Monday, March 30, 2009

Hurley Challenges Art Institute Students to Design the Ultimate Survival Outfit


Students at The Art Institute of California – Orange County were asked what they would take with them for a month long trip to the island of Bali if they were only allowed to bring one outfit. Hurley has challenged the students to design a three piece outfit that can take a person from day to night, land to sea and beyond.

Hurley, a leading youth brand rooted in skate, art, music and beach culture, is offering a $5,000 tuition scholarship to The Art Institute for the student who can present a functional, innovative and practical outfit that meets their criteria.
"Driven by creativity and freedom of expression, Hurley has proudly offered this scholarship to show our commitment to youth by allowing them an outlet to express their passion for fashion," said Tony Wodarck, Hurley Brand Marketing Coordinator.

Entries must be submitted to The Art Institute no later than May 1, 2009. Visit http://www.ocscholarship.com/ for complete entry requirements for this and other scholarship opportunities available at The Art Institute.

“At The Art Institute, we are always looking for opportunities to partner with industry leaders like Hurley,” said Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director. “Our students appreciate the chance to earn a scholarship and recognition from a company they respect.”

Monday, March 23, 2009

Hawaiian Teen Wins the OC Leg of the Best Teen Chef Competition


Christian Dortch from Leilehua High School won a $5,000 scholarship and a chance to compete in the national competition

On Saturday March 21, thirteen Southern California teens met in The Art Institute of California – Orange County kitchens to compete in the 2009 Best Teen Chef competition, but it was the student from Wahiawa that took first place.

Christian Dortch, a senior at Leilehua High School, kept his cool under the watchful eye of the four chef instructors judging the competition. His knife and cooking skills earned Dortch a $5,000 scholarship to The Art Institute and the chance to compete for a full-tuition scholarship in the national competition.

“After third place and second place were called, I was disappointed that I hadn’t even made the top three,” Dortch said, “but when my name was called, I felt all my hard work, long nights, plane tickets, missing school and baseball had finally paid off.”

Keng Chiu from Fountain Valley came in second and earned a $3,000 scholarship. Irvine student, Hiroki Uchida took third place and earned a $2,000 scholarship.

The Art Institute of Charlotte will host the 34 local winners from Art Institutes locations across North America the weekend of May 9. The winner also earns the chance to be “Intern for a Day” at the Food Network Kitchens in New York City.

The Art Institutes created the Best Teen Chef Competition in 2000 to encourage and recognize young culinary talent. Since The Art Institute of California – Orange County began participating in the competition in 2004, two local winners have gone on to win the title Best Teen Chef.

“I’m excited and honored that the judges selected me to represent The Art Institute of California – Orange County,” Dortch said. “I’m going to do my best, cook the way I know I can and give a 110%.”

For more information about the Best Teen Chef competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/btc or contact Veronica Orozco at vorozco@aii.edu or 714.830.0221.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Students Stay After School – Willingly


Every winter, right before finals, Student Affairs hosts Up Til Tomorrow. This annual event allows students to unwind with fellow students, faculty and staff before the rush to finish school assignments. This year’s theme was a musical journey through time with the DJ playing music from the 50s through the present. Retro games like foosball, air hockey and even Ms. Pac Man kept students entertained when they weren’t dancing. Nobody went hungry thanks to the Wienerschnitzel “Wiener Wagon” and hot roast beef sandwiches prepared by the Culinary department.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Culinary Students Bring a Taste of Alaska to Huntington Beach High School Students


This winter, Huntington Beach Unified High School students read the book, The Kids from Nowhere about a man who begins teaching the children of the Yu’pik village and the students’ academic advancement. In a special presentation at Huntington Beach High School this morning, the author, George Guthridge and one of his original pupils, Merle, spoke to the students about life in the Yu’pik village and the experiences described in the book.

To bring the book to life, culinary students brought students a taste of Yu’pik ice cream. The original recipe eaten by people of the village called for seal or caribou fat and salmon berries. The modern version served by the students used shortening for the fat and was sweetened with cranberries, blueberries and plenty of sugar.

Culinary Students Create New Desserts from an Old Classic


On Wednesday night, two culinary students and one graduate presented a tasting of eight original desserts inspired by Girl Scout Cookies. Nataly Armijo, Tia Baker and Tara Juhl worked with their boss, Executive Chef of The Clubhouse, James Woodfork, to develop the desserts for a special reception held at the Girl Scout Council of Orange County headquarters.

Chef Woodwork and the three chefs-in-training will share their gourmet Girl Scout Cookie desserts on Sunday, March 22 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in the Bloomingdale’s demonstration kitchen at South Coast Plaza. Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on Girl Scout Cookies and learn a few new ways to eat them.