Alumni Focus - April 2005- The Art Institute of ... - The Art Institutes

ALUMNI
Panelists left-to-right: Damon Ganem, Amy Marshall, Angela Turk, Zach Brown, and Steve Crandall
Your ART@work:
The Pro Series Panelists offered their experience
A new event at The Art Institute of Seattle
is helping students prepare for their
careers – and offering alumni a chance
to share their experience and insight with
a new generation of commercial artists.
The first installment of “Your ART@
work – The Pro Series,” sponsored by
the Career Services department, took
More than 75 students, staff,
and faculty were treated to a
lively discussion on the issues
and opportunities in freelance
and contract work.
place on February 13, 2006. More than
75 students, staff, and faculty were
treated to a lively discussion on the
issues and opportunities in freelance
and contract work – as well as advice
on legal concerns, and information on
protecting one’s self as an independent
business owner.
and wisdom on a wide variety of topics
– including advice on how to know what
to charge. Damon Ganem (Interactive
Media Design graduate, 2004 – and
founder of Twisted-Pear.net) had this
to say: “Don’t be afraid to charge what
you’re worth. If you ask for less, you’re
not only undermining your-
self, but you’re undermining
your entire industry.”
He also reminded listeners
of the importance of
developing a contract that
can be a, “living document” –
allowing for change to meet
the needs of many clients.
The all-star panel of industry experts
included fellow alumni Angela Turk
(Graphic Design, 1986 and founder
of Angela Turk Design & Copy), Zach
Brown (Audio Production, 2005 and
Audio/Video Department Director at
Rhino Audio Systems), Steve Crandall
Continued on page 2.
Volume IX, No. IV, Spring 2006
gallery calendar
May 2006 to January 2007
AnnuAl AluMni Show
May – July, 2006
Discover where an education in the commercial
arts takes our graduates. Entries feature alumni
from a variety of programs, including video
production, photography, graphic design,
fashion, culinary and more.
AluMni Show ReCePTion
May 5, 2006 – 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the 2006 Alumni Show during
its public opening. The reception features the
debut of the newest work by artist Steve Klinkel,
as well as chocolate sculpture, and a menu
designed and prepared by a team of our
culinary alumni.
AnnuAl STuDenT Show
August – September, 2006
Inspiration is all around – and this annual
exhibit confirms that sentiment. Featuring the
vision and techniques of up-and-coming artists
from a variety of programs.
FACeS FRoM The lAnD
October, 2006
A photographic journey through Native America
by Ben and Linda Marra, this exhibit presents
portraits of many tribes and their powwow
traditions of song and dance. Included are Sioux,
Lemhi Shoshone, Nez Perce and many more.
AnnuAl FACulTY Show
November – December 2006
The Annual Faculty Show serves as a testament
to the talent, aesthetic and intellectual sensibility
of those at The Art Institute of Seattle who
instruct in design, media, fashion, culinary
and general education.
ConTeMPoRARY ChineSe DeSiGn:
An exPloRATion oF Fine & APPlieD ARTS
January, 2007
A visual exploration that showcases professional
samples of four of China’s premier designers
and their graphic design, interior design,
architecture, industrial design and painting.
This edition of Alumni Focus:
Editor: Mark Livingston
Contributing Editor: Kelly O’Neill
Photos: Mark Livingston, Kevin Perrine
Layout/Production: Danielle Quirindongo
Original Design Concept: Colby Burrows

The Pro Series
continued from page 1.
(Video Production, 2005, faculty member, and
founder of Promotion Arts) as well as Amy Marshall,
an associate with Big Fish creative staffing.
John oleson, Director of Career Services, said,
“we think it’s important for students to get an early
start on career development.” Adding, “these panel
discussions are a great way to connect with leaders
and innovators from the real world, and learn their
secrets to career success.”
It was standing room only for the first chapter of “Your ART@work
- The Pro Series.”
The Pro Series is an educational program
aimed at helping Art Institute students get answers
to tough questions about career development. Industry
leaders with experience and expertise will meet
to discuss career topics and issues related to each
program of study at The Art Institute. The Pro Series
will continue throughout the year, focusing on various
disciplines, and their respective career issues.
Hosts for this event, advisors from Career Services,
put the panelists to the test – probing for industry
secrets and taking candid questions from the audience.
