Welcome to the Ai New York City Community Blog!

Keeping you informed about events and people in the Ai New York City Community.

Friday, December 21, 2012

AND THE AWARDS JUST KEEP ON COMING!


The finished product!


Isabel Kennedy, Alicia Calderon, Sharon Gardell, Vernola Brooks, Lisa Samuelsson and Juan Russo


Cathy Hobbs (4th from left)  presenting check to group-Tory Jones is at right

Alicia Calderon and Isabel Kennedy.  Anthony Caradonna in background (left)
Ten Ai New York City Interior Design Students under the direction of instructor Tory Jones and Interior Design Department Chair Anthony Caradonna recently competed in a design competition sponsored by the Sofitel hotel chain.  Contestants submitted their sketches for a chic holiday design to grace the Manhattan property's lobby.  Ai New York City was selected for their winning design!   Students were given $13,500 budget to create the design (in the campus' Gallery annex outside Career Services), which they did entirely from the ground up!

On December 6, our students were honored by the hotel at the unveiling of their finished work.  Cathy Hobbs from HGTV's "Design Star" and former "Real Houswives of New York City" celebrity Jill Zarin of Zarin Fabrics were present at the celebration.  Ms. Hobbs presented the group with a large check for their efforts! 

The Sofitel is located at 45 West 44th Street in Midtown Manhattan.  If you are in the area next week, check it out!

Check out the photos above! 

Our congratulations go out to:

Isabel Kennedy
Brian DiPaolo
Sharon Gardell
Lisa Samuelsson
Rochelle Daire
David Williams
Alicia Calderon
Jessica Willias
Vernola Brooks
Juan Russo
Tory Jones (Ai New York City Faculty)
Anthony Caradonna (Department Chair) 

We are all very proud!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

LAST WEEK FOR "MARROW IN THE MARROWS" SHOW

Ai New York City faculty Zachary Fabri's first solo show "Marrow In the Marrows" will be closing tomorrow, December 14, 2012.  The show is at Third Streaming Gallery, located at 10 Greene Street, 2nd Floor in Manhattan.  If you haven't seen it yet ... you have this evening until 6 p.m. and from noon to 6 p.m. tomorrow.  An Art Papers review of the show appears below:

"ZACHARY FABRI

NEW YORK - Marrow in the Morrows - September 13-November 9, 2012 is the first U.S.solo offering from Zachary Fabri on view at Third Streaming. At the forefront of the works are questions of history and place as it relates to the black social and political body. In a series of photographic, video, and performance-based works, Fabri addresses gesture, space, and time in a series of both public and intimate displays of signs and symbols of black consciousness. By moving through the work from text to body to symbol, Fabri creates a system by which the viewer can access these ideas in a progressively more complex and personal way.

Upon entering the gallery, one sees a set of text-based pieces. The words "The Political Destiny of the Colored Race on the American Continent" are displayed in the print edition titled lorem ipsum Martin Delany 1854, 2012.The quotation of Delany is a nod to the theoretical roots that predate Marcus Garvey.One could think of this work as prototypes of black nationalism re-presented in a slick contemporary forma t, a nee-broadside resem­ bling advertising by American Apparel or some other chic brand fused with the history of black consciousness. The term "lorem ipsum" is a reference to placeholder text used by graphic designers. This ironic shift in the presentation of these ideas offers an opportunity toques­ tion their validity in a contemporary world. One cannot help but think of the larger status of these ideas beyond an advertising/design context. Are they simply place­ holders for what has gone before, or will black national­ istic ideas continue to generate meaning in a post­ Obama America?

Issues of economy and commerce are explored in the short video The Big Payback, 2009.This short vignette is a snapshot of street vendors on the iconic 125th Street in Harlem, New York.Fabri's camera captures a moment wherein two men are dancing to James Brown's The Payback. Superimposed over their moment of revelry are words that follow the graphical look of the Martin Delany poster. The words Buy Black People are rephrased into different contexts, eventually stating Bye-Bye Black People. What starts out as a prescription of economic soildarity gives way to the reality of gentrification as well as the fragile status of black economies in New York City, in which a participation in the wider economy is at best basic. These are street vendors who are actually not sell­ ing anything. They are participating fully in a joyful moment of black self-determination (a nationalist flag,a James Brown song, a pro Robert Mugabe poster. and I even spot a bean pie among the vendors wares).But one cannot help but be overwhelmed even without the text that Fabri provides that this scene exists in an economy of lack.

How can one "Buy Black" and still account for the multiplicities of lack? On one hand there is a very real black president,but with the upcomingelection looming, we are forced to ask if a Black president is a subject for a future reality, or will the past four years become a fetishistic memory. Even if the latter is true, how do we reconcile a position of such absolute power and prestige with day-to-day struggles of unemployment and under­ employment in communities of color? Fabri inserts into this narrative an investigation of our shared fascination with the speculations of black presidents. In the photo­ graphic works Aureola Dennis Haysbert, 2012, and Aureola Richard Pryor, 2012, we are presented with a re-presentation of a representation. These photos are all snapped from computer screens, using an external light source that partially obscures each image taken from a film or television source. Beyond their original media context, these pieces allude to Buy Black in that Fabri is for all intents and purposes bootlegging the source mate­rial. These "bootleg" presidents exist in the popular imagination and never have to contend with Birthers, the Tea Party, or a Republican congress. They are simulta­neously hyper-political and apoliticaL It is unfortunate that more pieces from thsi series could not be displayed, as it seems that the various source materials create a very interesting dialogue.

Much more personal, but by no means out of place are a series of nine photographs titled Futon, Nine Events, 2006/2012.These photos ride the line between a photographic narra tive and performance documentation. In the photos,Fabriis in varying states of interaction with a futon mattress in an apartment. tn the context of the other works in the show, one cannot help but read into the ethereal, barely visible bodies as a dwindling subject, both out of focus and unfixed. This piece relates to the photo series next to it, An Apparent Wind, 2006/2012,a series of five photographs of a black flag blowing by a window.The photos were taken in Budapest as a gesture of mourning for a political figure. The black flag blowing in the breeze operates both as a symbol of mourningand as a political call to action. Is this the black flag of anar­ chy? Mourning? Blackness? Are these symbols of mourn­ ing for the bodies in the Nine Events photos? Fabri's Hungarian/Jamaican background complicates the posi­ tion one occupies in relation to these symbols. His concern is less about a specific path for black conscious­ ness to take than it is about continuing the dialogue beyond the bounds of the current political moment. The work is neither pre.scriplive, nor prophetic, but what is offered is a meditation that becomes increasingly complex and personal in relation to the twofold meaning of the show's title. "Marrow" refers to bone marrow, the sluff of blood and its symbolic attachment to the black folks (i.e. the one drop rule) while "Morrows" is a refer­ ence to an unspecified future."

