Thursday, April 30, 2009

Industrial Design Students Unveil Environmentally Friendly Sport Motorcycle Concept

For the past few months, senior-level Industrial Design students at The Art Institute of California – Orange County have been developing the Triad, a three-wheeled high performance sport motorcycle with an all electric drive.

The full-size model will be unveiled on Saturday, May 2 at the second annual Rock the Runway fashion, art and music festival. Student work from every program offered at The Art Institute of California – Orange County will be on display.

The design phase took over 12 weeks. The concept was designed by the students and built under the leadership of Industrial Design instructor and lead designer for Mazda Automotive, Truman Pollard. The concept was produced by five students lead by Industrial Design instructor and automotive designer Chong Pak.

Although the Triad is a non working concept vehicle, the platform bridges the gap between automobile and motorcycle while promoting a more socially responsible and energy efficient power plant.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Project Runway Finalist Rami Kashou to Judge Rock Icon Design Competition

As a finalist on season four of Bravo’s hit show, Project Runway, Rami Kashou is no stranger to the pressure of making a strong impression on the runway. On Saturday, May 2, he’ll be the one deciding whose designs make the cut.

Kashou will be one of the judges for The Art Institute of California – Orange County Rock Icon Design Competition. The decision of who will receive a $2,000 tuition scholarship will fall on Kashou; Lilly Sein McElroy, editor-in-chief of Preen Magazine; Jonny Day, co-founder of the Elmer Ave clothing line; and an editor from California Apparel News.

“The students appreciate the unique opportunity they have to present their work to these industry leaders,” said Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director Mary Ann Gale. “Receiving a critique from someone they’ve watched on television just adds to their overall experience.”

Finalists’ designs will close the Rock the Runway fashion show, following an edgy showcase of styles from Miss Me Jeans, the rock and roll rebel line from Elmer Ave, as well as looks from The Hive, Level 99 for men, Cohesive, and rock star footwear from Velvet Angels and PF Flyers. Shades will be provided by iconic eye-wear brand, Oakley.

Prior to the fashion show, Rock the Runway will feature live performances by End Roulette, Metroid, DJ Nicky Savage and DJ Albert. Artists from eVocal will be showing off their skills, the Red Bull skate team will do a demo and faculty and students from the culinary department will be dishing up some tasty snacks.

For more information on the Rock Icon scholarship or Rock the Runway, visit http://www.airocktherunway.com/.


Media Contacts
Tricia Cook, 714.338.1303 or tcook@aii.edu
Veronica Orozco, 714.830.0221 or vorozco@aii.edu

Over $600K in Tuition Scholarships Will be Awarded This Saturday

On Saturday, May 2, The Art Institute of California – Orange County will announce the recipients of over $600,000 in tuition scholarships. Graduating high school seniors interested in pursuing a creative education competed for scholarships worth half the cost of tuition for one of the associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs offered at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

“The scholarship competition is held every year but it has never been more important for students than during this difficult economic climate,” said Daniel Levinson, president of The Art Institute of California – Orange County. “We received an overwhelming number of entries and are proud to be able to do our part to help students pursue their educational goals.”

Requirements for the half-tuition scholarships varied depending on the program the students were interested in pursuing, but all contestants were required to submit a resume, a letter of recommendation, a copy of their high school transcript and an essay describing their career goals.

The recipients of all 2009 scholarships, including scholarships for international students and high school graduates, will be announced at a special awards ceremony at The Art Institute of California – Orange County at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The second annual Rock the Runway fashion, music and art festival begins promptly at 3 p.m.

For more information on the scholarships offered, visit www.ocscholarship.com . For event information on Rock the Runway, go to http://www.airocktherunway.com/.

Media Contacts
Tricia Cook, 714.338.1303 or tacook@aii.edu
Veronica Orozco, 714.830.0221 or vorozco@aii.edu

Team of Students, Staff and Faculty Participate in an Art Adventure

On Tuesday April 21, a group of six from The Art Institute of California – Orange County joined Discovery Arts of Tustin at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) to help brighten the day of children of with cancer. Discovery Arts brings art to children in hospitals receiving treatment by hosting Art Adventure Days and The Art Institute of California – Orange County joined them last week as part of the National Week of Service.