Students are encouraged to participate in the
discussion, and take advantage of this opportunity
to learn real-world lessons from the pros.
If you are interested in serving as a panelist for
The Pro Series – or if you’d like to get involved in
other alumni campus events – please contact the
Career Services department at mlivingston@aii.edu.
Attention Art Institute
Alumni: We Need YoU!
Getting answers to your questions about career development can be
a difficult task. How do you break into your field? What are the best
companies to work for in your area? What should you know about
moving to a new city?
Many new graduates and seasoned alumni alike face these and
other career challenges – but now a new resource is available to help.
The Art institutes Mentoring Program will help facilitate networking
opportunities among alumni to answer the tough questions, provide
career and personal support, and offer an opportunity to give back to
The Art Institute community by sharing your insight, your experience,
and your enthusiasm.
The Art institutes’ Mentoring Program:
As a MenToR you can:
• Provide valuable information on career preparation, job search
strategies, company and industry trends, and professional organizations
• Discuss information on housing, transportation, and city life to a
graduate making a move to a new area
• Share your experience and insight as an industry professional
• Network with other alumni, and stay connected to your alma mater
As a MenTee you can:
• Consult with alumni about career-related issues
• Discuss jobs in your field, and talk about job-searching techniques
• Network with alumni about your professional future, and develop
key contacts
• Access a wealth of knowledge from alumni
Volunteers will be contacted with more details – including advice on
making the most of the mentor/mentee relationship, and with information
on how to register for the program.
If you are interested in joining The Art Institutes Mentoring Program
please contact either national alumni coordinator Paula Chapman at
pchapman@aii.edu, or Anastasia Sanderson of The Art Institute of
Philadelphia at atsanderson@aii.edu. The Art Institutes Mentoring
Program is open to all alumni of The Art Institutes worldwide, and is
strictly voluntary – you may choose to keep your information confidential.
Be a Part of the 2006 Alumni Show!
The deadline for entry into the 2006 Alumni Show is right around
the corner. Last year saw more than 40 different artists represented,
and this year promises to be even bigger.
Alumni interested in being a part of the 2006 show should visit
the “Alumni Services” page at www.ais.edu to view the link to the
downloadable entry form.
Completed forms should be received no later than April 21, 2006
to be considered.
As always, we are celebrating your commercial or fine art,
audio art or production, fashion design, animation shorts or reels,
and industrial design and drafting. In addition, we are looking for
creative/commercial film and video entries (all video entries must
be submitted in mini-DV format).
This is always an exciting and dynamic exhibit – so visit the web
for a registration form, and be a part of the 2006 Alumni Show!
The Alumni Focus page 2

Pictured:
Young’s
renderings and
material board
for the Doubletree
Bellevue
Hotel project.
Alumni Spotlight:
KRISTeN YoUNg
For Kristen Young (B.F.A., Interior
Design, 2005), success means having
options. As a member of the first
graduating class of B.F.A. students in the
Interior Design program, Young knew an
advanced degree meant more choices, and
more opportunity to design the kinds of spaces she loves.
Young received her A.A.A. degree from The Art Institute
in 2001, and immediately went to work for R.C.I.,
a local high-end residential and commercial design
firm. The job started as an internship, but Young soon
found herself so immersed in the work that R.C.I.
brought her on full-time to help meet the needs of
their demanding clients.
Young spent 2 years
at R.C.I. before moving to
Mahlum Architects, where
she helped design the new
UW William Gates Law
Library, as well as space at
Evergreen State College.
It was during this time that Young saw a flyer for the
B.F.A. program at The Art Institute of Seattle, and
knew she could broaden her options yet again.
Young excelled in the advanced program – her
patience and attention to detail helped her grow as
both a student and designer. In addition, her networking
skills (honed during her bartending days at a popular
Queen Anne nightspot) helped her move her career into
“I created everything you’re
experiencing now.”
high gear. Upon graduation, Young began working for
upscale hotel and resort design firm Degen and Degen.
Her new employers are impressed with her talent
and ambition – giving her plenty of freedom to push
the boundaries of design in spaces like the new
Doubletree Bellevue Hotel, as well as other high-end
projects. Young admits to, “secretly liking the business
side of design,” and claims the 60-hour work
week doesn’t bother her at all. Young finds motivation
in the, “task and the
function” of interior
design, and says her greatest
joy comes in finishing
a space and being able
to tell visitors, “i created
everything you’re
experiencing now.”
