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.

Misty Gross named The Art Institute of California – Orange County first place winner in The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition

On January 7, 2010 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. 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 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.

What to Wear Fashion Workshop Featured in OC Register Style Blog

Candice Shih from the Orange County Register came to The Art Institute of California - Orange County for the What to Wear fashion workshop on Wednesday, September 30. She wrote a great post on some of the tips the designers and stylist shared. Check out her blog, Style Binge, for more photos from the event and other great fashion news.

Fashion Academic Director Featured on Fox 11 News

Fashion Design And Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director Mary Ann Gale was featured on the Fox 11 10 o'clock news on Wednesday, October 7. The interview was filmed at The Art Institute of California - Orange County sewing lab. She shared tips on how to shop for clothes that will last.

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

Teens with a Passion for Fashion Can Compete for the Chance to Earn Scholarships

The Art Institute of California – Orange County is now accepting submissions for the Passion for Fashion scholarship competition

High school seniors that see a fashion career in their futures have the chance to compete for a full-tuition scholarship to study Fashion Design or Fashion Marketing & Management at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

The Passion for Fashion Competition was created to encourage and reward young fashion talent. Two grand prize winners will be selected to receive a full tuition scholarship to study at a participating Art Institutes school. One winner will be selected from each of the following categories: (i) Fashion Design and (ii) Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management.

“Many students have raw talent and a full tuition scholarship could help them learn the skills they need to pursue a career in fashion,” said Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director. “Seniors about to graduate have grown up watching reality shows like Project Runway and this competition is their opportunity to see how they match up against their peers.”

In addition to a full tuition scholarship, the grand prize winner in each category, in partnership with Seventeen Magazine, also receives a trip to New York City to attend a Fashion Week show, attends a "meet and greet" at Seventeen Magazine's offices, lunches with a Seventeen Magazine Style Pro and receives a $500 shopping spree.

Students are required to create an original evening wear design for the Fashion Design category or an original Fashion Marketing, Merchandising and Retail Management plan for the corresponding category.

To be eligible, students must be set to graduate high school in 2010, complete an Entry & Release Form, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, write a short essay describing their interest in fashion and submit a finished, originally designed evening wear garment and process book for the Fashion Design category or a create a product or plan for the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management category.

The deadline to submit entries to The Art Institute of California – Orange County is Friday, November 20, 2009. For complete rules and entry requirements of The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/passionforfashion or contact Veronica Orozco at 714.830.0221 or vorozco@aii.edu.

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

High School Students Roll Up their Sleeves for the Red Cross at Summer Studio 2009

Nearly 100 high school students invaded The Art Institute of California – Orange County from June 23- June 26 to see if they had what it takes to be a fashion, media, design or culinary student.

The Summer Studio program gives teens a taste of what it is like to be a student at The Art Institute of California – Orange County. This year, Summer Studio partnered with the American Red Cross to bring a real world element to the projects the students completed throughout the week.

“The Red Cross is always looking for new ways to reach out to younger blood donors,” said Cynthia Lujan, Communications Specialist for the Red Cross. “We were impressed with the level of creativity the students demonstrated and the amount of work they were able to complete in such a short amount of time.”

Students were able to choose from one of 10 workshops according to their creative interests. In just four days, the students were able to produce the following:

Advertising: Developed an ad campaign complete with posters, billboards and public service announcements.

Culinary Arts: Catered the final presentation event by making a meal from scratch for over 300 guests.

Digital Photography: Captured a week’s worth of events for the Summer Studio 2009 DVD.

Fashion Design/Fashion Marketing & Management: Designed t-shirts that made giving blood a fashion statement

Game Art & Design/Visual & Game Programming: Created a simple video game about the importance of donating blood.

Graphic Design: Produced the artwork for the DVD cover.

Industrial Design: Proposed concepts for two different donation modules – special chairs that would allow people to be entertained as they donated blood.

Interior Design: Planned the space for a mobile disaster unit that could house a family that lost their home.

Media Arts & Animation/Visual Effects & Motion Graphics: Invented a Red Cross character and created a simple animation.

Web Design & Interactive Media: Helped author the Summer Studio 2009 DVD.

Check back here for information on next year’s Summer Studio.

Mary Ann Gale Featured in California Apparel News Article

Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director Mary Ann Gale was recently quoted in a California Apparel News article discussing how the economy is effecting fashion programs in schools and what that could mean for the apparel industry down the line. Click here to read the full article.

Industrial Design Student Earns $5,000 Scholarship

Industrial Design Student Candace Winer earned a $5,000 tuition scholarship in the Hurley design competition. To read more, check out the Hurley blog.