-Wayne Hodge

INSIDE FRONT COVER:Zachary Fabri.Aureola Richard Pryor. 2012, pigment pnnt,35 x 54 inches I ABOVE,LEFT TO RIGHT:Zachary Fabri,lorem tpsum Martm Delaney 1854, 2012,instal­lation.40 x 40 inches; Zachary Fabri still from video The Big Payback, 2009, single channelvideo (images courtesy of the artist and Third Streaming,New York)

ART PAPERS (p. 58) Future Antenor


Zachary is also exhibiting in three other shows in New York, and Houston, Texas:
Congratulations Zachary! 

Monday, December 10, 2012

OPEN STUDIO AND HOLIDAY SALE THIS WEEKEND

Ai New York City faculty member SuZen will be hosting an Open Studio/Holiday Sale this Saturday and Sunday, December 15 and 16 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. (or by appointment).  The show and sale will be held at the Westbeth artists' building, 55 Bethune Street (#D816) in Manhattan.  Westbeth is one block south of West 12th Street on the corner of Washington Street. 

SuZen will be showing new, never before seen photographs and friends will be exhibiting jewelry, books, artwear, scarves and t-shirts. Refreshments will be served. A portion of the sales will go to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy.

So what are you waiting for?  Time to cross off a few more names on that holiday list, view some great art and help victims of Sandy at the same time ... a winning combination!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

BASECREATE BAZAAR THIS THURSDAY & FRIDAY!

Ai New York City faculty member Trina Morris couldn't be more pleased and excited for her FM220 students who created their own fantasy (in-class) public relations and special-events firm called Press Play, which is comprised of three teams: Event Production, Visuals/Merchandising and Public Relations. 

The Ai New York City students making up the aforementioned three teams are: 
  • Public Relations Team Ashley Luiso, Iris Caldwell, Silvia Chan Wan Yi, Quisha Joacin, Myesha Banks and Liz Jimenez.
  • Event Production Team
    Magdala Casimir, Shirley Salvi, Dorothy Cineus, Jacqueline Farrara and Kaya Glenn. 
  • Visual Merchandising Team
    Jessica Faria, Dikesh Webster, Victoria Abercrombie, Naomi Fell, Michal Guzman and
    Valaria Willis. 
Trina let her students run with the project and everyone will see the fruits of their labors "BaseCreate-The AiNYC Holiday Bazaar" in the Ai New York City Gallery starting this Thursday, December 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and concludes on Friday, December 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

The Bazaar will feature unique student/faculty-made gifts, music and treats from their corporate sponsor, Panera Bread; pitched and confirmed by the class' student production team!  Students who participated in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week will also be in the spotlight at this event.  The students incorporated social media into their event planning and you can view the profiles on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and Google Plus.

The students are also reaching out to those in our community who were affected by Hurricane Sandy and are accepting donations of NEW toiletries, diapers, baby wipes, infant/toddler clothes, towels, warm clothing as well as non-perishable food and canned goods. 

Trina Morris said "I am honored to be teaching this PR and Special Events class.  My students learn key principles and techniques that are meaningful to their professional development.  They can reference and apply them during internships, and well into their desired careers.  This special event, BaseCreate Holiday Bazaar, is indeed a reflection of how creative, collective and promising AiNYC students are.  I'm super proud of them!"  "... I'm telling you, these students are ON IT!!  They make my heart go pitter-pat! ..."

Please support their efforts and check out the Bazaar this Thursday and/or Friday!  The Bazaar is open to all and purchases made at the bazaar are cash only.

Congratulations to all who made this event possible ... you all worked so hard and we are all very proud of you!

Friday, November 30, 2012

PORTFOLIO SHOWS ALMOST HERE - TAKE A PEEK!


AI NEW YORK CITY PORTFOLIO SHOW SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

MONDAY, December 10, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM
Video Production, Digital Filmmaking Screening
The Producers Club
358 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036


TUESDAY, December 11, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media
The Art Institute of New York City Gallery
11 Beach St., New York, NY 10013


WEDNESDAY, December 12, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Interior Design
The Art Institute of New York City Gallery
11 Beach St., New York, NY 10013


THURSDAY, December 13, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising & Marketing
The Art Institute of New York City Gallery
11 Beach St., New York, NY 10013


The future is here and you can have a front row seat. Come see what pure creativity looks like.


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW & RSVP HERE:

AiPortfolioShow.com/NewYork


For more information, please contact:
Helen Kogan, Director of Career Services
hekogan@aii.edu
212.625.6006


SHOWING GRADUATE PORTFOLIOS FROM:

DESIGN ~ MEDIA ARTS ~ FASHION

'BAZAAR HAPPENINGS' IN THE GALLERY!

Ai New York City students taking the Event Planning class taught by faculty member Trina Morris are making the finishing touches on the BaseCreate AiNYC Holiday Bazaar scheduled in the Ai New York City Gallery.  The event will take place on Thursday, December 6 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday, December 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Students were given a budget and asked to coordinate and plan the event as a group project.  They will learn marketing/promotion, teamwork, working within a budget.  This first-ever event will feature creative designs and unique holiday gift ideas from Ai New York City students and faculty.  There will be a DJ on hand to provide "mood" music and some treats to munch on while you shop.

The student team for "Base Create: The AiNYC Holiday Bazaar" consists of Ashley Luiso, Iris Caldwell, Silvia Chan Wan Yi, Quisha Joacin, Myesha Banks and Liz Jimenez.

Here is your chance to purchase some creative gifts with "wow" factor to please even the pickiest person on your holiday lists; not to mention help our students with this class project.  The planners of the BaseCreate Bazaar will also be taking Students of Sandy (S.O.S.) donations from those who wish to donate. 

So what are you waiting for?  Dust off those holiday lists and come out to support our students!  See you there! 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

ZACHARY FABRI PERFORMANCE TONIGHT!