Young continues to make a name for herself in
the interior design industry. Her exciting designs
celebrate charm and functionality, while her
ambition continues to guide her towards
new heights of creative solutions and
design excellence.
The Alumni Focus page 3

Alumni Letters
Alumni from The Art Institute of Seattle are often called upon
to share their knowledge and perspective with new or potential
students. This feature celebrates the alumni helping to shape
The Art Institute community of the future by sharing their
experiences and their stories. The letter below comes from
Sarah Solseng, a 2004 graduate in Fashion Design,
who responded to a request from North Dakota
admissions representative Gina Bellemare.
“I received my Associate of Arts degree in March, 2004 – and my experience was
great! I looked into other colleges, but I liked the program at The Art Institute – and
I liked that I could go to any other Art Institute in the country, or around the world,
and get help from their Career Services.
I began college undecided about the target market I was most interested in. As
I progressed as a designer (around the time of my 3rd or 4th quarter) I began to focus
on lifestyle and active wear, which turned out to be a great decision. Companies
like Brooks Sports, nike, Patagonia, R.e.i., and Pacific Trail all offer a variety
of career opportunities on the West Coast. Looking back, I realize it’s important to
consider your final goal, and choose a location that offers the most opportunity.
I was very proud of my final portfolio. I included designs ranging from knit lifestyle
pieces, to active sunglasses, to prints created on a computer. My final piece was
a hunting jacket and lightweight snow pants – fitting, considering I’m from North
Dakota. I was happy to include awards I’d won, and recognitions I’d received as
a student for participating in the national D.e.C. conference, and the Bras For
a Cause benefit.
During my last quarter I interviewed for, and received an internship with Brooks
Sports of Bothell, WA. That opportunity turned into a full-time job when Brooks
offered to create a position just for me. I’m happy to say I’ve been with the company
since April 2004.
My first position as Apparel Production Coordinator involved creating a seasonal
apparel line list that included all the styles for each specific season. The line list
– which includes about 190 styles – has information about style numbers, names,
colors and color codes, vendors and pricing information, fabrics and sizes.
Now, as Apparel Developer, I communicate with vendors to develop the lines for
upcoming seasons. I compile the design elements to create the tech-pack, which
includes all the details of the line. Some of my designs will be included with the
Spring 2006 women’s line.
During my time at Brooks, I have developed key marketing pieces including the
Motion Collection (Spring 2006 women’s collection) – honored in the Sporting
Goods Business “Eye-On” article on women’s active wear. I designed and developed
the Pulse Tank for the Spring 2006 line, which was featured in the December issue
of Running Times. I also designed and developed the Epiphany Stretch Short,
which received the 2006 Best of Fitness in Apparel/Shorts Award from Health
Magazine, and is featured in their January/February issue.
I hope I’ve helped answer your questions about student and graduate life –
if you need any more information, don’t hesitate to write me.
- Sarah
Thanks to Sarah for sharing her great story – and keep up the good work at Brooks!
If you would like to be featured in Alumni letters, send your story to Alumni
Coordinator Mark Livingston at mlivingston@aii.edu. Or, visit the Class notes
page of your alumni website at www.alumniconnections.com/artinstitutes.
CLASS
NoTeS
KATheRine eliZABeTh (Dunsmoor) lAnGleY
(Culinary Arts, 2002) and JonAThon lAnGleY
(Culinary Arts, 2002) are happy to announce
their wedding on September 24, 2005 in Seattle,
WA. Art Institute of Seattle instructors harry
Mills and his wife Kristen were attendants for
the ceremony, as was fellow alumnus GAVin
hAGGiTh (Culinary Arts, 2002). JoSh BRein
(Audio Production, 2002) was the best man
– the bride and groom were happy to have so
many friends, family, and colleagues near them
on their special day.
heATheR MeSSeRSMiTh (nee` Gibson) has
joined the ranks of Art Institute of Seattle alumni
authors with the publication of her children’s book,
“Seasons”. The book is available on Amazon.Com
(www.amazon.com) as well as most other major
online retailers. Messersmith, a 1997 graduate
of the Music Business program, is currently
pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business
management. For more information please visit
her website at www.seasonsstory.com.
