Monday, January 26, 2009

Art Institute Employee Spends Birthday Giving Back



For her 50th birthday, psychology counselor at The Art Institute of California – Orange County Laura Pinkham wanted to do something more meaningful than a party. Laura decided to invite fifty of her closest friends and family to spend the day helping a local charity – Laura’s House (no relation), which offers shelter and counseling to women and children victims of domestic violence.

“I wanted to hold this event as part of my lifelong commitment to community service and encourage others to participate in similar events,” Laura said.

After brunch, the party began to put together bags of toiletries to take to the women at the shelter and plans were in place to plant flowers at the house.

“Laura is a wonderful woman with so many strong connections to the community and her desire to give back as a way of celebrating was inspiring,” said Interior Design Academic Director Ronni Whitman, who participated in the event. “We all live such busy lives and for those of us who are more fortunate, it is so important to give back.”
Click here to read an article on Laura in the Huntington Beach Independent.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Winter 2009 Portfolio Magazine

Every quarter, Graphic Design students in Herb Proske’s Design Team II class compete against their peers for the chance to have their design grace the pages of the student magazine, Portfolio.

Portfolio Magazine articles highlight student, faculty, alumni and industry professionals. For the students selected to develop the magazine, it is an opportunity to gain real world project management experience and have a fully produced piece for their portfolio.

Tristan Cruz’s survival guide concept was selected for the Winter 2009 edition. Danny Hunsaker, Chase Van Huysen and Hannah Yoon contributed to the design and content.

www.aiocportfolio.com/diy

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Elizabeth Falacara Named Fashion Marketing Finalist in Passion for Fashion Competition


Elizabeth Falacara of Laguna Niguel was recently named The Art Institute of California – Orange County first place winner in The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition in the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management category.

The Dana Hills High School senior earned a $3,000 scholarship to study Fashion Marketing & Management at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

Contestants had to develop a concept for a retail establishment or create a fashion marketing or merchandising plan. Falacara developed a plan for a store that combined a fashion boutique with a center for social and charitable events.

"My concept was to add energy to the retail experience while increasing the connection between the store and the community," she said. "I wanted a place that allows people to shop by day and rock by night in a socially responsible way."

Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director, said that she and the rest of the judges selected Falacara’s concept because they felt the humanitarian side of the store was innovative and well presented.

"I hope to eventually open up a business where I can successfully sell retail goods and be able to give back by helping charitable causes and promoting social awareness," Falacara said.

In addition to her $3,000 tuition scholarship, Falacara now progresses to the national Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition. Her entry will be judged against other local winners from throughout North America for the competition's grand prize, a full tuition scholarship to an Art Institutes school, a VIP trip to New York City to attend runway shows during Fashion Week and meet staff at Seventeen Magazine.

The panel of judges for the national Passion for Fashion Competition include: Suede, contestant on Project Runway Season 5; Eva Snopek, fashion designer at Calvin Klein; Patty Hughes, of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; Ashley Granata, Marketing Manager at Style.com; and Bruce E. Dempsey, Vice President, Academic Affairs Specialist, The Art Institutes.
The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition was created to encourage and reward young fashion talent. For more information on this year's Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/passionforfashion.

Misty Gross Takes First Place in Fashion Design Competition


Misty Gross of Garden Grove was recently named The Art Institute of California – Orange County first place winner in The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition in the Fashion Design category.

The Garden Grove High School senior earned a $3,000 scholarship to study Fashion Design at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

The theme of this year’s Fashion Design category is evening wear. Gross created a dress that combined a classic patterned fabric with a 1950’s silhouette. To make it different, she incorporated a backless corset.

“I’m inspired by the fashion of punk and rockabilly music because the styles are very unique and nonconformist,” Gross said. “It’s fun but still sophisticated.”

Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director, said that the judges selected Gross’ design because the dress was a well-executed spin on 50’s inspired design. Her detailed process book, which included Gross’ original sketches and photos of the steps she took to complete the dress, also played a significant part in the judges’ final decision.

“I am very creative and love to be original,” Gross said. “I believe I could bring a big change in the fashion world because I am not afraid to take risks and I love to make older styles modern and innovative.”

In addition to her $3,000 tuition scholarship, Gross now progresses to the national Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition. Her entry will be judged against other local winners from throughout North America for the competition's grand prize, a full tuition scholarship to an Art Institutes school, a VIP trip to New York City to attend runway shows during Fashion Week and meet staff at Seventeen Magazine.

The panel of judges for the national Passion for Fashion Competition include: Suede, contestant on Project Runway Season 5; Eva Snopek, fashion designer at Calvin Klein; Patty Hughes, of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; Ashley Granata, Marketing Manager at Style.com; and Bruce E. Dempsey, Vice President, Academic Affairs Specialist, The Art Institutes.


The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition was created to encourage and reward young fashion talent. For more information on this year's Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/passionforfashion.