Please join Ai New York City faculty member Zachary Fabri this evening (11/13) from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Third Streaming Gallery for a performance of "The Return of Fantastic Magic Light: Post-Election Consequence".  The performance is in conjunction with Zachary's current solo exhibition entitled "Marrow in the Marrows", which will be on view until December 14.  This performance seeks to understand the consequences of post-election life, through audio text and movement and themes in the performance, making it truly an "event-responsive" work. 

The Third Streaming Gallery is located at 10 Greene Street (off Canal Street), second floor and there is a suggested donation of $10 to see the show.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, please visit Third Streaming's website at http://thirdstreaming.com/calendar/66-the-return-of-fantastic-magic-light-post-election-consequence

Come and see the show!

Monday, November 12, 2012

AI NEW YORK CITY ALUM PREMIERS DOCUMENTARY

Ai New York City Digital Filmmaking alumnus Phil Swift has been hard at work finishing his documentary "The Bubble", which will premier in Akron, Ohio on December 28.  "The Bubble" is a documentary film on the town of Celebration, Florida created by the Disney Co. for Disney employees. The experience living in the town was supposed to mimic the experience of living in Disneyland itself. Phil's film uncovers the facade to reveal the fragile and honest underbelly of it's residents.  "The Bubble" has had a screening at Pixar Studios already.

Congratulations to Phil on this achievement!




STUDENTS OF SANDY - HELP US HELP THEM

Many of our students have had their lives turned upside down by Hurricane Sandy and have lost homes, class supplies and other belongings.  As a result of this, Ai New York City faculty member Denise Lacen has organized SOS (Students of Sandy) to support those students who were severely impacted by the storm. 

The S.O.S. Committee will be collecting blankets, NEW toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.), diapers, baby wipes, infant/toddler clothes, canned and non-perishable food, towels and warm clothes.  Those wishing to contribute may drop off items in the Gallery on the following dates/times:

  • Monday, November 12 - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 15 - 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, November 19 - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Monday, November 26 - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 29 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you wish to contribute but cannot make any of the above times, you may drop off items with an Academic Advisor, Department Chair, Katie Nekiunas, Dean Joe Pirrello or Dean Dave Moughalian. 

For those students who have lost school supplies (hard drives, supply kits, etc.)  in the storm, The Art Institutes/EDMC is donating $30,000 in school supplies to assist these individuals.  Impacted students will be asked to fill out an application which is available through all S.O.S. Committee members listed above or Ai New York City faculty members Denise Lacen and Amy Sinclair.

Thank you to Denise Lacen who got the ball rolling!

Please help us help them!  Donate today!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

AI NEW YORK CITY FASHION DEPARTMENT ROCKS!

Just off the heels of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the Ai New York City fashion department has yet another faux feather to add to their cap!  Ai New York City Fashion Design student Joshuan Aponte has been selected as a finalist in the eighth annual Cool vs. Cruel Fashion Design Competition.  Joshuan is one of 19 finalists from across North America who will compete in the fur-free design competition sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.  The competition challenges Art Institutes' fashion students to creatively reinterpret and replace animal fur on runway designs by Marc Jacobs, J. Mendel, BCBGMAXAZARIA and Jean-Paul Gaultier.  Joshuan's design is inspired by a Jean-Paul Gaultier cocktail dress with a fur bottom.  He replaced the fur with fraying the bottom of the dress with a wire brush.  Click on the link below to see photos of Joshuan and his design https://www.facebook.com/HSUSFurFree

If selected as a national grand prize winner, Joshuan will receive an all expense-paid, week-long internship in New York City with a celebrated designer from the panel of judges. 

Congratulations to Joshuan, Amanda Lovell, Fashion Department Chair, Vikki Nulman, Assistant Fashion Department Chair and all of our fabulous fashion faculty!

All of our best wishes go with Joshuan ... good luck!

Friday, October 26, 2012

DOES YOUR CAMERA KNOW MORE THAN YOU?



If the answer is 'yes' to this question or you would like to learn new digital photography skills, all are welcome to register for a digital photo class and walking tour conducted by Ai New York City faculty member SuZen.  The workshop will cover composition tips as well as learning how your digital single reflex or point-and-shoot camera work so you can take great photos.  After the lesson, participants will get to use their new-found skills on a walking tour.  The class and walking tour will take place this Sunday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  There is a special half-price offer of $49 for one person and $89 for two people. 

To register for the class click on http://suzennyc.eventbrite.com or e-mail SuZen at suzennyc.gmail.com.  Register today!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

AI NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY BAZAAR UPDATE!

As mentioned in an earlier post, Ai New York City's event planning class (taught by Fashion Design faculty member Trina Morris) is currently hard at work, making preparations for their "Base Create:  The AiNYC Holiday Bazaar".  The blog has learned that there have been some new developments to these preparations and the Bazaar is shaping up to be a fun-filled exciting event for all!

"Base Create:  The AiNYC Holiday Bazaar" will be held in the Ai New York City Gallery on Thursday, December 6 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. and again on Friday December 7th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.   We've been informed that the students have set up their own "Base Create:  The AiNYC Holiday Bazaar" Twitter, Instagram (both are Base_Create) and Blog (BaseCreatePR) sites. In addition to offering unique accessories and outerwear for purchase, there will be plenty of music and refreshments while you shop.   

So what are you waiting for?  Start making your holiday shopping lists and mark your calendars for December 6-7 for "Base Create:  The AiNYC Holiday Bazaar"!  Not only will you whittle down that shopping list, you will be helping our students learn valuable business and event planning skills! 

Stay tuned! 

Monday, October 15, 2012

AI NEW YORK CITY EVENT PLANNING CLASS TO HOST HOLIDAY BAZAAR



Ai New York City's Fashion Design Instructor Trina Morris and her public relations/event planning class are hard at work preparing "Base Create: The AiNYC Holiday Bazaar" to be held on Thursday, December 6 and Friday, December 7 in Ai New York City's Gallery space.  The students will be organizing and promoting the event on their own and gain real-life experience that will help them with organizational skills, promotion as well as working within a team. 

The student team for "Base Create: The AiNYC Holiday Bazaar" consists of Ashley Luiso, Iris Caldwell, Silvia Chan Wan Yi, Quisha Joacin, Myesha Banks and Liz Jimenez.  To promote the event the team will be using multiple media sites such as Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Google as well as the Ai New York City Community Blog. 