Since graduation, RiChARD DAlTon (Graphic
Design, 1996) has owned his own graphic design
firm in Juneau, Alaska, as well as taught at The
Art Institute of Seattle and Shoreline Community
College. For the last year-and-a-half Dalton has
been working with the digital production department
at Publicis on lower Queen Anne, and has
served as art director on many projects. These
days, his main client is the Dish Network –
Dalton manages their design from television
to print to interactive media.
Photographers Walter Hodges and Phil Banko of
Color Bling Images were on location in January at
The Art Institute of Seattle – and they brought a
whole team of alumni with them! eRin DunCAn
(Photography, 2005), MAuReen hAGen (Photography,
2005), MeGAn STACKeR (Photography,
2005), DuSTin hARDin (Photography, 2004),
and DAViD ATKinSon (Photography, 1997)
were all on hand to assist with equipment and
lighting, liaison with models and staff, and
manage space while shooting inside one of
the many production kitchens on campus.
JACK BARRow (The Burnley School of
Professional Art) had a show of his work in the
Highline Community College Library Exhibits and
Art Gallery from January 3 to January 31, 2006.
Barrow’s work consists of commercial and fine
art, using a gentle but bold design and painting
style in a variety of media. The artist has worked
in the commercial art and graphic design field
for more than 30 years – most notably
with the Boeing Company and the Army Corps
of Engineers. Barrow currently works as a mental
health counselor while also teaching art therapy.
DeJA hAnSen (Animation, 2000) received
her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and New
Media from Western Washington University on
June 11, 2005. It was a busy summer, as May
7, 2005 was the date of her wedding to Kai
Bublitz at the Point Defiance Pagoda in Tacoma,
WA. The couple enjoyed a traditional Japanese
Shinto wedding, complete with gongs, kimono,
and sake, and plan to reside in Bellingham, WA.
Continued on page 5.
The Alumni Focus page 4

CLASS NoTeS
Continued from page 4.
PATRiCK John hAMPTon (Audio Production,
2004) writes: After graduating from The Art
Institute, I moved to Germany to visit family
and look for audio work. I ended up turning
down a great paying job as an audio engineer
with Karlsruhe because I got accepted to Central
Wyoming College, and am now becoming a
teacher (with some urging from my old bosses
at The Art Institute). In the spring of 2005 I will
have completed my Secondary Education and
Social Sciences degrees. An audio instructor at
CWC found out I had an audio degree, and hired
me to work for his company Riversound, providing
sound reinforcement at various events. Plans
are in the works for a production company of my
own with a partner here at CWC – I’ll keep you
updated!
It’s been a strange trip for ZAChARY DenADel
(Graphic Design, 2004) – he was hired as a
graphic designer for an e-commerce and sports
marketing agency prior to his graduation in
September 2004. Nine months into his new job,
half the company was sold, leaving DenAdel as
the only creative staffer. After some “serious”
magazine layout for newly named Scout Publishing,
and The W.I.A.A., DenAdel now designs promo
materials, identities, web banners and apparel.
Audio alumna ShARon SulliVAn (Audio
Production, 2001) and her twin-sister Ruth
Weger presented their beautiful vocal harmonies,
lush piano melodies, and uplifting lyrics
to an enthusiastic crowd at The Mandolin Café
on January 15, 2006. The duo donated all the
proceeds from their show to benefit victims of
a Lakewood, WA, fire from earlier last year. For
more information, as well as pictures and audio
clips from Sullivan’s catalogue, please visit
www.myspace.com/shazzy.
nAnCY winBeRG (Graphic Design, 1996) is
attracting new design clients, thanks in part to
her efficient new website. Designed by Winberg
herself, she learned to design for the web
using Flash MX-2004 – a “fun and challenging
program to master.” To see her new site, as
well as examples from her portfolio and a list
of her range of client services, please visit
www.nwartanddesign.com.
