Margo Chase Gallery Opening

Margo Chase famed typographer and founder of Chase Design Company will be giving a special lecture for industry professionals and students at her Gallery Opening on April 16, 2010 at The Art Institute of California- Orange County. The lecture will discuss the design process from research and inspiration through strategy, art direction, and design.

Margo has designed logos for many in the entertainment industry in Hollywood including Madonna, Cher, Prince, Bonnie Raitt and others. Her company has been involved in the "branding" of prestigious clients including The WB Television Network, Cartoon Network, Belkin, Chinese Laundry, CVS/pharmacy, Target, Mattel, Nike, Reebok, Procter&Gamble, Starbucks, Nestle, Virgin Records, and Warner Bros. Records. In a recent Graphic Design USA reader’s poll, Margo was one of only two designers to make the top ten in both “Most Influential Graphic Designers of the Era” and “Most Influential Graphic Designers Today”. Chase Design Group also was voted in the top ten “Most Influential Design Firms of the Era”. She was recently featured in the celebrated show “Women Designers in the USA, 1900-2000: Diversity and Difference” on exhibition in New York City and in 2009 was awarded the AIGA Fellow award.

Scholarship Competition Offers Over $550,000 in Tuition Scholarships

For the eighth consecutive year, The Art Institute of California – Orange County offers high school seniors the chance to compete for one of nine half-tuition scholarships valued at up to $47,000 for bachelor’s degree programs.

All students are required to submit a 250-word essay, résumé, letter of recommendation and a high school transcript. Detailed entry requirements can be found online at www.ocscholarship.com.

Entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 2, 2010 and winners will be announced, Saturday, May 8 at The Art Institute of California – Orange County’s third annual fashion, music and art festival – Rock the Runway.

Alex's Lemonade Charity Fundraiser

On February 5 & 6, 2010 The Art Institute of California – Orange County hosted a special fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The benefit took place at the school’s renowned 50 Forks Restaurant where notable Orange County chefs teamed up with student servers that hosted two evenings of incredible six-course feasts. Tickets where $50 per person with all proceeds benefitting the cause. A silent auction followed and we are proud to announce that we helped raise a over $4,500!!!

The Artists' Alphabet #1: The Great

A is for artist.

A is for alphabet.

A is for “The Artists’ Alphabet #1: The Great Recession”.

This project brings together eight artists to explore the theme of the Great Recession using the structure of an alphabet.

The idea is simple: each of the participating artists creates a piece of art for a letter in the alphabet. All 26 pieces are then combined into a book. The concept for this initial project is "The Great Recession" - responses, strategies, concerns, and thoughts related to the current economic meltdown. Anything from hope to panic to pragmatic advice to feelings of hope and liberation.
The group exhibition features the actual artworks created for the book, as well as the published book project.

Opening Reception:
Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Project_210
2888 East Walnut St. #10
Pasadena, CA 91107
Map & Directions

Show Dates: 11-05-09 through 11-28-09
Gallery Hours: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday, and by appointment
Phone: 323-225-2229

Additional Information:
Check out the book.
Project_210: www.project210.org
Powder Room Projects: www.powderroomprojects.com
This is the inaugural project for Powder Room Projects, established in Spring 2009 by D. Jean Hester as an accessible, flexible, small-scale, intimate, and sustainable creative base that will encourage collaboration and exchange amongst artists.

About Project_210
Project_210 works to increase the visibility of accomplished artists through dynamic exhibitions of their work and by providing fertile community interaction–with each other and the general public. Giving attention to the diverse cross-section of artists working today, Project_210 maintains a philosophy of inclusion: with no limits placed on media. Artists with very divergent practices have the opportunity to exhibit their work, while the community benefits through attending talks, workshops, and presentations related to the exhibitions. Project_210 is a collaboration of artists Quinton Bemiller and Chuck Feesago.
Gallery hours are 12pm – 5pm Thursday through Saturday or by appointment.

Project_210
2888 East Walnut St. #10
Pasadena, CA 91107
323-225-2229

Surfrider Foundation Selects Graphic Design Student’s Work as 25th Anniversary Logo

When Jeremy Godinez walked into his Design Team I class last fall, he had no idea that one of his designs would be seen on t-shirts and sweatshirts and sold all over the world.

The Surfrider Foundation partnered with the class through The Art Institute of California – Orange County Community Arts Resource Exchange program (CARE). Through CARE, students are paired with nonprofit clients to provide pro bono design services and gain real world experience. Students were asked to design a logo for Surfrider’s 25th anniversary.

“When I saw that there was a chance to design the Surfrider Foundation logo, I knew that was the project I wanted to land,” said Jeremy. “Surfrider liked the initial concept I pitched and then I spent 13 weeks refining it.”