Armed with glitter, glue, scissors and construction paper, the team spent a couple of hours with the children working on an art project coordinated by Foundation Studies Academic Director Alan Burner.

The Week of Service was a nationwide initiative and Art Institute locations across the country each selected a nonprofit to work with in their local area. In addition to sending a group of representatives to CHOC, The Art Institute of California – Orange County collected enough art supplies to fill 100 Bedside Adventure Kits. Bedside Adventure Kits bring the fun of an Art Adventure Day to children who are too sick to leave their hospital beds and join the other children.

The volunteers that went to CHOC shared their personal experiences below:

Alan Burner, Foundation Studies Academic Department Director
“It was nice to do something for someone else.”

Arica Haberstich, Financial Aid Officer
“It may be difficult for some to deal with the fact that these children are sick, but those few hours mean the world to a child who does not get to experience what one would consider a normal childhood.”

Krystal Lagpacan, Web Design & Interactive Media student
"Volunteering at the hospital was a rewarding experience and is something I will never forget. If you love art and want to contribute to the community, share your art with others. "

Jessica Muro, Interior Design Student
“It was worth taking time away from work to put a smile on the kids’ faces.”

Katherine Perez, Media Arts & Animation student
“This experience really put some things in perspective. It made the things I usually complain about seem stupid. I mean, here I am complaining about not finding a good parking spot or all the homework I fell behind on and here is this child with a life threatening illness that has to go through chemotherapy everyday and she still has a smile on her face. I really want to volunteer again even if the school isn't holding an event of some kind.

Kelly Piedra, Financial Aid Officer
“Kids are completely adaptable to difficult situations and these kids have adapted to being in and out of the hospital. They don’t feel sorry for themselves. It helps you put your own life into perspective.”

Culinary Students Put Their Skills to Work for Olive Crest Children’s Home

This winter, Art Institute of California – Orange County students in Chef Corey Vuu’s Management by Menu class were challenged to create weekly meal plans for individuals living on a $50 per week meal budget. Those meal plans were for former foster children now living independently with the support of Olive Crest Children’s Home. Ranging in ages from 16-24, these young adults are learning to take care of themselves and manage a budget.

Chef Vuu’s class was inspired to action by this assignment and took it one step further by organizing a food drive. Boxes were placed throughout the school and by the end of the quarter, the students had collected over 24 boxes of food.

“During these difficult economic times, it is very important to reach out to those who need a little acknowledgement,” Chef Vuu said. “I am glad to share with my students the importance of sharing, the definition of hospitality and our responsibilities as chefs and citizens to do what we can with the skills we were blessed with.”

The project and canned food drive has carried over into the spring and the class plans to present Olive Crest with the menu plans at the end of the quarter. Plans are also in place to have a small group come to the school to learn fundamental cooking skills in one of The Art Institute of California – Orange County kitchens. Special thanks to Culinary Management student Deborah Gillespie for all her work in coordinating this outreach.

For more information about the work Art Institute of California – Orange County students do with local nonprofits, contact Veronica Orozco at 714.830.0221 or vorozco@aii.edu.

Interior Design Students Place First in Haute Couture Fashion Show

The International Interior Design Association Haute Couture Fashion Show put interior designer students’ fashion skills to the test. Contestants were challenged to create costumes using only interior design materials with the theme “Give my regards to Broadway.”

On April 2, the night of the event, the students were allowed to bring a small box of accessories but only had 45 minutes to select their materials and make their costumes. The team had to write a script describing their costumes and the materials used and set their show to music.

