Veterans Welcomed at Two Open Houses

The Art Institute of New York City, selected by G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly school, held two Open House evenings for veterans on April 21 and 28. Current students who are veterans addressed the group.

The events were spearheaded by Sr. DOA Mary Ann Grillo ADA Greg Jones, with special assistance from ADA Riga Bagala.

Important topics regarding navigating the transition from deployment to college were addressed, including VA educational resources, programs of study, housing opportunities, our professional faculty, the benefits of attending school in the heart of NYC, and how we will provide veterans with emotional support and opportunities to connect with other veterans who have faced this transition already. The school plans to hold periodic Open Houses in the future.

According to Dr. David Warren, President of AiNYC and U.S. Army Lt. Colonel (Ret.), “It is both an honor and a privilege to be able to provide our veterans with the educational opportunities they deserve.”

Shown are current students/veterans Andy P. Browne, Christian Caifa and Jose Alvarado, all U.S. Army, Ryan Denmark, U.S. Marines, and Che'Jones and Kewsi Alleyne, U.S. Navy. Also, Career Service Advisor and Air Force veteran Jason Matthews.

Myles Tanaka's Official Welcome

On April 22, The Administration invited faculty, staff and students to a gallery reception officially introducing Myles Tanaka, Chair of the Graphic Design and Web Design & Interactive Media departments. A few words of welcome were said by Dean Dave Moughalian.










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Susi Graf's Film Screening

Susi invited all to "Lost in the Crowd Screening" on Thursday, June 3 at 7:00pm.

Please join her for a Sneak Preview of the documentary Lost in the Crowd at the Cantor Cinema 36 East 8 Street New York City Thursday, June 3 @ 7 pm. THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

Plans for an after-party are in the works so stay tuned!

From the Lost in the Crowd website (http://www.lostinthecrowd.net)

LOST IN THE CROWD explores both the mysterious allure
and the harsh reality of transgendered homeless youth living on the streets of New York City.

Streetlife. No place to go. Sexwork for food. No bed to sleep in the city that never sleeps.

Far away from sheltered lives there exists a subculture where young transgender outcasts celebrate a lifestyle creating their own existences and families.
Event: Lost in the Crowd Screening
What: Preview
Start Time: Thursday, June 3 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, June 3 at 11:00pm
Where: Cantor Film Center

All invited!

Tribeca Film Festival - WOW!

In one of the proudest achievments of AiNYC, we are once again working closely with the world-renown Tribeca Film Festival. Our Digital Filmmaking students shoot red carpet events, and other aspects of the festival. Footage is then posted on our website, as well as the Festival's. Department Chair Eve Okupniak is making everything possible! Alumnus Len Carter is serving as a most able Project Manager for a team of about 15 outstanding DF students. Here are pictures from Opening Night, Shrek 4.

Successful Job Fair

Under the direction of Career Services Advisor Jason Matthews, there was a well-attended Job Fair in the gallery on April 21st. Employers included Max Azria, Anthropologie, Build a Bear, and many more.

Visit to Univision

5 staff members made a trip to the New Jersey headquarters of Univision, where we were given a full tour of their modern facilities. There will be many opportunities for partnering with them in the future. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.

NY Pops Film Project

Under the leadership of Digital Filmmaking chair Eve Okupniak, the department is reaching out to become involved in the community. Students thus get the benefit of doing creative work for actual clients; the experience is invaluable for both students and the organizations.

One of the clients is the New York Pops Film Project. Instructor Susi Graf’s class, Broadcast Studio Production, will create videos which will help drive donations to the non-profit, as well as helping them in their mission to provide free education to pupils at public schools. Digital Filmmaking student Alex Dorwart is serving as the Director of the project. Three videos will be provided to NY Pops at the end of the 11 week quarter as “deliverables.”

Shown in the photo are Eve Okupniak, Susi Graf, Alex Dorwart, and Pops Education and Marketing Manager Joanne Winograd.

Blood Drive at AiNYC

On April 12, in cooperation with the New York City Blood Bank, Student Affairs conducted a blood drive in the gallery. Student Support & Disability Coordinator Laurie Vesalo was in charge. 14 donors participated, some donating blood, others platelets. Shown along with Laurie are Joe Pirrello, Director of Student Affairs, and student David Carmichael.