Toon Boom, animation software package.

“It is a great thing for students to be exposed to this software in school since a lot of studios are currently using it,” Richner said. “We’ve had it in our classrooms here CCAD for more than 10 years now, and we were some of the early adopters of it.”

Alumni have said that their experience with Toon Boom in CCAD classrooms was beneficial as they began their careers.

“We have heard from animation alumni who have been able to stand above their peers when they can express to directors that they know how to use the software,” Richner said.

The class’ work isn’t done yet. They have submitted the film to more than 30 festivals internationally and nationally and have already been accepted into festivals including  Chile Monos, Leeds Young Film Festival, Ohio Shorts, taafi Official Selection, and Sff International Film Festival.

The spring Advanced Time-Based Projects class has a new group of students; they’re developing an animated film called Aria, which they plan on entering into festivals and contests as well.

Lumin will be shown during CCAD’s animation screenings at the opening reception of the 134th Annual Student Exhibition on May 10.

Becker is from Dublin, OH, and graduated from Dublin Scioto High School; Campbell is from Worthington, OH; Crowley is from Milford, NH, and attended Milford High School; Cumpson is from Chesterland, OH, and attended West Geauga High School; Dearing is from Westerville, OH, and attended Saint Francis De Sales High School; Kain is from Kettering, OH, and attended Kettering Fairmont High School; Kim is from Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and attended North Surrey Senior Secondary School; King is from Hamilton, OH, and graduated from Ross Senior High School; Kurniawati is from Salatiga, Indonesia, and graduated from Loyola Catholic Secondary School; Maue is from Bellbrook, OH, and attended Bellbrook High School; Nunn is from Wilmington, OH, and graduated from Wilmington High School; Pezzatta is from Columbus, OH, and graduated from Fort Hayes Metro Education Center; Reed is from Ashland, OH, and attended Ashland High School; Trimpe is from Cincinnati, and attended Elder High School; Thornberry is from Cambridge, OH, and attended Cambridge High School; Ward is from Cincinnati, and attended the School for Creative & Performing Arts; and Zawisa is from Columbus, OH, and attended Grandview Heights High School.

Update on April 25:  Lumin won a Telly Award in the “use of animation” category.

The 2013 Art of Illustration poster, created by Illustration senior Taylor Hicks

The Art of Illustration show is a student-run and -organized exhibition that is now in its 16th year. The juried show features illustrations from all majors and alumni who participated when they were students are now coming back to act as jurors.

This year the five Illustration student organizers included sophomore Haleigh Richards and seniors Lexie Holliday, Josh Parkinson, Wes Talbott, and chair Andrew Thompson. The students chose five judges to look over 291 submissions for the show that runs March 16–30. The judges included four CCAD alumni: Scott Hull (Advertising & Graphic Design 1977), Steve Prescott (Illustration 1995), Jason Jourdan (Illustration 1998), and Graham Erwin (Illustration 2011). The fifth judge was artist representative Frank Sturges.

The judges gathered on campus and spent the day going through submissions, offering thorough critiques and advice on every piece, whether accepted or not. Ultimately 40 submissions were accepted into the show.

“The show is and has always been entirely organized and run by the students,” said Stewart McKissick, Illustration professor and alumnus. “They selected and contacted the judges, organized where and when the judging would take place, and researched and collected donations for the opening reception at the gallery, as well as prizes for entry winners.”

This is the third year for the show to be held at Rivet Gallery, a gallery located in Columbus’ art district, the Short North.

“Rivet has been very generous to us, allowing students to sell their work from the show with no commission fee to the gallery,” McKissick said.

Having the exhibition at an off-campus external location for the last three years has allowed it to function as a professional, juried show.

Erwin, who does preproduction work and design for a custom screen printing shop and freelance illustration for a wide range of clients, has witnessed the show expand as a student and now as an alumnus.

“I first submitted work for AOI as a sophomore,” Erwin said. “Although my piece wasn’t chosen that year, it definitely lit a fire for the years to come, and I began approaching every piece as if it could be a submission for one competition or another. I continued to submit work my junior and senior years, where I had pieces accepted and awarded.

“The Art of Illustration show was an important part of my illustration training,” Erwin said. “It was my first experience where my work was looked at by professionals with a critical eye. I think it is important for the show to now be held at Rivet, where students can see their work in a real-world gallery setting.”

The show allows students the ability to access professionals to evaluate their work and have critiques by people other than their peers and professors.

“This process shows students the importance of submitting and getting their art into the real world,” Hull said. “And also accepting the rejection that may come along with this.”

Hull, founder of Scott Hull Associates and illustration representative, has worked as a juror twice now for the show and views helping out students at CCAD as highly rewarding.

“Helping young talent navigate their creative dream is a passion of mine,” Hull said. “I think it is a good practice to have alumni come back as jurors for this particular show, since they are able to understand the CCAD culture a little better and they want to offer any and all help to the students.”

Originally, the show was solely coordinated by Illustration students, and they were the ones submitting work, but as the show has grown so has participation from throughout the college.

“What’s exciting to see is the ever-increasing interest and participation now by the majority of our majors,” McKissick said. “It is an excellent leadership opportunity for the students who work on the committee, and it is a chance to have students learn about aspects of the art world beyond just the making of it.”

The show’s award ceremony was held during its opening reception March 16, 7–10 p.m. Selected work will be honored with first, second, and third place, and each judge selected a work to be awarded Judge’s Choice. The show will be up through March 30.

“I can honestly say that every year is another great memory for us,” McKissick said. “And we’re always very proud of what the students accomplish.”

Erwin is from Columbus and attended Whetstone High School; Hull is from Danville, OH, and attended Danville High School; Jourdan is from Mansfield, OH, and attended Mansfield Senior High School; McKissick is from Franklin, PA, and attended Franklin High School; Prescott is from Gates Mills, OH, and attended Mayfield High School.

Derick Whitson’s photograph, part of the “Family Portrait” series

Junior Photography major Derick Whitson was selected as a finalist for Photographer’s Forum magazine’s Best of Photography 2012.

The hardcover book was released in December 2012 and features all winners, honorable mentions, and finalists for the magazine’s 32^nd Annual Spring Photography Contest for high school and college students.

Whitson’s image is part of his Family Portrait series, which explores memories of his childhood in Mansfield, OH.

“I was really excited about being chosen as a finalist,” Whitson said. “I knew finalists were published, and when I got the book in the mail it was so surreal.”

This year’s judges were Ann Cutting, Art Center College of Design; Gene Strickland, Columbus State Community College; and Sherri Taylor, Syracuse University.

Whitson is a native of Mansfield, OH, and attended Mansfield Christian School.

Group at ADDY awards, from left to right: Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Conlon, James Lutz, Lillie Templeton, and Alex Laniosz.

The ADDYs, organized by the American Advertising Federation, are the advertising industry’s largest, most competitive competition, and during the recent 2012 ADDY award ceremony in Columbus, OH, CCAD talent was well represented.

Seven Advertising & Graphic Design seniors won awards. Lillie Templeton received a Best of Show and a Gold award for her integrated campaign Ball Jars—Off the Shelf; Ali Prater received two Gold for her Epson Ink Cartridge packaging and her Teavana catalog; Zayne Parmiter won a Silver for his Flour Child packaging; Robert Trautman won a Silver for his Lark & Key Branding stationary; Taylor Vogel won a Silver for his Ikea app; Alex Laniosz won a Silver for the Balls’ jars ad, and Jessica Alley won a Silver for her integrated campaign for the United States Postal Service.

Ologie, founded by alumna Bev Bethge, won a total of 24 awards: one Judge’s Choice, seven Gold, and 16 Silver. A number of these awards were for community work, including work completed with CCAD on admissions collateral and the Senior Fashion Show lookbook.

Advertising & Graphic Design alumnus Greg Beck (CCAD 2009) was part of the team at Longstride, a local motion graphics company that grabbed a Gold award in the category of Public Service, Audio/Visual for its Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio campaign.

The ADDYs receive more than 50,000 entries nationwide through local ADDY competitions. Leading work is rewarded with Gold and Silver awards, and top honors are Judge’s Choice and Best of Show. Gold winners qualify for the AAF Fifth District ADDY competition, where entries from Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia compete.

The Columbus chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AFF) represents more than 100 member companies. AAF works to enhance the professional development of its members, while increasing recognition for the advertising industry and giving back to the local community.

Alley is from Baltimore, OH, and attended Bloom-Carroll High School; Laniosz is from Willowbrook, IL, and attended Hinsdale South High School; Parmiter is from Marietta, OH, and attended Marietta Senior High School; Prater is from Hilliard, OH, and attended Hilliard Darby High School; Templeton is from of Wadesboro, NC; Trautman is from Niles, OH; and Vogel is from Mason, OH, and attended William Mason High School.

Jessica Seyfang and Nicholas Most’s design for the competition

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) held their annual 3D Design Challenge for Students, and two CCAD seniors in Interior Design were among the 12 finalists.

Jessica Seyfang and Nicholas Most worked as a team for this year’s competition, which was sponsored and presented by Van Stry Design. The challenge prompted students to design and create a 3D model or rendering of a store fixture that communicates an existing brand of headphone.

The 209 entries from 12 countries were graded by a panel of judges, and the top 12 designs were selected to move on in the challenge. Prototypes of these designs will be produced by Van Stry Design and will be displayed at GlobalShop 2013 in Chicago, April 16-18. Winners will be announced at an award ceremony on April 16 and will receive cash prizes.

The competition, which is now in its fourth year, offers students a chance to see their designs come to life and gain exposure at GlobalShop, a major industry trade show.

Founded in 1992, PAVE’s goal is to encourage students to study in the field of retail design and planning and visual merchandising. It holds competitions, projects, seminars, workshops, grants, and scholarships to involve companies and students.

Hazel Varanese’s “Wolf”

The Society of Illustrators will be seeing a lot of CCAD this spring. The acclaimed professional society has accepted three illustration seniors into the 2013 Society of Illustrators Scholarship Competition and is honoring professor C.F. Payne with a Distinguished Educators in the Arts award.

Accepted into the scholarship competition: Art of Robots by Taylor Hicks, Bad News and The Conqueror by Matthew Houston, and Wolf by Hazel Varanese.

The four illustrations were chosen by jurors from more than 5,000 entries. The final exhibition will feature the work of more than 200 students from universities nationwide in the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, May 15–June 5 in New York City.

The Society’s endowment, contributions from private and corporate donors, and proceeds from an annual auction of member-donated artworks will fund approximately 25 scholarships during an opening reception on May 17.

During the reception, Payne will also receive his Distinguished Educators in the Arts award. The  award is presented to educators who have made a strong impact on illustration as both a teacher and an artist. Payne is one of two honorees this year.

Payne’s artwork has graced the covers of Time Magazine, Readers Digest, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times Book Review, and The New York Times Sunday Magazine. In addition he has illustrated numerous children’s books, including most recently Mousetronaut, written by astronaut Mark Kelly.

Since the competition’s founding in 1981, the Society of Illustrators has awarded more than $1,500,000 to deserving students.

Students work on project for InPower through the CCAD MindMarket

Students are tackling a big project with local advanced electronics company InPower through CCAD’s MindMarket.

“InPower reached out to CCAD after learning about some of the program offerings CCAD has for Industrial Design,” said Cynthia Gravino, CCAD MindMarket director.  “We had several meetings and determined a CCAD DesignLab partnership would best serve their needs and would provide a great hands-on opportunity for our students in a client-based project setting.”

Tom Gattis, dean of the School of Design Arts and chair of Industrial Design, stepped in to lead the student class.

“InPower originally came to us hoping to redesign the packaging for an existing product and look for some new market opportunities,” Gattis said. “We attacked it from a different point of view and realized we can do a lot more than just redesign a package.”

For the first semester (fall 2012) students conducted a comprehensive market, product, and competitive landscape analysis.

“We spent nearly the whole semester researching things like who the customers are, what motivated them to purchase, examining how the company was attacking the market and finding alternatives,” Gattis said. “The students did a tremendous amount of work and exceeded the client’s expectations.”

During the spring semester (2013) Gattis is leading the students in the physical redesign of the packaging based on the internal and external factors revealed by their research. They will explore design factors such as mood, color, typography, and texture to create the best branding and packaging for the company.

The partnership with InPower will extend throughout the next academic year, with the company tapping into CCAD talent to help discover new avenues for its products and its brand.

“One of the most interesting aspects of this partnership is that InPower is an engineering-based organization,” Gravino said. “This type of company is outside of the other industries we usually have a chance to work with and provided an opportunity to expand the types of companies we serve.”

The partnership allows students to experience a real-world situation with a client and product that are local and will use their ideas.

“This is as close as we can simulate to the real world; the only difference is we are doing it within the safe confines of the college,” Gattis said. “[Students] have expert guidance from faculty along the way, and they can take a lot of risk without the fear of getting fired or demoted. They are allowed within that context to try a lot of things and really explore concepts that in a corporate setting would be a bit too risky.”

The CCAD MindMarket offers several creative services formats through the DesignLab, from charrettes, which are intense 54-to-72 hour design challenges, to class projects lasting 16 weeks, to partnerships, which can be longer and recruit the broadest variety of CCAD students, faculty, and staff.

Shoppers at CCAD Winter Art Sale

Twice a year, CCAD invites the community to check out and purchase work from CCAD talent (students, alumni, faculty, and staff). For the April 13 event, the sale will move from a first-come, first-served sign-up process to a juried, art fair format.

“Having our art fair be juried allows us to model after fairs that students will see in their professional careers,” said Dwayne Todd, vice president for student affairs.

In prior years sign-ups were first-come, first-served with spots for the December sale filled in less than three minutes (yeah, it was THAT fast). The winter sale drew more than 1,000 shoppers and raised more than $6,000 toward CCAD’s general scholarship fund

“Changing to this format will allow more students, alumni, faculty, and staff an opportunity to apply,” said Janie Robinson, career services associate. “It also ensures we don’t miss out on showcasing a fantastic artist because they missed the very small sign-up window.”

Submissions from possible vendors will be accepted online through ZAPP (the same service used by GCAC’s popular Columbus Arts Festival). All submissions will then be judged by three jurors, Ken Emerick, Anne Holman, and Laura Kuenzil.

Emerick is the director for individual artist grants and percent for art program at the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). He manages the OAC Individual Excellence Awards, administering the Ohio Percent for Art Public Art program, and coordinating a number of national and international artist residency programs.

Shoppers at CCAD Winter Art Sale

He has been a juror for numerous awards and exhibitions for various Ohio arts organizations, colleges, and universities.

“Work selected should have a combination of some of the following qualities,” Emerick said. “Technical proficiency or craftsmanship, creative and inventive use of the medium, innovation in style and concept, and a reflection of the artist’s unique personal approach and vision as evidenced in the artwork submitted.”

Holman is an adjunct faculty member at CCAD and a Fine Arts alumna (CCAD 2002). She is the owner and creator of Anne Holman Jewelry. She has been featured in fashion columns and magazines nationally and internationally and exhibits her work throughout the U.S.

Kuenzil is the owner of Rivet Gallery located in the short North, Columbus’ arts district. Rivet is a designer toy and art gallery, presenting original work from underground artists, with a new show opening the first Saturday of every month.

Submissions will be accepted for the fair Jan. 25–Feb. 25 with final decisions on who will be participating in the sale by March 15.

The first CCAD juried art fair is Saturday, April 13—enter at 9 a.m. for first-choice admission ($50) and 10 a.m. for general admission ($5).

CCAD student Alexa Carson’s winning design for the card contest with Columbus Partnership

Columbus College of Art & Design teamed up with the Columbus Partnership  to create a new tradition—a holiday card design contest.

The Columbus Partnership is a nonprofit, membership-based organization of 49 CEOs from Columbus’ leading businesses and institutions. Its primary mission is to improve the economic vitality of the Columbus region.

“When thinking about this year’s holiday card we paused a moment to think about how we could best illustrate the flavor of Columbus and all the great things our community has accomplished,” said Stephen Lyons, vice president of member services & community engagement at the Columbus Partnership. “Partnering with CCAD was a great opportunity to support an incredible educational asset in our community and work with the creative student innovators of Columbus who help drive our economic growth.”

Lyons along with Kevin Conlon, CCAD’s vice president for Academic Affairs  served as the jurors and deliberated over the 38 entries from CCAD students and alumni and selected Illustration senior Alexa Carson’s design as the cover for the Partnership’s 2012 card..

“I have lived in Columbus for my entire life,” Carson said. “One of my favorite things about the city is how it is a vibrant community made up of many different kinds of people working together. This concept is what I chose to illustrate.”

Carson’s design shows three snowmen underneath arches located in the Short North, Columbus’ arts district. The three snowmen represent Columbus’ vibrant community of artists and designers, students and educators, and businessmen and women of small and large corporations.

Carson was ecstatic to win the design contest (even doing a happy dance when she found out). Carson will receive a $1000 cash prize and the card, that has the artist’s name and information printed on it, will be distributed to more than 3,000 clients and friends of the Columbus Partnership.

“As a senior getting ready to venture out into the professional world, it is huge to have my name printed on the card sent out,” Carson said. “If there is one thing I have learned from my professors this semester, it is that getting your name out there is half the battle of being a successful artist.”

Second place went to Advertising & Graphic Design alumna Jessica Lipps (CCAD 2012), third place to Fine Arts alumnus Michael Aldag (CCAD 2009), and honorable mention to Illustration senior Katie Langford.

Promotional image for Nigel Ewan’s collection for One

CCAD’s Honors Program has always been inventive in their projects (think DNA necklaces), and this semester is no different. This semester’s honors retail class chose to create a pop-up store on campus called One. The store will be open in Beaton Gallery Dec. 9, 1–9 p.m. and Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

“One is a curated shopping experience for the creative community in Columbus,” said Lillie Templeton, a senior in Advertising & Graphic Design. “We are handpicking the product, designing the space, and building the displays. To give it an extra twist, we’re working with 14 of CCAD’s finest designers across multiple disciplines and classes. These designers are making one-of-a-kind collections specifically for the store.”

Templeton worked alongside six other students in the class with Adjunct Faculty Marcia Tabler leading the project. Students handled everything from the marketing strategy to the promotional photography and video, to the store design. Students in the retail class include Advertising & Graphic Design sophomore Qisha Kendy,  junior Haley Fischer, and seniors Lillie Templeton and Katie Westbrook; Fashion Design senior Krista Sison; Illustration junior Katie Vasey; and Media Studies junior Amanda Hess.

Promotional image for Ryun Harrison’s collection for One

“It seems like a fun and creative way to try and sell some of my creations,” said Audrey Swart, Fashion Design junior and designer for One. “It is an interesting and beneficial way to get my name out there for people to see.”

Swart’s collection for One will include classic denim fashion that has been updated with studs, leather, and other innovative materials to create a more punk and edgy look.

Fashion Design junior Ryun Harrison is making unisex clothing inspired by various spiritual practices, goth and grunge styles, and the eccentricities that surround him.

Promotional image for Audrey Swart’s collection for One

“Doing a collection for One enables me to influence what my peers wear, become a part of various established styles, and get my name out there as a designer,” Harrison said. “This is a great project, and I am glad to be a part of it.”

Work in the store will range from bowties to screenprinted shirts. The student designers will keep 100% of their profits.

“I was really intrigued with the idea of creating a store with other designers with different styles,” said Bryston Walters, a Fashion Design junior. “I think it is going to be a really fun experience to be able to walk through a store and see just how differently people handle materials, and what their design aesthetic is.”

The store will sell designs from Advertising & Graphic Design junior Nigel Ewan and seniors Warren Kipperman and Alex Laniosz; Fashion Design juniors Rachel McElvogue, Ryun Harrison, Seth Stephens, Audrey Swart, and Bryston Walters and seniors Rachel Chertoff and Heather Hodge; Fine Arts sophomore De’Niro Brown and seniors Ariana Lindenfelser, Greg Ponchak, and Ben Quinn.

To read interviews and information on all 14 designers, click here. One will be open in Beaton Gallery Dec. 9, 1–9 p.m. and Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. The store will accept cash and credit/debit cards. Check out the video documenting the building and final result of One here.

Jerrica Fields at the Spring 2012 CCAD Art Sale

The CCAD Art Sale has become a staple in the Columbus community as a great place to buy local art. More than 100 vendors, consisting of CCAD alumni, faculty, staff, and students, will be set up on Saturday, Dec. 1 to display and sell their work in the Loann Crane Center for Design.

Fine Arts alumna Jerrica Fields (2011) will be participating in her fifth sale this winter. She’ll be selling handcrafted and crocheted jewelry designs in copper and sterling silver, along with her paper goods that include hand-bound notebooks, journals, planners, cards, and magnets.

“There are people at CCAD who are proud of me, and I want to show them how much I have grown because of their help and continued support,” Fields said about why she returns to CCAD to sell her work. “Every year I have repeat customers who tell me they can’t wait to see what new design I’ll come up with—that alone makes what I do worth it.”

CCAD’s doors open at 9 a.m. for first-choice admission, and general admission is 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The spring sale welcomed more than 1,400 customers and raised more than $5,000 through admission fees, which goes straight into the scholarship fund.

Michael Bonardi at the Spring 2012 CCAD Art Sale

“People who attend the sale, especially in the first-choice time period, know how important this sale is to us [the vendors],” Fields said. “We get to show them what we’ve learned and how we are incorporating it into our daily lives as artists and what their money is helping facilitate. People who come to an art college to buy art are here to see what CCAD artists are all about, including craftsmanship, sweat, ambition, pride, and good old-fashioned hard work.”

Fields spends weeks preparing for the sale. After taking inventory of her pieces and hand-crafting her business cards she does a mock-up of her display.

“I have grown so much as an artist, so I love to see the students at the sale and offer them some advice and encouragement,” Fields said.

One of those students is Illustration senior Wes Talbott. He will be selling his prints at what will be his third CCAD Art Sale.

“The Hunter” by Wes Talbott

“Having a table at the sale helps me understand how the general public reacts to my work,” Talbott said. “The response you get from the trained eye of a teacher can be a lot different than the response you get from a customer; both are very helpful to hear.”

Fine Arts alumnus and CCAD admissions counselor Michael Bonardi (2004) is a seasoned professional when it comes to the sale, with this December sale marking his 24^th: eight as a student and 16 as an alumnus.

Bonardi will be selling his blown glass, porcelain, digital photography, and other experimental photographic works.

“For the sale I try to keep a steady inventory of work,” Bonardi said. “Every year I try to add something new into what I present, whether it is a new body of work or different display structures.”

Bonardi’s home entryway doubles as a storage space and gallery for his current work.

“The customer that comes to the CCAD Art Sale knows that all the vendors have a common bond of being a part of the CCAD family,” Bonardi said. “And by coming to the sale they are not only supporting our work, but they are supporting future CCAD artists and students.”

The CCAD Winter Art Sale is Saturday, Dec. 1. Enter at 9 a.m. for first-choice admission ($50) and 10 a.m. for general admission ($5). Come celebrate art, the Columbus community, and above all our CCAD vendors. Click here for more information on the sale.

The anatomy lab at Columbus State Community College, photo courtesy of Kristine Schramer

By Robin Hepler

Tens of thousands of visitors to the COSI science museum this winter will view an exhibition of CCAD students’ interpretations of the human form. Students in the fall semester course The Human Body in Art and Science have had access to the cadaver labs at Columbus State Community College and to the fall Body Worlds & the Brain exhibition at COSI to study the body from numerous perspectives—all for their use in creating art at the level expected for an exhibition hosted by a regional tourist destination.

CCAD faculty members Julie Posey (Science) and Kristine Schramer (Fine Arts) developed the team-taught course and negotiated the community partnerships to bring this full array of opportunities to students. The project provides an expansive and very public new venue for students to exhibit their final coursework and serves as an example of CCAD’s evolution in project-based learning.

“The college is moving toward a more cross-disciplinary way to deliver on project-based learning to mimic what happens in the real world,” says Kevin Conlon, CCAD vice president for Academic Affairs. “We are intentionally seeking external academic partners to provide opportunities for students to engage in teaming and problem-solving challenges.”

The expanding scope of projects is bringing faculty members together to create whole new classes, such as Posey and Schramer’s human body course.

“The scale of these newer project-based learning opportunities is becoming much more ambitious,” Conlon says. “As a result, they often engender dedicated courses that aggregate talent from multiple levels and departments and in academic constructs that may go beyond the limits of current course models and academic terms.”

CCAD students doing a dissection in the CSCC lab, photo courtesy of Kristine Schramer

Constructing new learning opportunities

Posey says she and Schramer spent three months developing learning objectives and finding the right combination of curriculum elements from science and art for the new course.

“I focus on the world out there that isn’t art. This course is about the human body—every different aspect, from tattoos to aging to body systems to our DNA,” Posey says. “I try to engage students about issues that are fundamentally meaningful to them as humans, not necessarily as artists. That is where Kris comes in.

“Kris shows these kids that our worldly experiences, our knowledge of our own micro-world, can be truly inspirational as art,” Posey says. “She ties what I do with what artists do.”

In each lecture Schramer shows students work of contemporary artists who work with the human form as their muse. Students are not asked to memorize facts about science; instead, Schramer says, she wants to teach students how to make themselves subject experts when they need to for their creative work.

And she teaches the process of a project.

“My goal is for every student in this class to have the experience of taking on an ambitious project and completing it successfully. I meet so many creative people who are full of brilliant ideas, but lack both the nerve to begin and the practical skills to manage the execution of a complicated project,” Schramer says.

“Using the study of science and each student’s individual project as the educational vehicle, I guide them through the stages of brainstorming, refining, proposing, revising and proposing again, researching, planning, budgeting, scheduling, and presenting their work publicly.”

Schramer says these skills can be applied to any major endeavor undertaken in life, whether it be artistic, entrepreneurial, or personal.

Posey and Schramer partnered last fall to team-teach a biotechnology course that also tapped the resources of Columbus State anatomist Eric Kenz. That project helped launch 2012 graduate Jonathan Hodge’s career in medical illustration. This year’s public exhibition at COSI, sharing museum space with the acclaimed Body Worlds & the Brain exhibit, makes their second project-based course much larger in scope—creating more opportunity and expectations.

UPDATE 12/2/12: There will be a free, public reception to view the student work on Sunday, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 9, 2013, at COSI Columbus.

Community-based projects

Students working in the CCAD MindMarket, photo courtesy Danielle Ford (2013)

Businesses and organizations in central Ohio can now access the talent of CCAD faculty, staff, and students for projects through the CCAD MindMarket’s DesignLab. Depending on the need, the CCAD MindMarket can assemble cross-disciplinary teams to provide design solutions through three different project structures: charrettes lasting 54–72 hours; semester-long, in-class projects; and longer-term project partnerships.

A spring 2012 joint project that teamed up a Fashion Design class and an Advertising & Graphic Design class is an example of the kind of community project that likely will work through the new MindMarket in the future.

Twenty-two students from the two classes presented design solutions for Huntington Bank’s branded team jersey for the annual Pelotonia bike race to raise money for cancer research. In the end, the bank asked that two options be combined—utilizing functional design elements by senior Nina Rehner and graphics by senior Dahui (Danny) Li.

“That’s how real projects work in corporations,” says Suzanne Cotton, chair of Fashion Design at CCAD. “It was a terrific scenario for the two finalists to work together to combine their concepts.”

Matt Mohr, assistant professor of Visual Communications and Media Studies, led the graphic design students in the project.

“We’re always looking for ways to combine disciplines,” says Mohr. “Apparel graphics, especially the opportunity to create a concept that covered the entire garment, posed a unique challenge. Given that the designs were for a well-respected, high-profile event made for eager excitement among the students.”

Conlon says the new curriculum architecture being built at CCAD supports the practicum experience, whether faculty members are bringing new projects to the classroom or outside organizations are approaching CCAD through the new structure of the MindMarket.

“It’s all about providing the students choices among a variety of paths to the practicum and a gateway to the professional-level and portfolio-worthy experience,” Conlon says.

All project-based learning is incredibly valuable for the student—not just for the experience of merging research, theory, application, experience, and result, Conlon says, but also for the benefit it provides students in developing their portfolios.

“Professional development has always begun with the portfolio at CCAD. Our continuing commitment to the portfolio as the primary evidence of discipline readiness will now be enhanced with the engagement of more and varied types of project-based learning,” Conlon says. “The practicum experience, played out in at least 12 credit hours within the new curriculum architecture, is the college’s demonstrated commitment to this ideal.”

For Schramer the experience is paying additional, personal dividends: “In these classes, Julie and I are learning right along with the students,” she says.

To check out the online print version of IMAGE, click here.

Andrew Peña, photo courtesy Danielle Ford (2013)

By Kristen M. Foley

As CCAD’s Annual Fund Drive kicks off, you might be wondering if anyone really notices when you make your contribution. Short answer? Yes. Long answer: The scholarships that your gift supports can be one of the most profound elements of a student’s education.

Please meet Andrew Peña, a junior Illustration major who’s also pursuing a minor in Writing.

IMAGE: When was the first time you knew you wanted to study illustration?

Andrew: I was always into drawing ever since I was little. As I got older I started thinking that I wouldn’t mind studying [art] and possibly making a career out of it. I looked into different programs and majors, but after taking illustration classes in CCAD’s summer programs, I knew for certain that this was what I wanted to do.

IMAGE: Who/what are your inspirations?

Andrew: The people who are around me who support me. I never start a project without trying to include someone I know and love.

IMAGE: What’s your favorite part about being an Illustration major?

Andrew: I love the whole process of making an illustration—from brainstorming and sketching for hours to putting the final touches on a piece. It’s always nice when you’re finally finished with something and you can’t stop admiring it, but you have to put it to the side so you can start your next best project. Also, being surrounded by a lot of really good artists here at CCAD motivates me to improve and learn from them. It’s like an endless lesson; you never stop learning!

Andrew Peña, photo courtesy of Danielle Ford (2013)

IMAGE: How did your scholarship affect your life and your education?

Andrew: It has really removed a lot of stress from my parents, who are helping fund my college career. I remember telling them about receiving my scholarship—they were overwhelmed with emotion. My mom actually began to cry while I was telling her on the phone.

IMAGE: What would you like to say to CCAD donors about the impact of their support?

Andrew: I can’t thank you enough. You’re giving dedicated students a chance to really shine and pursue their dreams. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and won’t let your support go unappreciated.

IMAGE: What excites you about your future?