Jeremy had to compete against his fellow classmates for the chance to design the logo. This type of healthy competition is designed to replicate the real world experience of preparing a proposal to win a new client.

“Nothing feels better than knowing your design is appreciated, especially when it is being sold as a limited edition apparel and print graphic,” said Jeremy, who graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design in Spring 2009. “This assignment was the key reason I landed the job I have today and the experience of seeing my work published for the very first time is something I’ll never forget.”

Students, if you’ve had a great experience with the clients you’ve worked with in Design Team I or Design Team II, please contact Tricia Cook at tcook@aii.edu to share your story.

Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for pro bono design work can learn more about the CARE program here.

Graphic Design Students Donate Their Time and Talent

Art Institute of California – Orange County Graphic Design Students gave up a few hours of their weekend on September 26-27 to help get kids excited about science by helping them make their own skateboard.

The nonprofit organization that developed this program is CreateASkate and the event was part of South Coast Plaza’s annual Festival of Children celebration which takes place every weekend in September.

Over 100 elementary school children signed up to decorate a skateboard and the Graphic Design students were there to provide tips on color combinations or just to help fill in a pattern.

Check out footage of the Graphic Design students decorating their own boards or visit our Facebook fan page to see more photos.

Fashion Experts Share Tips on Enhancing Personal Style and Smart Shopping

The What to Wear Workshop hosted by The Art Institute of California – Orange County is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.

Just because budgets are tighter doesn’t mean a well-stocked closet and enviable wardrobe are out of reach. On Wednesday, September 30, The Art Institute of California – Orange County Fashion program presents the What to Wear workshop. Fashion experts will share tips on transforming runway-inspired styles into wearable looks and how to shop for figure-flattering styles while staying within a budget.

“People often wonder how to achieve a look they’ve seen in a magazine at a price they can manage,” said Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management academic director. “We wanted to offer the community a chance to take advantage of the industry resources we’re able to share with our Fashion students.”

The What to Wear Workshop will be lead by stylist Adria Heath and designers Eva Franco and Ari Sheuhmelian. The three panelists have each trained internationally and both designers’ clothing can be found in the US and abroad.

Advanced registration is recommended, as space is limited. Check-in for the What to Wear Workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. and the workshop runs from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. There is no cost to attend. For more information on the panel or to RSVP, please visit aifashiontalks.com.

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

Culinary Student Goes the Extra Mile on Class Assignment

An Art Institute of California – Orange County student organized a canned food drive and cooking lesson for emancipated youth from Olive Crest

For some students, a homework assignment ends as soon as they receive their grade, but for Deborah Gillespie, a Culinary Management student at The Art Institute of California – Orange County, it was just the beginning.

Gillespie’s initial assignment was to develop a weekly menu plan for Olive Crest at-risk youth emancipated from the system now living on their own. Gillespie took it a step further and organized a food drive and cooking workshop.

“When I was working on the menus, I realized that the recipes needed to appeal to the kids visually,” Gillespie said. “I thought if we could get the food donated, I could work with the culinary department to bring the kids to the school kitchens and bring the menus to life.”

Just four weeks after placing collection bins all over the school, Gillespie was able to deliver six full boxes of canned food to Olive Crest.

“As word began to spread about what we were doing, students started asking what else they could do,” Gillespie said. “Once I knew there was volunteer interest, I worked with the culinary academic director, Chef Daniel Mattos, to coordinate the cooking workshop.”

She knew she had her work cut out for her when she realized the workshop would take place during finals week but she was able to recruit four other students and one alumnus. On Friday, June 12, a group of teens from Olive Crest came to The Art Institute of California – Orange County to receive hands on training from the students and instructor Chef Larry Milner.

“The goal of this workshop was to teach the kids not only a few recipes but also to help them gain some life skills,” Gillespie said. “We also thought it would be great if it sparked their interest in culinary arts.”

Dressed in professional chef coats, the Olive Crest kids spent the evening learning how to cook one of three chicken dishes and how to plant and grow their own herbs. The group enjoyed their homemade meal together and everyone went home with some basic kitchen utensils and a copy of the recipes they’d learned to make.

“Getting to work with the culinary students in a professional kitchen was a tremendous experience for these kids,” said Tamara Koch, Community Involvement Manager for Olive Crest. “The chef coats were a huge hit and everyone wanted to know when they could do it again.”

Due to the success of the first workshop, The Art Institute of California – Orange County will be hosting another group from Olive Crest on Friday, September 11.

“As an instructor, I’m proud to watch my students develop as future chefs,” said Chef Milner. “It is even better to watch them use the skills they learned in the classroom to do something for the community.”

Student volunteers:
Angel Esparza, alumnus
Ben Nichols
Kay Dupaloa
Mallory Saunders
Oscar Villanueva

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

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.

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.

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.

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.