Interior Design instructor Sonin Lee teamed up with students Annie Harrison, Edgar Marin, Carly Murphy and Erynn Vogel. They decided to do a Broadway revue instead of a single show. The team won first place by recreating the Phantom of the Opera, Tracy from “Hairspray” (her plaid skirt was woven from paint samples), Grizzabella from “Cats,” Roxy Hart from “Chicago” and Audrey II, the carnivorous plant from “Little Shop of Horrors.”
The script and trophy are in the display case in the atrium of building A.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Orange County Fashion Students Prepare for Their Runway Debut

Many aspiring designers dream of watching their clothing strut down the runway in front of a large crowd that includes leaders in the fashion industry. For a few fashion design students at The Art Institute of California – Orange County, that dream is coming true after only a few quarters of instruction.

On Saturday, May 2, finalists in the Rock Icon scholarship competition will have the chance to have their designs judged by respected members of the fashion community, including editors and local designers, at the second annual Rock the Runway fashion, art and music festival.

“The Rock Icon design competition is a chance for our students to test their skills and go beyond their comfort zone,” said Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director. “Sharing their work with a large audience, including judges that are influential leaders in the fashion world, is a learning experience that will drive them as they continue to grow into professional designers.”

The students are competing for a $2,000 tuition scholarship. To add to the pressure, over 2,000 people are expected to attend Rock the Runway this year.

Sharing the runway with the students are well established brands Miss Me Jeans, Elmer Ave. and Oakley.

In 2008, Rock the Runway celebrated the launch of the Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management programs at The Art Institute of California – Orange County. This year the event recognizes the progress of its newest students and the continued success of the school’s 14 other creative programs in the design, media and culinary fields.

“We were overwhelmed by the positive response we received for the inaugural Rock the Runway,” said Daniel Levinson, President of The Art Institute of California – Orange County. “This year, we want to exceed everyone’s expectations and put on an even better show.”

For a complete schedule of events at Rock the Runway or to learn how to help raise scholarship funds for competitions like Rock Icon, visit www.airocktherunway.com.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The Art Institute of California – Orange County Participates in the National Week of Service

Students, faculty and staff from The Art Institute of California – Orange County, will team up on a special assignment that will promote goodwill and valuable support to their community during the National Week of Service April 19-25, 2009.

The Art Institute of California – Orange County is no stranger to community service. Since its inception, the school has been actively involved in community outreach with various organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire, The American Red Cross and the Discovery Science Center.

“Participating in the National Week of Service complements our mission of helping our students grow professionally while serving the community we share with them,” said President Dan Levinson. “Giving back to the community has always been a priority and we are proud of the enthusiasm our students, staff and faculty have always had for these types of projects.”

For the National Week of Service, The Art Institute of California – Orange County has partnered with Discovery Arts to help bring art to children in hospitals while they are receiving treatment. The school has been collecting art supplies since the beginning of the month and this week will be putting together “Bedside Adventure Kits” for the organization. These kits are for children too sick to leave their hospital beds.

The entire school community has been encouraged to take time to decorate one of the kits with a positive, uplifting theme. Decorating stations will be set up in the student lounge during class breaks and the goal is to present Discovery Arts with 75 decorated, fully-stocked Bedside Adventure Kits.

On Tuesday, April 21, a team made up of two faculty members, two students and two staff members will visit Children’s Hospital of Orange County to participate in an Art Adventure Day with Discovery Arts. Foundation Studies Academic Director Alan Burner will lead the group and the children in a special art project.

Art Institute locations across the country are taking part in this national initiative.

Advertising Students Recognized at the Orange County Ad Awards

Kylie McAdam, an Advertising student at The Art Institute of California – Orange County, received the Best of Show award at the Orange County Ad Awards on Saturday, March 21.

The Orange County Ad Awards are hosted by the OC Ad Federation to recognize the year’s best advertising from Orange County agencies.

”I feel very fortunate to have won Best of Show and Gold for the work I created for Orbis, a non-profit organization fighting blindness in underdeveloped countries,” McAdam said. “Advertising and art direction are my life. This recognition allows me to share my creative work with others while exploring their work too.”

McAdam also received a gold award but she was not the only The Art Institute of California-Orange County student recognized. Seven other students in Advertising Instructor Eva Finn’s Copy & Scriptwriting and Advanced Campaigns classes also received awards.