KRiSTinA C. GRAnT (Fashion Illustration,
1995) writes: These days I live in Port Angeles,
WA, where I do design and sales for a local
jewelry store called Clay Bezel Jewelers. I enjoy
designing jewelry for people, but it’s not what I
love. I’ve also done a few murals on the side and
I do enjoy doing that. Anyway, if there’s a few
former classmates out there that remember me
– like Julio “De Cockaroach” and “Big Blue” (you
know who you are...) Jesika (where the heck are
you!?) I would love to hear from you, maybe have
a mini-reunion in Seattle sometime.
ChRiSToPheR wATTS (Fashion Design, 1999)
has been named to the cast of the Women’s
Entertainment network reality show, “Style Me
with Rachael Hunter.” For eight weeks, 12
hopefuls will hit the streets of New York, from
Henri Bendel to the local flea market, competing
to create the most stylish looks. The stylists will
be put to the test dressing everyone from FDNY
hotties to runway models. The prize: $10,000,
a one year contract with a talent agency, and
the chance to style host Rachael Hunter for a
red-carpet event.
Continued on page 7.
Faculty excellence Awards
Kevin Bressler
Nan Cauthorn
The Art Institute of Seattle is proud to announce the Faculty Excellence
Award winners for 2005. Nominations were accepted from students,
staff, and faculty for this annual honor recognizing outstanding
achievement in teaching, and passionate dedication to the development
of our students and the advancement of The Art Institute
mission throughout the community and abroad.
The 2005 winners were Kevin Bressler, Carrie Grey, and
nan Cauthorn – educators who’ve gone above and beyond the call of
duty in effectively guiding and nurturing the professional development
of students as well as their fellow faculty members.
“The strength of The Art Institute lies
in the knowledge of our faculty, and the
passion and they bring to the classroom.”
The Faculty Excellence Awards began in 2003 as a way to recog-
Carrie Grey
nize outstanding achievement in both part time and full time faculty
members. Peg Gerber, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, presented this year’s
awards at the annual all-school meeting held in June at The Seattle Art Museum.
Ms. Gerber congratulated the winners, saying, “the strength of The Art Institute lies
in the knowledge of our faculty, and the passion they bring to the classroom.”
Past winners include Jim Kemp, Anna Chen, and Robbie Gilbert (all from
2004), Annette Bauman and Dan Fabrizio (2003), as well as Buff hungerland,
Jim Mclachlan, and Abbott Smith from 1999 - before the awards were an officially
recognized honor.
Letter from the editor
Volume IX - No. IV
Thank you for taking time from your busy schedules
to enjoy another edition of your Alumni Focus – our
chance to connect you to campus and alumni events,
and keep you posted about your classmates and
colleagues around the globe.
It’s been a busy year for Art Institute alumni.
Career steps, family news, exhibits and awards
– plus, the Animation & Video Festival wowed the sold out audience at The
Experience Music Project last September, and the annual Fashion Show just
played to a packed house at The Moore Theater. In addition, alumni have been
on campus, participating in workshops and seminars, and making headlines in
their industry, and their art.
As you read this, The 2006 Alumni Show will be opening soon – please make
plans to attend the public reception on May 5, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. in the campus
gallery. And read on for information on alumni happenings and achievements,
and how you can play a role in shaping the alumni community of the future.
Enjoy!
Mark R. Livingston
Alumni Coordinator
mlivingston@aii.edu
Pictured above: Mark Livingston with Director of Career
Services John Oleson at the 2005 Alumni Show.
The Alumni Focus page 5

Alumni Spotlight:
JACKY SU
The Alumni Association is proud to announce 2005
graduate Jacky Su (B.F.A, Interior Design) has been
named to the Alumni hall-of-Fame.
Su first distinguished himself at the Associate level
– earning high marks for his imagination and style,
as well as his commitment to professional and
career development.
“The B.F.A. was a way for me to grow as
an artist, and open up a world of new
and better career opportunities.”
Artists’
rendering: Art
Institute Lobby
Project 2005
Upon completion of his degree, Su returned to his
native Taipei, Taiwan to begin utilizing his education and
training as a designer. Progress was slow, and with the
addition of a new baby to the Su household, the time had
come to return to America and obtain a Bachelor of Fine
Arts degree. “i wasn’t getting the time i needed to
develop my skills,” says Su. “The B.F.A. was a way
for me to grow as an artist, and open up a world
of new and better career opportunities.”