Good luck everyone!  We all look forward to the bazaar and sharing in your success! 

Stay tuned for more updates!  

CAREER SERVICES WEEK KICKS OFF WITH JOB FAIR!

The Ai New York City Career Services Team will be hosting a series of lunchtime seminars from Monday October 22 through Friday, October 27 as part of Ai New York City's Career Services Week.  These events are open to all Ai New York City students and will be held in the first floor Gallery. 

The week will kick off with a job fair/hiring event on Monday, October 22 from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. featuring representatives from Armani Exchange (A/X), Sunglass hut, TD Bank and more!  If you need your resume fine-tuned or have any other questions about the job fair, please contact Trent Rhodes, Student Employment Advisor at 212-625-6036 or e-mail him at trhodes@aii.edu

Stay tuned to the Ai New York City Community Blog for the full Career Services Week schedule! 

Monday, September 24, 2012

ART SHOWS ABOUND!

In addition to Ai New York City Graphic Design/Web Design instructor Zachary Fabri's first United States solo show "Marrow in the Morrows" at Third Streaming Gallery posted earlier this month(http://www.thirdstreaming.com/calendar/55-zachary-fabri), Mr. Fabri has been very busy participating in a number of projects as one can see below!

REAL ART WAYS - SOLO EXHIBITION, HARTFORD, CT
Zachary has another solo exhibition at Real Art Ways in Hartford, Connecticut featuring a new installation work created for Real Art Ways.  The exhibition runs now through November 4, 2012 and the Gallery is located at 56 Harbor St. in Hartford, CT (http://www.realartways.org/visualarts.htm#fabri).

DISCUSSION AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK, NY
He will also be participating in a discussion with Elia Alba and curator Rocio Aranda-Alvarado from El Museo del Barrio in which they will explore works from the Metropolitan Museum of Art that have inspired them.  The Conversation will begin in the Met's galleries and continue in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education.   This will all take place on Saturday, September 29 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. beginning in Gallery 534 (Velez Blanco Patio). The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located at 1000 Fifth Ave. (81st St.), New York, NY 10028 http://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs .

"CHOSEN" - GROUP EXHIBITION, NEW YORK, NY
Zachary also has been selected to participate in "Chosen" a group exhibition at the Artgate Gallery in New York City.  The exhibition will run from October 4 through November 10 with an opening reception on October 4 from 6-8 p.m. The exhibition features the work of 14 artists who were selected by a panel of eight internationally acclaimed artists.  The artists work in a variety of mediums but the majority of the works included in the exhibition are drawings as the drawings play a significant role in the process and purposes of each artist's production.  The Artgate gallery is located at 520 West 27th St., Suite 101, New York, NY 10001 www.artgateny.com

"A MOVEMENT IN TIME: ALPHABET CITY" PERFORMANCES - NEW YORK, NY
Another exhibition is entitled "A Movement in Time: Alphabet City" which is a new outdoor performance Zachary has created for "Art in Odd Places 2012: Model".  The first performance will take place on Friday, October 5 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a second performance on Saturday, October 13 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.  This performance will consist of a performative sequence of body movements and monologues that will take place along 14th Street between Avenues B and C in Manhattan.  These sequences will be inspired by the physical movement of pedestrians in Alphabet City.  Zachary outlines "responding to the site-specific cultural traditions, political history and social environment, the performance summons the narratives of early hip-hop culture.  http://www.artinoddplaces.org/artist.php?subj=202

"FORE" - GROUP FILM INSTALLATION, STUDIO MUSEUM, NEW YORK, NY
Last (but certainly not least) Zachary will be participating in "Fore", a group exhibition at The Studio Museum in Harlem, which will run from November 8, 2012 through March 10, 2013.  The exhibition will feature a non-thematic group presentation reflecting a multitude of ideas, approaches and processes.  This installation will feature 29 emerging artists of African descent living and working in the United States.  The Studio Museum in Harlem is located at 144 West 125th St., New York, NY 10027.  http://www.studiomuseum.org/exhibition/fore

All are welcome to attend any or all events! 

Congratulations Zachary, well done!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

ALPHA CHANNEL SCREENING

Check out photos and a great big thank you from Ai New York City Digital Filmmaking Department Chair Eve Okupniak for those who participated in last evening's Alpha Channel screening


There will be a screening for faculty/staff on Friday evening September 21.  Click on the above link for tickets/details. 


NEED A PART-TIME JOB? COME TO THE FAIR!

Career Services is sponsoring a part-time job fair on Wednesday, October 10th from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. in the Gallery.   Human Resource representatives from retailers such as Best Buy, Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Sunglass Hut, HMG and more will be on hand.  

If you have any questions or need resume assistance please contact Trent Rhodes, Student Employment Advisor at 212-625-6036 or e-mail him at trhodes@aii.edu

So what are you waiting for?  Mark your calendars today and come to the fair!



A WINE WRITER IN ITALY!

In addition to being one of Ai New York City's excellent Gen Ed instructors, did you know that John Bandman is also a freelance wine writer, wine educator and a certified sommelier? 

His contributions to the appreciation of fine wine has won him an all-expenses paid trip to Italy by the Consorzio of Italian Wines.  He will be joined there by other wine notaries who have contributed to the wine world.  The regions he will be touring will include Barolo, Barbaresco, Asti, Alba (of the Piemonte region) as well as Collio. 

John is pictured here with Mary Ewing-Mulligan and Ed McCarthy (authors of the "Wine For Dummies" series) and Max Gancia, proprietor and 5th generation owner of Asti Grancia wine. 


Left to right:  John Bandman, Mary Ewing-Mulligan, Ed McCarthy and Max Grancia

Congratulations on being selected for such a wonderful opportunity!  Cheers!

Monday, September 17, 2012

ANOTHER OPENING - ANOTHER SHOW!