Andrew: The fact that I’ll be doing what I love for work is pretty exciting. With the knowledge I’m gaining from CCAD I feel like I can take on the world. It’s a great feeling.

IMAGE: What else would you like to add?

Andrew: My experience at CCAD has been very special. It has introduced me to some awesome people and has made me grow into a better artist. Thank you to all of the professors I’ve had so far at CCAD. I’ve learned so much these past two years and can’t wait to see what else is in store.

To check out the online print version of IMAGE, click here.
To make a donation to student scholarships, click here.

Screenshot from the animated short film “Reversion”

Animation sophomore William Oglesby and Illustration senior Wes Talbott were a part of an international team that won a 2012 Suzanne Award for the Best Design Short at the Blender Conference in Amsterdam.

Their entry, Reversion, is an 11-minute film from writer and director Giancarlo Ng. Talbott and Oglesby worked on the short with nearly 20 other artists and programmers.

The awards were presented as part of the Suzanne Animation Festival, which invites filmmakers, artists, animators, designers, and scientists to submit their work for judging as part of the Blender Conference.

The conference hosts a mix of technical talks, scientific presentations, case studies, and workshops by artists and developers focusing around Blender, an open-source content creation suite.

The conference was held Oct. 12–14, 2012.

Lian Dziura in front of her work at the Thunderdome awards reception at Clifton Cultural Arts Center.

FOTOFOCUS is a monthlong celebration in Cincinnati, OH that combines exhibitions, conferences, presentations, and other special events to honor the art of photography. Many CCAD alumni, students, faculty, and staff were involved with various exhibitions around the city in October.

Professor and Illustration alumna Helen Hoffelt (CCAD 1982) showed work in the Midwest Society for Photographic Education Members Exhibition at the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center in Covington, KY, Sept. 28–Oct. 31. Hoffelt also had work in Images of the Great Depression: A Documentary Portrait of Ohio 1935-2010 at the University of Cincinnati’s Sycamore Gallery, Oct. 1–Oct. 27.

Henry Scott with his work at the Thunderdome awards reception at Clifton Cultural Arts Center.

Media Studies alumna Rachel Girard Reisert (CCAD 2002) had a solo exhibition Tropism at 1305 Gallery, Sept. 28–Nov. 11. Reisert also presented during the Midwest Regional Society for Photographic Education Conference on Oct. 13.

A senior in Photography, Kayla Holdgreve, exhibited two of her pieces in Current: MW Society of Photographic Education Student Juried Exhibition at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, Oct. 4–31.

Photography alumna Lian Dziura (CCAD 2012), Junior in Cinematic Arts Tom Hoying, MFA alumnus Cosby Lindquist (CCAD 2012), Photography alumnus Marcus Morris (CCAD 2012), junior in Photography Henry Scott, and MFA alumna Crystal Tursich (CCAD 2012) participated in the juried invitational exhibition Thunderdome, at Clifton Cultural Arts Center in Cincinnati, OH, Oct.13–14. Lindquist was one of three award winners and Dziura received an honorable mention.

CCAD students drop off materials at ZeroLandfill

The Interior Design program at CCAD helped this year with a national environmental and recycling cause called ZeroLandfill™ .

Held seasonally, ZeroLandfill™ is an award-winning reuse program that reduces pressure on local landfills by allowing companies in the architectural and interior design industries to drop off unwanted materials for local artists and art educators to reuse.

Interior Design juniors Carolyn Zurawka and Courtney Gula culled CCAD’s materials library and brought all unwanted or outdated materials to the drop location.

“ZeroLandfill is an opportunity for our students to give back,” said faculty Kelly DeVore. “They get to practice environmental stewardship for a space like the materials library that evolves and is constantly updated.”

ZeroLandfill™ has been recognized by Contract Design Magazines with an Inspiration Award for socially responsible innovation in the interior design industry. Since 2006, the program has recycled more than 300,000 pounds of materials.

Designers choose condoms at first meeting for condom couture fashion show

CCAD students often work with a variety of unusual material and face multiple design challenges and for 14 students participating in Planned Parenthood’s Condom Couture Fashion Show this latest project is no different.

Each students was given 800 condoms to use in an original clothing design that will be modeled by a community leader in a fashion show on Oct. 17.

During the show the designers will be judged by local boutique owner Maren Roth, menswear designer David Swetman, and CCAD instructor Esther Chung. The garments and designs will be graded on theme, color, creativity, attractiveness, originality, technique, and concept.

The top three winners will receive scholarship money; first place is awarded $1000, and second and third $500.

This will be the second year Bridgette Stevens a junior in Fashion Design, has competed in the fashion show.

Last year Stevens designed a truly couture one-of-a-kind dress that included a matching umbrella. The ensemble incorporated hot pink, black, and white condoms, creating a zebra print pattern.

Student Bridgette Stevens structure for a hat as part of the condom couture fashion show

“Last year I spent way too much time perfecting my garment,” Stevens said. “This year I will again have a very couture garment. I am doing a hot pink gown in organza, so it will be transparent. I will hand-stitch the condoms on and gather them across the dress, it will be very sexy. I am also going to have a couture hat to complete the look.”

Although Stevens has her plan all worked out, she remembers, from last year, that condoms are not an easy material to work with by any means.

“The hardest part about working with this material is thinking through how you want your design to come across,” Stevens said. “Second is the application; it is really difficult to work with these latex critters—they don’t always want to cooperate.”

Competing along with Stevens will be freshmen Katherine Benson, Kaylene  Biddle, Diana Chung, and Kailey Rinder; Fashion Design sophomores Elaine Hunt and Caroll Kern; Illustration sophomore Samantha Russel; Fashion Design juniors Kristain England, Marquis Engle, and Julie Ward; Fashion Design seniors Leah Kennedy and Krista Sison; and Interior Design senior Jocelyn Williams.

“We’re thrilled to host such a creative way to raise awareness about prevention,” said Stephanie Kight, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. “Previous years’ designs have been stunning…It’s exciting to see designers transform condoms into wearable art.”

Read about last year’s event here, and find out more information about the event and how to attend here.

Ippolita discusses career paths with CCAD students

CCAD welcomed jewelry designer Ippolita to campus this week. The Italian designer, whose designs are represented by Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, local Diamond Cellars, and her own Madison Avenue shop, gave a special presentation on her career path to students, followed by a visit to a jewelry making class where she critiques student work.

During her presentation Ippolita discussed the career path that led to her having her own jewelry line, and noted that she considers not only raw talent, but luck as equal in a designer’s path.

“It may be daunting sitting in here and thinking you won’t find a job at your dream place, but those businesses that you want jobs at are all currently looking for you,” Ippolita told the students in her presentation. “They are looking for raw talent and innovative minds.”

Over the past decade Ippolita has become a force in fine jewelry. She was born and raised in Tuscany and after earning a degree in sculpture from the renowned Istituto D’Arte in Florence, she went to New York to pursue opportunities in her craft.

She told the students her career did not immediately start at designing fine jewelry, but rather ranged from working in ad agencies and designing jewelry for other stores until the right opportunity and venture came up. Her current jewelry line is inspired by her love of organic shape and form and every one of her pieces is made by hand.

Ippolita’s visit to CCAD was arranged by the Diamond Cellar, a business that has partnered with CCAD often to bring nationally renown jewelry designers to campus and has supported CCAD’s annual Senior Fashion Show event.

Artists create murals at the sixth annual Urban Scrawl in Franklinton, photo courtesy of Kyle Robertson

Urban Scrawl, an annual festival in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, was chalk full of CCAD talent this year.

Participating artists were chosen after they submitted proposals to the Franklinton Arts District. During the festival each artist was given a 4 by 8 foot vertical panel to paint. Following the festival, panels were either sold in a silent auction or displayed as public art in Franklinton.

Participating alumni included Lea Gray (Fine Arts 2004), Kirsten Bowen (Illustration 1989), Adam Crum (Fine Arts 2006), Joel Atkinson (Illustration 2009), Clint Davidson (Fine Arts 2000), Julia McCann (Illustration 2011), Christopher Tennant (Fine Arts 2006), Daric Gill (Fine Arts 2004), and Nikos Fyodor Rutkowski (Fine Arts 2002). Students who participated include Illustration sophomore Jacob Tanner (CCAD 2014) and freshman Franklin Cain-Borgers (CCAD 2016).

The Franklinton Urban Scrawl is an annual two-day festival (which took place Aug. 25–26). In addition to the on-site art creations, the festival had bands performing, a skateboard competition, pedicab rides, and break-dancing performances.

Photo from last year’s Family Weekend & Homecoming

Classes are in full swing and the temperature is starting to drop, which can only mean one thing…. Family Weekend & Homecoming is almost here.

This will be the second year that the popular events are combined into one spectacular, action-packed weekend; this year on Oct. 12 and 13.

Last year during and after the event we shared hundreds of photos with our friends on Facebook via our Columbus College of Art & Design page and our CCAD Alumni page.

People tagged and liked the pictures, allowing everyone online to participate. So, what better way to get excited for this year’s event then look back at last year’s photos and comments?

A few that warmed our cold hearts:

“Totally enjoyed the Family Weekend & Homecoming thing—great job,” said alumnus James Walter Elston. “So good to be back at CCAD.”

Alumna Lisa Hetzer said, “we had a great time at the Homecoming/Family/Alumni weekend! Kudos to everyone involved with the planning, great job. What a wonderful surprise to see my favorite teacher, Billie Ingram, being honored at the alumni reception!”

Attendees were excited about the carnival on the quad, the comedy performance, and the homecoming reception, but some were also just as excited for the food.

“Joy Waking up starving and making overdone eggs isn’t fun, heading down to the market to get some good food,” current student Starla Hay said on a post announcing breakfast was beginning.

Sharing photos allowed the people who were there to reminisce (even while the event was still going on), but our hyperactive posting and tweeting meant that those who weren’t able to make the trip to campus got to enjoy it vicariously (at least that’s what we hope).

Alumna Amy Marie Book commented, “I wish I could have gone…miss my CCAD days bad…they were rough while there, but now looking back they were the best years for being myself.”

“I think if I visit now I will get lost,” alumna Sylvia Olmos stated on a picture of the campus. “Campus looks a lot different from 1986 when I started.”

Olmos is right; campus has changed a lot (just another reason to come back). But for those who are worried about getting lost, throughout the day there will be guided tours, so no need to worry.

Those who were watching our posts throughout the day were also a little perplexed by who we were exactly.

Student Alejandro Bellizzi commented that he thought our Faceboook page was alive—“I like this because I don’t understand who you are. It’s as if CCAD is alive and once you are an alumnus/a, you can talk to it like it’s a person. What are you? Are you some kind of art school ghost spirit?”

No, we are not an “art school spirit,” but wouldn’t that be cool? Walking through walls and just appearing places? …We digress. Like last year, Lacey Luce and I (Katlin McNally) will be wandering the streets tweeting and posting—and we think you should too! Seriously, do we have to do everything?

But, anyway, we like Bellizzi’s thinking. We are here to bring the “spirit” of CCAD to you (but not in a creepy poltergeist way)—whether you are among our alumni, a student, a family member, faculty, or staff—we are all CCAD family and on Oct. 12 and 13, everyone is coming together to celebrate. This is something you will not want to miss!

To check out a full listing of events planned for the weekend, please go to our event page. Also, look at photos from last year on our Facebook photo albums here and here.

Work by Kyle Boganwright

Fine Arts senior Kyle Boganwright’s solo exhibition Karnak’s Brood will be shown at Gallery 831 in Columbus, OH, Oct. 5–24.

The exhibition is a collection of colorful illustrations that embody messages about history, politics, social needs, causes, and the human condition. Boganwright uses a combination of media to bring texture into his work.

Shot from Pamela Theodotou’s film “Stark Justice”

MFA candidate Pamela Theodotou’s film project Stark Justice made the first cut in The Columbus International Film + Video Festival (CIF+VF) Experimental Shorts Division.

The film is a neo-noir cinemagraphic novel following a main character, Tom Stark, who is an assassin hired by the government.

“One of the goals of the project was to explore new media options in presenting narrative,” Theodotou said. “I wanted to create a work that visually reads like a novel but uses video, art, and special effects to enhance the experience. There are no vocals—just music and sound effects and written dialogue in the form of kinetic text.”

CIF+VF, now in its 60^th year, is Nov. 13–18.

To watch Theodotou’s Stark Justice, click here.

Christopher Olvis and Michiella Sturiano hold their winning umbrella design for Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center in Columbus, OH, offers a perk for visitors and shoppers when the clouds turn grey: a courtesy umbrella. This year the design is brand new thanks to Advertising & Graphic Design students at the Columbus College of Art & Design.

Easton hosts nearly 21 million visitors a year and orders 8,000 umbrellas a year for those customers to use—so when Steiner & Associates, the managing company of Easton, approached CCAD Advertising & Graphic Design classes with this project, the students were beyond excited.

Students had to not only create a design that incorporated Easton’s current brand theme and colors, but also work on an umbrella stand, follow a strict budget, deal with storage issues, consider guidelines for the arc, panels, and handle for the umbrella, and create a communication plan, all within an eight-week time frame.

A group of Easton staff members chose the winning design team, which included then-seniors Christopher Olvis and Jacob Graham and junior Michiella Sturiano.

Their design features a nature-themed pattern including snowflakes, autumn leaves, and tree branches all on the color blue that Easton uses as a brand color.

Easton Town Center is one of several community clients that CCAD has recently partnered with. Others include The Central Ohio Transit Authority, the State of Ohio’s Governor’s office, ScottsMiracleGro Company, and Nationwide Insurance.

Part of Sean Elliott’s mural in Frazeysburg, OH

Media Studies student Sean Elliott (CCAD 2014) is painting a mural on the outside of a municipal/police department building in Frazeysburg, OH.

The 15-by-10 foot mural is in commemoration of veterans, featuring a Purple Heart medal with World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, and Iraq and Afghan soldiers. Elliott himself is a veteran of the US Air Force and has worked on two other memorials. He completed a World War II memorial at the Newark American Legion, post 85 in Ohio and is currently finishing up work on a granite design that will be placed in a cemetery in Toboso, OH.

“The best part of the [American Legion] project was meeting a World War II veteran,” Elliott said. “He had tears in his eyes and said ‘I see all of my buddies, and a lot of them never made it home.’”

The mural in Frazeysburg was unveiled Saturday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m., with a military ceremony.

Screenshot from the "Toon Boom News" article

Toon Boom News, an animation industry newsletter, recently featured Columbus College of Art & Design’s animation department, and, in particular, Adjunct Faculty Andrew Friz.

The article noted that CCAD’s animation department works closely with local industry professionals and businesses to help students gain real-life experience and strong portfolios, committing itself to keeping up with current industry practices.

“CCAD has better equipment than most people will have in their first job,” Friz said in the article.

He offers advice to animation students, stating that “you can study and copy from great animation to learn technique, but observe and sketch from life so you can draw from experience, making work that is uniquely yours and delivering it with the highest quality possible.”

Friz continues to work professionally in the animation industry with experience in feature films, commercials, illustration, and graphic design. He leads a small, full-service animation company, The Little Black Cat, in Columbus, OH.

Students practice their performance

Where can you find a dragon roaming a mountaintop and a bird learning to sing all in the space of a large table-top? In two CCAD freshman design classes. Adjunct Faculty Nicole Gibbs and Assistant Professor Danielle Julian Norton both recently taught classes where students explored two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements of design by producing puppet shows.

Gibbs’ class performed on May 6 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, while Julian Norton’s class traveled to the Schoenbaum Family Center on May 8.

This is the second year that Gibbs has orchestrated a puppet show and the first for Julian Norton. The groups created everything including characters, scripts, music, puppets, sets, marketing materials, and a final 8–10 minute performance.

Julian-Norton’s class performs for children

Both classes took a team-oriented approach, ensuring that the students involved worked together to create the final performance. Student roles ranged from project manager to performer.

“Teamwork was an essential element to the project, as it is in the design field,” Gibbs said. “Students had a real experience in how to combine ideas and work together under a deadline and expectations.”

“Students worked to embed positive learning messages for the children in each of the puppet show narratives,” Julian Norton said. “The end result was creative and fun, with a rewarding sense of accomplishment for the students.”

Gibbs will be speaking at the Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC) this October to discuss her use of puppet shows as a vehicle for artmaking through community engagement.

“I hope it will become an idea that other instructors will use with their first-year classes at CCAD and elsewhere,” Gibbs said. “It would be so neat if it could become an annual tradition.”

Student looks at work

Each semester, the Honors Program at CCAD hosts a symposium where students and faculty present their semester’s work. This year it took place on May 7, starting with a reception for all CCAD faculty, staff, and students.

Work ranged from puppets to glass installations, and the projects came from two honors classes: Associate Professor Ariana-Sophia Kartsonis’ Ekphrasis: Art Begets Art and MFA student Elena Harvey Collins’ Art as Social Practice.

The following students showed their projects: Fine Arts seniors Jack Ramunni, Alejandro Bellizi, Krista Sison, Yezen Abusharkh, and Mary Nemeth; Media Studies senior Brian Liston; Fine Arts junior Eric Sherwood; Advertising & Graphic Design junior Danielle Williams; Photography junior Derrick Whitson; Industrial Design sophomore Kelly Lee; and Fine Arts sophomores Esteban Gonzalez, Nicole Santos, and Hannah Mason-Macklin.

Congratulations Graduates!

More than 200 Columbus College of Art & Design students graced the stage of the historic Ohio Theatre to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 12, 2012. The 133^rd annual spring commencement, in downtown Columbus, included an address by commencement speaker Mark Kvamme of JobsOhio.

The ceremony awarded four honorary degrees including, Beverly Bethge founder and creative officer of Ologie, Richard Aschenbrand dean of Visual Communications, Carl Garant dean of Industrial and Interior Design, and Edward Lathy dean of Liberal Arts.

Robert P Restrepo Jr., vice chair of CCAD’s board of trustees; President Dennison W. Griffith; Kevin J. Conlon, vice president for academic affairs, and Ric Petry, director of graduate studies and professor; conferred 11 master of fine arts degrees. Restrepo, Griffith, Conlon, and Faculty Council President and Professor Tim Rietenbach conferred 228 bachelor of fine arts degrees.

The students returned the recognition giving a standing ovation to all faculty and staff that assisted them along their journey. President Dennison W. Griffith gave the students a farewell message that earned a spontaneous round of applause when he encouraged graduates to be nuanced, and spread love in the world.

Family and friends greet the class of 2012 after commencement.

The 2012 class valedictorian is Industrial Design major Joel Van Gilder and the college honored the following 10 students with the distinction of Outstanding Senior in their area of study.

Kattie Baker, Advertising & Graphic Design

Chavilah Bennett, Advertising & Graphic Design

Rachel Cass, Fashion Design

Sara Diesel, Illustration

Lian Dziura, Photography

Christopher Ryan Evans, Media Studies

Leah Fisher, Photography

Jake LaBombarbe, Industrial Design

Sarah McCance, Interior Design

Erin McKenna, Fine Arts

Check out photos from commencement and more on the CCAD Alumni facebook page.

President Denny Griffith with the 2012 Senior Gift Committee

When searching for a gift to leave behind to the college, the 2012 Senior Class Gift Committee decided to start from what everyone of its peers does best, their art.

The committee decided to complete a project called Epilogue. Their members collected works from their fellow students and silent auctioned them at the CCAD Spring Art Sale. All of the proceeds were then donated to the CCAD scholarship fund.

At the senior picnic, hosted by President Denny Griffith, Chavilah Bennett, the chair of the committee, and fellow Senior Class Gift committee members presented a class banner to President Griffith to represent their gift. Signed by the members of the class of 2012 and featuring the class’s slogan (go amaze), the banner will hang at all of the group’s future alumni gatherings.

“Not only is this a representation of our gift, but it is also a signed promise to keep in touch with our peers and with the school,” Bennett said.

“I repeat this message a lot, but donating to the scholarship fund is vital for our creative community,” Griffith said. He asked students to raise their hands if they received a scholarship and look around. The students were able to see, that the majority of students in attendance received support from previous donations.

The 2012 Senior Gift Committee included, Sean Gorant (Advertising & Graphic Design), Natelise Loeb (Advertising & Graphic Design and Illustration), Aaron Roberts (Advertising & Graphic Design) Mark St. Romain (Advertising & Graphic Design), Nicky Smith (Advertising & Graphic Design), and Dion Utt (Fine Arts)

The 2012 graduating class will be accepting their diplomas on May 12 at the Ohio Theatre, and from there on they will truly go and amaze!

Joel during the 2012 Directions

Joel VanGilder, an Industrial Design major, has been named the valedictorian for CCAD’s graduating class of 2012. VanGilder will be honored during the commencement ceremony Saturday, May 12, at the Ohio Theatre.

VanGilder came to CCAD after establishing himself as a professional photographer in New York. He originally received a degree from The Ohio State University in photography. After coming into contact with the field of industrial design he decided to make a career change and chose CCAD to help pursue his new creative path.

During his time at CCAD Van Gilder worked in the CCAD Design Group, was a creative intern at SBC Advertising and a designer at Proctor & Gamble, and secured a full-time position as the in-house designer at Worthington Cylinders. He is also a member of IDSA (The Industrial Designers Society of America).

Christopher Ryan Evans, 2012 Outstanding Senior

At the end of the academic year, CCAD deans present the Outstanding Seniors for their divisions.  Today, we conclude our 10-part Outstanding Senior series with Media Studies major Christopher Ryan Evans.

Q) What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

A) My final project. I am doing a stop-motion film, and it combines everything that I have learned from the structure of the story from start to finish to learning what drives a plot. It showed me that the basics and fundamentals you learn are important, including color concept, painting, drawing…everything.

Q) What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

A) Getting stuff done on time. I always try to push the envelope and take on more then I should. I like to step out of the safe zone, and I had to learn to balance what I am supposed to be learning with challenging myself, which sometimes made deadlines difficult.

Q) What are your plans after graduation?

A) I want to work in the movie industry. This may mean I need to weasel myself from camera operator on up, but I know that’s the direction I want to go. I have been looking at motion a design firm in Columbus, and there are a couple areas in North Carolina I may go. Going to grad school at USC is also on my radar, so we’ll see.

Q) What’s your ultimate dream job or goal?

A) Directing and making my own movies and being paid for my own creative work.

Q) Why is it important as an alumnus to give back to CCAD?

A) This school is responsible for so much talent, and it really guides every student coming in here. I think that it should be a cornerstone of everyone’s career, and it is important to give back to the CCAD family to show that.

Q) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

A) When everything is done—when you finally finish a project or meet a deadline. It’s also when you work on a project and you realize that you are applying exactly what you learned in class or in your foundation year; when you look at the results and you see everything coming together, that is definitely an ‘I nailed it’ moment.

Q) What smell, word, or whatever will always remind you of your time as a student?

A) Paint, I just envision all the paint in front of me at the studios.

Q) What will you miss the most?

A) The drawing and painting. I’ll miss having all the materials sitting right in front of me and readily available.

Q) If you can describe what graduating feels like in one word or sentence what would it be?

A) The first step.

Q) What was your favorite class at CCAD?

A) My drawing classes, especially with Doug Norman and Djahangir Pirasteh. They were the first people when I came here who were really inspirational to me. They brought me to where I want to be in those skills, and they taught their classes very professionally. There was no doodling with them.

Q) What did you like to do during your free time?

A) I like to spend a lot of time outdoors, and of course movies, movies, movies, movies like crazy.

Q) What is your fondest memory at CCAD?

A) Getting parking tickets—I know that’s not the fondest, but it is something I’ll remember. My first semester here I didn’t want to buy a parking pass, thinking I wouldn’t get tickets, but I did (laughs).

Q) What would you change about your undergraduate career?

A) I wish I would have found out which major and niche I wanted to pursue quicker. I didn’t know if I wanted to aim toward animation, storyboarding, or what.

Q) What is your advice to future CCAD students?

A) Find a group of friends who are focused and driven and stick with them, they will help you accomplish a lot.

Weaver's final design for the ring

Junior Fine Arts major Carson Weaver was recently announced as the winner of the Diamond Cellar’s Jewelry Design Contest. Weaver will be given $1,000 to assist in creating the ring she designed and also the opportunity to offer her piece for sale at the Diamond Cellar’s 2012 Designer’s Gala in December.

This is the second year for the competition, which was created as a result of a longstanding relationship between CCAD and the Diamond Cellar.

Thirteen students from instructor Kelly Nye’s jewelry design course submitted ring designs to be judged by Diamond Cellar staff as well as internationally known jewelry designers Michael Bondanza, Steven Lagos, Charles Krypell and Christopher Slowinski.

Weaver discussing her ring with Hill

Before sending their designs off to the judges, students were able to consult with Christine Cooper Hill (CCAD 1987) during a class visit. Hill has been designing and handcrafting fine jewelry for more than 22 years and has had her own business, Christine Cooper Hill Jewelry/Cooper Hill Studio since 2007.

Hill looked over the student’s ring designs, offering advice on marketability, stone use, costs, and overall appeal.

Weaver’s ring will be fabricated using a wax casting process. The setting of the ring will be made of platinum, and the design includes Tahitian pearls and two single-cut round melee diamonds.

The Diamond Cellar will display Weaver’s final drawings at the 2012 CCAD Senior Fashion Show. They will also display work by the judges and Hill.

Diamond Cellar is one of several community clients that CCAD has recently provided significant creative services for, including Scott’s Miracle-Gro, Central Ohio Transit Authority, the Ohio Governor’s office, and Nationwide Insurance.

“The award recognizes the best painter of our 2012 graduating senior class,” Dean the School of Fine Arts Julie Taggert said. “This is the first year we have awarded this prize, and Taylor was chosen based on a faculty voting process.”

Chris Yates, associate professor of Fine Arts, worked with Hawkins during his senior thesis class and watched him as he made strides in both concept and execution.

“There is nothing more exciting for me as a teacher than to work with a student that is devoted to and passionate about their work—Taylor is such a student,” Yates said.

Hawkins will receive a cash prize, and his work will be displayed in SHOW: The 133^rd Annual Student Exhibition on campus. He was also a recent recipient of an AICUO Award for Excellence in Visual Art.

ID sophomores in the Cardboard Regatta, photo by Katlin McNally

On a cloudy but warm Saturday in May, teams raced in cardboard boats through rough pond waters, paddling around obstacles, and trying to remain afloat.  It was the annual Cardboard Regatta held for sophomores in CCAD’s Industrial Design department.

In its eighth year, The Cardboard Regatta pits professor and alumnus Joel Gundlach’s class against a class led by adjunct faculty Greg Thune.

“This is a great tradition that the department has,” Gundlach said. “The students work hard all year, and now it’s time for them to apply their skills in an entertaining and fun way.”

The two teams each have to construct three different water vessels in three hours using only cardboard, plastic sheet, PVC pipe, and duct tape. Students then compete on the water in three timed events featuring one-, two-, and three-person boats.

Congrats go to team Gundlach, which claimed this year’s Cardboard Regatta trophy.

Leah Fisher, one of our 2012 Outstanding Seniors

At the end of the academic year, CCAD deans present the Outstanding Seniors for their divisions. Today, in part seven of our 10-part Outstanding Senior series, we interviewed Photography major Leah Fisher.

Q) What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

A) My proudest moment would probably be my thesis show. I did a Drive-By Shooting series that was captured while my husband drove around and I would snap pictures out the window of the car. It was the first time I was able to show my work to campus, the students, faculty, and staff. It accumulated after a year’s worth of hard work, and it was great project that I continue to work on.

Q) What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

A) The foundation classes. They have this reputation for being really difficult, and when I would look at what students outputted from these classes it made me nervous and wonder if I would be able to do that well. The faculty was extremely helpful though in guiding students through the assignments and techniques.

Q) What are your plans after graduation?

A) I am going to continue working at the CCAD Packard Library. I work on archiving old photos that CCAD has and scanning them to help build our Flickr site. It has been a long process, but great to live through CCAD’s history and be able to make these pictures accessible to everyone. I want to be able to finish this project, and it’s nice because by working here, I also have time to work on my own projects and personal art.

Q) What is your ultimate dream job or goal?

A)I went from Columbus to San Francisco and back a few years ago, and I would love to do it again. I want to be able to take my time and drive out there, continuing my Drive-By Shooting project.

Q) Why is it important as an alumna to give back to CCAD?

A) I think it is really important to give back financially. If you have made it in your field based on the skills you learned at CCAD, you should give back to give another student the same opportunities that you received while here.

Q) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

A) Working with Helen Hoffelt made me realize that. There is something to say when not only do you like your work, but other people, including faculty, have the same appreciation for it. Helen really pushed me to new limits and made my work really start to stand out and get noticed.

Q) What smell, word, object, or whatever will always remind you of your time at CCAD?

A) Think. Do.

Q) What will you miss the most?

A) I’ll miss the faculty. When you are here you have someone critiquing your work and pushing you in everything you do. They are tough, but in a positive, constructive way. I don’t know if we will have someone like that in the outside world to be the person to push the boundaries of what we are outputting.

Q) If you can describe what graduation feels like in one word or sentence what what would it be?

A) If feels long overdue. As a nontraditional student, I was working at this for 10 years. To finally graduate is a relief and the end to a great and long journey.

Q) What was your favorite class at CCAD?

A) My independent studies with Helen Hoffelt. I was able to complete two photo projects, once focusing on coal towns and another one on national parks. It was nice to be able to work in a structure similar to that of the real world: to work on my own and create what I wanted to create without strict guidelines.

Q) What did you like to do during your free time?

A) I keep working on my drive-by series. Every Sunday my husband and I drive around Columbus so I can photograph. It is a great for us to be able to spend time together and sometimes my brother comes with us. We are able to explore Columbus and all of its nooks and crannies. We have somewhat of a routine path, but we like to change the route every once in awhile depending on what I am able to capture and what I see that day.

Q) If you could go back to college what would you change?

A) I don’t have any regrets about my time here, but I would go back and work harder in some of my first photography classes. I treated those classes like beginner photo lessons, and I wish I would have just dived right in and started working on some more serious, thorough projects.

Q) What is your advice for future CCAD students?

A) Work really hard and don’t think and dwell to much on the assignments and guidelines you are given; instead just make art.

An early rendition

On May 11 Columbus College of Art & Design will open its annual student exhibition (the 133rd for those of you who are counting). This phenomena is a massive celebration of the best work of CCAD’s academic year.

Most of the art and design work in the show—representing the college’s graduate program and its nine undergraduate majors—is the result of thesis projects, contests, and class assignments. One project is simply a labor of love.