Again, Su chose The Art Institute of Seattle for his
studies. “The environment was already very
comfortable for me,” said Su. “And i knew the
intensity of the coursework would challenge
me to grow creatively and professionally.”
In addition to his academic development, Su took
advantage of assistance through programs, workshops,
and advice from the Career Services department.
“i worked hard on developing a professional
resume, contacting companies, and preparing for
interviews,” remembers Su. His talent and determination
landed him in the middle of a bidding war for his
services. “i printed off about fifty copies of my
resume, he laughs, “but i ended up only using two.”
Su decided on Idaho based Coldwater Creek – a company
experiencing enormous market growth – and now
works with the team designing their retail expansion, as
well as a new spa concept the company is rolling out.
“it’s a great company,” says Su. “i admire that
their sense of design is very thoughtful. They’ll
spend months thinking about each design
element – all the thinking is deeper.”
While at The Art Institute of Seattle, Su took advantage
of every opportunity to develop as an artist – and
develop the tools to successfully market his skills to
progressive companies like Coldwater Creek.
“They’re like me,” says Su of his new employers,
“always looking for ways to improve.”
Concept Sketch, Art Institute Lobby Project 2005
The Alumni Focus page 6

CLASS NoTeS
Continued from page 5.
WizKids, Inc., of Bellevue, WA – creators of
the Magik phenomenon – have promoted
ShAne MiTChell hARTleY (Visual Communication,
2001) from graphic designer to art lead.
“I can barely believe the things I get to do now,”
writes Hartley. “Crazy.”
2003 Video Production graduate DRew Allen
and his wife have started Peppershock Media
Productions, LLC – a creative advertising agency
with in-house production. They produce TV commercials,
videos for presentations on the web,
author DVD’s and interactive CD-ROM’s – you
name it, they do it! Going on their third year
of business in hometown Boise, ID, the Allen
family – including their five-month-old baby
– “love what they do!”
AuSTin SouSA (Audio Production, 2004) has
been promoted from his internship position to
the role of full-time Audio Engineer by Seattle’s
famous Robert Lang Studios. Sousa has been
working on the new Death Cab for Cutie record,
as well as new releases from Pretty Girls
Make Graves, The Supersuckers, and Fearless
Records’ new band Portugal the Man.
KelSeY FoSTeR MeRRin (Graphic Design,
1998) is happy to report that she has accepted
the position of Communications/PR Director
with University Child Development School.
Merrin is utilizing her entire range of design
and marketing skills – managing print and
web design, online publishing, networking and
branding for the company’s range of education
services. The school has some great programs
for their students, as well as programs aimed
at public schoolchildren to promote math
education and the arts. Merrin calls the work,
“challenging, but very rewarding.”
Photographer YAMnei Shi (Photography,
2004) was named Soap Lake Artist of the
Month for November 2005; and was featured
in the “Colombia Basin Herald,” as well as
exhibited at the Soap Lake Art Museum. Shi
enjoys landscape and still life photography, but
her passion is fashion and portrait photography.
With the human face, Shi captures the texture
and formation, as well as the expression of her
subject. “I hope my art can create a pleasurable
echo in the minds of the beholders,” says Shi,
“in the fraction of the moment of their lives.”
Find these and many more stories, updates, and
pictures from your classmates and colleagues
by visiting the alumni website at www.alumniconnections.com/artinstitutes
and searching
for “Class notes.”
Help Wanted!
We’re always looking for stories of
accomplishment from our graduates.
If you, or someone you know,
would make an interesting profile
for an upcoming newsletter, let us
know! Send your suggestions to
mlivingston@aii.edu.
Alumni Hall of Fame
The Art Institute of Seattle is proud to sponsor the Alumni
Hall of Fame. These distinctive red, black and white prints,
exhibited throughout campus, tell a story of success and
innovation, and celebrate the outstanding contribution
to commercial art our alumni continue to make.
If you, or an alumnus you know, is interested in being
a part of the new Alumni hall of Fame, send your
story to mlivingston@aii.edu.
Send in your nominations today to be a part of the
new Hall of Fame, and help to inspire future generations
of Art Institute alumni.