American Red Cross Teams Up with High School Students to Provide Real World Job Experience

Students will design projects that promote the Red Cross at The Art Institute of California – Orange County annual Summer Studio workshop

High school juniors, seniors and recent graduates interested in pursuing a creative education have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves to work with the American Red Cross at The Art Institute of California – Orange County 2009 Summer Studio Workshop. Students will work closely with the Red Cross to find out if they have what it takes for a future in design, fashion, media arts or culinary arts.

From June 23-26, students participate in an intense four-day workshop and experience a taste of the academic programs at The Art Institute of California – Orange County. They’ll work alongside industry professionals as part of a production team creating the many design, media and culinary elements that contribute to the promotion of a nonprofit organization.

“The workshop has been extremely successful since its inception in 2001,” said Melinda Lester, Dean of Academic Affairs. “It is a life-changing, eye-opening week for most of these students and many attendees later make the decision to study applied arts in college.”

This year the workshops focus on the American Red Cross and their efforts to attract younger blood donors. The theme of the campaign elements the students will be creating is “Roll Up Your Sleeve.”

Students can choose from one of the following ten specialized workshops, depending on their area of interest: Advertising, Culinary Arts, Digital Photography, Fashion, Game Art & Design/Visual & Game Programming, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation/Visual Effects & Motion Graphics and Web Design & Interactive Media.

Any 2009, 2010 or 2011 high school graduate from the U.S. or Canada, who is at least 16 years old, is eligible to attend. Tuition is $150 and includes all classes, supplies, meals and field trips. Supervised housing and daily transportation to and from The Art Institute is available for an additional cost.

For more information or to register, visit aisummerstudio.com/orangecounty.

Fashion Marketing & Management Students Produce Their First Fashion Show

DATE: Wednesday, June 10

TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Art Institute of California - Orange County (outside of building C)


Join 5th quarter Fashion Marketing & Management students as they present their first fashion show, Summer Daze. Guided by their instructor, Lucinda Miedema, students in the Fashion Show Production class secured clothing from Tankfarm Clothing and the models will be strutting down a grassy runway. So grab a beach towel and come enjoy the food, music and fashion.

Rock the Runway Brought the Glamour of Rock to Over 2,500 Southern California Residents

On Saturday, May 2, over 2,500 people shared a day of glamour, rock and art with The Art Institute of California – Orange County. In just five short hours, guests of the second annual Rock the Runway event watched as students were awarded over $750,000 in tuition scholarships, heard two bands play hour-long sets, stood by as artists created a mural, ate gourmet hot dogs and mashed potato cocktails and were mesmerized by the professionally-produced fashion show that wrapped up the evening.

The highlight of Rock the Runway was the fashion show not only because of the looks from Miss Me, Elmer Ave, The Hive, Level 99 for men, Cohesive, shoes from Velvet Angels and PF Flyers and shades from Oakley, but because it was the runway debut for seven Fashion Design students.

The students competed against each other in the Rock Icon design competition and were challenged to create an outfit for a music legend of the past or present. The winner of the $2,000 design scholarship was decided by a panel of three judges: Rami Kashou, from season four of Project Runway; Lily McElroy, editor-in-chief of Preen Magazine; and Jonny Day, co-founder and designer for Elmer Ave.

Daniel Magaña, a fourth-quarter fashion student, was announced the winner and recipient of the $2,000 scholarship for his outfit inspired by Rihanna. The leather corset complete with spikes, chains and feather details, was modeled by Saleisha, the winner of America’s Next Top Model, cycle 9.

“The students in this competition have only had two to four quarters of instruction and they are already producing such high quality work,” said Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director. “I can only imagine how much more these students are going to grow by the time they get closer to graduation and producing their senior show.”

Rock the Runway began last year as a way to celebrate the arrival of the Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management programs. The event this year showcased the 16 different creative programs available at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

“The Art Institute of California – Orange County is proud to be a part of this community and we were happy to open our doors to the students, industry leaders and members of the media that make Orange County thrive,” said Daniel Levinson, president of The Art Institute of California – Orange County. “Rock the Runway is our way of getting to know our neighbors and letting our neighbors learn what we are all about.”

Aside from awarding scholarships, the second annual fashion, art and music festival also helped raise money for future competitions. Artists from eVocal customized hats and shoes for guests for a small fee and t-shirts designed by a local artist were also sold and contributed to the over $500 added to the scholarship fund. Sponsors also donated over $1,000 in goods for the online auction which is open until May 9.

To see pictures of the event, learn how to help raise scholarship funds for competitions like Rock Icon or to bid on items in the online auction, 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

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

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/.

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.