Each year students from the three-dimensional illustration class produce a crowd-pleasing piece that, while whimsical, is also masterful. This year’s creation is sure to be another attention getter—and its makers, who have spent the entire academic year building it, did so on their own time.

The colossal blood-sucking monster from a lost age

So what is this mysterious beast? Well, to call it a giant flea doesn’t really do justice to something the size of a compact car. It has been described as a “colossal blood-sucking monster from a lost age” and a “terrifying beast from a distant planet.” The beast isn’t alone; it will be ridden by a woman (presumably some type of warrior). When we asked her name, there was a quick scramble to come up with ideas—Fleaopatra seemed to stick.

You would think all this extracurricular work would just be added stress for a graduating senior, but Christopher Castorano says differently.

“This guy’s been keeping me sane,” explained the Illustration major with a smile.

The journey to build the beast and its rider began fall semester with Castorano and Illustration junior Tyler Crooks (both also work as Illustration lab techs). In spring they were joined by two juniors and fellow lab techs Henry Scott (Illustration) and Allison Cundiff (Animation). Leading the monster squad (and credited as the mastermind) is 3D Illustration Professor Mark Hazlerig.

“Mark’s been wanting to do this for 20 years,” explained Scott, who has known Hazlerig since Scott was first a student at CCAD in 2000. Scott left the college to join the military, returning to continue his studies after serving four tours.

The team will be working up until the last minute, bringing in one extra hand to help with the painting. At their most basic, the 3D pieces are constructed of blue foam and covered in latex. But, as with all good things, the process is much more complicated than that. (When we asked about construction, terms such as two-part foam, molding, and resins were bandied about). Anyone seeing the beast in person will appreciate the extraordinary level of detail, right down to the spindly little insect hairs.

Come see the colossal beast along with many other exquisite examples of art and design work from CCAD’s undergraduate and graduate programs. CCAD offers nine undergraduate majors, Advertising & Graphic Design, Animation, Cinematic Arts, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Photography; the graduate program is a multidisciplinary one called the MFA in Visual Arts: New Projects. THE SHOW: the 133rd Annual Student Exhibition opens Friday, May 11, at 4 p.m. and will be open through the summer.

The garment on the left is from Rachel Kaplan's collection, inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe and Umberto Boccioni. Chavilah Bennett used the fashion shoot photo to recontsruct a work of art inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's painting “Red Canna."

When the music is pounding and the models are strutting down the runway—each bringing forth a delightful new surprise—it is easy to only see the fashion design talent at the CCAD Senior Fashion Show.

So, each year we like to take a moment and call attention to all of the other creative minds that make our extraordinary fundraiser such a memorable experience.

One piece in particular, the lookbook, lasts well beyond that one adrenaline-fueled night. CCAD students have always played a significant role in developing the book, but this year that role was increased. The book not only showcases the design talent of our fashion students, but it also showcases the talent of our photographers, graphic designers, fine artists, and illustrators—not just in its production but in the rich content seen on each page.

“The fashion designers took their inspiration from 2D and 3D artists. To showcase that inspiration, we took the idea of deconstruction and reconstruction to highlight more forms of art and design at CCAD,” said CCAD Creative Director Lindsay Kronmiller as she described the concept for this year’s fashion show lookbook.

The team that developed the concept for the lookbook, the invites, and did the design work, from left Isabella Hidalgo, Aaron Roberts, Walker Crane, and Isuri Merenchi Hewage

“We took photos of the models wearing the designs on backgrounds that make it appear that the fashion is being ‘unpacked’ for a gallery show,” explained Kronmiller. “We then gave those photos to artists, designers, and illustrators and had them reconstruct each photo into a piece of art that was inspired by the original 2D and/or 3D artist—thus creating an ‘exhibition book’ of CCAD work focused around this year’s fashion thesis projects.”

While guests of the event will appreciate the beautiful book as they wait for the main event to start, the book’s shelf life lasts quite a bit longer. For the next year the admissions office will include the fashion lookbook in packets to prospective students and bring it with them to college fairs.

“This has become a signature piece for the college,” said Robin Hepler, director of marketing and communications at CCAD. “It started as a program just for the event, but we found that prospective students considering CCAD were fascinated by it and inevitably wanted a copy to keep. So, each year we’ve improved the content and ordered more quantities turning it into a regular piece in our recruitment packet. This year we’ve gone even further to ensure the book showcases the breadth of diverse talent at CCAD, while still being true to its original purpose.”

CCAD’s Design Group is an in-house design firm staffed by students and directed by Kronmiller. The team that developed the concept for the lookbook, the invites, and did the design work, included Advertising & Graphic Design seniors, Isabella Hidalgo and Aaron Roberts; Illustration senior Isuri Merenchi Hewage; and Advertising & Graphic Design junior Walker Crane.

Lookbook photographers, from left, Danielle Ford, Xandre King, Kelsey McClellan, Lian Dziura, Nicole Miller, and Marcus Morris.

The visual content for the lookbook was also all student generated. The photographs were taken by CCAD students (and an alumnus) during a daylong photo shoot that involved several sets  in CCAD’s massive photography studio space. Photography majors on the shoot, included seniors Lian Dziura, Xandre King, Kelsey McClellan, and Nicole Miller; junior Danielle Ford, and 2011 alumnus Marcus Morris.

The ‘reconstructed artwork’ was completed by the following students and alumni: Justine Arreche (Advertising & Graphic Design 2011), Chavilah Bennett (Advertising & Graphic Design 2012), Danielle Deley (Advertising & Graphic Design 2011), Pei Yin Chen (Photography 2011), Crane,  Dziura, Ford,  Andy Hayes (Advertising & Graphic Design 2001), Merenchi Hewage, Hidalgo,  Matthew Houston (Illustration 2012), Alex Lanisoz (Advertising & Graphic Design 2013),  Brian Liston (Media Studies 2012),  McClellan, Nathan Moser (Fine Arts 2012),  Simone Noronha (Advertising & Graphic Design 2011), Emily Rickard (Fine Arts 2010), Madison Schneider (Advertising & Graphic Design 2012), Pallavi Sen (Fine Arts 2011) Dillon Sirimongkhon (Illustration 2011), and Miles Tsang (Illustration 2012).

Videographers, from left, Alex Trimpe and Tom Hoying

Adding to the creative mix, CCAD tapped local branding agency Ologie to provide creative consultation and mentorship for the students as they worked on this massive undertaking.

While the lookbook has become a signature piece, it’s not the only student produced work that will be seen the night of the event (and beyond). Media Studies majors Tom Hoying (sophomore) and Alex Trimpe (senior) have been filming the lookbook design process and will be filming the entirety of the event to develop promotional materials for 2013. They also worked with local videographer Ryan Sweeney to develop a piece that will run prior to the runway show.

If you have your tickets be sure to remember to pick up a lookbook to see what all the fuss is about. If you don’t have tickets, we’ll do our best to post as many student-generated photos as we can the night of the show for your vicarious enjoyment.

Erin McKenna, 2012 Outstanding Senior

At the end of the academic year, CCAD deans present the Outstanding Seniors for their divisions.  Today, in part five of our 10-part Outstanding Senior series, meet Fine Arts major Erin McKenna.

Q) What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

A) It would probably be the student critique group I organized. We meet once a week to critique each other’s work. We have about 15 students come down, ranging from freshmen to seniors. It is neat that they all come together during their free time and do it to become better and learn more. My goal with the group was to help underclassman talk and learn about their work outside of a classroom setting and without faculty or instructors to help them become more at ease.

Q) What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

A) My very first day of class. I remember I had Color Concepts, and I sat in the very back of the classroom and didn’t say a word. I didn’t know anyone and I was so nervous, which is the opposite from today. Now I sit in the front and talk to everyone around me. My time here has definitely brought me out of my shell and made me more social and confident.

Q) What are your plans after graduation?

A) Right now I work as a graphic designer for a local organization, so I know I will continue working there. I have applied to four residencies and plan on applying to three more. I would like to find a studio around Columbus so I can have the space to keep making art. Down the road I know I want to continue my studies and get an MFA.

Q) What is your ultimate dream job or goal?

A) I want to be able to teach college courses in Fine Arts. I would love to be able to teach fulltime and continually make and show my work.

Q)Why is it important as an alumna to continue to give back to CCAD?

A) CCAD is changing a lot, and a lot of people are starting to lean towards a design and business mindset, so I think it is important to continue to support the Fine Arts department here and make sure they keep kicking out the awesome work that they have been doing.

Q) Do you remember a single moment when you sat back and said, “This is why I am doing this?”

A) That moment definitely occurred during the New York Residency Program. When I studied there it was probably the hardest critiques I have been through. At one point I said I was done making art, but I got past it and realized all those struggles were worth it. I think the realization that this is what I want to be doing was cemented at that moment.

Q) What smell, object, place, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

A) The studios in AMF. I spent a lot of time up there studying, working, and hanging out with friends.

Q) What will you miss the most?

A) I will miss my friends that I made here. I had a very strong support group. I’ll also miss the resources available and being able to walk into the library and wood shop whenever I needed the resources and space.

Q) If you can describe what graduating feels like in one word what would it be?

A) Terrifying. It is terrifying to think I am done with school, for a while at least. When I graduate I won’t need to go to school anymore and that’s terrifying. I love everything about school and CCAD—the facilities, teachers, just everyone.

Q) What was your favorite class at CCAD?

A) My sculpture classes, the ones taught by Michael Goodson and Matthew Flegle. I really think the teachers really made those classes for me. They were supportive and would answer any questions I had, and I learned a lot from them.

Q) During your free time what would you do?

A) I would always schedule free time for myself so I could travel. I love New York, so I would try to get out there once every other month and stay with friends in Brooklyn.

Q) What is your fondest memory of CCAD?

A) My group of friends and hanging out with them. It doesn’t matter where we were, whether it was the studio or a party, I value that time with them.

Q) If you could change anything about your undergraduate experience, what would it be?

A) I have a laundry list of things I would have liked to do. I would have loved to been able to read more about different philosophies and artists and especially contemporary art. I would have also challenged myself more and worked more in areas that scared me and were outside my comfort zone.

Q) What advice would you give to future CCAD students?

A) I would tell them to read and challenge themselves. The only way to get out of a comfort zone or not be scared to do something is to go out and do it. Don’t be scared or cautious of what people may think or say about your work, just do what you want to do.

When Julia Ruan couldn't find fabric she liked, she made her own.

One of the key things for any design is the fabric. The Fashion Design seniors this year shared stories of how they spent countless hours in fabric houses in New York City, Chicago, and Cleveland looking for just the right color or feel. Others embellished their fabric to make it more of what they wanted. Julia Ruan made her own.

“I am very proud that I made all the fabric by myself and with my own hands, even though it took a long time,” she says. “I bought wool and placed netting behind it so I could roll the wool out.  Then I dyed it and washed it. The whole process took around eight hours for each piece.”

Julia, a native of Hangzhou, China, wanted to create fabric that was very abstract in nature and reflected the inspiration she gained through viewing the works of Chu Teh-Chun, a famous modern artist from China. She paid close attention to the patterns and abstract colors he used throughout his works and tried to mirror that, but still add her own personality to the mix.

“He is best known for his abstract oil-on-canvas works. He paints a country whose existence is found only in his paintings, and is both imaginary and real at the same time,” reflects Julia. “I am inspired by Chu Teh-Chun’s work where light looms up and creates and develops a broken succession of echoes.”

Illustrations from Julia's collection.

Julia admits she took great risks with the designs of her collection. Not only did she create her own fabric and dyed each piece in bold, vibrant colors; but her collection also differs from every other designer’s garments in the Senior Fashion Show. She jokes that it is not pretty or feminine yet each piece certainly makes a statement.

“In my collection, the structure is simple and pure, but the colors and textures are full of rich levels.  It’s not sexy and it doesn’t take the female shape at all because it’s very abstract and the shapes are very stiff,” she says. “But, it combines splashy prints and contrasting colors with geometric shapes to create a fantastic style.”

Julia loves that she is able to challenge, disturb, provoke, and entertain people with her designs and hopes to someday design clothes professionally either back home in China or in the U.S.

Until that time, you will get the chance to see her creations when they take the runway on May 11. The show is just a little more than a week away, buy your tickets today so you can say you saw these incredible designers when their works were first introduced to the fashion world.

Sara Diesel, one of the 2012 outstanding seniors

At the end of the academic year, CCAD deans present the Outstanding Seniors for their divisions.  Today, in part four of our 10-part Outstanding Senior series, meet Illustration major Sara Diesel.

Q) What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

A) I was recently chosen to be published in Spectrum 19, which is a science fiction illustration magazine. It is always great to be recognized for your work and to help get your name out there.

Q) What scared you the most?

A) Everything. Going into a career in illustration is kind of scary, because people say it is very hard to make money and be successful. I have been able to overcome that initial fear with various freelance opportunities and these recent publications.

Q) What are your plans after graduation?

A) I am from Pittsburgh, so I am going to move back home and continue to freelance.

Q) What’s your ultimate dream job? Or goal?

A) I would love to be able to start my own studio in five or 10 years. I want to be able to have a small, in-house illustration team and just be working in a creative and fun environment.

Q) Why is it important as an alumna to continue to give back to CCAD?

A) When I was a student I was always nervous about a career in illustration, but alumni who came back to talk and other visiting artists really helped reassure me. I want to be able to do the same for future students. I think it is important to come back and tell students and faculty that illustration is not a dead field and explain to them from a professional angle what the illustration market looks like.

Q) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

A) I think it would be recently, seeing my work get published in various trade magazines. It is a strong reassurance that my work is paying off.

Q) What smell, word, object, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

A) I think the Triad building. I lived there when I was a freshman, and I remember how cold and everything it was. A lot of interesting memories there.

Q) What will you miss the most?

A) Probably just the environment. Right now I am immersed in a group of artists and creativity, and there will probably be no other place like this unless I decide to go back to school.

Q) If you can describe what graduating feels like in one word what would it be?

A) Nerve-racking. I am trying to just not think about it and enjoy the last moments here on campus. For the last 20 years I have been going to school, so leaving will definitely be something completely new and different.

Q) What was your favorite class at CCAD?

A) My 3D Illustration class with Mr. Hazelrig. He was the one teacher who would always say anything was possible. If you would come to him with an idea that seemed impossible, he would reassure you and say “let’s make this happen,” and we would. I think that’s impressive to help students work through the creative process without any limits.

Q) What did you do during your free time?

A) What free time? (laughs) When I would work on class assignments I would watch a lot of movies. I just saw We Need to Talk About Kevin, that is definitely one of my favorites.

Q) What is your fondest memory of CCAD?

A) During my freshman year a bunch of students camped outside before class registration. In Illustration everyone was nervous they wouldn’t get the classes they needed, and freshman have to signup in person. It started out with someone saying they were going to get there before they opened, then someone said they were going to camp out all night, and it just steamrolled. I think I got there at 10 p.m. the night before, and we were all standing outside in the freezing rain.

Q) If you could go back to college, what would you change?

A) I would probably make the decision to study illustration a lot quicker. I took a lot of extra classes trying to figure out what to do, which took up time from classes I wish I could have taken.

Q) What is your advice to future CCAD students?

A) Work hard. My whole philosophy is that this is just four years of your life, and that is it. You can easily commit yourself to work hard for those years and achieve a lot. Don’t slack off or breeze on through. There is a lot to learn here from faculty and peers, so make the most of it.

Marissa Haley Schmidt's "Sun Bear"

Winners and finalists of the eighth annual Lowell Tolstedt Drawing Prize have been announced. This year’s contest was judged by a visiting artist, Professor Dana Saulnier of Miami University.

Winners included Illustration senior Marissa Haley Schmidt (first place and $500), Fine Arts senior Stephanie Cook (second place and $250), and Illustration junior Erlson Chunga Neba (third place $100 supply store gift certificate). An honorable mention went to Fine Arts junior Nikohl Gallas.

“Dana was very impressed with the quality of the work, as well as the energy and enthusiasm of the students here at CCAD,” said Rob Robbins, chair of drawing and print. “He was extremely contemplative and considerate in choosing this year’s winner, and said that the decision was very difficult.”

The winning drawings will be exhibited in the THE SHOW: The 133^rd Annual Student Exhibition, May 11–Sept. 14, 2012 on CCAD’s campus.

The Lowell Tolstedt Drawing Prize was established to celebrate and promote the strong drawing tradition at CCAD. The prize honors Lowell Tolstedt, a professor emeritus and Fine Arts dean who retired from CCAD after more than 35 years at the college.

Kattie Baker, 2012 Outstanding Senior

At the end of the academic year, CCAD deans present the Outstanding Seniors for their divisions. Today, in part three of our 10-part Outstanding Senior series, meet Advertising & Graphic Design major Kattie Baker.

Q) What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

A) My junior year my group and I won the Victoria’s Secret package design contest, that was probably my proudest moment. You get acknowledgement and praise from peers and faculty, but to have this large, well-known company reward you is definitely a proud moment.

Q) What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

A) When I had to take an Adobe Creative Suite class my sophomore year. I hadn’t used any of the programs before, so I was immediately overwhelmed thinking it was an intense, scary software.

Q) What are your plans for after graduation?

A) Careerwise I want to be able to do web design or graphic design. I am also finishing up working at Fulcrum Creatives as an intern.

Q) What is your ultimate dream job? Or goal?

A) I would love to be working for a mid-sized company. I feel that at larger companies you often have to work with the same clients over and over again, and I want to have room to play as a designer and creative. A company I would love to work for is Resource Interactive, a digital marketing agency in Columbus.

Q) Why is it important as an alumna to continue to give back to your alma mater?

A) I think you need to help out people who used to be you. As an alumna, you know how hard it is and what they are going through, and I think it’s good to offer the same help and support that you had when you were a student.

Q) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

A) I think it happened as early as my freshman year. I originally started out at Capitol University studying to become an English teacher, but then I realized that this side, extracurricular art class I was taking meant a lot more to me then my core classes, so I turned to CCAD. I realized then what I wanted to be doing.

Q) What smell, word, or whatever will  remind you of your time here as a student?

A) Rubber cement and quarters. In Advertising & Graphic Design we didn’t deal with too many of the smelly chemicals that other majors did, but rubber cement I will remember. Quarters became to mean so much more then 25 cents, too; we used them for printing, so if I lost one I would always think, “Oh no, there goes a print.”

Q) What will you miss the most?

A) The freedom. As a student you have faculty and staff telling you what to do when it comes to homework and such, but you really have this ultimate freedom to do whatever you want, you are your own boss.

Q) If you can describe what graduating feels like in one word what would it be?

A) Sleep. I will finally be able to sleep. If there was a carrot dangling at the end of a stick it would definitely be the idea of sleeping, finally, without any more all-nighters.

Q) What was your favorite class at CCAD?

A) It would probably be those quirky side classes that I took. For instance, the Photoshop class. We had small, fun projects, and we would learn these tiny tricks that made me think, “Wait, that was there the whole time?!” Those classes would break up the large ones where we had big, intense projects.

Q) What did you like to do during your free time?

A) When I had free time during school I would never know what to do with myself! I do like to run and ultimately be outside. I think I was supposed to live in Texas, though; this Ohio weather that is under 60 degrees doesn’t cut it. But I definitely try to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Q) What is your fondest CCAD memory?

A) I have a memory, not sure if it is my fondest, but it would probably be my double whammy X-acto knife accident. I sliced my fingers when working one day, and in reaction I clenched my fists and pulled them onto my knees in pain, only to realize the X-acto knife was sill in my hand, stabbing my knee. Yep, only a few people know about that one, and those who were there still remind me!

Q) If you could go back to college what would you change?

A) I would be more relaxed with myself. I am a perfectionist by nature, which definitely made me stress more. They say there is a triangle model, with its three points being good grades, sleep, and a social life, and you can only pick two. Looking back, I feel like I only had the good grades portion entirely, so I would have just loosened up during my time here.

Q) What advice would you give to future students?

A) There are two sets of advice. For people like myself who are perfectionists, I would tell them to stop trying so hard and don’t fret about the details of a project or assignment. For others I would say the opposite: don’t slack off. CCAD is full of people with natural talent, so I love to see them push themselves and work hard to get amazing results.

Business representatives look over students' portfolios at Directions

Where can you find big-name companies such as Express, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Skreened, right alongside all our fresh, ready-to-enter-the-world CCAD talent? At Directions, CCAD’s reverse Career Fair, where things are a bit different. At this career fair, more than 100 students are stationed at booths organized by major, with their portfolios laid out, ready to pitch to business representatives from small, large, and international companies.

This year Directions was held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus on April 25, 2012.

“It is the passion that really drives me to come to this event every year,” says Bob Campell, creative director at Victoria’s Secret and 2000 Industrial Design alumnus. “Coming to these events you get to not only see what talent is coming into the work-force, but you also get inspired seeing fresh, young, passionate designers and creatives presenting their ideas.”

Bob Campbell was one of the many professionals who returned to visit the fair this year. Another was Lileah Porter from Tween Brands who came to check out the talent in the Fashion Design department.

“Last year we hired one full-time individual, and we also had some internships come from this,” Porter said. “I love the way CCAD sets this up. Here the students can have all their information and portfolios spread out, and they can present to us in a more relaxed environment.”

Dion Utt, a Fine Arts senior, was excited and eager for the professionals to walk in the door.

Joel VanGilder stands in front of his booth at Directions

“This is really a chance to present myself to the business world and help get my name out there,” Utt said. “The real benefit is being able to network. There aren’t many opportunities like this where you can have a diverse crowd of professionals who are all 100% interested in what you do.”

Not far from Utt, was Joel VanGilder, an Industrial Design senior who is already working as a designer for Worthington Cylinders and brought his coworkers to the event to scout out more talent.

“It is nice to have this exposure as a student,” Van Gilder said. “I was lucky to get placed in a job already, and I am using this time to continue to pitch myself to companies. It is interesting because there are a lot of companies that you may not know even existed who are looking for a product that you can help create with them. As a designer it is important to think outside of your niche sometimes and look at companies that may host a wide range of products and may need an illustrator or an industrial designer and this is an opportunity to discover that.”

Daniel Fox, founder of Skreened, roamed the Illustration and Advertising & Graphic Design aisles searching for talent to fill in as freelance designers for his Columbus clothing company.

“CCAD and Columbus are great places to pull local talent and creatives from,” Fox said. “This is my first time coming here, and I am really excited to be able to look at all these students’ work and see if there is a fit for us.”

Skreened owner Daniel Fox examines a student's work

Christian Cimoroni, an illustration senior, views this as a final step before he enters the real world.

“I feel accomplished,” Cimoroni said. “After all this work I can stand out here confident and talk to these professionals. I can gain a lot of contacts and start to network with people in Columbus.”

Ted Smirniotopoulous, Photography senior, was also really excited about the networking opportunities Directions allowed.

“This is a really good opportunity to meet and connect with people. I want to be able to expand my horizons and continue to learn after I graduate, and this is a perfect outlet to meet people from companies all around Columbus, whether local, national, or international.”

The event hosted students from all nine CCAD majors: Advertising & Graphic Design, Animation, Cinematic Arts, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Photography. More than 600 professionals representing close to 400 businesses attended the event.

Shirley Weng plans to move back to New York City to pursue fashion after graduation.

CCAD attracts students from all over the world for its various programs. Fashion Design is no different. Two students from China chose CCAD to learn all aspects of garment design and construction. As with all of the seniors, each ended their years of study with a vision for what they wanted their final collection to be.

Shirley Weng moved to the United States with her parents from Shanghai and completed her high school education in upstate New York. During her senior year, it was her art teacher who suggested CCAD to Shirley. But, he originally suggested it more for her drawing talents than for her love of fashion.

“When I first came to CCAD I wanted to study Fine Arts, but I also have always loved fashion,” says Shirley. “I always wanted to learn how to make my own clothes and when I was young, my dream was to have my own fashion show and name brand.”

Shirley will make part of that dream come true when her collection, inspired by her chosen muses and her love of current high-fashion designs, takes the stage for the first time.

“Some of my pieces were inspired by Dior’s 2012 spring collection, but the incredible details in my pieces came from my muses, the sculptor Naum Gabo and French painter, Francis Picabia,” notes Shirley. “Personally, I love detail in clothing and I worked extra hard to add specific touches to my collection.”

From sketch to final design - the fashion process at work.

That detail can be found in the ribbon pleats of one of her shirts and a dress she weaved together using rolls and rolls of silk ribbon. The specific idea of using the ribbon came to her after studying the abstract strokes in Picabia’s painting, “Woman Wearing Monacle.” Her chosen sculpture, Gabo’s “Linear Construction in Space,” added an extra element of energy and form that provided her with an even deeper sense of detailed inspiration.

“Francis Picabia was an impressionist and surrealist and his painting style was really energetic,” says Shirley. “He uses a lot of detail and flow, which made me think of using the ribbon.”

The ribbon detail is unique, but Shirley points out that the process itself was extremely time consuming.

“My most difficult challenge was always time,” she remembers. “Because all of my pieces incorporated those intricate details, it took a really long time to finish.”

All her hard work is about to pay off though when five of Shirley’s garments grace the runway on Friday, May 11.

As new students embark on the path she’s about to leave, Shirley offers a few key points of advice.

“Set up goals and plans, so you will have steps to follow and won’t get lost along the way,” she advises.  
”Also, put yourself out there. Complete as many internships as you can and just try to get as much experience before graduation. It will be all worth it in the end.”

Tick, Tock! Time is running out. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this amazing annual event. Purchase your tickets here today!

Chavilah Bennett, 2012 Outstanding Senior

At the end of the academic year, CCAD deans present the Outstanding Seniors for their divisions. Today, in part two of our 10-part Outstanding Senior series, meet Advertising & Graphic Design major Chavilah Bennett.

Q) What was your proudest achievement at CCAD?

A) One of my proudest achievements would definitely be this—being named an outstanding senior.  Another achievement would be the general growth I have undergone. Everyone comes here as a high school student, and we leave here as educated adults; I think that is a big achievement.

Q) What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

A) It would probably be just getting a job after graduation, which is probably everyone’s fear. I didn’t have many fears while here, because everyone is so accepting and helpful that is hard to be fearful of anything.

Q) What are your plans after graduation?

A) I am going to make a big move—to California, New York City, or London. Right now I am doing some freelance work and have been working with a nonprofit company that participated in Startup Weekend here on campus, so I will probably continue to volunteer my time with them until I leave Columbus.

Q) What is your ultimate dream job or goal?

A) I want to be the creative director of a company. I want it to be in a big city, because I love the energy and life there. I want to be working somewhere that is full of creative people who have the drive to try new things and are interested in new technology.

Q) Why is it important as an alumna to continue to give back to your alma mater?

A) I think it is very important to give back and to help future artists and the future of CCAD. Most of us are attending this school because alumni have given back and we were able to receive a scholarship. Right now, I am working on the 2012 senior class gift. Since a lot of us don’t have the financial means to donate, we gave a piece to be sold at the CCAD Spring Art Sale, and those proceeds will be given to the scholarship fund.

Q) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

A) All of the time. I always get that feeling, especially when I am in the middle of a really great project and someone comes up and says “great work” or offers me encouragement. I also get that rewarding feeling when I interview for jobs. For instance, I worked with American Greetings over the summer and to have Dan Weiss [senior creative recruiter at American Greetings] come in and talk to me was an “ah-ha” moment.

Q) What smells, words, objects, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

A) Ramen, “all nighter,” and burnt popcorn. I remember whenever someone would burn popcorn in the dorm we would all have to leave the dorm in the middle of the night, often after we were asleep and in pajamas, and stand outside in the cold.

Q) What will you miss the most?

A) I will miss that during the time I was here I was surrounded by creatives who were all in the process of learning. Our main responsibility was to learn, and we had this freedom to do just that, learn and grow.

Q) If you can describe what graduating feels like in one word, what would it be?

A) Terrifying—it feels as though I am on the top of a roller coaster. I have worked four years to get to the top, and I am just crossing that edge where all of a sudden you are about to go down. Below you there are opportunities, and you can see everything. I feel as though I am looking down at the entire world. I have a mix of  anticipation and fear, but excitement about everything.

Q) What was your favorite class while at CCAD?

A) They all had their ups and downs, but I enjoyed my last Advertising & Graphic Design class. It was nice to be surrounded by seniors who knew that they were in the right major and going down the right path. We were able to focus on our work and really push each other to new limits.

Q) What did you like to do during your free time?

A) I like to illustrate; I definitely want to start working on my illustrations more. I also like to travel, and in June I am going to South Carolina for a trip. I have a creative side that includes dance and music. After graduation I want to make more time for playing the harp and start writing my own music again.

Q) What is your fondest memory at CCAD?

A) They are all fond memories, I don’t know if I can pick just one. Even when I was crying late at night due to the stress of a project, I still would love to go back and repeat it all.

Q) If you could go back, what would you change?

A) I would have learned where to look for research. What the school is doing now with the library and those resources is beneficial to current and future students. I wish I would have learned those resources more; it definitely would have saved me a lot of time.

Q) What advice would you give to future CCAD students?

A) The time at CCAD is a process that everyone has to go through and learn their own path. Embrace every moment, because it doesn’t last long, and it will be over before you know it.

Lian Dziura, Outstanding Senior 2012

At the end of the academic year, CCAD deans present the Outstanding Seniors for their divisions. Today, in part one of our 10-part Outstanding Seniors series, meet Photography major Lian Dziura.

Q) What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?

A) I honestly think it would be never failing anything. I never failed a class, and I am happy with my grades and work in every course I took while here. Another achievement that I am proud of was taking photos of Aminah Robinson. We did an IMAGE magazine story on her, and I was able to not only photograph her, but also talk to her about her work and her life.

Q) What scared you the most while you were at CCAD?

A) When I first started taking photography classes at CCAD, just about everyone in the class had some sort of experience or had taken previous courses. I felt a little nervous since I didn’t have any experience, but it actually turned out better for me since I didn’t have any bad habits to break and was able to work extremely hard and learn everything on a clean slate.

Q) What are your plans after graduation?

A) I am still deciding what direction I want to go. I have a lot of opportunities, and I am sorting through them now. Currently I have an internship with McGraw-Hill. I interviewed for their paid summer position, so I am waiting to hear back from them. I also got accepted into Studio Art Centers International (SACI) in Florence, Italy, to continue my studies. I know I would like to attend graduate school to study photography and fine arts, but I am leaning towards taking some time off to work and relax before I go back to school.