FACULTY SoUNdBITeS
Design students played an integral role in developing a new brew tap
handle for the Alaskan Brewing Company. Students from Industrial Design
Technology, Graphic Design and Interior Design created more than 80
concept studies for the project which was lead by VeRnon TReVellYAn,
JeFF KAuFMAn and Bill eDGAR. The final design – a 13-inch beer tap
handle for the company’s flagship product, Alaskan Amber, features a
compass on top of the handle and a life preserver. Between 2,500 and
5,000 handles are being produced and will be used in Washington, Oregon,
California, Alaska, Arizona, Idaho and Las Vegas.
Audio instructor DAVe ChRiSTenSen spent the summer recording and producing “Resounding
Joy” a cd featuring a historic 1889 pipe organ, played by Elwood Bernas at the First Presbyterian
Church in Port Townsend, WA. Audiophiles are in for a treat as David kept in the occasional sounds
unique to a 116-year-old mechanical organ such as the keys pulling and bellows collapsing. Visit
www.david-christensen.com for a listen.
RoBY GilBeRT (Animation Art & Design) is leading animation students in a project for
the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. With the goal of introducing urban youth to wildlife
and wild places using today’s technology, “The Teddy Project” is powered by a grant
from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Several other Art Institutes are participating in the project, as well.
General Education teacher ChARleS KinneY, JR. participated in a two-week summer
teacher exchange program in Hiroshima, Japan. The program involved teachers from
the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. In addition
to teaching, the program involved an examination of the Japanese education system
and trips to Osaka and Miyajima. www.hiroshima-cdas.or.jp/index_e.html
For three years now, Belle BeZDiCeK has been volunteering her numerous
talents for Fishline – a Poulsbo area food bank and thrift store. Over the years
Belle (Graphic Design) has designed a logo for Fishline stationary and collateral,
and created the art work for a pin which was presented to volunteers. Earlier
this year, Fishline completed a food drive with the post office and collected nine
tons of food.
Bill eDGAR (IDT instructor) is more than half way through his MBA program at
Argosy. In addition to his teaching schedule and his homework, he still manages
to carve time for various other projects including an 84-page all-color book celebrating
the 100th anniversary of Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonds. The publication
went to press in August, with Bill handling design and layout. He also celebrated
the 31st issue of N Scale Railroading. The bimonthly magazine can be found in
hobby shops. Since its inception five years ago, Bill has served as its art-director.
Additionally, this summer, Bill delivered a new t-shirt design to the Colorado
Railroad Museum in Golden, CO. The shirt will help the museum accumulate
funding for restoration of a recently acquired locomotive.
The Big Apple got a whirlwind visit from fashion instructors JoAn KellY and PAulA ShelKin who
traveled to New York City this fall with 15 fashion students. The group kept a busy schedule with
trips to Jones Apparel Group, Nicole Miller, Women’s Wear Daily, and many other industry leaders,
for a behind-the-scenes look at fashion design and fashion marketing.
A huge congratulations to video instructor lYnn ShelTon – her feature
film, “We Go Way Back” garnered two prizes at the Slamdance film festival
in Park City, Utah. The Grand Jury selected the piece for the Best Cinematography
and Best Narrative Feature Film awards. The jurors said that in
a year of really good films, “We Go Way Back” stood out, citing the film’s
emotional resonance, humor, and excellent acting. The production utilized
the assistance of many Art Institute of Seattle video and audio students
and was one of only 11 features – out of 700 entries – selected to premiere
at this year’s festival.
The Alumni Focus Continued on page 8.
page 7

FACULTY
SoUNdBITeS
continued from page 7.
TV cameras were rolling at The Art Institute of
Seattle when KCPQ – 13 FOX visited the campus
to interview fashionistas about future fashion
trends. Instructor (and Seattle grad) KARin
wu-MARTin shared techno-fabric trends with
FOX anchor Lily Jang. Several fashion students
got in on the action as well, including Desda
Sayer and Sarah Jenny and fashion grad
Sean Purucker.
Andree Carter
Zanetka Kral
Amy Williams
AnDRee CARTeR,
ZAneTKA KRAl and AMY
williAMS individually
completed commissions
this summer for the Hotel
Max (formerly the Vance
Hotel), located in downtown
Seattle. Each room features
original artwork. The Hotel
Max’s low-key design leads
you to think business, but
what they’re really all about
is ART! The whole place is
designed as a foil for both
emerging and established
artists & photographers
in town. Andree also
completed another hotel
commission this summer
for the Hyatt Hotel in
New Orleans.
uwe BeRGK (Interior Design
director) is leading an Interior
Design class in a real life exercise
– redesigning the space of the
Thurston County Foodbank.
