Alumni Stories

Artist and longtime CCAD Continuing & Professional Studies Instructor Bryan Moss can add another title to his already impressive resume: caretaker of Aminah Robinson’s longtime home and studio in Columbus’ East Side.

CCAD alum Derick Whitson (Photography, 2014) features in "Por Los Ojos De Mi Gente" at Baxter St, NYC, showcasing works by POC and Queer artists until July 24, 2020.

Callan Prakel (Master of Fine Arts, 2021) earned their bachelor’s degree from Capital University in art therapy, psychology, and studio art, but at heart, they always knew they were a maker. So, heading to Columbus College of Art & Design for a Master of Fine Art in Visual Arts seemed like the next logical step.

Sarah Schmidt, CCAD alum, founded Malt Adult to promote indie animation. Celebrating 3rd anniversary with featured artist Victoria Douglas. Event transformed into a community hub. Schmidt evolved personally, embracing freelance work. Memorable moments include hosting artists like Jeron Braxton and Jonni Phillips at CCAD.

Cat Sheridan (Fine Arts, 2003) believes we all deserve original artwork in our lives, regardless of our age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

For Allison McGovney (Fine Arts, 2020), a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend an internationally recognized center for glass art education this summer—funded by a CCAD scholarship—has sparked a newfound obsession with the medium of glassblowing.

A Columbus College of Art & Design grad reflects on her creative and professional pursuits and a surprising Steve Jobs connection.

Otherworld, an art installation in a former Sports Authority, features CCAD alum Scott Schaaf as Art Director. The immersive space, praised by major outlets, showcases works from 40+ artists.

After graduating from CCAD with a master’s degree, Wilson relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he began working for Aspire Public Schools, a group of community-based public charter schools. He founded the art program at Aspire Richmond Technology Academy in Richmond, California, in 2016 and now teaches 350 students—from transitional kindergarteners to fifth-graders.

Tym Tyler lives on an old farm outside Granville, Ohio. His studio, formerly a chicken hatchery, is, fittingly, dedicated to two seemingly disparate worlds: painting and cycling. Since graduate school, Tyler has been a promoter—in his 20s and 30s, he promoted music concerts, professional cycling events, running events, and triathlons. As he got older, he honed his focus to fitness events (concert promotion is “a young man’s game,” he says).

Back when he was a student at Columbus College of Art & Design, Josh Hara (Illustration, 1996) made his mark on illustration board. These days, Hara, now Creative Director at IBM iX in Columbus (formerly Resource Interactive) has chosen a new canvas for his self-expression.