Q) What is your ultimate dream job? Or goal?

A) I would love to be able to travel and do some sort of documentary photography—I want to be able to travel to a country and  live with the people of an area long enough to understand their culture and ways. I have a Fine Arts minor so I would love to be able to incorporate that into my work by doing photo collages, etc.

Q) Why it is important to continue giving back to your alma mater?

A) I know I will continue to give back to CCAD after I graduate, whether that is through volunteer work or financial means. My time here was greatly influenced and contributed to by alumni. I was helped through scholarships, teachers, and mentors. I want to be able to do the same for current and future students.

Lian Dziura, Outstanding Senior 2012

Q) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”

A) I think I realized why I am an artist in my study abroad trip to Italy. I was able to study over there for three months, and I had a “this is why I am an artist” moment when I realized that not only was I abroad, working in a different environment outside of a classroom on a group of pieces that were my personal work and not assigned classwork.

Q) What smell, word, object, or whatever will always remind you of your time here as a student?

A) Rubber cement. Yep, definitely rubber cement and photo fix, and pretty much any other chemical.

Q) What will you miss the most?

A) I think it will be a mix between faculty and friends. That whole circle of CCAD family I made while I was here I am going to miss being around constantly.

Q) If you can describe what graduating feels like in one word or  sentence, what would it be?

A) It’s a perfect balance between scary and wonderful at the same time.

Q) What was your favorite class while you were at CCAD?

A) I don’t think I could pick just one. The top two would have to be my Intro to Philosophy class. I love philosophy, and it was interesting to sit in a classroom with your peers that you have had countless classes with and hear them talk about something other than art.

The second favorite class would be Photo III. Although it was one of the most difficult classes, and it was definitely a pain in the ass, it made a huge impact on me and was helpful in advancing my skills.

Q) What did you like to do in your free time?

A) What free time? (laughs) I really just spent a lot of time with my friends. We would have homework parties and hang out in the Crane Center. That and studying abroad are probably my fondest memories of CCAD.

Q) What would you change about your undergraduate experience?

A) I don’t think I would change anything, but there are parts I would like to stretch out. For instance, I would love to have been able to study abroad again, and there are so many classes that I wish I would have had time to take.

Q) What advice would you give to future CCAD students?

A) Take every opportunity possible. CCAD is filled with opportunities, and I learned that the faculty and staff are here to help you make those things happen. So don’t be afraid to ask them, and they will help you get to where you want to be!

2011 graduates and families outside The Ohio Theatre

In honor of the 200-plus students who will receive diplomas at CCAD’s 133^rd commencement, we’ll be counting down the days by publishing interviews with our 10 Outstanding Seniors and announcing the class valedictorian(s).

Grades have not yet been submitted, so we are still waiting in anticipation to find out who is at the top of our 2012 class. One thing we can tell you is the names of our Outstanding Seniors. These 10 students were selected by the deans of their respective majors. They include Kattie Baker, Advertising & Graphic Design; Chavilah Bennett, Advertising & Graphic Design; Rachel Cass, Fashion Design; Sara Diesel, Illustration; Lian Dziura, Photography; Christopher Ryan Evans, Media Studies; Leah Fisher, Photography; Jake LaBombarbe, Industrial Design; Sarah McCance Interior Design; and Erin McKenna, Fine Arts.

The commencement speaker on May 12, is Mark Kvamme, interim chief investment officer and president of JobsOhio, a private, nonprofit corporation responsible for Ohio’s economic development activities for the past year. Kvamme recently worked with CCAD’s Design Group on the redesign of Ohio’s license plates and driver’s licenses.

Check back on Monday, April 30, when we’ll introduce you to our first Outstanding Senior, Lian Dziura—we’ll publish one interview a day (on school days) through Friday, May 11.

Sarah Pruden still has a garment she created when she was 11.

It seems to be a pattern (pun intended) that most fashion designers knew from an early age that they wanted to work in fashion in some facet or another. Whether they raided their own closet for fabric to create doll clothes, orchestrated their own wardrobe from pieces they had designed, or were recognized for their talent at putting together unique looks, the passion for fashion took root early.

Sarah Pruden is no exception. At the tender age of 11, she started sketching and creating her own clothes because she couldn’t find things she really liked in stores. She even turned her affinity for the color combination of red, white, and blue into a full-fledge outfit that she still has in her possession today.

“It’s a red, white, and blue pantsuit that I would never wear today. I had this red, white, and blue obsession and loved to put the colors together,” she laughs. “It’s all crinkled now because I had it in my portfolio forever.”

Her patriotic theme may no longer be part of her design repertoire; however, she is still inspired by a multitude of styles and cultures that have weaved in and out of her own personal experiences.

“I’m inspired by many different things, not always something particular,” says Sarah. “It could be something in nature, the city, patterns and colors. Gothic culture inspires me and I’ve also incorporated a lot of the ’80s and ’90s clothing styles and music into my pieces.”

Paintings by Salvador Dali, including “The Lugubrious Game,” as well as “Wave” a sculpture by Curtis Jere also provided an artistic vision for her senior collection. Sarah, who normally favors darker fabrics, tried to incorporate Dali’s rich color palette into her collection and mimic the sense of flowing motion she felt throughout both of her muses’ pieces.

Sarah's designs are a mix of girly and gothic inspiration.

“I created something a little different than what I usually do. I usually do things that are a little dark, with kind of gothic punk mix,” notes Sarah. “ I wanted to add more color, but still keep my edgy look with it.”

The result is a collection of unique “cocktail-like” dresses fashioned from bolts of iridescent satins and taffetas. They have a slight girly presentation, but emit elements of Sarah’s fondness for a gothic edge.

“A compliment that has always stuck with me is that a lot of my designs are very original,” she says. “A few people have said they have always disliked style trends and were very excited about mine.”

Her future style trends are still a bit of a mystery for Sarah and she’s OK with that, but welcomes any opportunity that comes her way after graduation.

“I’m pretty open and I am ready to go wherever life takes me,” reflects Sarah “Although I would love to have a good start to my online store, selling my custom T-shirt designs, bags, jewelry, and any other clothing apparel.”

You’ll get a sneak peek of Sarah’s designs at the 2012 CCAD Senior Fashion Show, but only if you get your ticket soon.

Skyler Riggins knew from an early age that she wanted to be part of fashion design.

At the age of six, Skyler Riggins decided she was going to make an outfit for one of her Barbie dolls. Her thought was she could just cut up one of her own shirts and put it together for her doll. It didn’t work out quite that well and her parents were less than thrilled that she was cutting up her wardrobe, but it was that initial desire to create that would ultimately lead her to CCAD.

“I wanted to study fashion design because the art of clothes appealed to me and I enjoy figuring out how to translate a concept into fashion,” says Skyler. “One of the reasons I chose to study at CCAD is because of the diversity. It’s very important to understand the differences of others and to be able to work effectively in a realistic environment.”

The entire process of fashion design appeals to Skyler; however, she is most intrigued by developing a concept, then researching it, and finally designing the collection. It’s a process that she got plenty of practice in this year, especially when uncovering her muses. Over the course of about two weeks, she pieced through mounds of research until she finally discovered Georges Braque’s oil painting “Man with a Guitar” and Barbara Hepworth’s silver sculpture “Group of Three Magic Stones.”

Organic shapes and colors inspired many of Skyler's designs.

She notes that Georges Braque was interested in the ideas of multiple perspectives, geometry, complex patterns of faceted forms, and monochromatic color. She also enjoyed the fact that he was involved in the art movement of Cubism and Fauvism. Barbara Hepworth, who created modern and abstract art in sculpture, complimented this in Skyler’s eyes.

“I chose these artworks because they relate to each other through color and form,” points out Skyler. “The painting consists of rich colors including gold, silver, bronze, grey, and ivory and the sculpture is made of silver. Both art pieces have a similar long trapezoid shape within it and are very geometrical.”

She interpreted these artworks in her pieces by creating structural, fitted, and geometrical silhouettes. She placed emphasis on pleating, seams, and geometric flat shapes that matched the long trapezoid shapes she was first attracted to in the art pieces. She hand-painted several of her silk pieces including a blouse and dress, and also applied foil with glue to her silk habouti to create a specific design on the waistline of her skirt. Sometimes when the foil piece was pulled away the final design was what she intended, sometimes it was a complete surprise, which was even better.

With graduation just weeks away, most students would be looking forward to taking a break for a bit, but Skyler intendeds to keep practicing and working on her design techniques.

“The most difficult challenge for me while working on my collection is time and thought management. I take a lot of time in my work and while creating patterns and sewing I over-think the steps of it,” reflects Skyler. “After I graduate, I plan on perfecting my speed and thought process of drafting patterns and constructing garments.”

Tickets are dwindling, but you still have time to grab a few to the 2012 Senior Fashion Show, but be quick! It’s a night you won’t want to miss.

2012 Art at the Arnold artists at work with model, photo courtesy of Ralphoto Studio

An alumnus and student took home prizes in the third-annual Art at the Arnold competition, which coincided with the 2012 Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH.

Don Slobodien (CCAD 1988) earned first place and a $2,500 prize. Illustration junior Shelby Bertsch placed third, receiving a $500 prize.

The competition comprised more than 50 Columbus artists competing in a three-day event.

It started with a half day of figure drawing and painting athletic models, followed by an afternoon of sketching and gathering references throughout the festival.

Artists spent the second day in a studio work session using materials gathered from the day before. On the final day artists selected one piece to submit for judging. Ron Pizzuti, owner of Pizzuti Companies in Columbus, was the judge for the 2012 competition.

Tasha Dircksen originally thought her career path was in automotive services, lucky for us she chose fashion.

Not many young designers can say that their original chosen career path involved automotive studies, but Tasha Dircksen’s path to CCAD started just that way. As a high school junior, Tasha enrolled in a vocational program for automotive services. But, she soon found that she wanted her future to include something far different than fixing cars and changing oil.

“I really thought the automotive world was where I belonged, but I hated the class so much that I spent the entire time on the computer looking at art colleges,” she remembers. “I didn’t even know art colleges existed until then.”

Although she ventured into the automotive world for a brief moment, her passion for design had long been with her, thanks to her mother and a desire to create her own wardrobe.

“I realized that what I wanted to wear wasn’t being made,” says Tasha. “My mother, who had plenty of experience sewing, lent me her machine and it took off from there.”

Tasha’s collection includes four different pieces, all inspired by her chosen muses (a process that took her all summer to complete simply because she had so many ideas to choose from). Her final choices include a painting by Max Ernst entitled “33 Little Girls Chasing Butterflies” and the sculpture “Blütenmotiv” by Rudolph Belling.

Tasha created jewelry for her models to wear during the show.

“The painting has this epicenter of color that I tried to bring out with gems that I have,” notes Tasha. “The sculpture echoes the asymmetry of my garments as well as the feel of the jewelry I made.”

Like many designers before her, Tasha’s own personal style is very different than the style she creates in her pieces. She readily admits that when selecting her own clothing, she is attracted to things that are basic and gray, yet her pieces are filled with silks and chiffons that flow with the subtle colors she picked up from her chosen painting.

“The painting has an explosion of blues and whites and I’ve applied this sort of design element in a rather toned down way,” she says. “It’s present in the way the beadwork radiates downward, or how the flowers are laid out with their pops of color.”

While completion is one of Tasha’s favorite parts of the design process, she shares that she’s not quite ready for the CCAD Senior Fashion show to be over or even for her own graduation. The idea of what’s next is still on her mind. She would love to continue to design jewelry and perhaps even move into bridal wear design. Until then, she still has one more piece to complete for the show—she plans to create something of her own to wear.

To see Tasha’s final creation and to enjoy an amazing night filled with fashion and fun, make sure you purchase your tickets today.

Rachel Kaplan always knew she would work in fashion in some capacity.

Rachel Kaplan always dreamed she would work in fashion in one facet or another. In fact, when she was in fourth grade she made a bold statement to her mother. She told her she was going to be a model AND a fashion designer. So far, both of those childhood declarations have become a reality.

For the past few years Rachel has participated in the CCAD Senior Fashion Show as a model, wearing the works of other designers. This year, she’s eager to finally have her own creations take the runway.

Like her classmates, Rachel had to select both a sculpture and painting as her muse for her collection. Because she normally finds her inspiration in organic shapes or even street fashion, she found this particular part of the process more difficult than creating any of her five garments.

“I’ll be out and see a shape in a tree or in the clouds that looks like a dress or a shirt to me and I’ll sketch it out, so it was really hard for me to pick a sculpture and painting to draw inspiration from,” she admits.  “Instead, I chose to look for paintings and sculptures that encompassed the colors I wanted.”

Since she wanted her designs to reflect the 1930s era, she narrowed her focus to artists who were close to that time frame, but also reflected the colors and movement she wanted in her pieces. She ultimately chose Umberto Boccioni’s sculpture “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space” (1913; Cast 1931) and Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting “Red Canna” (1923).

“I used a lot of the colors from the artists including the golds, tans, bronzes, blacks, and the pop of reds,” notes Rachel. “The painting has so much flow to it, which moves your eye through it. I loved the flow that the sculpture had, too. It almost looked as if it was a person with a piece of fabric draped over top.”

Rachel's sketches were inspired by 1930s evening wear.

Rachel wanted to incorporate that “flow” aspect to her collection through the use of lightweight fabrics mixed with metallic fabrics, which would give the element of movement when light hit it.

“I wanted to create pieces that were really glamorous and showed off the curves of a woman’s body,” says Rachel. “I also wanted designs that looked expensive and dramatic on the runway, so I chose beaded, sequined, and metallic fabrics. To add a softer top layer, I chose chiffon.”

Rachel’s fabric selections were key in turning her works into a cohesive collection, but not without a few labor-intensive sewing and hand-beading sessions. Out of the five pieces selected for the show, she estimates that she spent at least a total of two weeks on each one.

“I’m still hand beading one of the gowns,” she muses. “One day I sat there for 14 hours. My fingers were numb!”

All of Rachel’s hard work will pay off on May 11 when she gets to watch models wear her collection on the runway instead of the other way around.  Make sure you purchase your tickets soon so you can be there too.

Alyssa Johnson and one of her final pieces.

Alyssa Johnson always knew she wanted to do something in the arts. She toggled between acting and painting, and finally chose fashion design because she could incorporate her love of fine arts into her own version of wearable art.

“I liked the idea of creating something and having it afterwards and it being a functional piece,” recalls Alyssa. “After taking a surface design class here [at CCAD] I realized I could do both fine arts and fashion by creating textiles of my own.”

Her love of textiles, prints, and patterns were part of her immediate vision for her collection this year; however, she also drew inspiration from Gustav Klimt’s painting “Water Serpents I” and Boleslas Biegas’ sculpture “The Haunted House.”

“I immediately knew I was going to use Klimt for my painter [muse] and based my entire collection around him,” says Alyssa. “I wanted to focus on surface and textile design and Klimt does a lot of really intricate patterns and the colors are something I’ve always been drawn to. The simple silhouettes in my collection come from Biegas’ sculpture.”

Alyssa used her knack for surface design in creating many of her silk-screened pieces. Organic shapes flow cohesively with other elements of the collection and are mixed with structured geometric shapes. She achieved clean lines in her fabrics with the use of applique, and added several embellishments with “little fun circles” and gold accents throughout the pieces.

While creating her own textiles and patterns is something she is passionate about, there are key aspects of the design process that also keep her motivated.

Elements of Alyssa's organic geometric shapes in sketch and fabric form.

“My favorite part is still finding inspiration and making mood boards. My computer is full of many different folders that contain tons of images that inspire me,” says Alyssa. “Its so interesting to me to see what else is going on in the fashion world and what else is possible to do through clothing design.”

As the days to the CCAD Senior Fashion Show draw near, Alyssa has thoughts of graduation and a big move to New York City on her mind. She readily admits that she values the experiences and education she received from CCAD and her fellow students. She notes that it’s not always easy to take criticism, especially when it’s about something so personal; but as a student of design, peers and faculty are trying to help, not offend. She also notes students should be aware of their weaknesses and either work harder on them or accept them and move on.

“I’m very self aware. I know what I’m good at and I know what I’m not good at and I know when to ask for help,” says Alyssa. “I’m fearless in terms of design, so I’m not afraid to fail or mess up.”

Perhaps her most sound and lighthearted advice is to never say that you don’t know how to do something.

“It’s 2012,” she says. “Google it!”

You can Google the CCAD Senior Fashion show or just click here to get your tickets today.

Natasha's designs give a nod to the past and to her love of the steampunk culture.

Natasha Bolton is an old soul. She is drawn to the historic origins and details of fashion, yet it is her personal insight, interest, and general appreciation of these elements that shine through in her senior collection. Even without her telling you, it’s understood that her pieces are a nod to the past with a present day twist.

“It’s an idea and a way of bringing historic concepts into a modern setting, which we as designers already do,” says Natasha. “There is never anything really new, but we don’t see it until it’s made a little bit more obvious.”

She felt the painting “Still life with Hat and Collar” by Albert Henrich truly encompassed her idea of taking what was old and making it new again.

“You look at it and you think of an old-timey gentleman with the color and the cuffs, things that we don’t use in today’s society as formal wear,” reflects Natasha. “Up until the 1950s, women always wore hats and gloves when they went out or to church. I gravitate towards things that people nowadays take for granted.”

That gravitational pull may be due to her upbringing. Thanks to her family’s influence, Natasha was constantly surrounded by elements of the theater or cinema. She grew up with an adoration of classic and obscure films that was only magnified by her cinema history courses at CCAD.

"Still Life with Hat and Collar" By Albert Henrich

“Stepping back and taking a look at my work I can see a strong influence of film noir,” she notes.  “The lines, the intensity, the palette, and the mood have a definite presence in my Steampunk approach.  It defines me perfectly.”

Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s, incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and horror. There are historical elements within the steampunk aesthetic, as well as Natasha’s designs. She even used reclaimed or recycled fabrics from thrift stores in every single one of her designs.

As her time at CCAD draws to a close, Natasha, although a fan of the past, is still looking forward. She hopes to continue her design work as well as attend graduate school to continue studying the history of textile and fashion. As new students begin their path towards the 2013 Senior Fashion show, her advice to them is just to remain true to what you do.

“Find your voice, visualize your statement, make it the best it can be, and use the resources you have around you because you won’t have them for long,” says Natasha. “Get your education to make you the best that you can be while doing what you love to do, but don’t let anybody bully you away from your vision.”

We’re a  month away from the 2012 Senior Fashion Show. Buy your tickets now.

Fox 28′s Good Day Columbus

Set your DVRs. This week Fox 28’s Good Day Columbus and NBC 4’s Daytime Columbus will feature CCAD fashion design seniors and their models.

Animation junior Joann Allison Cundiff will be modeling Shirley Weng’s designs Wednesday, April 11 on Good Day Columbus, which airs from 7–9 a.m.

The following day, April 12, Michele Watson’s designs will be modeled by Interior Design senior Susan Crenshaw on Daytime Columbus, which airs 11–11:30 a.m.

For more on CCAD’s Senior Fashion Show event, and to buy tickets, click here.

NBC 4′s Daytime Columbus

Jennifer Tang's final fashion show design evokes a sense of airy delight.

Fabric plays an important part in every designer’s collection. Sometimes it is the inspiration that leads to the design and other times the design itself leads to the final fabric selection.

Jennifer Tang knew she wanted fabrics that were flowing, soft, and fully embraced her color palette. Making her designs come to life meant choosing organza, silk and lots, and lots of chiffon. While those selections made the most beautiful fit, they were not necessarily the most agreeable fabrics to work with.

“Organza and sheer fabrics are more difficult to sew,” notes Jennifer. “It’s pretty challenging to work on any fabric that is silk-like, as it takes a lot of time to do rolled hems and add details.”

Her collection includes dark purples, fuchsia, navy, and a little bit of silver, each with various facets of texture that are then mixed with the sheer and silky selections. She also alternates dramatic effects between the top and bottom portions of her creations—combining fitted pants with a flowing top or a skirt with a detailed waistband paired with a less dramatic top.

One of Jennifer's favorite fabrics, a feather-embellished chiffon.

She delights in the way her fabric selections and ultimate designs mimic the various features that originally drew her to the works of her muses. A painting, ”Composition VI” by Wassily Kandinsky and “The Little Mermaid” sculpture by Edward Erikson, both conjure a sense of airiness complimented with points of sea-like shimmer that Jennifer was able to transfer to her work.

“I adored the movement, flow, and color palette in the painting, but also the fact that it was more abstract in shape and it felt like an ocean,” she says. “The sculpture of the mermaid displayed her smooth bare skin, and reminded me to show a little more skin in my collection. It was also shiny, flowing, and relaxing.”

When asked if she is more at ease now that the Senior Fashion Show is so close. Jennifer just laughed, since there is a still lot of work to be done before her model takes the stage on May 11th.

Tickets are going fast for this spectacular, once-a-year experience.  Choose from VIP, Fashionable Friends or General Admission Tickets. It’s a night that you don’t want to miss.

Amanda Smith envisioned her collection to be comfy, natural and cultured.

Each designer’s “canvas” for this year’s Senior Fashion Show collection is as diverse and captivating as the designer herself. There is not one collection that mimics the other, each standing tall on the inspiration and unique vision of the designer. Distinctive techniques, fabrics; and, of course, their chosen muse make each collection true, exceptional works of wearable art.

Amanda Smith’s designs take on big patterns, geometric and animal shapes, and try to include natural fabrics whenever possible. When you look at each piece separately you may question whether the two patterns would work together, but when you see the completed design you understand Amanda’s gift even more.

“My overall collection and style was derived from my experience studying abroad in England. While taking part in this amazing experience, I learned a lot about myself as a designer and how I design,” she says. “I learned to explore knitted fabric along with knitting my own fabric on a machine and by hand, which I have incorporated into my collection.”

Before exploring her true “passion for fashion,” Amanda considered applying her gift of assembling textiles and patterns to interior design. When she found that process to be nothing like Extreme Home Makeover, she expanded her creative search and found that fashion design satisfied her fabric cravings.

“All I wanted to do was immerse myself into the tactile feeling and handling of the fabric choices and creating something that gave a certain feeling,” she remembers.

Amanda used a "burnout" technique to create designs in some of her fabrics.

That notion is carried throughout her Senior Fashion Show collection, which is peppered with rich fabrics ranging from knit, suede and velvet, many of which were embellished with personal, hand-stitched details or with an inimitable “burnout” technique.

A burnout pattern is a special type of treatment used on tufted fabrics, like brocade or velvet, to create a distinctive look. To get the look she wanted, Amanda took her original sketches and developed them into digital designs using a computer graphics program. The designs were then printed, cut out, and placed over the fabric. A chemical paste was then applied to the fabric to create the desired pattern.

Being the perfectionist that she is, Amanda admits she completed this process several times until she got the results she wanted. Even now she has to hold back from fixing them again and again.

“My most difficult challenge is that I envision perfection and expect to present that through my finished pieces. Due to this challenge, when I look at my pieces I want to change them and fine tune them constantly,” reflects Amanda. “I feel like I’m never getting anywhere. I have a perfect state within my mind and inner drive to please and capture the perfectionism and never seem to reach the end.”

The final runway show is coming up fast and there is still work to be done, including creating an outfit for herself and putting the finishing touches on the garment she created for Kristy Eckert, Capital Style’s editor-in-chief. There’s still time for you to get your tickets, but those will be gone before you know it.

Earrings created by Mark Burleigh

The CCAD Spring Art Sale is here again and not only are we getting excited, but our vendors are also waiting with anticipation to show off their hard work. On April 14, 2012 more than 100 students, alumni, faculty & staff will sell their work in the Loann Crane Center for Design on April 14, 2012.

The sale provides an excellent way for visitors to purchase unique artwork produced by the talent at CCAD. An array of items can be found including jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glass, scarves, clothing, prints, homemade cards, and much more. CCAD artists and designers prep for the sale weeks in advance and are already set to go.

Mark Burleigh, assistant professor and Advertising & Graphic Design alumnus, will be selling silver and metal jewelry including earrings, brooches, pendants, and bracelets.

“This will be my second time participating in the CCAD Art Sale, and I am excited not only to sell my work, but also to show students and faculty a new side of me,” Burleigh said.

"Tuk," an illustration by Isuri Hewage

Burleigh has been working with silver for the past 30 years. He began after attending a Revolutionary War reenactment and talking to a silversmith there who sparked his interest. Burleigh regularly works with antique  hand-hammered silver and beads that were used for trade in the early 19th century.

“I will take a 200-year-old trade bead and wrap it in silver to create a bracelet,” Burleigh said.  “I like mixing these separate eras and worlds. I think it is important to have a piece that tells a story.”

CCAD Illustration senior Isuri Merenchi Hewage will be selling prints of her illustrations at the sale. This is her third art sale, and she has gotten the routine down pat.

“I think vendors get a lot of good exposure by selling work at the sale,” Hewage said. “I like seeing what artwork other artists have brought, and I get the chance to meet new people who are interested in art, just like I am.”

The CCAD Spring Art Sale begins at 9 a.m. with first choice admission ($50) and general admission ($5) beginning at 10:30 a.m. Click here for more information on the sale.

Annika Simmons and one of her five designs that will appear in this year's fashion show.

Annika Simmons’ love for creating clothes started as early as she can remember. She can recall sitting at the feet of her mother and grandmother listening to the hum of the sewing machine while creating dresses for her dolls by hand with the scraps of material they would give her. She credits her sincere passion for the craft of creating clothes and fashion to those special matriarchs of her youth.

“I remember the feel of the fabric, the cool thimbles protecting my little fingers from pricks, and always running to my mom to show her my creations,” says Annika. “One day, she and my grandma surprised me with my first sewing box, which I still use to this day, filled with everything a beginning seamstress could need. After they taught me how to use the sewing machine, I was hooked.”

Annika’s mother continued to encourage her daughter’s newfound hobby and bought her as much fabric as she desired. But the hobby turned into much more as Annika spent much of her elementary and high school years creating clothes for herself and her friends. By the time she graduated high school she had a closet full of things she had created. While she jokes that not all of the outfits were “good,” her sheer passion for the art definitely came through.

Some of Annika's early inspirations and sketches for her collection.

“It’s kind of an enamoring experience to design…to create. It fills almost every waking hour and sometimes fills the ones where I’m dreaming as well,” said Annika. “Sitting at my sewing machine, making something, fills me with such an unprecedented joy, almost a pure sense of peace and fulfillment. I’ve never lost that feeling, and I think that with the guidance and inspiration of my mother I followed the path of fashion design.”

Annika’s designs for this year’s CCAD Senior Fashion Show may pull a bit from the whimsical notions of her youth but combines it with inspiration of the gentle, sweeping strokes of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s Stolen Kiss painting. Add in her love for the Lolita designs of Japanese Street Fashion and you have a collection that can be deliciously described with words like pastel, confectionery, sleek, frilly, girly, and dreamy. It’s also the only line that will be worn by both adult and child models during the show.

“Fragonard has always had a soft, gentle palette with sweeping strokes that makes his artwork every bit romantic. I believe his painting, “Stolen Kiss” represents the ideals of the Rococo time period.”

Since her first exposure to the craft was from watching her mother weave the needle and thread, it’s no surprise that she is most proud of the detailed, yet laborious, hand-stitched hems on all of her creations.

“I like hand-finishing details because I feel like you can get a more professional look than if you have a lot of top-stitching or things that can be seen on the designs,” says Annika. “It’s not hard, but it is time-consuming; but, if you want something to look really pristine, you have to take the time to do it.”

Make sure you don’t miss out on seeing Annika’s confectionery designs at this year’s Senior Fashion Show. Buy your tickets today before they are all gone!

Kristin Rose presents the only menswear line at this year's Senior Fashion Show.

Kristin Rose loves every part of the fashion design process and when she says every part, she really means every part.

“From researching trends, building mood boards, concept sketching, pattern drafting, draping, picking out amazing fabrics, getting anxiety over having to cut into those fabrics, and then looking at my finished piece on a form or a body; it’s all incredible!” she says.

While the entire process may seem overwhelming, Kristin also notes that it’s exhilarating, especially when a piece is completed and you get see what all the hard work and dedicated hours created.

“Being able to see the design done is amazing,” she says. “I can stand back and say, ‘Wow, I made that. That was my idea and now it’s a three-dimensional piece on a person.’”

While every designer’s collection was different this year, Kristin was the only one to create a menswear line.

“I’ve always been interested in menswear, but more than anything I wanted to challenge myself,” said Kristin. “I dabbled in it in advance tailoring and just decided to try it on my own and it worked.”

Kristin created three-separate looks for the show, each with three separate pieces that included a pant, shirt, and a coat. The culmination of her collection is the not one, but two double-faced cashmere wool coats. Working with this type of fabric required countless hours of pre-work before she could even think about sewing her designs.

“I had never taken on a challenge like this before, but I absolutely loved it. It was incredibly time consuming and made me think outside the box on how to finish seams and edges,” she remembers. “The amount of hand-sewing and attention to detail was just what I needed to stay challenged and focused.”

Kristin's collection includes two coats using this double-faced cashmere.

Although Kristin knew from the beginning she wanted to do menswear, she still searched for inspiration in her muses. One inspired her color palette, the other offered definition, structure and confirmation of the masculinity she wanted her collection to convey. Her final inspirations included the post impressionistic paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and the romantic bronze sculptures of William Rimmer.

“Van Gogh’s paintings have this sense of rough beauty defined by an unmatched sense of bold color that turns a flat canvas into a deep and dimensional work of art,” notes Kristin. “
I chose William Rimmer’s bronze sculptures because of the masculinity he was able to convey. The incredible detail of muscle definition, for instance in 
”Fighting Lions” blew me away.”

Her love of Rimmer’s bronze work easily mixed with the vibrant reds and golds from Van Gogh’s works and became part of Kristin’s final color palette.

In the end all three of Kristin’s presented looks will find their way to the runway on May 11.  It’s the true finale for everything she and the rest of her classmates have been through over the course of their studies.

“As a fashion major you look forward to this year for three years, but you never think of how many hours you will spend drafting and redrafting patterns or making samples because you are afraid to mess up your expensive fabric,” she says. “Getting the opportunity to showcase things that I designed and created is in itself incredible, but I’m just proud that I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to showcase my collection.”

Be sure to get your tickets soon so that you can be part of Kristin and the other designer’s “finale”.

Joella Stallard showcases her pleated designs.