Robert Coit, executive director
of the foodbank, gave a presentation to the
class, describing the space and organizational
challenges and the students have made site
visits. In November the students gave a mid-term
presentation to the client.
SCoTT CARnZ and PeG GeRBeR (assistant
deans, Academic Affairs) listened for the best
in holiday cheer as judges for the Figgy Pudding
Street Corner Caroling Competition in December.
Last year’s event raised more than $76,000
for low-income and homeless people in downtown
Seattle. The Figgy Pudding Street Corner
Caroling Competition is an annual competition
between 40+ caroling teams to raise funds to
support the work of the Pike Market Senior
Center and Downtown Foodbank. This is the
third year that The Art Institute of Seattle
helped to judge the event.
For the second consecutive year,
ViViAn CheSTeRleY (Fashion
Design and Fashion Marketing
director) worked with fashion
retailer, Zebra Club on a fashion
design competition for Art
Institute of Seattle fashion students. Students
submited original fashion illustrations that
exemplified Zebra Club styling. Seven students
were then selected to actually create garments
from their illustrations. It all culminated in a
live show with the garments and the designer
critiqued by a panel of judges. The grand prize
winner received a complimentary trip to Magic
in Las Vegas – a designer trade show and
networking event.
Making it Big!
Vancouver, British Colombia – the primetime television series seen across North
America is back for 13 new episodes. From video director to fashion photographer,
from pastry chef to songwriter, “Making It Big” offers young professionals a ticket to
the top of today’s creative careers.
In each episode of this original series, three hopefuls face the toughest challenge
of their young careers as they vie for the reward money can’t buy – connections with
industry experts, and mentoring by a high-profile leader in their industry.
Mentors featured in the first season include world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud
of Daniel’s in New York City, Madonna’s creative director/choreographer Jamie King,
and Emmy Award-winner Dayna Devon, host of entertainment news magazine Extra.
Last season the winner of the Entertainment Reporting episode flew to Los Angeles
to meet with Dayna Devon, Dick Clark Productions, and a top william-Morris
Agency agent. The Fashion Design winner flew to New York where his work was
displayed in the window of Sax Fifth Avenue’s flagship store. Meetings were
also booked with the chain’s fashion director, its buyers and New York designer
Cynthia Steffe.
Casting is now underway for season two – costume designers, dancers, event
planners, fashion photographers and stylists, floral designers, makeup/special
effects artists, video directors, pastry chefs, songwriters, television hosts, and visual
merchandisers are encouraged to visit www.forcefour.com/makingitbig and submit
an application.
Making It Big is a production of: Force Four Entertainment, #202-221 East 10th
Ave., Vancouver, B.C. Canada, V5T 4V1.
STAY CoNNeCTed with
Alumni Connections online!
The easiest way to stay connected to The Art Institutes is via the Alumni Connections
Online Community at: www.alumniconnections.com/artinstitutes
To access the site you must first register. Easy-to-follow steps are listed on the main
page. To access the website all you need to provide is your name and graduation year
– alumni may access the site 30-45 days after their graduation date.
FeATuReS oF The weBSiTe inCluDe:
online Directory Search for classmates by name, graduation year, degree, or
company name.
MyContacts Bookmark classmates you have found with the directory search.
online Directory listing Update your personal contact info, upload photos, and/or
add information to your profile.
events Calendar Lists all the events occurring at The Art Institutes nationwide.
Links to more detailed information and individual school websites.
Classnotes Allows you to share the latest and greatest news about your life and
career. Share news on your accomplishments, family, or career path, and view notes
from fellow classmates and friends.
Permanent e-Mail Your personal e-mail address that will never change! A forwarding
system that allows you to maintain a professional address that links to all your
existing accounts.
Career Center Services Post or search for jobs. Only alumni are able to view
these listings.
For help in accessing the alumni website, or to comment on the services and support
offered on the alumni website, please contact Alumni Coordinator Mark Livingston at
mlivingston@aii.edu.
The Alumni Focus page 8