When Ai New York City's faculty/department chairs aren't inspiring students to Create Tomorrow, they are creating tomorrow themselves!   Check out the links below which describe two art shows and one art gallery opening:

  • Ai New York City Graphic Design faculty member Krista Svalbonas has a show entitled "Penumbra Installation" currently on view at Gravy Studio & Gallery in Philadelphia.  The show straddles the line between painting and photography, examining both forms in an urban landscape.  A link to an article appears below:

    http://www.knightarts.org/community/philadelphia/krista-svalbonas-at-gravy

  • Ai New York City Interior Design Department Chair Anthony Caradonna opened a new Gallery at the Highline last week with an exhibition of work by the artist Marc C. Parsons entitled "Contemporary Archaeology" which runs from now until October 26.  The Gallery is named Opus Project Space and is located at 526 West 26th Street, Suite 705.  For more information on the gallery click on the link below:

    www.opusprojectspace.com

  • Ai New York City Graphic Design faculty members Simona Prives and Amy Sinclair collaborated with Ai New York City Graphic Design graduates Sophie Cooke, Jeff Kasper and Andy Browne on "Caught Mapping" which was at PS Art Space on West 26th Street.  The show ran from September 6 through September 15. 

    http://www.artcat.com/exhibits/17892 

 Congratulations to all on your achievements!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Ai NEW YORK CITY FASHION DESIGNERS ON CBS' "THE COUCH"

Three of Ai New York City's Fashion Design students/graduates, along with their instructor Scott French appeared on CBS/Channel 2's morning show "The Couch" earlier this morning (September 12).  Joshuan Aponte, Nelson Tavarez and Gita Omri were featured along with several of their looks that rocked the catwalk at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on Thursday September 6.  Congratulations to all! 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Ai NEW YORK CITY INSTRUCTOR IN FIRST SOLO SHOW

Zachary Fabri, Ai New York City Graphic Design/Web Design Interactive Media instructor will be having his first solo exhibition at Third Streaming Gallery in Soho.  The exhibition entitled "Marrow in the Morrows" and will feature new and recent work, incorporating video, photography and text-based prints along with several evenings of performance.  The artist interrogates power structures and current forms of political oppression, particularly as they affect people of color.  Zachary's sources of inspiration come from pop culture, advertising/media, the history of art, dance and performance.  Zachary then injects these foundations with elegant, absurd and/or humorous sensibilities to critique the idiosyncracies of daily life. 

The exhibition runs from Thursday, September 13 through November 9 2012 and the opening reception will be Wednesday, September 12 from 6-8 p.m. at Third Streaming, 10 Greene St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013.  A schedule of performances/talks appears below:

Thursday, October 11 2012; 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. First Performance - Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 11, 2012; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Zachary Fabri in Conversation with
   Adrienne Edwards
Tuesday, October 30, 2012; 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Final Performance - Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit http://thirdstreaming.com/.  All are invited!

Monday, September 10, 2012

CANVAS ARTIST SERIES CONTEST

CANVAS ARTIST SERIES CONTEST
WIN A $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP!

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and Canvas Wines, inspired by a love for fine art, wish to inspire others to share their passion of art and wine with the Canvas Artist Series.  Hyatt welcomes art students to submit their artistic interpretation of the varietal characteristics of Canvas Wines.

One winner for each varietal wine will receive a $5,000 scholarship and may have their artwork featured as a label on a special bottling of Canvas Wines.

SUBMIT YOUR LABEL ART
The contest will be open for submissions September 10 - November 9, 2012.

Art students from an accredited art school or program may create an original artistic representation of the varietal characteristics of the three main Canvas Wines:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot using original artwork. 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON:  Cedar, tobacco, rich dark fruit, and hints of oak and spice.

CHARDONNAY:  Pure fruit and toasty oak.

MERLOT:  Pure fruit, toasty spice and rich, ripe tannins

SELECTION OF FINALISTS AND GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
Three finalists will be chosen for each varietal wine and featured on the Canvas Wines website for visitors to view and vote for!  Three grand prize winners will be chosen, one for each varietal artwork, based on a combination of the public voting and other criteria.

Each of the three grand prize winners will wine a $5,000 scholarship from Hyatt and have their artwork featured on a special bottling of Canvas Wines, featured exclusively at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in the U.S. Canada and the Caribbean.

For more information and full contest rules, visit

NOT AN AI NEW YORK CITY-SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIP

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Begins on 9/10/12 and ends on 11/9/12. Open to legal residents of any 1 of the 50 U.S. states or D.C., who are at least 18 years old and the age of majority in their primary state of residence at the time of entry and who are full time students in an accredited post secondary art program or at an art academy in any 1 of the 50 U.S. states or D.C.. Void where prohibited by law. SUBJECT TO FULL OFFICIAL RULES available at www.canvasartistseries.com. There will be 2
Rounds of judging to select the Grand Prize winners. Artwork only will be judged as follows in the 1st round: (1) Originality of creative interpretation of the Varietal Characteristics of Canvas Wines:


Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay or Merlot (75%); Canvas Pinot Grigio is not a varietal included in the general competition for the Canvas Artist Series Contest; and (2) How well Entry invokes and inspires the Canvas brand (25%). Based on these criteria, 9 finalists (3 per varietal) will advance to the 2nd round. Finalist entries will be judged as follows in the 2nd round: (1) On-line vote (20%); (2) originality of creative interpretation (as detailed for 1st round judging criteria) (50%); and (3) Originality and appeal of Finalist’s written description of his or her Artwork inspiration and career aspirations (30%). 1 Finalist per varietal category will be selected as a Grand Prize Winner. See full Official Rules for judging/voting process and prize details. ARV of each Grand Prize: $5000. Except where prohibited by law, each Finalist and Grand Prize winner must be willing to undergo a background check and participate in phone interview(s), photo shoot(s), meeting(s) and/or public appearance(s) to qualify to receive the Grand Prize. Limit 1 entry per person and per email address. Sponsor: Hyatt Corporation: 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

ROCKING THE CATWALK AT MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK

Twelve Ai New York City fashion design students and graduates received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show their work at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on Thursday, September 6 to a packed crowd of onlookers!  Supervised by Fashion Design Department Chair Amanda Lovell and Assistant Fashion Design Department Chair Vikki Nulman, the show was a knockout thanks to the direction of Ai New York City Fashion Design instructor Scott French.  This is a huge opportunity for these students and we all are very proud of the work that you have done.  Department Chair Amanda Lovell commented "...
They [the students] all truly pulled through and delivered fantastic garments for a wonderful show.  Unlike some of our competitor schools, each of our students sewed their garments BY THEMSELVES (with guidance from our faculty of course).... and I thought the quality of the garments and the show was fantastic ..."  The reviews from the newsmedia that were covering the show were very positive - calling the designs "fresh", "provocative", "profound" as well as "great combinations of colors, fabrics, accessories". 