Joella Stallard admits she gravitates towards simple, tailored and fitted sportswear pieces,  for herself and in her designs. However, you would never know that once you see her four looks that will grace the Senior Fashion Show runway.

“My designs are normally more ready-to-wear than couture, which doesn’t come across at all in this collection,” reflects Joella. “I tend to work in the realm of American sportswear separates (think Jackie O) and simplicity always works better with the things I design.”

Yet, Joella’s designs in this collection are anything but simple. They are full of flowy and airy fabrics, many of them with detailed pleated designs.

“Pleats are not something we work with much in our classes. If we do, you make your own pleats and not work with a piece of fabric that is already pleated,” she says.  “Learning how to work with the fabric before I started sewing was a real challenge.”

Although the fabrics Joella selected for her pieces were daunting, her muses, which included “The Blind Swimmer” by Max Ernst and “Bird in Space” by Constantine Brancusi were chosen for their simplicity, flow and color structure.

“I pulled some of my color palette from the Ernst painting and then built the rest of my palette based on what I liked with those colors. The line work in the painting made me immediately think of pleats so that is why there are quite a few of those showing up in my collection,” adds Joella. “I tried to pull in the simplicity of the Brancusi sculpture with the clean lines of my non-pleated pieces. The gold tone of the sculpture will come into play with some of the accessories, which I am collaborating with fine arts senior Dion Utt to create.”

The Blind Swimmer by Max Ernst

As her senior year comes to a close, Joella is looking forward to life after school and hopes for a position in the fashion industry in her preferred part of the design process.

“My favorite parts are definitely pattern-making and the actual construction of the garment, because that is where you solve all of the problems with the design,” she says. “I also enjoy solving the fit. Every model is going to be a different size and you can start out on the form, but once it’s on a person you have to figure out the fit.”

For those who are soon to follow in her footsteps and will begin their journey to the 2013 Senior Fashion Show, Joella offers some very poignant advice about staying on task with all assignments.

“Pay attention to what your instructors are telling you and learn to build working relationships with them so that when you need their help asking isn’t an issue,” she says. “Also, don’t be afraid to ask your peers for advice on projects, we are at a visual arts school and we all approach and view things differently, sometimes hearing a different point of view is all you need to understand where to go with a project.”

Be sure to purchase your tickets now before they are gone, so you can see Joella’s final project take the runway on May 11.

Rachel Cass in the CCAD sewing lab.

Rachel Cass is not one to procrastinate. Last summer she not only chose her muse for her senior thesis, but with her sketch book in hand, she set out on a road trip to New York City and found every single piece of fabric she would later use for her collection. All before classes had officially started.

But, before Rachel took to the road, she researched and uncovered her muse.

“I spent several days in the library digging through different images of some of the paintings that I was in love with and I kept coming across Salvador Dali,” she remembers. The bigger challenge was the second half of the assignment—finding a sculptor of the same era as a second muse. “I just didn’t know who to pair him with because he’s such a different artist, especially with his use of surrealism with color and shape.”

She finally stumbled upon the massive spider sculptures of Louise Bourgeois and found that the armature nature of the spiders were the connection and final key that she needed.

The result includes soft smooth lines, combined with hard angles and structure to form a new mix of lounge ware.

“It’s somewhere between lingerie, lounge, and ready-to-wear,” notes Rachel. “These designs create a true mix-and-match collection, which allow you to feel sexy, sophisticated, and comfortable.”

With muse in mind, it was time for the road trip. Rachel, along with her boyfriend and fellow classmate, ventured to the Big Apple in search of the perfect fabrics.

Louise Bourgeois Spider in front of the Tate Modern in London

“I knew I kind of wanted that soft and hard element in my line, so I started out in the jerseys and let the fabric speak to me,” remembers Rachel. “I just started pulling fabrics that I liked, that I was attracted to, and what spoke to me.  Then I laid them all out.”

Before she knew it she had developed a color palette of fabrics that mimicked the color story in her favorite Salvador Dali painting. Silks, knits, organza and jerseys were all laid out before her and they all complimented her initial inspiration.

“I ended up going with my gut and listened to myself. I knew what felt right and just went for it,” she says. “I bought all my fabric right then and there. I took everything with me. I had my entire six garments worth of fabric.”

Once the fabric was set, Rachel set out on a new goal. To not only produce six garments, the maximum that she could present for the Senior Fashion Show jury, but to get every single one in the show.

“I wanted to push myself and create six looks. It would be one thing if they were single pieces, but all of mine are separates,” says Rachel. “This is a lot of work, and because some of them are lingerie pieces, getting the fit right was very important. Mix that with silk and knits and I gave myself a huge challenge.”

The challenge paid off.  All six of her designs were selected by the jury to appear in the show. But before Rachel even had time to relish in her success, she was already looking to how she could make the garments better before the show.

You’ll have a chance to see Rachel’s new mix of ready-to-wear designs on May 11^th, but tickets are going fast. Buy yours here today!

Michele shows off some of her completed designs

As a young child, Michele Watson carried around a sketchbook and crayons everywhere she went. “I would draw little skinny female figures with huge heads, almost like a Bratz doll, with clothes my friends had worn that day,” says Michele.  “It wasn’t until my teacher’s aid told me that I should start drawing my own designs on my figures that I knew I wanted to have a career in fashion.” That was in second grade.

Michele still carries around a sketchbook, but her style and designs have obviously evolved immensely and are ever-changing. “I always want to do different things,” she says. “I don’t want to get bored with one thing.”

Her selected muses for the senior fashion show encompass that thinking. She knew she wanted to include African culture and fabrics in her collections, but struggled at first to find works that not only spoke to her, but also would connect to her original vision.

She finally discovered the works of Armand Fernandez, a French-born American sculptor, best known for his “accumulations” and destruction/recomposition of objects and Yinka Shonibare, a British-Nigerian artist whose work explores the issues of race and class.

“I chose both these artists because combined, their works embodied the artistic vision I wanted to present in my collection,” says Michele. “My sculptor Armand Fernandez’s work is very repetitive and uses common found objects and presents them as endlessly repeated forms. I tried to show that in my collection through the repetition of pleats.”

Michele’s other muse, Yinka Shonibare’s is known for using the richly patterned Dutch wax fabric produced in Europe for a West African market in his work. For this reason, Michele’s artistic vision included the use of multiple versions of handmade printed fabric that she acquired from a woman who makes frequent trips to Africa.

“Mixing the prints together was very hard because I didn’t want to use just one print for each garment, I wanted to mix them up,” she adds. “I really had to focus on where I would place the fabrics in each piece so they wouldn’t overpower the design.”

Michele's early sketches and fabric swatches

During this process, Michele was also surprised by how much her collection’s direction changed from sketch to final garment, especially during the fabric placement stage.

“I drew out what I thought I wanted but when I started to construct the designs, they started to change,” says Michele. “Some designs that I drew didn’t match the fabric so I had to rethink it and redesign it.”

In the end, her hard work and attention to detail paid off as all four of her presented designs made it into the show. When asked what advice she would give to a designer about to embark on the same journey she is close to completing, she quickly advises that doing your research is key.

“I know I have a lot of ideas, which isn’t bad,” she laughs. “But, you want to be able to narrow those ideas down to see which ones you can combine to create your final vision”

Be sure to purchase your tickets now before they are gone, so you can see Michele’s final vision take the runway on May 11.

The jury. Photo by Lian Dziura (CCAD 2012).

The jury results are in and 15 designers will show their collections (more than 50 garments total) at the 2012 Senior Fashion Show. The designers were allowed to show up to six garments at the judging on March 1, after which the jury recommended the final  garments that should be in the show.

This year the designers were asked to find inspiration for their collection from both painters and sculptors. The works had to be produced in the same era and the artists had to be working prior to the mid 20^th century.

Below is a list of the participating designers and their collection inspiration. If you want to see their garments walk down the runway, you better get your tickets soon. (Prices go up March 15.)

1.) Tasha Naneth Bolton
Painter: Albert Henrich, “Still Life with Hat and Collar”
Sculptor: Axel Erlandson, “The Basket Tree”

2.) Rachel Cass
Painter: Salvador Dali
Sculptor: Louise Bourgeois

3.) Tasha Dircksen
Painter: Max Ernst, “33 Little Girls Chasing Butterflies”
Sculptor: Rudolph Belling, “Bluetenmotiv”

4.) Alyssa Johnson
Painter: Gustav Klimt, “Water Serpents I”
Sculptor: Boleslas Biegas, “The Haunted House”

5.) Rachel Kaplan
Painter: Georgia O’Keeffe, “Red Canna”
Sculpture: Umberto Boccioni, “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space”

6.) Sarah Pruden
Painter: Salvador Dali
Sculptor: Louise Nevelson

7.) Skyler Riggins
Painter: Georges Braque, “Man with a Guitar”
Sculptor: Barbara Hepworth, “Group of Three Magic Stones”

8.) Kristin Rose
Painter: Vincent Van Gogh
Sculptor: William Rimmer

9.) Nuonan Ruan
Painter: Chu Teh-Chun

10.) Annika Simmons
Painter: Jean Honore Fragonard, “Stolen Kiss”

11.) Amanda Mae Smith
Painter: Alphonse Mucha, “La Blonde”
Sculptor:  Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona’s Park Guell

12.) Joella Stallard
Painter: Max Ernst, “The Blind Swimmer”
Sculptor: Constantine Brancusi, “Bird in Space”

13.) Jennifer Tang
Painter: Wassily Kandinsky
Sculptor: Edward Erikson

14.) Michele Watson
Painter: Yinka Shonibare
Sculptor: Armand Fernandez

15.) Shirley Weng
Painter: Francis Picabia
Sculptor: Nanm Gabo

The judges carefully examine each garment.

Before the flashing lights; before the heart-pounding music; before the runway, there is the jury. One of the key moments before the CCAD Senior Fashion Show is truly “buttoned-up” is when each senior designer’s garments is evaluated by a group of professionals from the fashion industry. Their spot in the show is not guaranteed until this process is complete and their designs are ruled ready for the runway.

This year designers could show up to six garments, and many pieces in this year’s collections were also complimented by the designer’s pick of diverse accessories, some of which were handcrafted by the student. Not only will the jury impact which designers will participate in the fashion show, but their evaluations will be a deciding factor in which of the specific designs ultimately grace the runway.

The nine-member jury included Richard Aschenbrand, CCAD dean of visual communications; Jackie Ayers, senior designer for Lane Bryant; Katie Brennan director of design at Abercrombie & Fitch; Julie Dean, associate vice president of technical design and Sally Ewing, technical design manager for LaSenza; Maren Roth, owner of Rowe Boutique; Kristy Eckert, editor for Capital Style;  Lucia Murillo, vice president of design at Justice; and Sara Zimmerman, stylist for Express.

Suzanne Cotton, chair of the fashion design department kicked off the event by asking the jury to look at the garments as a whole, providing comments on the overall design as well as the, fit, quality, chosen fabric, and construction. The jury members were also asked to take careful notes on each piece, as they would later be shared anonymously with each of the designers, regardless of the final outcome.

Designers were not present during the actual review, leaving the jury members to view each garment knowing only the designer’s name and garment number.

As the first model stepped forward the jury sat poised and prepared to see what the class of 2012 had to offer. Jury members asked the models to turn or step closer to the jury table in order to take a closer look while others requested to touch and feel the fabric’s texture. Some even asked the models how it felt to wear and walk in the piece. The process continued for several hours until the final garment was shown.

It will take a few days to review and collect all of the jury’s comments before the final selections are announced, so be sure to check back here for the details. And, coming soon,  individual profiles of each designer presenting in the show.

If you want to ensure you have a seat to see the chosen pieces, buy your tickets online now. They are selling quickly and prices go up soon. Based on the collections shown today, it’s a night you don’t want to miss.

AOI poster created by junior Wes Talbott

CCAD’s annual Art of Illustration (AOI) exhibition opens March 3 at Rivet Gallery in Columbus’ Short North arts district.

The student-produced exhibition is in its 15^th year and is part of a collegewide illustration competition that is juried by local professional illustrators.

The exhibition, which used to be shown on CCAD’s campus, moved to Rivet Gallery last year. The exhibition will once again debut during Gallery Hop, a first-Saturday-of-every-month event in the Short North.

“We wanted to showcase the best illustrative work created by students of CCAD and give them a chance to have their work exhibited in a gallery off campus,” said Brianne Schulze, a student organizer of AOI. “This is our second year working with Laura Kuenzli at Rivet Gallery, and she has been a big help to us throughout the entire process and in giving the exhibited artists an opportunity to sell their work.”

This year the show is organized by four Illustration students: seniors Lexie Holliday and Brianne Schulze, and juniors Andrew Thompson and Wes Talbott. Advisors are Professors Stewart McKissick (CCAD 1979) and Walter King (CCAD 1981) and Chair of Illustration Chris Payne.

Left to right: Chris Seaman, Jeff Carlisle, Lora Innes, Chris Payne, Adam Watkins, and Maxe Smith

The panel of judges included alumni Lora Innes (CCAD 2002, Media Studies), Chris Seaman (CCAD 2000, Illustration), Adam Watkins (CCAD 2004, Illustration), Maxe Smith (CCAD 2009, Illustration), and Jeff Carlisle (CCAD 1997, Illustration). They evaluated 190 submissions, narrowing the pool down to 41 accepted illustrations for the show.

Awards will be given for first, second, and third place. Six pieces were also chosen as  judges’ picks and will receive awards. The show is sponsored by Chipotle, Starbucks, r designs & printing, Noodles and Co., Dick Blick Art Materials, Kroger, and Giant Eagle.

Art of Illustration will open March 3 at Rivet Gallery, 1200 N. High St., with a reception from 7–10 p.m., during which awards will be given. The show will run through March 28, 2012.

CCAD Fashion Show Photo Shoot

Overheard: I’m going down to grab the pasties, I’ll be right back.

Let me put that in a little context for you. It’s early afternoon on a Sunday, and I am at the photo shoot for the CCAD fashion show.

Those who have been to the main event may remember that we produce a gorgeous (yes I’m biased) magazine-style lookbook. Today we create the photography that makes that book amazing.

By we I mean everyone but me. I get to sit back and observe, and kind of goof around—did I mention I love my job?

I’m perched in the photo studio at CCAD.  It’s pretty much how you would imagine a professional photography studio. Lots of backdrops, props, massive lights and other equipment (which remains a mystery to me), and music. I don’t know who set the Pandora station but he/she is my new favorite person.

Downstairs, in a classroom, models go through hair and  make up. Then up here in the studio they get routed through four set ups, where they continue to be fussed with and then, eventually shot.

I’m not going to lie, photo shoots, like so many other things in life, are only fun for an observer for about an hour (at most). This is work people, and as such it can be a little repetitive—and there’s a lot of hurry up and wait. Fortunately I’ve got this blog to keep me busy.

Side note: between the strobes and the flashes going off I’m amazed people don’t randomly have seizures during photo shoots. I’m pretty sure I’m going home with an eye twitch.

There’s one thing happening this year that is different from years past. All the photography is being done by CCAD photography students. You will come to realize that every creative aspect of the fashion show event, from fashion design, to photography, to graphic design, is the result of CCAD talent.  There is a practical advantage to tapping into our own talent pool as well as a creative one. With multiple photographers working simultaneously the shoot is more efficient—which means that by the time you read this I’ll probably be writing snarky tweets about the Oscars.

Throughout the shoot I kept waiting for there to be a five-inch heel related accident. But other than a blowing a circuit, the drama was provided only by the garments. There are some photos below, but I tried not to give too much away. If you want to see more you will need to get yourself a ticket.

One more thing to mention, I took these photos of real photographers taking photos. So, adjust your expectations accordingly.

That’s a wrap people.

Jeff Ockerse's cover illustration

Last year Illustration major Jeff Ockerse decided to add a personal project to an already rigorous year—illustrating a cover for his grandfather’s memoirs.

The recently published book, Our Childhood in the Former Colonial Dutch East Indies: Recollections Before and During Our Wartime Internment by the Japanese, is a memoir byRalph Ockerse about he and his sister Evelijn Blaney. It describes their life growing up in the former Dutch East Indies during World War II. Their family spent three-and-a-half years in an internment camp during the Japanese occupation.

Ockerse, a CCAD sophomore, sat down with his grandfather Ralph and listened to his depictions of the internment camp and the guards. Ockerse was also able to look over rough sketches that his family made to illustrate their experiences.

“My grandpa described the look of the officers to me, and I was able to see sketches of trenches and the people they worked with to get an idea of how I wanted to bring these memories to life,” Ockerse said.

His goal was to interpret and represent the struggle for survival. The illustration features a Japanese soldier walking among captured youths. Ockerse painted a large red sun, which is a symbol of Japan’s flag, as a looming presence.

“I am excited to see the published book; it will be neat to finally see it in print,” said Ockerse.

Final image in Nationwide video, painted by Alan Becker

Twenty-five students in CCAD’s Pipeline Project recently created a video for Nationwide to display in the lobby of their downtown Columbus corporate offices.

The Pipeline Project, now in its sixth year, is an extra curricular program at CCAD that provides students a chance to produce a film in a collaborative, team-oriented manner that mirrors professional practice.

The project was led by Assistant Professor Thomas Richner, who met with executives from Nationwide throughout the process and presented the final 30-second video.

The final video focused on the history of Nationwide. It featured a white eagle flying over different Ohio landscapes and a chronological succession of buildings bearing Nationwide’s logos.

“The Pipeline Project allows students to work with real-world factors such as deadlines, meetings, and client requests,” Richner said.

Mardi Girard, a senior in Animation, has participated in the Pipeline Project twice.

“This project was not only a resume builder, but it also taught me how to work with other animators when trying to make a cohesive animation,” Girard said.

Animation senior Bekah Nunn was excited to work in a large group.

“It modeled what we will be doing when we leave school,” she said. “I was able to network with other students and get more experience in completing a team project start to finish.”

Other students who worked on this year’s project include Animation sophomore Kelly Cumpson; Animation juniors Joann Cundiff, Jonathan Pezzatta, Donald Yoakam, Chris Campbell, and Tyler Crowley; Animation seniors Brittney Kellogg, Victor Dearing, Shannon Beech, and DeJuan McCoy; Media Studies juniors Alan Becker and Manuel Austin; and Media Studies senior Jessica Miera.

The first-place student design team with executives from Scotts LawnService

In a recent collaboration with ScottsMiracleGro Company a group of CCAD students competed to design an interior focal point for the company’s corporate offices.

The objective of the project was to design an artistic covering for 22 stone pillars that are a part of Scotts’ interior structure. The coverings needed to reflect the ScottsMiracleGro Company brand and also provide a wayfinding tool for employees and visitors.

Assistant professors Dawson Kellogg and Julie Abijanac (CCAD 1992) led the project involving the Studio Professions class.

Each student presented a concept to the professors. The original 37 designs were then narrowed down to 15.

Tiffany Peoples, the vice president of global innovation at Scotts, evaluated these 15 designs and selected the top six designs to move on to the next round.

The top six designers each became the artistic director of a team that they selected to work on a final design and presentation.

The final round of judging included Peoples and Jim Lyski, the chief marketing officer of Scotts. Each student group presented its designs and ideas to the judges in an open presentation. Peoples and Lyski then chose and ranked the top three designs.

First prize went to a design entitled Elements of Nature created by Fine Arts juniors Devin Broadnax and Chris Pack; Advertising & Graphic Design senior Maggie Malloy; Advertising & Graphic Design junior Richard Coyne; and Fine Arts sophomore Yunji Choi.

“We loved the detail in this group; we look at these designs every day so we wanted them to be generally appealing, but have a sense of detail to keep them fresh,” said Lyski.

First place design being presented to Scotts executives

Second place went to Drawn from the Roots. This design concept was created by Fine Arts sophomores Jamie Turner, Emily Ruff, and Allie Raines; Fine Arts juniors Emily Cook and Alexandria Goeltzenleuchter; and Advertising & Graphic Design junior Ashley Lyon.

The third place design, Hands of Appreciation, was created by Fines Arts sophomores Kyle Franklin, Gabrielle Hirth, and Angela Ryu; Illustration seniors Alyssa Gottlieb and Hannah Mu; and Fine Arts junior Yezen Abusharkh.

Scotts is one of several community clients that CCAD has recently provided significant creative services for including, Easton Town Center, The Central Ohio Transit Authority, the Governor’s office, and Nationwide Insurance.

Cover of Daddy's Favorite Juice

Veronica Jane Abraham, a senior in Illustration, got the chance to illustrate a satirical parenting book that was released this November.

The book, Daddy’s Favorite Juice (the bottles in the fridge that aren’t for you), is a modern and humorous spin on traditional children’s books. Author Mike Nemeth is, according to his website, “a self-proclaimed world’s second most published fake children’s book author.” The site goes on to describe the book as follows: “Daddy’s Favorite Juice teaches your child important skills, like counting, different types of juices, and how to get ‘adult beverages’ for you from the refrigerator.”

While developing his book, which he describes as being “for any new dad or father-to-be,” Nemeth searched for a Columbus artist to illustrate it—preferably one who was being trained at CCAD.  That is when he was introduced to Abraham, and the partnership began.

They had weekly project meetings to talk about the script and the artist’s progress. During this time Abraham showed Nemeth sketches, layouts, and finished artwork.

She completed a total of 26 illustrations for the book, including a full cover, two end-page spreads, 16 single pages, and four two-page spreads. They were all digitally painted using Adobe Photoshop.

“It has been great to gain exposure and to experience the marketing strategies and business side of the book along with illustrating,” Abraham said. “We even have a road map set for sequels in 2012—imagine Max getting his uncle dates!”

This was Abraham’s first illustration for a published book, and she is looking forward to upcoming projects with the author.

“When I received the finalized copy of the book, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment, and I realized the many hours put into it were all worth it,” said Abraham.

The book is available on the Baby Daddy Books site and Amazon.com.

FLIP logo

Seven students in an experimental animation class at CCAD recently showed their work at the Flip Animation Festival, held in the United Kingdom at the end of October.

Established in 2004, Flip is a mix of all things animation. The festival provides educational workshops, feature film screenings, and spotlights on animation studios.

Tracy Robbins, associate professor of Animation, gave the assignment for her students to enter the festival’s Flippin’ Stings competition, which called for a 1o-second “animated sting” that had to use one of the festivals sound bites and the word “flip” or the festival logo.

“This was an amazing experience for the experimental animation class, where students incorporate a variety of materials such as small objects, clay, sand, collage, traditional drawing materials and digital tools into their work,” explained Robbins.

“I presented the competition the week it was due, so they didn’t have time to over think it.,” she added.  “They had one class to work on the 10-second animation, then it had to be posted to the competition site within three days. They were able to use any style or technique and could even incorporate clips of animation that they had been working on. The students did a remarkable job with the challenge, especially considering that, for many of them, this was their first animation class. It allowed them to use the same process of many independent animators, who will incorporate the ideas, techniques and experiments from their personal work into professional projects. It drove home the fact, that, as animators, we can say something in 10 seconds, which is great to understand. As well, it was just exciting for all of us to know that the stings were being used in between sessions featuring Aardman Animation, Bill Plympton and many other inspirational animators at a festival in the UK.”

The students’ stings were  shown at the festival between workshops, panels, and screenings. The students whose work was shown include sophomores in Animation Zach Brown, Xuan Shang, and Scott Ciprian; sophomores in Cinematic Arts Elizabeth Mort and Matt O’Grady; junior in Illustration Colleen McDonnell; and senior in Animation Shannon Beech.

Follow the links to view the students’ work. Xuan Shang, Colleen McDonnell, Zach Brown, Shannon Beech, Scott Ciprian, Elizabeth Mort, and Matt O’Grady.

CCAD took home three awards from CSCA's Creative Best Awards

It’s been quite a design awards season for Columbus College of Art & Design, especially for the college’s Design Group—a student-staffed, in-house design agency.

Columbus Society of Communicating Arts held it’s annual Creative Best awards on Nov. 17 and CCAD was well represented. Several local agencies that employ CCAD alumni took home coveted awards, including EdgeCase, which won an Award of Excellence in the Interactive category  for JRubyConf.com which was designed by 2011 grad Justine Arreche. Pallavi Sen, a fine arts senior, took home two merit awards from the Student category.

CCAD’s Design Group earned a Best in Category award in the Motion Design category for its Happy New Year video. The winning team included Media Studies major (and last year’s Outstanding Senior) Taehee Lee (CCAD 2011) who came up with the concept and directed the video; videographer, media studies junior Alex Trimpe, CCAD Creative Director Lindsay Kronmiller, and Editorial Director Laura Bidwa.

CCAD’s partnership with local brand agency Ologie on the Masters of Design, Senior Fashion Show event collateral earned both organizations Awards of Excellence in the Print category for the invitation and the show catalog. The winning team was comprised of, from CCAD, Arreche, Bidwa, Danielle Deley (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 2011), Kronmiller,  and Simone Noronha (CCAD, Advertising & Graphic Design, 2011) and from Ologie, Andy Hayes and Kelly Ruoff.

“These projects not only showcase our student work to the outside world, but also allow our students to build the relationships and business experience that will place them above the rest upon graduation,” said Kronmiller.

CCAD’s Fashion Show print collateral also earned awards from American Graphic Design,  which awarded CCAD four certificates of excellence for branding initiatives, including print and environmental graphics.

In addition to the Fashion Show invitation, the college received awards for the Art Walk (environmental graphic’s in CCAD’s Canzani Center),  the Viewbook, and a positioning piece, titled Think. Do.

Both the Viewbook and the Fashion Show invite were done through the collaboration with Ologie, which is owned by board of trustee member and alumna Bev Bethge (CCAD 1982-1986). The company is an award-winning branding agency that serves national and international clients. The Design Group students worked closely with the agency to complete both pieces gaining mentorship while producing award-winning print materials.

The Art Walk panels were  designed by Design Group, with the help of Chute Gerdeman, another award-winning strategic brand and design firm in Columbus (which also took home awards from CSCA on Thursday).

“’When prospective students, parents, and the general public encounter our materials, they are seeing student work,” said Kronmiller. “It is a great testament to the talent and ability of our students.”

The American Graphic Design Awards are open to all businesses and partnerships in the graphic design community. There were more than 8,000 entries and only 15 percent were then recognized with an Awards Certificate of Excellence.

Judges for the CSCA Creative Best awards were Brigitta Bungard, assistant creative director at the Museum of Modern Arts in-house design studio in NYC; Joe Marianek, associate partner at Pentagram, an international design consultancy; and Ken Visocky O’Grady, an associate professor at Kent State University.

The cover of the Columbus Coloring Book

Coloring books have long engaged children of all ages, and now one is being developed by a CCAD student to garner attention for and curiosity about the city of Columbus.

Andrea Hager, senior Advertising & Graphic Design major at CCAD, is a current intern for Neighborhood Design Center and is working on the Columbus Coloring Book project.

The book will be an opportunity to learn about 16 sights and landmarks within the city. The pages range from historical architecture to the downtown skyline during Red, White, and Boom—the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display.

“The images as well as the stories that accompany them will inspire curiosity in addition to civic pride within the children,” Hager said.

Illustration of the Supreme Court, by Andrea Hager

Hager was in charge of making sure all the illustrations were cohesive and had to illustrate the final four buildings which will be included in the book.

“I wanted to make the pages as fun as possible for kids to color,” Hager said.

She had to work with the previous illustrations done by employees of the Neighborhood Design Center and create one, continuous book.

Hager illustrated the Ohio Theater marquee, Orton Hall at The Ohio State University, the Supreme Court building, and the Columbus Foundation.

“”I was able to add some extra visual interest by drawing the fish like they were alive and jumping out of the water on the Supreme Court illustration,” she said.

The  coloring books are scheduled to be released at the start of the 2012 school year, and 10,000 will be distributed to  Columbus area elementary schools.

CCAD student has chair collapse underneath him

A chair made of cardboard? It is not the first material that comes to mind when designing a chair, especially one that needs to hold up to 250 pounds. Add to the challenge the fact that the chair can only be made from a 4′ by 8′ cardboard sheet using no glue or tape. The final design must also include an armrest, backrest, and a writing surface. Tricky huh?

Well that is the four-week project that Industrial Design Studio II students have to complete each year.

In order to create their final chair, students had to make a ¼-scale model, cut path drawings, complete full-size testing, and create an instruction manual. Then on Monday, Oct. 31 their designs were put to the test.

As a final challenge, the unique chairs are set up in a circle in CCAD’s Design Studios on Broad and one by one, students take turns sitting down in them.

Each student had to evaluate the chair on whether it met the project criteria, as well as how sturdy and comfortable it was. Crowds gathered on the outskirts to take pictures and cheer them on, and freshmen interested in Industrial Design studied the chairs as peers and instructors came to watch the annual test.

The competition got heavy (no pun intended) and left only a few chairs intact. At the end, students gathered around to survey the damage and see if anything could be salvaged.

Read more about the Industrial Design program at CCAD here.

CCAD Student-Made Video About What Donations Mean to Them

CCAD students continue to work as hard and dream as ambitiously as they ever have.  And as CCAD’s Annual Fund Drive begins, they’re allowing us to hear firsthand the impact donor support has had on them.

Using the skills they’ve gained at CCAD, several students started this summer to make a short video. In it, they invited their fellow students to share insights about how private donations have influenced their experiences at college—from scholarships to classroom resources to their own personal growth.

The video features nine students from various backgrounds, majors, years, and experiences. One of them, senior Rico Jackson, said, “Pure joy and excitement went through me when I found out I had gotten a scholarship, knowing that all my hard work had paid off.”

Watch the video here to listen to the students’ stories and learn how you be part of supporting their future growth.

First place winner Shirley Wang's design with model Robbie Banks

The lights dimmed, and the show started. One by one 15 models came down the runway in a one-of-a-kind CCAD student designed garment made of …condoms.

This was the annual Condom Couture Fashion Show which took place this year at ShadowBox Live on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.

The Condom Couture Fashion Show is a fundraiser benefiting the Planned Parenthood of Columbus Ohio and it is also a competition. Each designer is challenged with creating a wearable garment using condoms. The garments are then modeled by members of the community to a packed house.

This year’s judges included, Miki L. Gotch (CCAD 2010), assistant technical designer at Lane Bryant; Dennis Parker, professor emeritus of theatre at The Ohio State University; and Maren Roth, owner of Rowe.

The panel of judges evaluate the garments based on theme, color, creativity, attractiveness, originality, technique, and concept.