Kylie McAdam, Best of Show in Consumer or Trade Magazine Ad, Magazine Ad Campaign category and Gold for a Consumer or Trade Magazine Ad, Magazine Ad Campaign.
Alba Escarcega, Gold in Radio category.
Ellen Scott, Silver for Consumer or Trade Magazine Ad; Merit in Radio and Merit in Consumer or Trade Magazine Ad, 2 to 4 ads.
Kimberly Lorimer, Evan James, Brittany Kesler, Kajsa Frederick, Scott Sagan each received Merit awards in the Radio category.

Winners move on to the regional ADDY® awards where they may eventually earn a national ADDY. The ADDY’s are conducted by the American Advertising Federation and local competitions take place across the country.

“It was the first time we have entered the ADDY competition and certainly the start of big things to come from our Advertising program,” said Advertising and Graphic Design Academic Director Catherine Stickel. “I’m so proud of our students but have to give credit to Eva Finn, instructor for the Advanced Campaigns and Copy and Scriptwriting class, for coordinating the entrants.”

For samples of McAdams work, visit www.kycreative.com To learn more about the Advertising program at The Art Institute of California – Orange County, call 714.830.0200 or visit www.artinsitutes.edu/orangecounty.

Longer Days Equal Longer Hours at 50 Forks

The student-run restaurant of The Art Institute of California – Orange County, 50 Forks, is open for lunch and dinner this spring and has introduced several new menu items.

The popular Cobb salad is still available during lunch but regular customers are encouraged to try the new Red fish dish served with blood orange, fennel beech mushrooms and rissole potatoes. The new lemon curd tart is a refreshing finish for lunch.

Regular lunch customers and first-timers will be surprised by the variety offered in the dinner menu. A sample three course meal could include: spring pea soup to start; a main course of braised chicken with vegetable jardinière, Israeli couscous and sweet corn mascarpone sauce; and chocolate chip bread pudding to wrap up the meal.

“There are not many fine dining restaurants that can offer diners three-course meals for under $25,” said Culinary Academic Director Chef Daniel Mattos. “In addition to enjoying a nice meal, guests are able to help the students gain valuable experience.”

50 Forks is a final passage prior to graduation for senior-level culinary students. Before their education is considered complete, culinary arts students are required to run all facets of a fully-operational restaurant. The restaurant is under the direction of two professional chef instructors.

“Lunch is served Monday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and dinner is served Wednesday-Friday from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant accommodates more than 50 guests in a casual, stylish setting within The Art Institute located at 3601 W. Sunflower Avenue in Santa Ana. Reservations are highly recommended. To reserve your table, call 714.429.0918.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Design and Media Faculty Experiment with Culinary Arts

Ever wonder what instructors do while students are on Spring Break? Last week, The Art Institute of California – Orange County faculty were put to the test in the Faculty Kitchen Challenge. Instructors from all programs including Fashion, Graphic Design and Media Arts & Animation, were taken out of their element and put to work in the kitchens.

Working in teams, they prepared a set menu under the supervision of five Culinary Arts instructors. When the meal was ready, everyone enjoyed lunch.

The kitchen challenge was designed to bring faculty together to learn different teaching methods while discussing challenges and successes experienced in the classroom.

Check back soon for more photos of your instructors as you have never seen them before.


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Art Institute Wants to Make Getting an Education Rock

The Art Institute of California – Orange County is counting down the days until the second annual Rock the Runway by offering incoming students the chance to compete for a tuition scholarship.

The Make your Education Rock Scholarship competition will award the first place winner with a tuition scholarship to The Art Institute of California-Orange County worth $5,000. The second place winner receives a $2,000 tuition scholarship while the third place winner will receive a supply kit valued at $1,425.

To enter the competition, contestants must write a 200-800 word essay describing their career goals and how The Art Institute of California-Orange County will help them achieve their goals. Essays must be submitted to The Art Institute of California-Orange County by April 20, 2009.