Congratulations to all of those who created the designs that rocked the catwalk:  Joshuan Aponte, Mariana Lopez, Nelson Tavarez, Gita Omri, Kayla Lael, Danni Xu, Jet Black, Isaiah Clemmons, Liusina Victoria, Wendy Calderon, Mark Walters, Jeri-Lee Prescod-Alexander.  Congratulations are also in order to the Fashion Design/Fashion Merchandising & Marketing faculty, and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this happen!  Ai New York City President Tad Graham-Handley said it best:   

"I state here for the record that this city isn't big enough to hold the pride I feel in our Fashion Department leadership, our outstanding Fashion Faculty and especially our brillian students and graduates.  That's Ai New York City Pride!" 

Photos of the show are coming soon so stay tuned!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

A NEW FACE AT 67 LIVINGSTON STREET

Cindy Cabral has recently joined the Ai New York City Student Services/Housing team as a Resident Life Coordinator.  She will be working out of the 67 Livingston Street residence, where she also resides. 

She is a graduate of St. John's University with a Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management and a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies.  She has worked as a Resident Assistant for three years and has worked with the New Student Orientation program for four years where she gained her passion for working within higher education. 

She is very excited to be the newest member of Ai New York City and looks forward to meeting/working with everyone.

Please welcome Cindy to the Ai New York City family!




Thursday, July 12, 2012

A BEAUTY NAMED SOOSAN JOON

Ai New York City faculty member, artist and graphic designer Soosan Joon Silanee recently was featured in an interview for a recent issue of A&H Magazine.  Written by Corey Knight, the series of articles entitled "A Beauty Named ...".  feature women who the author believes are stylish, interesting and talented in their own individual ways.  Check out the link below! 

http://aandhmag.com/a-beauty-named-soosan-joon/

Thursday, June 21, 2012

MARVEL COMICS' DANNY FINGEROTH KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT AI NEW YORK CITY GRADUATION

Danny Fingeroth, long time Marvel Comics editor and writer was on hand to address happy graduates, parents and friends at Ai New York City's graduation ceremony held on June 18 at Borough of Manhattan Community College.  His keynote address appears below:

Commencement address
June 18, 2012
Art Institute of New York City
Danny Fingeroth
[Copyright 2012 Danny Fingeroth]


 
President Handley, Dean Moughalian, Faculty and Graduates:

 
Thank you for inviting me to address you today. Congratulations to all of today’s graduates.

Let me give you a roadmap of my talk. It’s going to consist of some observations, some advice…
…and a driving lesson. I’ll explain as we go along.

At the risk of being redundant with the complimentary introduction I was given, I’ll tell you that I spent twenty years writing and editing superhero comics, mostly for Marvel. That was the company that nearly went out of business until Stan Lee [who, even if you’re not a comics fan, you may know him from things like the “Who Wants to Be a Superhero?” series]. Lee and his creative collaborators, especially a couple of guys named Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, used the commercial writing and drawing skills they’d been cultivating for years, and, pretty much off the tops of their heads, came up with The X-Men, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Spider-Man, The Avengers—you’ve heard of that?—and countless other characters. Maybe you’ve heard of them. Stan, Jack, Steve and the rest were professionals doing a job, hitting a deadline, earning a paycheck. In the course of doing that, they ended up inventing characters and concepts that changed the worlds of entertainment and storytelling—and even fashion, as the super-popular Superheroes and Fashion exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum a few years ago demonstrated.

In the comics business, I learned about telling stories, which is something that many of you will be engaged in, in one way or another--taking a message from a client and helping them tell their story. I ran the Spider-Man line of Comics. (Spider-Man was such a popular character that he, in effect, had a sub-company of his own within Marvel.) I learned, as Spider-Man did, that with great power there must also come great responsibility. Great responsibility also comes with not so great power, actually. I learned that doing the right thing is the most important thing no matter how many people may try to get you to compromise. I also learned that “Hulk is strongest one there is,” although I’m not sure how much good that knowledge has done me.

You could really say, since I was a comics fanatic as a kid, that “Everything I need to know, I learned from superheroes.” Hmm. If nobody’s written that book—I should get moving on it. Don’t leak the idea to anybody, okay? But today I’d like to pass down some of that radioactive spider-bite-based wisdom down…

But here’s the thing: The problem with advice or wisdom or insight, or whatever you want to call it, is that it’s only appreciated in hindsight. A professor of mine—filmmaker Larry Gottheim—used to say that, “When you hear the words that will change your life, they’ll be words you’ve heard a thousand times before.” We all learn the lessons of life. They’re mostly things we know by the time we’re ten, really. We differ in when we’re ready to understand them. No doubt there are a bunch I’m still waiting to be ready for. But if we’re lucky, perhaps I can help speed the process up a little bit for you.

People, like countries, always seem to be fighting the last war, responding to the last challenge, treating the new lover as if they were the old one. We’re on a time delay regarding our lives. Perhaps in twenty years you’ll look back on this address and say, “Boy, what a genius that Danny Fingeroth was!” Today, well, we’ll see…

Since I’ve never given a commencement address before, I thought back to the various commencement speeches I’ve attended in my life, at graduations of my own or those of friends and relatives. And I realized I couldn’t remember a single one. I couldn’t even tell you who gave them. In a way, that lets me off the hook today. The odds are you won’t remember this one, either.

I then started doing research online on memorable commencement addresses. And every one I saw or read have some things in common: A school takes a person who has some level of accomplishment in their career, put them in a funny hat, and that person stands in front of you and tells you something along the lines of:

  • You’re great.
  • You survived.
  • You’re a hero.
  • They’ll tell you they’ve had bad breaks and were able to use them to their advantage—
  • —but if you set a goal and stay dedicated to it then eventually you will succeed.

 
Well, one look at the world around you will tell you that those things are not always true. Not everybody has a goal. And not everybody who has a goal has the ability or drive to achieve that goal. Not everybody can transform bad luck into good luck. And some people are more suited to go with the flow and not have a specific goal. On the other hand, people do set goals and do achieve them, people do create success from adversity. Why NOT you?