Each designer was given 800 Proper Attire condoms to create their ensemble (Proper Attire condoms are designed for the fashion-conscious women). Inspiration ranged from sweet 16 cakes to vintage wear.

Second place winner Michelle Watson's design with model Deja Redman

Of course some of the designer encountered challenges in the construction.

“The most interesting part about working in this medium has been trying to figure out how to get them to not break…you just want to cry every time that happens,” said Elousie McGill, a junior fashion designer.

“There is a lot of research involved. It really takes a while to come up with the proper technique in order to capture the look you are trying to achieve,” said Bridgette Stevens, sophomore fashion design major.

Despite the unique challenges designers were excited for the event and as McGill said,  “actually getting to see my design go down the runway will be a big day for me as a designer.”

Not only did the designers see their garments come down the runway, but they heard the cheers and applause of the enthusiastic audience.

As  Lisa Perks, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, noted “the condoms have been stitched, braided, knotted, and glued by students from the jewel of our community, CCAD.”

The 15 designers involved included, Pohrt Kaitlyn, Qianyu Shirley Weng, Elouise McGill, Joella Stallard, Byonka Taylor, Dahui Li, Bridgette Stevens, Jocelyn Williams, Jamaica Gilliam, Keser Haji, Michele Watson, Skyler Riggan, Pavani Kolli, Peyton Godfrey, and Marquis Engle.

Third place Jocelyn Williams' design with model Katie Burk

After the models had strutted the garments down the runway, each designer had an opportunity to speak. Then the winners were announced.

Jocelyn Williams, a sophomore majoring in interior design took third place with a brightly colored romper. It had shades of teal and blue featuring a large, white bow in the back.

Michelle Watson, a fashion design senior took second place. She designed a slick, tight-fitting, one shoulder dress. The dress had the condoms layered,  painted white, and then stretched to appear cracked.

Shirley Wang, a fashion design senior, took first place with a seemingly simple, but complex black dress. It included braiding of the material and hand beading at the top.

Second and third place winners received a $500 scholarship with first place receiving $1,000.

One designer summed the process up when asked how difficult it was to construct a piece from this material, “as a designer you face challenges all the time and this is one of those challenges, but it is better to look at them as opportunities and not get discouraged,” Keser Haji, a senior fashion design major said.

Alex Trimpe

It all started with a class project and now Alex Trimpe, current media studies student, has gained international recognition.

Trimpe’s The World is Obsessed with Facebook video has opened new doors, and one of these doors led him to an opportunity in Singapore.

An educational publishing company is creating an English language textbook package in which they will use Trimpe’s video on a DVD.

“I got an email one day asking for permission to use my video,” said Trimpe. “It will be used and distributed for the next six years, as part of their textbook package”

This request is not the only job offer he receives in response to the Facebook video he made.

“I get around two to three requests for work a week, 100 percent of them reference the Facebook video I created,” he said.

The video was originally posted on Vimeo seven months ago and has reached nearly 611,000 plays. On YouTube the video has over 197,000 plays.

It was originally created by Trimpe to explore Kinetic Typography. He found facts on onlineschools.org dealing with social media use and wanted to somehow bring these facts to life and illustrate them.

“I wanted to work with the site’s information because not only was it interesting, but the information could also apply to a lot of people,” he said.

This  familiarity with the information is what sparked the success of the video. It was instantly shared on social media outlets by people who had come across the video.

“The biggest jump for the video came from Vimeo, when they chose it to be one of their staff picks.”

Vimeo has a staff picks selection on their website where the seven administrators of the organization will choose their top videos and The World is Obsessed with Facebook was one of their selections.

Trimpe has yet to slow down with his work. He recently worked with a local company, Wonderland, and created a video for them to feature their new work and mission. Trimpe continues to work closely with the company and has become an integral part of their team and start-up process.

Left to Right: Molly Burke, "Untitled (Body Forms)" and Virginia Kistler, "Untitled"

The Sculpture X Symposium and its 2011 fall juried exhibition will play host to Molly Burke (CCAD 2006), fine arts alumna and graduate admissions officer, and Virginia Kistler, current CCAD MFA student.

“Out of 60 applicants from 20 different institutions, Virginia and I were chosen, I think that speaks highly of the talent at CCAD,” Burke said.

The After the Pedestal, the 7^th Annual of Small Sculpture from the Region exhibition will host 14 artists, all current MFA students or recent graduates of programs in the Midwest.

Molly Burke has two pieces in the show. Her first piece, We’re Not Broken, is a sculpture featuring egg forms.

The sculpture has various broken, cracked, and whole egg shells. The work plays with shadows and light within an open, white palate.

“I am attracted to the overall smooth form and the balance that is apparent. The piece also has the representation of people, having each person showing different cracks or experiences in their shells,” said Burke.

Her second piece, Untitled which is subtitled Body Forms, pulls inspiration on a microscopic scale. It looks at organic cells and their idea of movement and health.

“I create artwork that a person wants to look out and touch, they want to interact with my pieces,” Burke said.

This piece features bright colored, sandblasted glass orbs, tucked inside a nylon sack which is hung from the ceiling, dangling at eye level.

Kistler will be showing her piece, Untitled, in the exhibition. Her work incorporates acrylic, tar, and found objects. It is a mounted wall piece that represents a biological growth out of control.

“The inspiration for the piece comes from images of cities at night taken from the International Space Station.  The piece is about the expansion of urban areas and the reasons for the growth,” said Kristler.

Kistler will complete her MFA at CCAD in spring 2012. The sculpture that is being shown was her spring 2011 semester project at CCAD.

The juror, Barbara Hunt McLanahan is the executive director of the Judd Foundation and a board member of the Jerome Foundation.

She chose work that “urges us to certainly be concerned, literally, about the dark—we should be more mindful of mankind’s depletion of the earth’s natural resource, and planning a future that has found more sustainable forms or energy or safer agriculture,” McLanahan said.

The juried exhibition is put on by the Sculpture Center in Cleveland, Ohio and is on display Sept. 16–Oct. 22, 2011. SculptureX Symposium #2: The State of the MFA will be on Oct. 15, 2011 at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

"The Brown Bag Project" team earned a Bronze Pencil Award.

Three teams of CCAD Advertising & Graphic Design graduating seniors earned their place among the elite at the 2011 One Show Awards last may. One entry, to the college competition, earned a Bronze Pencil Award while two others received Merit awards.

This year’s college competition challenge was to create a campaign for New York City client City Harvest, a nonprofit organization that began as an effort to distribute unused food from city restaurants to area soup kitchens and food pantries. The organization has grown and is now including programming aimed at increasing access to affordable healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods. This effort includes offering nutrition education and creating access points and demand for healthier foods.

College teams were provided with a packet that included a brief and detailed client and target audience information. There was a list of assignments for teams to choose from that ranged from advertising campaigns that raise awareness and donations to corporate identity campaigns to rebrand City Harvest’s corporate collateral.

Winning the Bronze Pencil Award with “The Brown Bag Project,” an integrated branding solution, was: Katelyn Brenn, Kaitlan Hyland, and Simone Noronha.

The “Brown Bag Project” encourages New Yorkers to pack their lunch every Wednesday during the month of February instead of dining out and to donate the money they save that day to City Harvest. The campaign includes healthy tips and recipes and discount opportunities to participants to encourage them to pack their lunch.

“We did this through a mailer that informed people about the project, unconventional advertising to peak the interest of people in the city, and, finally, through a series of reusable lunch bags to help carry the message even after the campaign was done,” explained Noronha.

“My team members and I definitely put in a lot of effort in coming up with a solution that would work, ” she added. “We  felt lucky to go to New York City and represent CCAD. Only 25 pencils were given out that night and we were told that there were more than 23,000 entries to the competition.”

CCAD also had two teams earn merit awards: James Chapa and Luis La Torre entered a non-traditional advertising campaign called “Harvest Pride;” and Zack Beck, Kayla Nickerson, and Jaclyn Pasquale entered a non-traditional advertising campaign titled “Nourishing New York.”

A program of the One Club, an organization that exists to champion and promote excellence in advertising and design in all its forms, the One Show remains the pinnacle of achievement by providing a showcase of the world’s best work and by inviting collaboration among individuals that are actively developing outstanding work. Visit their website for more.

Graduation Day

More than 200 Columbus College of Art & Design students graced the stage of the historic Ohio Theatre to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 14, 2011.

The 132^nd annual spring commencement, in downtown Columbus, included an address by commencement speaker and CCAD alumnus Mike Altman. (Download a  pdf copy of his address.)

The 2011 class valedictorian is Sean Blanton and the college awarded the following 10 students with the distinction of Outstanding Senior.

Ken Aschliman, Fine Arts

Sean Blanton, Photography

Jordan Edwards, Advertising & Graphic Design

Graham Erwin, Illustration

Justin Highlander, Interior Design

Taehee Lee, Media Studies

Carolyn Martin, Fashion Design

Chelsea Mummert, Animation

Phong Nguyen, Illustration

Ryan Slicer, Industrial Design

Check out photos from commencement and more on the CCAD Alumni facebook page.

The 132nd Student SHOW

CCAD’s campus was a buzz of hyper activity Friday night as thousands converged for the slew of events that were taking place.

Students, alumni, family, faculty, staff, supporters, friends, businesses, even the mayor were on hand to celebrate the college and all it stands for.

The large campus crowd was due to several celebratory events. CCAD opened its 132^nd Annual Student Exhibition, which showcases (throughout campus) the best work of the academic year. This year the exhibition included work by MFA students. As in years past the opening included screenings in the auditorium of the media studies and animation work from 6-8 p.m.

At 8 p.m. CCAD’s Alumni Relations office welcomed the class of 2011 into the ranks of alumni with a Senior Party. Red Bull made an appearance and DAGR (Walker Crane & Alex Trimpe) brought the tunes.

While all of this was going on the college was also hosting its signature fundraiser the CCAD 2011 Senior Fashion Show. This year’s event, which raises money for scholarships, included a pre-runway party and an après-runway dance party. Read all about it and see pics on the Fashion Show blog.

Find lots of pics (now and more throughout next week) on the CCAD Facebook page, the CCAD Alumni Facebook page and the fashion show blog.

Senior Ryan Slicer was named Outstanding Senior for the Industrial Design department.

At the end of the academic year, a graduating senior from each major is named the Outstanding Senior for that department. Today in part nine of our 10-part series, we interviewed s

enior Ryan Slicer (CCAD 2011), who was named Outstanding Senior for the Industrial Design department.

Q.) What’s it feel like to graduate with not one but two job offers?
A.) It feels great. I feel like all the sleepless nights and long hours were worth something in the real world.

Q.) What’s the ultimate dream job?
A.) The ultimate for me is pretty simple. I just want to design new solutions for existing problems. As long as I am able to do that, I will be happy. Eventually, I would really like to start my own firm here in Columbus.

Q.) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”
A.) Actually receiving this award. I think this means the most because it’s validation from the faculty that I have done well in the program.

Q.) What smell always reminds you of your time here as a student?
A.) Definitely the smell of walnut sawdust. Junior year I built a dining room table from walnut, and the shop and I smelled like sawdust for weeks. It smelled wonderful.

Q.) What are you going to miss most about CCAD?
A.) Everyone sitting down in room 108 on the cintiqs. We would stay down there together for days it seemed, laughing. The people here are great.

Q.) Finish the sentence. The best class at CCAD was…
A.) ID302 with Joel Gundlach.

Q.) What was your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
A.) Put away all my stuff to spend time with my wife—as long as there was no presentations the following week.

Q.) Any advice for future CCAD students?
A.) Take it upon yourselves to see that you are successful.

Ryan’s Coroflot portfolio is available here.

Members of the Senior Class Gift committee presented a banner to President Griffith as a symbol of their donation to the college.

At the beginning of the school year, 2011 class president and Advertising & Graphic Design major David Merz (CCAD 2011) asked his classmates to help make a mark as the first CCAD class to leave behind a class gift. And it was a pretty simple ask. “Leave a little, leave a lot. We’re leaving a legacy. Our class participation shows that we believe in CCAD and in ourselves. So give $20. Give $2. It’s not about the money. It’s about our symbol of support.”

At the Senior Picnic hosted by President Denny Griffith, Merz and his fellow Senior Class Gift committee members presented a class banner to President Griffith to represent their gift. Signed by the members of the class of 2011 and featuring the class’s slogan (go forth and be awesome), the banner will hang at all of the group’s future alumni gatherings.

Through the 100 Days until Graduation event and the production of a class video, the class of 2011 raised funds to benefit technology and facilities upgrades; scholarships; professional development for CCAD faculty members; and lectures and studio visits by creative professionals.  Five percent of the graduates participated.

“Five percent is a lot—but we’d like to see that number grow,” said Merz. “We want the class of 2012 to beat our participation rate, and the class of 2013 to beat theirs, and so on and so forth. We want to leave behind a legacy of philanthropy—fueled by a bit of healthy competition of course.”

CCAD Student Government President David Merz III was honored at the annual Leadership Recognition Banquet.

In a reception hosted by CCAD’s Student Affairs office, 10 awards were presented to students, a staff member, and a student organization during the college’s second-annual Leadership Recognition Banquet.

More than 100 members of the CCAD community attended the reception Friday, May 6, at the Columbus Renaissance Hotel to honor members and advisers of sponsored student groups and leaders of registered student organizations.

“This year we are introducing a new award specifically for a member of our student government called the Service to Students Award,” said Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dwayne Todd. “As organizers of the Student Government awards, there is little opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication the president of student government has shown to the CCAD community, and this of all years is the time to begin this honor.”

Student Government president David Merz III received the award.

“We have seen more growth and development in the past year than in all the years we have had student government at CCAD combined,” said Director of Student Activities & Orientation Jason Bowser. “We have not seen as great a positive change in the organization and its presence on campus since the group was started and that is due in no small part to the leadership and vision of David.”

The entire list of 2011 honorees is as follows:

• Service to Students: David E Merz III (CCAD 2011)
• Megan Clare Mathie Student Leader of the Year Award: Kenneth Aschliman (CCAD 2011)
• Commitment to Diversity: Amanda Knittle (CCAD 2011)
• Commitment to Service: Danielle Williams (CCAD 2014)
• Commitment to Involvement: Lacie Daley (CCAD 2013)
• Commitment to Involvement: Walker Crane (CCAD 2013)
• Student Organization: Student Programming Board
• Student Event: Quidditch Cup
• Most Involved Faculty/Staff (outside the classroom): Erica Ott, assistant director of student activities & orientation
• Design Square Resident Advisor: Amanda Knittle (CCAD 2011)
• Schottenstein Resident Advisor: Blake Roberts (CCAD 2013)

“The Megan Clare Mathie Outstanding Student Leader Award goes to a student who has also made a considerable impact on campus through leadership in student organizations and involvement,” said Bowser.” This award’s namesake made an incredible impression on campus through her involvement during her four years. This year’s winner is Kenneth Aschliman for his work with Student Government and the Spotlight Student Exhibitions Group.”

The Commitment to Service Award is presented to a student who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to community service by volunteering time, energy, or resources towards the aim of helping improve the lives of others within and beyond the CCAD community.  The award also recognizes those who make extraordinary efforts to promote an environment of civic responsibility among other CCAD students.

The Commitment to Diversity Award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates an exceptional commitment towards creating a campus environment that is welcoming and inclusive to students from varied cultural backgrounds and personal identities.  The award is given to recognize a student who shows a deep commitment to the values of equity and inclusion, while also helping raise awareness and understanding of multicultural issues within the CCAD community.

The Commitment to Involvement Award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to enhancing campus life and creating opportunities for other students to develop memorable experiences and connections at CCAD.  This award recognizes a student who has helped to advance the goals of the CCAD Student Affairs Division through active involvement in multiple student organizations and campus leadership roles.

“This banquet is our way of saying thank you for contributing so much to the CCAD community and for being such an integral part of making the CCAD experience better for everyone,” said Bowser.

Valedictorian Sean Blanton was also named Outstanding Senior for the Photography department.

Photography senior Sean Blanton (CCAD 2011) has been named the valedictorian for the graduating class of 2011. Blanton will be honored during the commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 14, at The Ohio Theatre.

Pickerington, OH  native Sean Blanton, 22, was named the 2011 Outstanding Senior for the Photography department at Columbus College of Art & Design. Blanton is the son of Charles and Diana Blanton and a 2007 graduate of Pickerington North High School.

He has accepted a retouching position at Lane Bryant to begin upon graduation.

You can read an interview with Blanton here.

Learn more about the 2011 Commencement ceremony on the CCAD Events page.

Senior Taehee Lee was named Outstanding Senior for the Media Studies department.

At the end of the academic year, a graduating senior from each major is named the Outstanding Senior for that department. Today in part six of our 10-part series, we interviewed senior Tahee Lee (CCAD 2011), who was named Outstanding Senior in Media Studies.

Q.) What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?
A.) To be able to work with Design Group and to be chosen as the Outstanding Senior for Media Studies. I learned a lot from working with Design Group. I really enjoyed editing the Jay-Oh-Bee project because I learned a lot from the alumni and from getting to edit the project.

Q.) What scared you the most?
A.) We’re all a bit uncertain about our futures, but as an international student you truly never know how things are going to go. Many companies are reluctant to employee international students because they will have to prepare visas on the side—so a lot of them think, why bother when they could just get any American student.

Q.) So, what’s next?
A.) I am relieved and excited to work on something I really love doing. It just feels great. Most of my Korean friends are probably a bit jealous. My main focus was always going to graduate school, and I did get accepted but I was offered a job and made the last minute decision to accept it over graduate school.  When I was offered the job, all I could think was, I need to seize this opportunity because grad school will always be there but this may not.

Q.) What’s the dream job?
A.) To be able to work at a design studio as big as Psyop.

Q.) If you could describe graduating in one word, what would it be?
A.) Bittersweet.

Q.) What advice do you have for future CCAD students?
A.) The technique comes later; you will learn about technique when you have the job. I recommend trying everything that you can possibly do at an art school—even if it is really different from your major. You really have to get to know design first: the technique will come later. So enjoy being at an art school. Take ceramics or glassblowing just because you can—it’s all design, and it will really help in the long run.

View Taehee’s work on her website. Stills from her projects are below.

Animation major Chelsea Mummert was named the 2011 Outstanding Senior for her department.

At the end of the academic year, a graduating senior from each major is named the Outstanding Senior for that department. Today in part five of our 10-part series, we interviewed senior Chelsea Mummert (CCAD 2011), who was named Outstanding Senior for the Animation department.

Q.) Describe a particular thing you learned at CCAD that didn’t make sense to you at first, but that you realized later “Oh, that’s what that meant!”
A.) I would say a lot of things I learned foundation year fits into this category. For example, the project where we had to put three black squares on a white page. I realize it was the simplest form of composition, balance and hierarchy, something that I consider for each scene of animation.

Q.) What’s the ultimate dream job?  Or goal? Basically, when will you be able to sit back and say ‘I’ve made it’?
A.) When I am working in a major animation studio like Pixar or Disney as a part of their core team!

Q.) Why is it important as an alum to continue giving back to your alma mater?
A.) I think it is important for students to hear from us because we come from the same background. When Mike Altman (who was recently tapped as spring 2011 commencement speaker) came to talk to us after landing a job at Pixar, it really made me feel like it was all possible.

Q.) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”
A.) When I can sit at my computer for hours at a time and it only feels like a few minutes has passed. Then there are moments when I look at my work and am amazed to think to myself, I made that! It just amazes me what can be accomplished with passion and dedication.

Q.) What smell, word, object, or whatever always reminds you of your time here as a student?
A.) I would say Hounddogs pizza reminds me of my time here because of all of the times I spent there with my closest friends through all hours of the night. It’s a place you don’t go to for the service but the pizza is amazing!

Q.) If you can describe what graduating feels like in one word (okay, one sentence), what would it be?
A.) It’s like the end of a very intense training program and the beginning of a very long and beautiful dream come true.

Q.) Finish the sentence. I hope future CCAD students …
A.) Take their time here seriously and get the most out of their experiences because now is the time to grow and experiment. I also hope that they are not afraid to challenge their teachers or push the “limits” of creativity.

Learn more about Chelsea on her website.

132nd Annual Student Exhibition

It is tradition for CCAD to end its academic year with a spectacular exhibition that reflects the best student art and design work created during the previous 12 months.

On Friday, May 13^th we open SHOW the 132^nd Annual Student Exhibition, and even after 132 years, there is always a surprise or two.

One exciting new addition to this year’s SHOW is the MFA exhibition. CCAD’s recently launched graduate program, Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts: New Projects, will showcase the first year of work by the 11-member MFA class of 2012.

“It’s exciting because many of these graduate students are venturing out of their comfort zones,” said Graduate Studies Director Ric Petry. “They are taking risks and exploring new territory. We are finishing year one of a two-year program, so many of the works seen in the exhibition are setting the stage for what will be developed in their final thesis projects next year.”

MFA works, which will be exhibited on the second and third floors of Design Studios on Broad from 4-9 p.m. during the May 13 opening, include fiber arts, illustration, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and social/performance-based work.

Undergraduate work in the exhibition represents each of CCAD’s nine majors: Advertising & Graphic Design, Animation, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Studies, and Photography.

While art and design work is presented throughout campus, the main Canzani Center Gallery comprises work by upper-level students who show a mastery of skill within their chosen disciplines. The Canzani Center will also be the focal point for Media Studies and Animation screenings, which are presented to a packed audience in the 400-seat auditorium from 6-8 p.m. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to be considered for the opening night screenings.

“Each division has their own method for selecting work in the show,” explained Director of Student Exhibitions Tim Rietenbach. “But the approach is generally the same: All faculty members collect the best work from their classes, which is then reviewed by a smaller group of senior faculty who choose the final pieces for the show.”

Although the process for choosing work remains relatively the same, there are several new features at the opening night celebration. In addition to the MFA exhibition, the Acock galleries (on the second-floor of the Canzani Center) will house, for opening night only, examples of Foundation Studies interactive group projects. Also, for the first time, CCAD’s Fashion Show fundraising event will take place the night of the exhibition opening. In past years the fundraising event was hosted a week earlier, and on the night of the exhibition opening, a smaller-scale version of the fashion show was presented in the auditorium. This year the full production and event will take place on opening night.

“Moving the fashion event to the same night as the exhibition opening just made sense,” explained Vice President for Institutional Advancement Stephanie Hightower. “This is our signature event and we bring more than 700 people to campus. We want our guests to experience our whole creative community and to share in the excitement and celebration that comes with this time of year.”

While some things have changed, other traditions continue. Each year the three-dimensional Illustration class brings to the exhibition a fun and quirky crowd favorite. Last year it was pirate bears, in the past we’ve seen animatronic spiders, Alice in Wonderland, a monster classroom, and robots. This year they’re making  … well you’ll just have to come and see.

Find more details on the opening night schedule and event night parking on the event page.

Senior Sean Blanton was named Outstanding Senior for the Photography department.

At the end of the academic year, a graduating senior from each major is named the Outstanding Senior for that department. Today in part four of our 10-part series, we interviewed senior Sean Blanton (CCAD 2011), who was named Outstanding Senior for the Photography department.

Q.)What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?
A.) I suppose that being selected as the Outstanding Senior in Photography has been my proudest achievement. I know that there are a lot of other people in the photography program producing some really amazing work. Any one of them could have received this award. I’m flattered that I would even be considered.

Q.) What scared you most while you were at CCAD?
A.) Scared? I don’t know about scared. I was however, intimidated. I was definitely intimidated at first by the expectations of the college. It was a completely different environment from what I used to. I wasn’t used to being pushed as hard as I was, especially with having a strong conceptual standpoint in my work. I was really pushed to make my work about something, to have concrete reasons for creating work. Producing work with that kind of conviction was at first intimidating: now, it has become an integral point in my work.

Q.) Why is it important as an alumnus to continue giving back to your alma mater?
A.) CCAD has given me more than I could ever ask for. They have done so much for the artist community in Columbus, and I have truly grown to love this school for that connection. The more we can give back to CCAD, the more we can help it—and Columbus as an artist community—grow. I would like to remain involved in the CCAD community as much as possible, for as long as possible.

Q.) What will you miss most?
A.) The professors. Many of the professors I’ve met during my time at CCAD have been some of the most inspirational people with whom I’ve ever come in contact. Their advice has stretched way beyond critiques on my work. They have truly shaped me—and I mean that only in a positive way. They have driven me to do great things and challenged my thinking. I’ll be sad to drop out of immediate contact with all those people I’ve relied on for advice the past four years. I’ll be sad to never sit through a lecture that leaves me breathless.

Q.) If you can describe what graduating feels like in one word (okay, one sentence), what would it be?
A.) Graduating feels to me like the transition where professors no longer feel the need to teach you, and instead have given you the opportunity to teach yourself. (Sorry for breaking the one sentence rule – but to clarify what I just said – graduating doesn’t feel like the end of my education – but instead a transition where I now need to take my education into my own hands. They have laid the foundation for my education as an artist, but that is all. I now have a lifetime to spend teaching myself to be an artist. That is what it is to be an artist – to always be constantly observing and learning.)

Learn more about Sean on his website.

Senior Phong Nguyen was named co-Outstanding Senior for the Illustration department.

At the end of the academic year, a graduating senior from each major is named the Outstanding Senior for that department. But sometimes, it’s hard to pick just one—as is the case in the Illustration department. Today in part three of our 10-part series, we interviewed senior Phong Nguyen (CCAD 2011), who was named co-Outstanding Senior for the Illustration department along with classmate Graham Erwin.

Q.) What was your proudest achievement while at CCAD?
A.) During my time at CCAD, I’ve had several small achievements here and there, be it getting compliments from a teacher or winning an award. But if I had to pick just one it has to be placing 1^st and 3^rd at the 2011 CCAD Art of Illustration Show.
I had worked really hard on the pieces that I entered and wasn’t going to be satisfied with anything other than 1^st place.  When Chris Payne (Dean of Illustration) called my name for 3^rd place, I was happy but a bit disappointed too because I thought that meant that that was the highest I could place. When he called my name again for 1^st place, I was in shock but extremely happy. I guess this was possible because judging is done per entry piece and not per student.  I can’t help but imagine what it would feel like if I took the 2^nd place spot also.

Q.) Describe a particular thing you learned at CCAD that didn’t make sense to you at first, but that you realized later “Oh, that’s what that meant!”
A.) In freshman 2D design, we were taught the idea of dominant, subdominant, and subordinate in designs. I had never heard of this before so I just went through the lessons. At the end of my freshman year when I began to work on more personal pieces I started to realize the concept behind what I had learned. It’s even more evident when I had to explain it to someone while critiquing.

Q.) How did you land your first “real” job?
A.) My real job is the one I’m currently waiting to interview for. I have a friend who works at a company in Boston called Tencent that makes online computer games. After getting back from winter break, I started looking around for possible places to apply to.  As luck had it, my friend informed me there was a position available at Tencent for an “environment concept artist.”

For the next month or so, I ate, slept, and breathed environment concepts. Eventually when I felt I had a good enough portfolio, I sent the art director at Tencent an email. Got an art test. Completed it. Got a phone interview. Now I’m waiting for the onsite interview.

During this time, my actual school assignments suffered but I knew it was worth it. There’re two minutes left in overtime, I’ve got no more timeouts remaining, it’s time to make a BIG PLAY.

Q.) Do you remember a single point that made you sit back and say, “This is why I am doing this?”
A.) When I saw a picture of Craig Mullins working freelance over the internet in his house by the beach in Hawaii. When I talk to friends who are in college and still don’t know what they want to do, they tell me their biggest fear is settling into a field of work that they don’t love. I know I love art so making a living doing what I love is a great way to live.

Q.) Finish the sentence. I hope future CCAD students…
A.) Would not wait too late to start getting serious about their work.

Selecting just a few of Phong’s works was an incredibly tough challenge. Visit his website to see what else is available.

Senior Ken Aschliman was named the Outstanding Senior for the Fine Arts department.

At the end of the academic year, a graduating senior from each major is named the Outstanding Senior for that department. Today in part two of our 10-part series, we interviewed senior Ken Aschliman (CCAD 2011), who was named Outstanding Senior for the Fine Arts department.

Q.) So what’s next?
A.) I like to do a lot of different things. I like to make artwork, but I also like to organize shows, help other artists. I think that I want to go the Denny Griffith [CCAD's president] route, where I have a professional arts industry job, and then do my artwork in my personal time. He’s a great role model for me. If I want to be just a studio artist, I have to make the connections that are necessary in order to sell art. Now by working with these various arts organizations, I feel like I am beginning to make those connections. I’m looking at different art museum, gallery, and organization jobs.

Q.) What was your proudest achievement since you’ve been here?
A.) I don’t know if last night [winning AICUO’s Excellence in Visual Art Grand Award] has sunk in yet. It still feels like it just happened. So I’d say, Everything Explodes, the exhibition I did my junior year. By doing that, I realized I really enjoyed the organization of the show and the artwork and a lot of great things happened because of it. We were interviewed in Alive! and the Dublin Art Council will be doing a CCAD student show next year because of it. And the second one was the Mario mural. The goal was to promote student government, but the mural was only what it was because of the collaboration I did with so many people—plus it got a lot of attention, which was great.

Q.) Do you remember that “this is why I’m doing this” moment?
A.) My junior year I had a serious crisis of faith. I was debating in my head whether I had made the right decision in coming to art school. I felt like I had made the wrong decision for a while. I felt the classes prepared me to be an entrepreneur and to sell my work, but then all my experiences in trying to do that failed miserably. I showed at an art gallery for six months and made $40, sold only one print. But now I’ve interned at the Columbus Museum of Art and at the Greater Columbus Arts Council and those have really shown me that there are different paths I can follow. And sure once I graduate I may have to spend a year being the coffee guy for one of these organizations, but I know that there are paths I can take.

Q.) What smell will always remind you of this place?
A.) Coming out of AMF [Amelita Mirolo Fine Arts Building], there is always this really sweet smell. It smells like donuts. The smell of coffee is the other smell that will always remind me of this place.

Q.) What’re you going to miss most—besides the donut smell?
A.) Definitely the people and the sense of community. The college is fantastic. When I walk from one building to another, I see like five friends, who I can say ‘hi’ to or stop and have a conversation with. There is always someone to work with and to bounce ideas off, which is really crucial when you’re working on anything really.