Winners of the Make your Education Rock competition will be announced on Saturday, May 2 at Rock the Runway, along with the other recipients of over $600,000 in tuition scholarships from Art Institute – of California – Orange County competitions.

For complete entry requirements for the Make your Education Rock scholarship competition or to see the other scholarship opportunities available at The Art Institute of California – Orange County, go to http://www.ocscholarship.com/.

For more information on Rock the Runway, go to http://www.airocktherunway.com/.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Two Local Teens Earn Scholarship through Poster Design Competition

High school seniors, Paige Fichter of Yorba Linda and Kayla Le Claire of Huntington Beach placed in the top two at the local level of The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts “Life is Better with Art in it” Poster Design Competition. Fichter placed first (poster to the left) and will receive a $3,000 tuition scholarship to attend The Art Institute of California – Orange County and Le Claire, who placed second, will receive a $2,000 tuition scholarship towards her education at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

As the first place winner, Fichter’s design will be entered into the national stage of the competition, in which she will compete against other local winners from across North America for tuition scholarships. The grand prize winner of the national competition will be awarded a tuition scholarship worth $25,000 to study at one of The Art Institutes schools.

The competition was open to graduating high school seniors interested in pursuing an education in graphic design. Students submitted an original poster design, a current high school transcript and a statement describing their design process, and why they want to attend one of The Art Institutes schools.

From April 17 – May 8, an industry panel of judges selected by The Art Institutes will assess each student's poster design based on the specified criteria by visiting the posters and designers’ statements on The Art Institutes website.

“The judges were impressed by the level of talent demonstrated in this year’s competition,” said Advertising and Graphic Design Academic Director Catherine Stickel. “With 25 entries to review, it was a difficult task but it was great to see so many students take the initiative to pursue their creative goals.”

To find out more about Poster Design Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/poster. To learn more about The Art Institute of California – Orange County visit www.artinstitutes.edu/orange county.

The Art Institute of California – Orange County is one of The Art Institutes (http://www.artinstitutes.edu/), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of 49 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at http://www.americansforthearts.org/.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Rock Glamour Comes to the OC in the Second Annual Rock the Runway


The fashion, music and art festival is coming back to The Art Institute of California – Orange County

Last year a crowd of 1,500 arrived at The Art Institute of California – Orange County to enjoy live bands, art demonstrations and a professionally produced fashion show. On May 2, The Art Institute is doing it again.

The music will be fierce, the live art captivating and the fashion sophisticated.

“We were overwhelmed by the positive response we received for the inaugural Rock the Runway,” said Daniel Levinson, President of The Art Institute of California – Orange County. “This year, we want to exceed everyone’s expectations and put on an even better show.”

Over 2,000 people are expected to walk the black carpet and get photographed by The Art Institute of California – Orange County paparazzi. LA-based band End Roulette and Metroid are set to take the Rock the Runway Stage and DJ Nicky Savage and DJ Albert will keep the crowds energized throughout the day.

“What started as an event to launch our programs in Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management, is now an opportunity to show off all sixteen of our different education programs,” said Melinda Lester, Dean of Academic Affairs.

In addition to exhibiting the school’s offerings, Rock the Runway also serves as a fundraiser for the EDMC Education Foundation, which collects and distributes scholarship funds for students attending Art Institutes schools. Proceeds collected from sponsors and the online auction benefit students at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

Rock the Runway Activities
· Awards ceremony for winners of The Art Institute of California – Orange County Scholarship Competition. Over $600,000 in scholarships will be distributed to incoming students.
· Black carpet arrival and photographs by Art Institute paparazzi.
· Two VIP areas
· Catering by Art Institute of California – Orange County culinary department students and faculty members
· Performances by End Roulette, Metroid, DJ Nicky Savage and DJ Albert.
· Professionally produced fashion show featuring local designers and Art Institute of California – Orange County Fashion Design students’ rock icon inspired looks.
· Live art and professional skateboarding demonstrations.
· Online auction
· Art Institute of California – Orange County student work from all programs on display.

For more information, an updated schedule of events or to see photos and video from last year’s event, go to http://www.airocktherunway.com/.