 
So telling people to have a goal and be true to it IS good advice. Ditto for being true to yourself, following your dreams, never giving up, ignoring the naysayers. So, therefore, I say onto you: Follow your dream. Never give up. Ignore the naysayers. Buy low sell high.

 
Of course, there’s a certain level of abstraction, of non-specificity, to all that. Still, abstract concepts aside, you AiNYC graduates have done a really smart thing. You’ve set yourself a goal of acquiring actual marketable skills in Fashion, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Digital Filmmaking and Web Design. And today, you’re being recognized for achieving your goal. Now, of course, you have to figure out what your next goal will be, and the one after that, and after that. Now you go into the strange new world of media that’s being redefined by the internet. But you achieved that first goal, so as far as the next ones: Why NOT you?

 
Thanks to your studies here, you have in-demand skills that are as up to date as they can be. You learned how to do something you like, possibly even love, something that there are people willing to pay you to do.

 
Now the goal for most of you is to get into the so-called real world and have someone PAY you to use your skills. Or to start your own business using those skills. And your skills may turn out to be applicable in areas other than the ones you think they are. For instance, as I said, I’ve never given a commencement speech—as if I had to tell you—but I was offered the gig. Something about my background and my achievements convinced the powers that be here that I was the guy to speak to you. I guess President Obama and Lady Gaga had previous commitments.

 
Similar things will happen to you. You will pursue work, you will network your tail off, you will spend much time on LinkedIn and Twitter and Facebook being social—or even out in that real world I mentioned—pursuing specific people or companies or gigs—and then, out of the blue, someone you never heard of will offer you work. But it won’t really be out of the blue. Something you did that you didn’t think was important, someone you met that you didn’t think even noticed you—or who you barely noticed—that business card on your refrigerator with the question mark scrawled across it—all that will add up to you being offered a job. Many jobs. If luck is, as the saying goes, being prepared when opportunities arise, then, again, the good news, is: you’re prepared.

 
Now, before the driving lesson—you didn’t forget the driving lesson, did you?—here are some other random nuggets of wisdom—or something like it—that I’ve come up with. This all applies whether you intend to work as a freelancer/entrepreneur or as a staff person somewhere. It turns out, we’re all entrepreneurs, even if we don’t realize it. A steady job is an illusion, one that can last a reasonably long time, but ultimately, you’re in the business of you, not matter what it may say on an organizational chart.

 
First piece of advice: marry somebody wealthy. Recently, your options for that have doubled.

If you can’t do that—or even if you can—here are some more pointers:

 
  • Treat everyone well and take people (and the advice they offer) seriously. Your grandparents for instance. They may not have a clue what html is, but they’ve seen and done stuff. They can offer insights on things you may have thought they knew nothing about.
     
  • But I’m also talking about interns, assistants, the mailroom staff—everybody. Aside from it being the right thing to do, that intern may be in a position to offer you work one day. He or she will remember who treated then well—and who didn’t. Maybe you’ve even been that intern or assistant.
     
  • Next: always take on more than you can do. You’d be surprised how much you can do.
     
  • Also: don’t assume that successful people have no time or interest in talking to you. Many of them, especially those who aren’t celebrities, are eager to meet enthusiastic people who are interested in them and what they do. Short of George Lucas or Steve Spielberg, you can probably meet anyone you want to, so long as you don’t seem insane or dangerous. Which brings me to my next point:
     
  • Don’t seem insane or dangerous. The exception is when it may be to your benefit to seem insane or dangerous. But you have to be very sane to pull that off. 
     
  • Next point: Never stop learning, whether it’s formally in school or through your own reading and research.
       
  • Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. That’s not to say you shouldn’t give everything your full effort. But at a certain point, especially if you have a deadline, you have to declare something finished and move on to the next thing. That’s how you get better. As with invention of Spider-Man and The X-Men, it’s not unlikely that something you do casually for a deadline without overthinking it may end up being regarded as your finest work.

  So that’s some wisdom, or something like it. Now, the driving lesson, even if you’re a lifelong New Yorker and never plan to learn to drive. As you may have guessed, I’m hoping it turns out to be more than just a driving lesson.

  
Let me back up a little—hey, good driving metaphor— and tell you why you’re getting a driving lesson…

  
Despite going to college in a cold, damp, rainy, part of New York State—Binghamton University —I always got around by the very limited public transportation system—the D Train does not go there—hitchhiking, or cribbing rides from friends. [By the way—don’t hitchhike! It’s crazy!] I didn’t get my driver’s license until the summer after I graduated, staying in Binghamton to avoid New York in the summer, and maybe to avoid reality for a little longer, too.

  
Anyway, as part of learning to drive, I took a class in which we were shown a movie that seemed to me to be about more than just driving. I think they may still use it. It’s called “The Smith Five-Point System of Air Cushion Driving.” While Harold L. Smith is gone, his company has an elaborate website and sells courses, books and everything else you can imagine, all elaborations on his five points. Come to thing of it, the company is a classic example of extending an idea into a brand. Anyway, Smith’s five points are:

  
  • Aim high in steering.
  • Get the Big Picture.
  • Keep your eyes moving.
  • Leave yourself an out.
  • Make sure others see you.

 Now, let’s examine those points and the life-lessons they impart…

 
POINT #1: AIM HIGH IN STEERING. Don’t just look at what’s directly in front of you. See what hazards may be down the road or coming from an unexpected direction. You can take that two ways as far as advice. Don’t navel gaze. Be aware of what’s going on around you. And if you’re one of those goal people, shoot for a goal that’s just a little higher than what you think is “realistic.”

 
POINT #2: GET THE BIG PICTURE: Maximize your awareness of everything within your field of vision. Sort of a corollary to “Aim High in Steering.” While you’re focused on your goal—short or long term—don’t forget everything else that’s going on around you. The career takeaway here is that your boss is rarely the last word, especially in the corporate world. Of course you want to please your boss, supervisor, manager, whatever. But that person has people they answer to and those people do, too. Someone with the words “vice-president” or “chief” in their job title still has levels of supervision above them. Pay attention to those other levels, so you have a chance of being prepared when—not if, when—sudden dramatic changes are afoot. That may mean you have to keep up with business news. Do it. You may even get to like it.