Q.) What’s your hope for future CCAD students?
A.) We have a really good thing going here, and I want the next generation to keep it going. My selfish goal is that the Spotlight Exhibition group I started keeps going. The Student Government has really done a lot this year under David Merz and I really hope that energy continues. I see great artwork happening around me, I see younger students getting up to that level and I just hope it continues.

To see more of Ken’s work, visit his website.

2010 graduates and families outside The Ohio Theatre

In honor of the 233 students who will receive diplomas at CCAD’s 132^nd annual spring commencement, we’ll be counting down the days to commencement by publishing interviews with our 10 Outstanding Seniors and we’ll be announcing the class valedictorian(s).

And while we don’t know who is at the top of the class just yet (final grades are yet to be submitted), we do know who has been named the outstanding seniors for 2011. They are: Jordan Edwards, Advertising & Graphic Design; Chelsea Mummert, Animation; Carolyn Martin, Fashion Design; Kenneth Aschliman, Fine Arts; Graham Erwin, Illustration; Phong Nguyen, Illustration; Ryan Slicer, Industrial Design; Justin Highlander, Interior Design; Taehee Lee, Media Studies; and Sean Blanton, Photography.

Also coming along for the commencement ride is alumnus Mike Altman (CCAD 2000), who will deliver the commencement address. Altman worked as a technical director in modeling and articulation on Pixar’s Academy Award winning Toy Story 3 and was also responsible for modeling and articulating all the 3D characters for Day & Night, the short at the beginning of the film, which was also nominated for an Academy Award. Learn more in our blog, Alumnus, Pixar Animator Slated to Deliver Commencement Address.

Check back Monday, May 2 as we introduce you to Illustration senior Graham Erwin. We’ll publish one a day (on school days) through Friday, May 13.

The video projections at Columbus's new Scioto Mile were created by Media Arts students and faculty.

Access to Columbus’ new riverfront park, The Scioto Mile, has been pretty tough to come by. But last night, we got to take a peek behind the curtain—err, construction fence—to see the almost-there phase of what is soon to be one of Columbus’ main attractions.

CCAD was granted this special access because our faculty and students added their creativity and expertise to The Scioto Mile —a large-scale, downtown waterfront park project that began in 2008. The project, which will be completed in July, is under the direction of the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) who then hired local design firm MSI.

CCAD was approached earlier this year by fountain sponsor the American Electric Power Foundation (AEP) to create a video to be used with the The John W. Galbreath Bicentennial Park fountain— a stunning 15,000 sq. ft. water fountain, consisting of several different pools of water and special effect lighting and video.

Media Arts faculty and students pitched their proposals to the Scioto Mile project team to be considered for exclusive video projection at the park. Four proposals are being reviewed for final use. Last night MediaMation and MSI ran on-site tests on the software that allows them to program the fountain. They also checked lights and the integration of the video work. You can check out our pictures, but these truly are a sneak peek. There are more bells and whistles to be unveiled at the Scioto Mile Grand Opening July 7, 5:30 p.m. at Bicentennial Park.

Check out the pictures, visit www.sciotomile.com for more updates and then save the date for the opening of the latest Columbus hot spot.

A portfolio review at Directions

There was ample evidence at Directions, CCAD’s annual career fair, to indicate that more than 160 soon-to-be graduates are eager and prepared to enter the workforce.

Armed with faculty-juried portfolios, polished résumés, branded business cards, ready smiles, positive attitudes and a few cases of nervousness, the seniors and some December graduates networked with nearly 200 employer representatives in the Canzani Center.

Small, large and international companies, including McGraw Hill, American Greetings, Abercrombie & Fitch, Interbrand, Columbus Idea Foundry, LimitedBrands, and LPK, attended the April 20 career fair, which opened with a preview hour for employers to privately review student portfolios.

Cynthia Gravino, director of Career Services, said several factors indicate that the job market looks good for creative individuals. Her office currently is receiving more full-time job descriptions than it has in the recent past and salary ranges, in some cases, are $10,000 to $15,000 higher.

Kristen Macauley was the sole Fine Arts senior participating in Directions. Her burgeoning love for design compelled her to register for the annual career fair.

“It’s exciting to see interest in my work. I expected to be ignored but it has been very rewarding to describe my work and jewelry designs.” Macauley is heading to New York City after graduation for a three-month paid position with The Jones Group. During the career fair the Idea Foundry approached her about conducting jewelry workshops in Columbus.

Justin Highlander, a senior in Interior Design who is an intern at Asset Strategies Group, LLC, confessed to being a bit nervous but said his goals for Directions include getting his name circulating among potential employers and creating an impression that helps retail design and commercial design firms to remember him.

“Directions is helping me understand what companies expect from an entry-level designer,” said Highlander, who is willing to relocate and is looking at opportunities in Seattle, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. He said preparing for Directions taught him how to memorably brand himself, how to explain his work and to convey his personality. “I feel prepared for any interview in the future,” Highlander said.

Several CCAD alumni were among the employer representatives networking at Directions. Tom Studer (CCAD 1993-97), digital strategy director at LPK in Cincinnati, said he loves the diversity of projects at the event. “This is an opportunity to create interest in LPK. A job opportunity might be a year from now but it’s still important to make a memorable connection today,” he said.

Studer’s co-worker, Steve Bowling, a talent acquisition specialist at the global design agency, said he participates in Directions because he respects the talent. Bowling and Studer, who studied Fine Arts at CCAD, are especially interested in students who can cohesively story-tell across multimedia.

Interbrand’s representatives teamed up to review all the available portfolios. Jamey Wagner, creative director, and junior designers Katie Carter, Susan Burke (CCAD 2010) and Jen Rossignol (CCAD 2009), summed up their impressions by describing the students as eager, the vibe as good, and the work as strong. Both Burke and Rossignol studied Advertising & Graphic Design at CCAD.

Jennifer Chema, who describes herself as a research designer, talked to seven companies at Directions. Participating was a “no brainer,” she said. “I want to learn about people’s mindsets and to network. You learn more from interacting with people than from a website.”

One project featured in Chema’s portfolio, completed as a senior capstone project in CCAD’s Honors Program, included a redesigned federal income tax form. Jim Lutz (CCAD 1978), an instructor in Visual Communications who majored in Advertising  & Graphic Design, served as her project mentor as she researched the history of the form, its current design, gathered feedback and tested new designs.

The Advertising & Graphic Design senior said her future design work will involve “turning something negative into something positive.” Her portfolio reveals just such plans for nuclear power plants.

A membership meeting of the Black Student Leaders Association. From left: Current student Joe Washington, alumnus and BSLA leader Corey Favor (CCAD 2002), and current students Kourtney Thorn and Marquis Engle.

On graduation day, the last thing on the mind of most students is, “I wonder how I can repay my college for everything I have experienced and accomplished.” Most alumni don’t even think about giving back until years down the road—and it’s usually in the form of a donation. But two recent CCAD graduates are giving CCAD less common gifts: leadership and passion.

A New York City native, Corey Favor graduated from CCAD in 2002 with a B.F.A. in Illustration and has stayed in Columbus. Now the graphic designer and digital support coordinator for Radio One, Favor admits to missing the fast pace of the Big Apple. Rather than pick up a new hobby, he started mentoring African American high school students—but was not fully satisfied.

A membership meeting of the Black Student Leaders Association.

“This may sound over-sentimental, but I had a moment of clarity [when I] knew I had a deeper purpose. As an African American artist and college graduate, I felt a responsibility to help young African American artists, in hopes of giving them better guidance than I ever had when I was young,” said Favor. He knew he had to go back to CCAD.

Favor describes his college days at CCAD as lonely. He was a minority who was far from home, he said, and “back then, there were only a handful of us [African Americans]. We didn’t have any mentors or alumni to look up to, so we supported each other.”

Why would mentors have helped? Favor recalls, “When you’re at school, that’s all you see. The outside world doesn’t really exist. Now picture CCAD as a boot camp for art. You receive orders from a figurehead about how to use your skills and your tools—and some visual examples—but there are no veterans to tell you what battle is like. At graduation, you’re thrust into the battlefield we call life, and all the while, you wish someone would have told you more.”

A membership meeting of the Black Student Leaders Association.

Since Favor’s reconnection with CCAD last summer, he has become the co-advisor of the campus’s only African American-focused student organization, the Black Student Leaders Association (BSLA). With the help of fellow African American alumnus Marshall Shorts (CCAD 2006) and CCAD staff, Favor supports the group as it holds programs around campus. He facilitates the development of members’ leadership skills through frank and insightful conversations. He also makes it a point to bring two guest speakers a month to attend the membership meeting. But these presenters aren’t just anybody. They are successful African American artists or designers from diverse disciplines who are recognized leaders in the Columbus community.

“I set up these guest speakers because I want students to feel empowered. I want them to leave the meeting saying, ‘Wow! If he or she can do it, I can do it,’” said Favor.

A membership meeting of the Black Student Leaders Association.

Favor’s hard work has paid off. Since September, BSLA has grown from 4 students to a large group of over 20 dedicated members.

“Having someone to talk and relate to has been great,” said Jocelyn Williams, a Junior in Interior Design. “He [Favor] knows what it’s like to be at CCAD as a black student.”

Another student, Josh Wallace, admits that he appreciates the sense of community that has emerged since BSLA started. Students have even begun to network with other African American student organizations in the Columbus area. “It’s great that we have someone to do this…[to] listen and advise us,” said Wallace. “But what’s even better is seeing someone be successful and [then] return to help us out.”

Favor’s response? “I just hope that there are alumni like me at every campus.”

Jeff Stahler (CCAD 1977)

Ninety percent of CCAD students receive some share of the more than $10,000,000 in scholarships and financial aid that CCAD awards each year. This year for the first time, students who have benefited from donor generosity in years past were invited to take a firsthand role in providing that same support for future students. And they’re succeeding in a big way.

In the first-ever CCAD phonathon, four student callers telephoned more than two hundred alumni who graduated within the last decade, asking for their financial support. They weren’t asking for much—just whatever the recent grads could afford. And whenever a donation was made, the student called that alum back a few days later to express their gratitude (during the even more popular inaugural “thankathon”). We have to say that these students were true rock stars of fundraising, reaching their goal in a matter of days.

Now the Senior Class is getting in on the action, raising money for their Senior Class Gift—a donation to the CCAD Scholarship Fund—by hosting concerts and parties during their last semester on campus. They’re spending as much time together as they can before graduation, while providing some financial assistance to the next batch of students at the same time.

Caption for Jeff Stahler cartoon (right): Board member and alumnus Jeff Stahler (CCAD 1977) came to campus with some other CCAD friends to join the phonathon team for one night, making calls for support on the college’s behalf—and was gracious enough to follow it up with an original cartoon just for Image. A syndicated cartoonist for the Columbus Dispatch, his work appears regularly in USA Today, Newsweek, and the New York Times, and, now, for the first time, in Image.

Lillie Templeton presenting at the Fall 2010 Honors Symposium.

CCAD’s Honors Program gives high-achieving students the chance to shape and expand their CCAD education—and not just in the classroom. “Several years ago a faculty and staff committee met to consider an Honors Program,” said Provost Anedith Nash. “Discussion turned on whether to do a more conventional liberal arts honors program or to fully integrate all of our educational experiences. The decision to offer Honors as part of the whole CCAD experience was important. Even more important was encouraging the Honors participants to be the creators of the program.”

When the program opened in 2009, participating students created an Honors Student Council, which took the lead in researching honors programs nationwide. “We’re one of the few art and design schools to offer an Honors program—and we are certainly pioneering by offering both seminars and studio courses in Honors,” said sophomore Lillie Templeton, the current Council president.

Templeton and fellow Council members Jennifer Chema, Dayna Smith, and Austin McClellan have worked alongside CCAD faculty and staff to launch the program, hold CCAD’s first two annual Honors Symposiums, and formulate plans for the program’s next steps.

Jennifer Chema presenting at the Fall 2010 Honors Symposium.

Jennifer Chema (JC): The Honors Symposium is a great way of saying to family members, potential employers, or community members that here is something more from CCAD.

Dayna Smith (DS): We’ve been working very closely with Career Services, and we’re hoping at some point we can get prospective employers to come to the symposium and look at it as a highlight reel for the school. It will get students to want to join and show them that this is something more than just a bunch of geeks wanting to do more work.

Austin McClellan (AM): We definitely do not want to claim that we are the best designers at this school. We just say that we are much more excited about working on projects that encompass the all-around.

DS: Right. [Honors] expands how we think outside the aesthetic. …It’s something we think about—a lot. I think the best thing about Honors is that we can trust each other, and we’re not just going to say, “Oh, that looks pretty!” We’re going to give each other really good feedback.

AM: I ask people to talk to me about my work in [Honors] class. That way, I can get a much broader spectrum because there is someone from a different major offering their advice.

DS: You learn to not only listen to these ideas but to take them in and let them change you. When you’re in a room with people who have different ideas, you grow better. I think the difference is that [our regular] classes teach us how to produce, but Honors teaches us how to…

Lillie Templeton (LT): Control it.

DS: Well, get through it. Think. It isn’t so much the product as it is how you got to the product.

AM: The process.

LT: It’s about how you think through things. We’re not geniuses; it’s not about our final work being better than someone else’s. It’s all about offering these resources to help students think through something differently.

Dayna Smith presenting at the Fall 2010 Honors Symposium.

DS: I think the people in Honors usually consider it more fun. We get to do more things, have bigger ideas. You don’t get told what to do; you pursue something that really interests you. When you do that, you’re not really doing homework anymore. And you start to learn how to apply that to everything else.

JC: I would like to say that working with our [Honors faculty] mentors is really helpful because I am one of those people who likes to work one-on-one with people.

DS: I only saw my mentor three times the whole semester, but every time I went in there he completely changed my whole thought process. And at that moment, I know my whole mind has just gone crazy and I have to write down everything. I’ll fill up half a sketchbook with writing and half with drawing and find out what works. He’s so busy, but he finds the time to work with me, which is great.

LT: And that’s a really nice thing the Honors program can offer. A lot of students will look at it and say “I’m going into this field, and you don’t offer seminars specific to that field.” Well, that’s because that’s what your major offers, and we’re trying to offer you something a little bit different, something that you won’t get elsewhere. The other nice part is that the teacher/student relationship that we offer with the mentoring is not limited too within your major. Even though I am an Ad/Graph major, I can go to an Illustration faculty member. I can go to someone in ID and say, “I’m an Honors student, would you be interested in mentoring me?” And they could say no, but…

DS: …They almost always say yes. Teachers like kids that are crazy.

Austin McClellan presenting at the Fall 2010 Honors Symposium.

AM: I like that you can also go out and find a mentor that isn’t a faculty member. I often [work with] a faculty member at Kentucky University; she’s in child development, and she helps with transferring ideas to a child, getting a child to relate to what I’m trying to communicate.

DS: I work with members of the children’s department at [the] Mayo [Clinic] who specialize in psychiatric health, and they let me in on the way the kids see agoraphobia. They’ll tell me something, and I’ll say, “Really? I never thought of it like that.”

JC: And it’s also nice that our mentors are like, “Take a breath, breathe.” They help so much at refocusing your energy and very gently saying, “Do this.” [Because] you’re not doing such time-constrained projects, it’s nice to have someone there to be gentle, and I just can’t thank my mentor enough. I don’t feel overwhelmed anymore.

C. Todd Jones, Grand Award winner Ken Aschliman, parents Kathy and Dave Aschliman.

In an exciting follow-up to an already exciting story, Fine Arts Senior Ken Aschliman (CCAD 2011) was awarded the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Ohio (AICUO) Excellence in Visual Art Grand Award. To recognize his talent, the AICUO purchased a work of art from Aschliman and awarded him $2,500.

Held at Ohio Wesleyan University on April 13, the reception honored senior students from independent colleges throughout Ohio who were deemed finalists in the competition by a panel of Ohio artists and members of the art community.

Aschliman was one of three CCAD seniors nominated for the award. Fine Arts senior Katherine Adkins (CCAD 2011) and Photography senior Pei Yin Chen (CCAD 2011) also competed for the award. You can read more about the students’ nomination here.

Prior to the reception and awards announcements, the student nominees participated in a panel discussion, discussing their inspirations, their academic experiences and their career aspirations.

AICUO was organized in 1969 to represent the interests of its members to Ohio’s lawmakers, regulators and citizens.  AICUO seeks to strengthen student financial aid programs and bring about a greater understanding of the impact and contributions of Ohio independent colleges and universities.  At the same time, AICUO works to promote the well-being of Ohio higher education as a whole, with special regard for the dual private/public nature of the responsibility to serve the educational, social, and cultural needs of the state and the nation.  For more information regarding AICUO, visit our website at www.aicuo.edu.

Aschliman was named the 2011 Outstanding Senior for the Fine Arts department and is a member of CCAD’s Student Government. Learn more about him on his website.

Image by Kyle Boganwright

Art by CCAD sophomore fine arts major Kyle Boganwright is being shown at a gallery on the campus of The Ohio State University.

Coordinated by the Office for Disability Services at OSU, the exhibition is on the second floor of Bricker Hall.

Items in the exhibition previously were displayed by the Alliance for Art and Writing. Boganwright won the alliance’s national award for art portfolio in 2009.

First place entry by Alejandro Bellizzi

Winners and finalists of the eighth annual Lowell Tolstedt Drawing Prize recently were announced after being presented for judging by visiting artist Nora Sturges.

The quality and variety of the final 23 entries were commended by Sturges, head of Towson University’s painting department.

Winners include Alejandro Bellizzi, a sophomore majoring in Fine Arts (first prize of $500 cash), Fine Arts junior Shawn McBride (second prize of $250 cash), and Amanda Thompson, a sophomore Illustration major (third prize, $100 CCAD Supply Store gift certificate).

Honorable mention awards were extended to Taylor Hawkins, a junior studying Fine Arts, and sophomore Illustration student Alex Rupert.

Other drawing prize finalists include seniors Jon Guinn, Nathan Moser, Brianne Schulze and Alexis Warnock; junior Jonathan Hodge; and sophomores Thomas Johnson, Alexander Klein, Katherine Langford, Alex Laniosz, Erik Probst, Alex Rupert, Hillary Sroufe, and Sarah Tanner.

An ad hoc committee of drawing faculty members and Gordon Lee, chair of Drawing and Printmaking in the Fine Arts division, narrowed all the submissions to 17 entries prior to final judging.

Tolstedt, Fine Arts professor emeritus, retired from CCAD after more than 35 years and serving as dean of the division of Fine Arts since 1981. He has work in a number of collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian Institute, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Evansville Museum of Art, and the Minnesota Museum of Art.

Image from Marcia Evans Gallery

Two emerging CCAD artists are facing their first fine arts gallery exhibition this spring in Columbus.

Faces: Kyle Boganwright and Steve Kropp will be shown April 1–May 31 at Marcia Evans Gallery, 8 E. Lincoln St. in the Short North neighborhood. An opening reception is 6–9 p.m. Friday, April 1.

Boganwright is a sophomore majoring in Fine Arts. Kropp (CCAD 2007) majored in advertising and graphic design.

Marcia Evans described Boganwright’s prolific style as pop surrealism and said Kropp, a former graffiti artist, creates emotional abstract line drawings of faces with graffiti-like text.

For more information on Boganwright go to his website.

Singing on the Great Day by Matthew Houston

Three CCAD students were announced as winners of the Forever Free Emancipation Poster contest, held in conjunction with an Abraham Lincoln exhibition at the State Library of Ohio.

First place was awarded to Matthew Houston, a junior majoring in Illustration, for his digital print Singing on the Great Day. A mixed media piece, Freedom Quilt, by Fine Arts senior Jerrica Fields claimed second place and Joshua Kingsbury, a freshman studying Animation, placed third with his New Day digital print entry.

CCAD students were invited to submit posters that would visually communicate emancipation to a slave in 1863 unable to read. The contest was held in conjunction with the Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation exhibit at the State Library of Ohio from March 7 through April 15, 2011. The winning entries were announced at the exhibit’s recent opening program and reception.

Houston’s poster will be on display at Hammond Harkin Galleries in Bexley for a short time following the conclusion of the exhibition. All three artists will have their posters on permanent display at the State Library of Ohio and received gift cards to Utrecht Art Supplies.

“Matthew, Jerrica, and Joshua each expressed visions of survival and hope in their work,” said Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, director of marketing & communications at the state library. “The students researched slavery, the Civil War, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Their work clearly communicates an understanding of the objective of the contest and compassion for those that suffered during that oppressive time in our history.”

Read the full press release announcing the contest winners.

Image by Ken Aschliman

A Fine Arts senior from CCAD has been selected as a grand prize finalist in the 2011 Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts (EVA).

Ken Aschliman is one of six Ohio students competing for the grand award in the EVA competition. The winning finalist will receive $2,500 and will be announced April 13 at a reception at Ohio Wesleyan University.

Aschliman’s competition portfolio is available for online viewing. He joins alumni Heather Lynn Kyle (CCAD, ’08), Kyle McMahon (CCAD, ’09), Mark Bush (CCAD, ’09), and Erica Podwoiski (CCAD, ’10) as EVA award winners.

CCAD is one of only two colleges with students being awarded an EVA each year of the competition, which recognizes outstanding senior artists from Ohio’s independent colleges.

Maestro Note by Shelby Bertsch

An entry submitted by a CCAD sophomore is a finalist in the mascot design contest for the 2012 World Choir Games.

Maestro Note by Shelby Bertsch features an anthropomorphic note dressed in a suit and waving a maestro’s baton. Her design was selected from among 60 entries from five states.

The public can vote through March 13th to help determine which mascot will represent Cincinnati, OH as host of the seventh World Choir Games in July 2012. Go to cincinnati.com to vote for one of the four finalists.

Bertsch, an Illustration major, said she learned about the contest from instructor Marcia Tabler and discussed her design ideas with a roommate who is part of a chorus.

CCAD's Viewbook is honored with a merit award in the March issue of HOW Magazine.

CCAD’s collaborative project with Columbus-based branding agency Ologie was recognized recently when the college’s Viewbook was honored by HOW magazine’s 2011 International Design Awards, garnering a merit award. The piece and its award are featured in the March 2011 issue.

The relationship between Ologie and CCAD’s in-house Design Group was featured in the fall 2010 issue of IMAGE Magazine. “Students worked for many hours with staff members from the college and from Ologie, enriching their professional development while still in school. ‘As the students were doing their work, they were presenting their concepts to senior-level staff, which might not have happened in a regular internship at a design firm,’ says Creative Director Lindsay Kronmiller. Students develop the communication skills needed to articulate their concepts and are taught to understand client needs. Well prepared to bridge the gap between school and the professional world, most Design Group alumni are employed within three months of graduation.”

“’When prospective students, parents, and the general public encounter our materials, they are seeing student work,” said Kronmiller. ‘It is a great testament to the talent and ability of our students.’”

Owned by board of trustee member and alumna Bev Bethge (CCAD 1982-1986), Ologie is an award-winning branding agency that serves national and international clients. Ologie’s mission is to build brands that are clear, compelling, and consistent so they will be better known, better understood, and completely unique.

Another collaborative piece, “Think. Do.” received a silver ADDY award and a merit award from HOW magazine. Read more here.

Read the entire IMAGE story here.

AOI poster by Graham Erwin

CCAD’s  annual Art of Illustration exhibition, now in its 14th year, is spreading its wings and leaving the nest for a Short North gallery.

The popular exhibition, featuring the best of CCAD student illustrations, is organized entirely by students—from designing promotional posters and selecting jurors to securing sponsors and notifying participants from all nine CCAD majors.

Art of Illustration, opens March 5 at Rivet Gallery, 1200 N. High St. in Columbus, and continues through March 25. An opening awards presentation and reception begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5.

This year’s show is organized by five Illustration majors: seniors Alex Alvarado and Noel Ang, juniors Lexie Holliday and Brianne Schulze, and sophomore Andrew Thompson. They secured a panel of professional alumni jurors—Linda Bittner (CCAD, ’88), Tim Bowers (CCAD, ’79), Eric Fortune (CCAD, ’99), and Scott Hull (CCAD, ’77)—as well as Illustration Chair C. F. Payne to winnow the 164 entries down to 38. Per tradition, judging took place in Payne’s home.

“Our main focus this year was to get the community more involved,” Schulze said. “In the past, the show was held in one of CCAD’s galleries, so we figured the most obvious solution was to find a gallery off campus.”  The Illustration department is excited about the gallery’s involvement because the student work, opening reception, and awards presentation will be showcased during Columbus’ popular monthly Gallery Hop.

Payne describes the jurying progress as “very regimented and very tough once selections get down to the final level.” All students submit their entries in a digital format. For jurying, the student organizers project the images for the judges to see, then track each round’s selections and tally the overall winners, a process that lasts several hours.

Awards, including prizes from various sponsors, will be presented for best of show as well as first, second and third place. Additionally, five selections identified as “judges favorites” will receive an original work of art from the respective judge.

This year’s sponsors include Chipotle, Cameron Mitchell, Kroger, and R Designs and Printing. CCAD student, a senior majoring in Illustration, designed the 2011 AOI poster.

Payne is pleased that the student-led tradition continues to grow and sees the move to an off-campus gallery as a positive development. “Having AOI in a gallery adds some prestige,” he said.

(click on thumbnail to see full image)

2011 AICUO Scultpure Design Contest Winner

Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD)  junior Caleb Boller is the winner of the 2011 AICUO Sculpture Design Contest. The design contest is hosted by the Association for Independent Colleges & Universities of Ohio (AICUO) as a supplement to the organization’s Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts. The winning design is used to make the awards presented at the awards reception.

For the next step of the Sculpture Design Competition, Caleb will be working with a professional local sculptor (to be announced) to bring his pieces to life. Attend the 2011 AICUO Awards Reception on April 13 for the unveiling of the final sculptures.

Boller is an  Industrial Design major and focuses much of his energy on ceramics. Ever since a high school program that he took in his hometown of Roanoke, IN, Caleb has had an interest in all things 3D. A renowned CCAD ceramics instructor, Bill Hunt, drew Caleb to the college. Boller is the recipient of a silver portfolio Scholastics scholarship and a CCAD scholarship.

View more of Caleb’s work on his Coroflot account.

Three CCAD students are nominated for an Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts.

NOTE: this news was first announced in the blog post written for AICUO by Noel Ang, a CCAD senior majoring in Illustration, who is an AICUO intern and art awards coordinator.

Poster designed by Class of 2011 President David Merz.

CCAD’s Class of 2011 kicked-off their last 100 days at CCAD with a fundraising concert in the Loann Crane Center for Design Thursday evening. All funds raised during the event will go toward the senior class gift.

This marks the first senior class gift in CCAD’s history. Seniors will raise funds during the remainder of their time here and donate all proceeds to the school’s general scholarship fund.

“Giving the gift of a scholarship was pretty much a no-brainer,” said Class President David Merz a senior majoring in Advertising & Graphic Design. “And getting to spend time with our classmates during our last days on campus makes giving back totally worth it.”

Emceed by Merz, the event opened with sets from local band Good Buddy and CCAD Advertising & Graphic Design senior Steven VanScoy. Columbus-based, nationally-touring band Yellow Light Maybe rounded out the evening.

Want more? Check out photos by emcee Merz on his very cool “the final semester” blog.

Make a donation toward the Senior Class Gift here. Include the words “Senior Class Gift” in the comment box.

Katherine Adkins and Ken Aschliman, both seniors majoring in Fine Arts, and Pei Yin Chen, a senior majoring in Photography, are nominees for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts.

In addition to competing for a grand award, including a cash prize of $2,500, the students also are eligible to win a People’s Choice Award. Online voting opens to the general public at the end of February.

The competition recognizes outstanding senior artists from Ohio’s independent colleges. Portfolios of all artwork submitted by the student nominees are judged by independent college faculty, community artists, art journalists, and state legislators to determine Grand Award finalists. All nominees’ art portfolios are available for online viewing.

In addition to the Grand Award and the People’s Choice Award, five student nominees will receive awards as competition finalists at a public reception on April 13th at Ohio Wesleyan University.

Third Eye image from ryansablogspot.com

A photography exhibition curated by CCAD student Ryan Walters has been extended through March 25 at OSU’s Urban Arts Space in downtown Columbus.

Third Eye, a collection of 10 artists’ work, includes CCAD alumni and students who question, revolt against, and embrace photography’s impact on perception within contemporary culture. The artists reveal photography’s capacity to illustrate the relationship between artist, subject, and viewer, and explore its constructs and limitations.

The exhibition is in the City Center Gallery, where a free reception will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28.

Walters, a senior majoring in Fine Arts, organized the grant proposal to secure funding for the exhibition after he and Christopher Von Holle, a senior majoring in Photography, took a class with John Fergus-Jean, professor, Photography and Graduate Studies.Curatorial assistance was provided by Fine Arts sophomore Alejandro Bellizzi.

Participating alumni and students include Frank Castanien (CCAD ’07), Pei Yin Chen, a senior in Photography, Evan Eisel, a sophomore majoring in Photography, Fine Arts senior Elina Khachaturyan, Eric Sherwood, a freshman in Media Studies, Clifton Stommel (CCAD ’10), Miles Tsang, a senior majoring in Illustration, and VonHolle.

Sherwood also will offer a special one-time performance just prior to the Jan. 28 reception.

Castanien majored in Fine Arts and Stommel majored in Photography at CCAD.

The winning T-shirt design by Danielle Williams

Danielle Williams, a freshman majoring in Advertising & Graphic Design, recently received recognition for her winning submission to Faith Mission’s “A T-Shirt to Change the World” design contest.

In the presence of hundreds on Nov. 21, Faith Mission, which serves the homeless community, announced Williams as the winner at its annual “Come Together in Unity” celebration.

As a student, Williams not only excels in the classroom but also works hard to give back to the community. From the small town of North Star, this Ohio-native loves volunteering and saw the contest as a perfect opportunity to use her artistic skills to help the shelter.

In conjunction with Firm 27 and FthreeO talent agency, Faith Mission kicked off its design contest in September to get the community more involved in helping the shelter. The challenge was to design a socially-conscious logo that focuses on any of Faith Mission’s four “h” goals: eliminating hunger, ending homelessness, providing healing, or inspiring hope. The winning design is featured on T-shirts that are to be sold to raise support for the homeless shelter.

The celebration coordinator, Julian Simmons, said the winning design by Williams “is beautiful and really embodies our mission.” Faith Mission revealed the winning design by having all of the event volunteers wear the design at its largest community program to commemorate all the donors and volunteers who support the shelter and help fulfill its mission of creating a better world by serving people in need.

“Winning the contest was completely unexpected,” Williams said. “Who would have thought that I could help Faith Mission by doing something I’m passionate about—art.”

Located in downtown Columbus near CCAD’s campus, Faith Mission is known by many as not only a place for a hot meal and a warm bed, but a haven of hope as well. Since 1966, Faith Mission has served the homeless community by offering a secure, Christian-based environment for homeless men and women on an emergency walk-in basis. The agency provides shelter, food and clothing, while helping individuals with access to longer term solutions such as housing, employment assistance, medical, dental and vision care, counseling and support groups.

Kyle Boganwright, a sophomore majoring in Illustration, will have three pieces in the gallery’s Holiday Hop event. The evening’s festivities are 7-10 p.m.  The exhibition continues through Dec. 18.

Roy G Biv, a nonprofit gallery for emerging artists, is located at 997 N. High St. in Columbus.

Jewelry Designer Christine Cooper Hill reviews student work for Diamond Cellar competition.

Alumna Christine Cooper Hill (CCAD ’87) and Columbus-based jewelry-giant Diamond Cellar are partnering together to offer CCAD students the opportunity to have one of their designs sold by the company.

The 14 students in Kelly Malec-Kosak’s jewelry design course were given one week to sketch their designs before they were reviewed on Nov. 23 by Cooper Hill.

“Because she’s an alumna, she’s able to be critical but kind, which means the students had an easier time asking her questions,” said Malec-Kosak.

As a jewelry designer for Diamond Cellar and Christine Cooper Hill Jewelry, Cooper Hill offered advice and suggestions to the students. They now have the opportunity to make changes to their design before the final jury by Diamond Cellar’s visiting artists.

The jury will select one winning design. The student with the winning design will receive $1,000 to produce the piece, which will be promoted in the company’s stores December 2011.

Cooper Hill has been designing and handcrafting fine jewelry for more than 22 years, launching her own company  in 2007. She is a two-time award winner in The Ohio Jewelers Association Design Competition.

The Diamond Cellar is one of the largest independent jewelry stores in the United States and represents some of the world’s finest brands, including award-winning designers David Yurman and Stephen Webster.

The Diamond Cellar recently brought both Yurman and Webster to CCAD’s campus, where they offered career advice to students and critiqued their designs. Read more about Yurman’s visit in IMAGE magazine, and Webster’s on CCAD’s News Blog.

Check back with the CCAD News Blog in December to find out who won the competition.

Image from www.kaylarischdesign.com

Materials created by CCAD students, staff and alumni fetched nine awards of merit and excellence at Creative Best 2010, an annual recognition of outstanding communication arts in central Ohio.

Works lauded by three judges for Columbus Society of Communicating Arts (CSCA) include CCAD’s Viewbook, produced by the college’s student Design Group and creative director Lindsay Kronmiller with Ologie, the branding agency founded by alumna Bev Bethge (CCAD, ’82-’86), and Think.Do., a short video created by Oligie for the college. Both pieces earned awards of merit.

Merit awards in the professional category went to two CCAD students. Danielle Deley, a senior in Advertising & Graphic Design, was recognized for the t-shirts series she created to promote CCAD’s Saturday Morning Art Classes program. Abeer Sleiman, a Media Studies senior, was honored for the campaign Those Picked Last. Sleiman also received an award of excellence for an identity campaign (be thirty six) and an award of merit for an AMC Romance Channel bumper.

Other students who left CSCA’s party with awards of merit include Emily Shirk, a senior in Advertising & Graphic Design, for branding work for Cutler’s; Jordan Edwards, an Ad & Graphic Design senior, for Oreck: Listen to your Floors; and alumna Kayla Risch (CCAD, ’10) for Pets Without Parents.

Green vase by Molly J. Burke

The old adage  “if you want a job done, ask a busy person” describes the students and alumni who make CCAD’s annual art sales successful events.

Consider students Chavilah Bennett, Michiella Sturiano, Dion Utt, and alumna Molly J. Burke.

Between the four, they work 10 part-time jobs and one full-time position. In their spare time they create art for CCAD’s Art Sale, held this year on Dec. 4 in the Loann Crane Center for Design.

Burke, a Graduate Admissions officer and adjunct instructor at CCAD, offers blown glass sculptures, vases, and ornaments, which she specifically makes for the art sale.

Sturiano is making glass, cut paper, and relief prints. Although she has helped coordinate past sales, 2010 is the first year she’s selling her nature-related and abstract art.

An Ad & Graphic Design junior, Sturiano is weighing input from experienced participants. She’s been advised to not underestimate the value (selling price) of her art and to “reasonably bargain” if a customer loves a piece but can’t afford it.

“This shows you’re passionate about your work and not just out to make a quick buck,” Sturiano said. She’s selling not only for profit but also to network and to be active within the CCAD community.

Portrait by Chavilah Bennett, class of 2012

Bennett, a junior majoring in Ad & Graphic Design, and Utt, a Fine Arts major, are sharing their sales space. Bennett already knows of people coming to the art sale specifically to buy her small 3D fish necklaces and keychains. The third grade teaching assistant in the Saturday Morning Art Classes (SMAC) program also is advertising examples of her portrait work and hopes to obtain a commission.

Utt, also a SMAC teaching assistant, is making metal and wood earrings and small sculptures for his first sale.

As a first-time participant Bennett is fulfilling a promise she made to herself as a freshman. She spent the past two years observing the holiday and spring sales, taking notes, and asking questions.

Bennett describes the sales as festive and fun. “It’s incredibly rewarding to sell something that I’ve made. I currently view graphic design as my future career, and my drawing, 3D, and illustrative skills as my hobby. I don’t have the stress of being forced to rely on selling my drawings and 3D art, so the CCAD art sale is fun for me,” she said.

A veteran participant, Burke (Fine Arts, ’06) reflects on how she has grown professionally as an artist. “I know what to prep for the sale and how long it takes to set up. I remember scrambling at times as a student but now it’s only a little added stress. I have yet to come up with the perfect way to display the ornaments so I may break down and build something this year. I have to admit it’s hard to find the time for that when sometimes its hard to even have time to make the artwork.”

The artists aren’t immune to some shopping of their own. At past sales, favorite buys have included jewelry, scarves, vases, a stuffed animal, and purses. And if funds are tight a plethora of wanted items can still be found.

Burke confesses to some occasional end-of-the-day exchanges. “Sometimes I will trade with people at the end of the sale. It’s a lot of fun that way. I usually trade for something smaller in size. I have this thing about not wanting to carry out more weight than I came with,” she said.

Blissful Ballerina by Chavilah Bennett

Students who participated in CCAD’s Internship Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 9, found they were competing for something more than internships when one of the attending companies offered a doodling contest.

The Navicor Group provided students with a piece of paper with a red shape in the center and asked them to create a doodle around it. The 30 student illustrations were then uploaded to the agency’s Facebook page for voting.

Votes determined that the winning doodle was Blissful Ballerina by Chavilah Bennett, a junior majoring in Advertising & Graphic Design. She won a $25 Chipotle gift card.

A division of inVentiv Health, The Navicor Group is a full-service advertising agency with a specialty focus on oncology and immunology brands.

To see more doodles check out the contest’s gallery.

Exhibition at Columbus Metropolitan Library

Kind of Blue, which features original works by artists and friends associated with Fresh A.I.R. (Artists In Recovery) Gallery, opens Thursday, Nov. 11 at the main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.  An opening reception is from 5-7 p.m.

Kyle Boganwright, a sophomore majoring in Illustration, has art work in the show, which takes place in the library’s Carnegie Gallery, 96 S. Grant St., in the Discovery District of Columbus.

The exhibition runs through Tuesday, Dec. 28. For event information, hours and directions call 614-645-2ASK (2275) or go to the library’s website.

The Fresh A.I.R. Gallery is a project of Southeast, Inc., Recovery & Mental Healthcare Services. It exhibits the works of individuals affected by mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders to break down stigmas by bringing focus to the artistic vision.

Cover of NAMI Ohio's newsletter

Artwork by Kyle Boganwright, a sophomore majoring in Illustration, is on the cover for NAMI Ohio’s summer/fall 2010 newsletter.

The work is part of Boganwright’s solo exhibition Mirrors, at Fresh A.I.R Gallery (which is on display through November 19).

Boganwright told NAMI Ohio “the greatest thing anyone can do is influence someone else, and affect them. To me, that is the meaning of life. I call this the cosmic consciousness. The items I paint are reflections of me.”

To see the full article in NAMI’s newsletter (pdf) click here.

Scooby Doo & the Gang

With more than 600 in attendance, last Friday’s annual The Big Boo! Halloween party saw plenty of high-octane costumes, but three entries won the night.

First prize in the costume contest went to the Scooby Doo Gang, including Ian Ballantyne as Fred, Elsie Mort as Daphne, Hannah Rivera as Velma, Josh Adams as Shaggy (holding a Scooby Doo doll), and Philip Mains as a ghost—Zoinks!

Second prize went to Samantha Sweigart as a Pop Tart, and third prize went to Richard Coyne as Kim Kardashian—scary.

While anyone could buy a ticket to party with the best costumes in Columbus, Only CCAD students were eligible for the costume contest.

The Big Boo! Was organized by CCAD’s Student Programming Board.

Justine Arreche (Advertising & Graphic Design, ’11) and Molly Savage (Fine Arts, ’12) have filled the rental property with their own creations, collections and friends’ artwork. The roommates have even transformed one of the exposed brick walls that are iconic in German Village architecture into a brick-lined photo gallery.

Their creative work is featured in a recent newspaper article. To see their do-it-yourself style and to read the full article go to www.columbusalive.com.

Go to Arreche’s website to learn more about her art and design.

Image of Animal Collective shoes from guiceman.com

Charlie Malta’s grade-school shoe collection took him more than a few steps in the direction of art school; it launched the possibility of a full-time fashion business. The freshmen’s creative journey is highlighted in a recent article in Columbus Underground.

With a penchant for drawing and shoes, the carrot-topped “Guice Mann” creates custom shoes, shirts, bags and bracelets. He eventually wants to have his own line of apparel. He also can imagine an all-white car as the perfect inspirational canvas.

To read more about Malta’s creative outlets go to the article on Columbus Underground’s website.

For more about Malta go to http://guicemann.com.

Participant in Industrial Design Studio II cardboard chair project

Can you design a cardboard chair strong enough to hold 250 pounds? Each year CCAD students in Industrial Design Studio II address this question with their cardboard chair project.

The challenge is to design a seating device that has good seat proportions, a back rest, arm rests, a writing surface, and is made of only one 4’ x 8’ sheet of cardboard. Oh, and there’s no tape or glue allowed!

This annual tradition is a four-week project that involves research, 1/4-scale models, cut path drawings, full size testing and an assembly instruction manual. The project culminates in testing and evaluation by the entire class, one by one, lightest to heaviest.

This year’s final test took place on Oct. 27 in Design Studios on Broad. Weight started at 110 pounds and moved up past 200 pounds with several chairs surviving through 250 pounds of weight.

When Ariana-Sophia Kartsonis, assistant professor, Liberal Arts and Graduate Studies, learned of the challenge she assigned students in Contemporary Literature, Writing Poetry, and Writing Fiction classes to send in a manifesto that addressed a social issue or concern or to find ways to broadly share literature.

Bolden was “absolutely ecstatic” to receive “a slew of Yawp offerings from some bright and brilliant students at CCAD.” She wrote, “I’ve been absolutely blown away with their work, which is sophisticated and shows a sense of honesty and dedication to art and truth-speaking and sooth-saying.”

The first CCAD response that Bolden received was from Katherine Adkins. The Fine Arts senior’s work is posted online at The Yawp, a public poetry project. To read it and to understand more about “yawp” go to http://theyawp.com.

Bolden also was impressed and appreciative that Kartsonis decided to incorporate the assignment into her teaching. A thank-you note she sent to the professor said, “I’ve been so very impressed with your students’ work — they’re a wonderful group, and they’re lucky to have you as a teacher. I wish I could take your class!”

Go to CCAD faculty bios to learn more about Kartsonis.

Image from www.bikethecbus.com

As an intern with Fulcrum Creatives, Sami Nummi, a senior majoring in Ad & Graphic Design, produced a t-shirt in support of a Columbus bike tour and local charities.

Created as a fun way to get fit and check out a few neighborhoods in and around Columbus, the 2010 Bike the Cbus covered approximately 30 miles in early September. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the event’s t-shirt benefited local charities.

Nummi interns with alumnus Jason Moore (CCAD ’96), principal + creative of the firm. Her work on behalf of Bike the Cbus fits Fulcrum Creative’s double bottom line / convergence philosophy to benefit clients and the community. To learn more go to the firm’s website.

CCAD Student-Made Video About What Donations Mean to Them

Everyone knows that donations to CCAD are supposed to impact students, the college, and the community. But if you really want to understand the on-the-ground difference that donor dollars make then you have to hear what students have to say—they may surprise you.

A group of CCAD students got together this summer and made a short video about how private donations have influenced their experience at CCAD.

“We’ve had an amazing year of growth,” said CCAD President Denny Griffith. “Despite a dragging economy, the personal and financial investments of many friends are allowing us to open new facilities; debut our first graduate program; update and strengthen our undergraduate curriculum; and develop more and better professional opportunities for our students.”

“Watch the clip,” added Griffith. “You’ll see that college isn’t just about paying tuition and going to class. A thriving creative community is 24 hours—it includes an inviting dinning hall and cutting-edge labs. Scholarships help offset cost, but they also build a budding artist’s confidence that they belong at CCAD.”

Watch the student-made video (above), and learn more about how you can be part of CCAD’s growth on CCAD’s Annual Fund Drive page.

Students outside of CCAD's Canzani Center

Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) opened its 132^nd school year with 1,385 students, an 8 percent increase over projections.

“I’m very happy that our fall enrollment substantially exceeded our expectations,” said CCAD President Dennison W. Griffith. “Like many other institutions in its competitive cohort, CCAD slightly increased the amount of money awarded via scholarships and need-based aid in our efforts to secure a more robust class”

An example of the caliber of students in the incoming freshman class is one who got a shout out in the September issue of NYLON Guys magazine. Charlie Malta creates what the magazine describes as the “best custom sneakers we’ve seen.”

With the launch of its Master of Fine Arts program, CCAD enrolled the largest group of international students in its history, including 23 international students from 15 countries. The incoming class also includes students from 24 states (plus Puerto Rico). Seventy-four percent of students are from Ohio.

The 11 MFA students hail from four states, with one international graduate student from Qatar. New, custom-designed MFA studios, offices, and seminar rooms are housed in the 8,500-sq.-ft. third floor of CCAD’s Design Studios on Broad. The dedication of the MFA space will take place on October 26.

To read the full press release go to www.ccad.edu.

Image from www.facebook.com/gillyhicks

Although she’s a junior at CCAD, Kylie King spent part of her summer on an East Coast road trip touring cities that are home to Ivy League universities.

As a model for Gilly Hicks, King and two male models were filmed and photographed over seven days in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Between filming and photo shoots the models handed out free ‘down-undies’ and gift cards as part of a campaign to market the brand and to put faces and characters behind Gilly Hicks’ image. The retailer is a subsidiary of Abercrombie & Fitch.

King, a Fine Arts major (class of 2012), began working at A&F in 2008 and has been featured in employee-education photo shoots and back-to-school fashion shows, among other projects.

To see photos of the Off Campus Ivy League Tour go to Gilly Hick’s Facebook profile.

CCAD students interact with Super Mario Bros. mural

CCAD students now have opportunities to paint murals on campus between the Schottenstein Residence Hall and the Administration Building.

A team of 12 students kicked off the new Student Government program with a 16 x 38 foot mural featuring Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Students and groups can submit proposals to paint a new mural every month.

The first mural, on display through September, took eight days to complete and was created to advertise CCAD’s inaugural Town Hall meeting, one of several events for students to voice their concerns and have questions answered.

Creators of the Super Mario Bros. mural include Ken Aschliman, Chavilah Bennett, Jessica Braunschweiger, Walker Crane, Greg Reyes, Emily Rickard Jennifer Sands, Pallavi Sen, Dillon Sirimongkhon, Michael Smith, Alex Trimpe, and Dion Utt.

To see local news coverage of the CCAD mural go to nbc4i.

Charlie Malta's website guicemann.com

Incoming freshman Charlie Malta (AKA the Guice Mann) got a shout out in the NYLON Guys magazine September issue. The Guice Man creates what the magazine’s writer, Jay Buim, describes as the “best custom sneakers we’ve seen.” The much-loved sneaks start as generic white canvas shoes and are transformed with Malta’s custom artwork. According to the article, he’s created 600 pairs so far. NYLON Guys is  a supplement to NYLON magazine, which focuses on fashion and pop culture.

Check out more of Malta’s original designs at guicemann.com.

Dante's Inferno Cafe by Kyle Boganwright

Kyle Boganwright, a sophomore majoring in Illustration, has a solo show titled Mirrors at Fresh A.I.R. Gallery to showcase his work in mixed media, pen and ink, and sculpture. The opening reception is 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 22 and the show continues through Nov. 19.

Boganwright won a gold medal, which represents most outstanding works in the nation, in art portfolio in the 2009 National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. His previous studies at CCAD include the Saturday Morning Art Classes program and Art Explorer Post 407 with Ron Tardino, professor, Illustration.

Located at 131 N. High St. in downtown Columbus, the gallery exhibits the works of individuals affected by mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders to educate the community and to break down the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse by bringing focus to the artistic vision. For more information, directions and gallery hours go to http://www.southeastinc.com/fresh_air.php

Check out Boganwright’s work on flickr.

To learn more about Art Explorer Post 407 go to its website and for details about Scholastics competitions go to http://www.artandwriting.org.

For additional local coverage of the exhibition go to www.thelantern.com and to www.dispatch.com.

To view some of McGill’s work go to Mission Savvy’s website or http://www.greengrechen.com.

CCAD Fashion Design work at Port Columbus

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority and Columbus College of Art & Design are partners in an eye-catching exhibit at Port Columbus airport where mannequins are dressed in the creations of fashion design students.

“I can’t think of a better way to expose Columbus visitors and the residents of Central Ohio to the amazing talents of the fashion design students at CCAD,” said Elaine Roberts, president and CEO of the Airport Authority. “The art program at Port Columbus, which now includes this innovative exhibit, enriches the experience of more than six million travelers who use the airport every year.”

“We’re grateful for this opportunity to showcase the work of our talented students” said CCAD President Denny Griffith. “Visitors to our region, as well as our own citizens, are often amazed to discover the power and influence of CCAD’s academic programs, which in so many ways shape our culture. Through this and other art initiatives hosted by the Airport Authority, one begins to grasp the depth and texture of our art and design communities in Central Ohio.”

Together with the new fashion design exhibit, the airport art program includes exhibit space that showcases work by members of the Ohio Arts League on a rotating basis and a student art exhibit featuring all grades in the Columbus City Schools system. The Airport Authority also works with the Columbus Museum of Art, which is currently displaying two reproductions of work by Aminah Robinson (CCAD  associate ’60). The rotating exhibits are in addition to permanent pieces, the centerpiece of which is Brushstrokes in Flight by Roy Lichtenstein.

Students receiving award certificates from the visual communications magazine are Erich Burchfield, project director (Animation, ’10), Greg Browe, lead story artist (Media Studies, ’11), Meghann Pearson, director of photography (Photography, ’10), Jennifer Stefanski, head of animation (Animation, ’10), and Dan Zimmer, head of technical direction (Animation, ’10). Their project was inspired by the college’s recent branding initiative and resulted in a 24-minute video about CCAD from the students’ perspective.

To see some footage produced through the award-winning project click here.  Frame grabbed images of the project will be printed in Applied Arts annual publication and put on display at the Applied Arts awards exhibit, which will be held in November in Toronto at Artscape Wychwood Barns.

See the tribute from Jeffery’s friends on YouTube.

David Burghy

David Burghy, associate professor, Foundation Studies, was presented with the fourth annual Award for Teaching Excellence during an April 29th ceremony in the Canzani Center. The award recognizes the exemplary efforts of CCAD’s faculty, their overall contributions to the college as a whole, and use of classroom settings to engage and enhance student experiences. Nominations are submitted by current CCAD students, faculty and alumni. Burghy (Industrial Design, ’89) teaches three-dimensional design and structural drawing and is co-author of Structural Drawing and Applications, 1998 and 2003 editions.

The ceremony also honored four faculty retirees: Margaret Armbrust, Ph.D., professor, Liberal Arts; Tom Kier, professor, chair, Industrial Design; Robin McKell, associate professor, Liberal Arts; and Bruce Robinson, professor, Fine Arts.

Team Gundlach at the 2010 'cardboard regatta'

The traditional end of Industrial Design’s sophomore studio course is the Dean’s Cup Design Challenge, which pits teams from Tom Williamson’s class against Joel Gundlach’s class to build three boats in three hours out of cardboard, duct tape, PVC pipe and plastic sheeting. Students have one week to develop conceptual ideas utilizing sketching and scale models before competing on the water in three timed events featuring one-, two- and three-person boats. Race day efforts are dedicated to constructing, testing and competing for the Cardboard Regatta trophy, which was claimed by Team Gundlach in the sixth annual event on May 8.

Participants in Elmer's business partnership with Industrial Design

CCAD students in Industrial Design’s junior studio class designed X-Acto pencil sharpeners for a business partnership project with Elmer’s during spring semester. After conducting group research of various markets, students pursued individual designs to compete for prize money. The first-place design was submitted by Hongjie Yang. Igor Zemskov and Jeff Ras placed second and third, respectively, with Steve Hughett and Christos Ragias receiving honorable mentions. Professors Tom Kier and Joel Gundlach coordinated the partnership activities.

Recycling Alive from www.strathmoreartist.com

Illustration major Eric Stumpf was a Student Grand Prize winner in the National Strathmore Paper “How Do You See Green?” contest. His entry was Recycling Alive.

Two other CCAD students majoring in Illustration were finalists in two categories: Jenifer Henry (student category) and Megan Krueger (professional category). Stumpf also competed in the student category.

The contest included an online public voting option in January. Winners will have their work printed on the covers of special recycled paper pads.

Go to http://www.strathmoreartist.com/green_contest.php to see the winning designs.

Behind-the-scenes work by Nick Cavalier

Media Studies student Nick Cavalier filmed a behind-the-scenes look at the 2009 CCAD Pipeline Project. Check out his 12-minute clip on YouTube.

The annual Pipeline Project is a semester-long extracurricular opportunity that allows students to produce a film in a collaborative, team-oriented way that mirrors professional production practices. The 2009 Pipeline Project was inspired by the college’s recent branding initiative and resulted in a 24-minute video about CCAD from the students’ perspective. Cavalier filmed the filming process.

Cover of Lincoln's Secret Letters

Mike Puncekar, a senior majoring in Illustration, is to receive the Cengage Learning Drawing Inspiration Student Scholarship Award from the Society of Illustrators (SOI) at a ceremony in New York on Friday, May 7. Puncekar’s winning entry in the 2010 Student Scholarship Competition is Lincoln’s Secret Letters. Additionally, The Undertaker’s March by Puncekar is included in the competition’s student exhibition, which runs May 5-29, 2010.

Other CCAD Illustration majors who entered the competition and have works in the student exhibition are senior Jordan Merchant (Bean), sophomore Jeff Stevenson (A Shaver Jeffery), and senior Kirsten Zirngibl (Avarice and The Commute).

SOI’s Museum of American Illustration is located at 128 E. 63rd St. in New York City. For more information go to the Society of Illustrators website.

First prize by Dillon Sirimongkhon

Winners of the annual Lowell Tolstedt Drawing Prize competition are Dillon Sirimongkhon, first prize winner; Katherine Adkins, second prize; Taylor Leaman, third prize; and Kerry Kunze, honorable mention. The drawings of all 2010 finalists will be on display in the Canzani Center from March 29 to April 15.

Open to sophomores and juniors, this year’s competition was narrowed to 24 drawings by 22 finalists as selected by a committee of drawing department faculty and department chair Gordon Lee. Sarah McCoubrey, visiting artist and professor at Syracuse University, reviewed the finalists’ work to select the winning drawings.

Finalists include: Ken Aschliman, Jennifer Bills, Brielle Burrus, Jeremiah Caudill, Rachel Hartshorn, Eric Hines, Stefan Hoza, Taylor Leaman, Teryn Loebs, Todd Pleasants, Alex Ross, Pallavi Sen, Darian Shepherd, Michael Smith, Carlilyn Sombat, Jeffrey Tyler Stevenson, Dion Utt, and Ryan Walters.

The drawing competition was established by Thomas and Pamela Workman (CCAD ’99) in honor of Lowell Tolstedt, Fine Arts professor emeritus, to celebrate and promote the strong drawing tradition at CCAD.

A majority of the rings were created during the first week of spring semester when the students were given the project “One Ring a Day” for one week. To see the students’ rings click here.

A blog with a link to auction items available on eBay can be viewed here.

CCAD students, in coordination with Student Affairs, organized a sale of donated art and clothing, all of which was priced under $6. Open to the public, the Feb. 27th event benefitted the American Red Cross to help people in Haiti. Entertainment was provided by Dean Ed Lathy’s band Just Jazz.

Big Boo! 2009

The cast of Sesame Street, Michael Jackson and Jack and Sally made an appearance at CCAD’s annual Big Boo Halloween party Friday, Oct. 30.

Held at BoMA, the festivities culminated in a spectacular costume contest where CCAD students showed off the best of the best. The first-place winner was Jack Ramunni and team, dressed as the cast of Sesame Street. Dustin Horn took second place as the Mad Hatter; and coming in third with his Dead Mouse costume was Alexander Trimpe.

David Yurman

Internationally renown artist and jeweler David Yurman visited CCAD, Monday, Oct. 26, to share his expertise in both the classroom and lecture hall.

The founder of the jewelry company that bears his name, Yurman is a phenomenon in the world of fine jewelry and timepieces. Best known for his iconic cable design, Yurman’s work fuses art, fashion, and fine jewelry into a signature design concept that was nothing short of revolutionary within the jewelry industry when it was introduced in the early 1980s.

During his visiting artist presentation, which was open to all CCAD students and the public, Yurman discussed his eclectic five-decade journey as an artist, designer, and entrepreneur. He discussed everything from influences (including his wife and muse Sybil) to his dedication to “following his bliss.” He showed early sculpture works and the progression of his jewelry designs. Yurman noted that when he began making and selling jewelry he would ask himself “Would Sybil want to wear this?”

Following the presentation and a lunch on campus with CCAD students, Yurman conducted a workshop with advanced jewelry design students.

The Visiting Artist Series is open to the public and offered free of charge.

First-place student designer and model

Wearing condoms is always fashionable, especially when those condoms are stitiched into garments by 12 CCAD students and then worn as part of a fabulous fundraising event to benefit Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio.

October kicked off with the second-annual Condom Couture event, which featured a runway show of garments constructed from Planned Parenthood’s “Proper Attire”-brand condoms that were modeled by local community leaders.

Richard Aschenbrand, dean of Visual Communications, was one of three judges who rated  the runway creations. The top three students received cash scholarships.

See more pictures on CCAD’s Facebook page.

Industrial Design students with cardboard chairs

Each year CCAD students in Industrial Design studio II find out if they can design cardboard chairs that are strong enough for someone to sit in.

The annual tradition known as the cardboard chair competition is a four-week project that involves research, ¼-scale models, cut path drawings, full size testing and an assembly instruction manual. The whole project culminates in a competition where the cardboard constructed chairs are sat upon over and over again until the competition crumbles and only a few remain standing (or rather seated).

The final competition of the 2009 project took place Oct. 15 in Design Studios on Broad.

Mark Hall and Bernard R. Stockwell

Mark Hall, a junior majoring in Industrial Design, is the newest recipient of the Bernard R. Stockwell Industrial Design Scholarship.

Stockwell, a former department dean, and Hall recently met for lunch. Joined by Carl Garant, CCAD’s current dean of Industrial Design, and department Chair Tom Kier, Hall enjoyed the unique opportunity to tap into the experience and knowledge of three seasoned professionals. The Stockwell scholarship was established in 2006 thanks to a generous donation by Howard D. LeFevre.

To contribute to this scholarship fund, contact the Development office at 614.222.3268 or via email.

Industrial Design seniors taking Studio IV are applying problem-finding and problem-solving methods to develop innovative household products for entry in the 2010 International Housewares Association Student Design Competition. The competition requires students to 1) apply critical thinking as a tool for innovative conceptual development; 2) explore the design potential using research methods; and 3) create a product that meets objectives revealed through research analysis.

Juniors Bathe in Design Competition

A competition around the design of bath accessories that complement a collection by DNA+, an avant-garde home design company based in New York, is the focus of Industrial Design juniors enrolled in Studio III. The project is part of an international design competition where contestants must transition a vision into a working bath accessory for daily use. Students can create products in the categories of furniture, accessories, and lighting.

Family Weekend 2009

CCAD students welcomed their families to campus Oct. 2-4 for the annual Family Weekend.

Always an excellent time for visiting, Family Weekend is also packed with information and fun. The weekend included a chance to meet faculty and an update from the provost. The schedule of entertaining activities included everything from a jazz performance to a carnival on the quad.

Winning design by Mark Hall

A class of Industrial Design students worked with scientists and design professionals at Battelle during fall semester 2008 to develop sustainable design solutions for real world problems that pose a threat to millions of people worldwide.

Battelle awarded a grant to underwrite the project. Class project finalists—Mark Hall, Samantha Richdale, Nathanial Worth and Andrew Czerpak—presented their designs to the public on March 19, 2009 at Design Within Reach’s Community Design Series.

Read the full press release.

Art by Maggy O'Reilly

Maggy O’Reilly, a senior majoring in Illustration, has 15 pieces of artwork displayed at Caribou Coffee, 1425 Grandview Ave., through August 24, 2009.

Veggie Monster by Sarah Wurm

Four CCAD students are included in the Society of Illustrators 2009 Student Scholarship competition.

Sarah Wurm, a senior majoring in Illustration, was awarded $1,500 in honor of Barbara Carr for Veggie Monster, a three-dimensional illustration.

Other CCAD students in the competition were Kristen Zirngibl with Amusement Park; Margaret Hardy with Chicago 29 and Yellow Wallpaper Eating Ugly Sweater; and Alex Alvarado with Santa.

The Museum of American Illustration displayed the winning art through June 6, 2009.