 
POINT #3: KEEP YOUR EYES MOVING: Don’t concentrate too long on any one part of the big picture. Keep scanning the scene in front of you as well as well as your rear-view mirrors. In life, that doesn’t mean develop ADHD. But it does mean be alert. Be aware of the people below, above, and next to you. Be aware of what’s going on in the world. A little paranoia couldn’t hurt. But only a little…

 
POINT #4: LEAVE YOURSELF AN OUT: Awareness won’t avoid all trouble. Keep asking yourself “What If?” as you drive along…and devise options to deal with various scenarios. That’s where Smith’s phrase “air cushion” comes in. For driving, he means that you should try to keep a reasonable distance between your car and other cars so you can literally have a way out. Lots of luck with that in New York. For our metaphorical purposes, it means that you can’t predict everything—and you certainly don’t want to become so concerned with possibilities that it freezes you up—but make sure that you don’t become so attached to one client or one way of doing things that you can’t improvise if and when things go nuts. And they will go nuts.

 
POINT #5: MAKE SURE OTHERS SEE YOU: Smith means this as a way to avoid accidents, use your lights, horn, and so on so that people literally see you. For our purposes: Make sure the world is aware of you. You are your own press agent and public relations firm. Make sure people know who you are and what you can do. Of course, also make sure you can follow through on what you promise. Yes, I know the quality of your work should speak for itself. But a little—or a lot—of self-promotion never hurt.

 
By the way, did I mention you can find out about my books and classes at www.dannyfingeroth.com?

 
So that’s it for the driving lesson. Maybe at dinner tonight, you will—I actually kind of hope you will—joke about the ridiculous advice you just got. But, who knows? In the weeks, months and years to come, you just might go back to Smith’s five points. Maybe you’ll even look them up online and buy some of his companies products and services. (I don’t get a dime for that plug, by the way.) Maybe in twenty years, you’ll look back on this day and say, boy, what a genius that Danny Fingeroth was, giving us those driving lessons. Well, if you do, feel free to have the chip in your brain send a message to the chip in mine to let me know.

 
But today the credit goes to you. Congratulations on sticking with it and getting your degrees! Congratulations to your families and friends who are sharing this momentous day with you! And of course: AIM HIGH IN STEERING!

 
Thank you very much.

 

Monday, June 18, 2012

EVE OKUPNIAK REVIEWS "BAT EYES" FOR THE SHORT OF THE WEEK WEBSITE

Check out Ai New York City's Digital Filmmaking Department Chair Eve Okupniak's wonderful review of the short film, "Bat Eyes" by clicking on the link below.  To view this excellent short, click on the photo above the review. 

Great job Eve!

http://www.shortoftheweek.com/2012/06/12/bat-eyes/

Friday, June 15, 2012

2010 PASSION FOR FASHION WINNER, GRADUATING

Last evening's Ai New York City portfolio review show for Fashion Design/Fashion Merchandising & Marketing marked the culmination of graduating students' hard work learning the ins and outs of Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising.  For one soon to be Ai New York City alumnus, Mariana Lopez, this all started with a winning entry in the 2010 "Passion for Fashion" scholarship competition and will be crowned with her receiving her diploma on Monday, June 18.  Pictured below with proud Ai New York City Admissions representative Rita Bagala and graduating international student Joanne Li (also one of Rita's students), all we can say is congratulations to you both on your accomplishments and to all the soon-to-be graduates.  You make us proud! 


Left to Right:  Joanne Li, Rita Bagala and Mariana Lopez


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

AI NEW YORK CITY STUDENTS GO "COSMIC"




The Principals have directed a workshop entitled “Cosmic Quilt” with students from the Art Institute of New
York City.  Over 1 week, students were instructed in the construction of a reactive architectural environment that opened to the public during New York Design Week, May 19-21.  Using a series of sensor-controlled motors and a unique system designed by The Principals, students learned to create an interactive environment which responds to visitors’ presence. “Cosmic Quilt” is composed of over 3000 pieces that work together to create fluid motion within an 8ft x 16ft x 12ft tall structure. The installation was shown at the Model Citizens NYC show, located in SoHo. 

“Cosmic Quilt” is the latest in a series of architectural installations designed and constructed by The Principals that explore the interaction between user and the built environment. “Cosmic Quilt” will be installed next at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee from June 7-10.

The project was funded through a kickstarter campaign with special support from:
Pedro Torres Picón and Phil Delion & Co.

Students who participated in the project were:
Adrienne Carducci, Wesley Fulgham, Ryan Fleming, Ryan Griffin, Jonathan Howard, Glorimer Ovalle, Morgane Palacios, Marianne Sodogandji, Sabrina Stefano and Stephanie Zeni

Their instructor at Ai New York City is Charles Constantine.

Congratulations to everyone on a fantastic job!

If you want to see this magnificent quilt in action, a link appears below:

http://vimeo.com/43079257

All Photos Credited to:
Walling McGarity Photography

Friday, June 1, 2012

PORTFOLIO SHOW IS ALMOST HERE!



The June Portfolio Shows will be held during Week 11 starting with Digital Filmmaking on Monday June 11 and concluding with Fashion Design/Fashion Merchandising & Marketing on Thursday, June 14.  With the exception of the Digital Filmmaking which will take place at the 92Y Tribeca theater (200 Hudson St.), All other departments will hold their portfolio shows at Ai New York City's Gallery.  A detailed schedule appears below:

MONDAY, JUNE 11 - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Digital Filmmaking Screening
92Y Tribeca
200 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10013

TUESDAY, JUNE 12 - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Graphic Design & Web Design/Interative Media
Ai New York City Gallery
11 Beach Street
New York, NY 10013

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Interior Design
Ai New York City Gallery
11 Beach Street
New York, NY 10013

THURSDAY, JUNE 14 - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising & Marketing
Ai New York City Gallery
11 Beach Street
New York, NY 10013

Please click on the link below to learn more about the portfolio shows and to RSVP:

AiPortfolioShow.com/New York

If anyone knows of employers who would be interested in attending any of these shows (or would like more information) please contact Helen Kogan at 212-625-6006 or e-mail her at HEKOGAN@AII.EDU  

Thursday, May 31, 2012

MAKE AN IMPACT ... SAVE THREE LIVES!

Imagine saving 3 lives!


Click on the link below to hear about one life that was saved!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd_8FFEdKZU&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

Imagine the impact you could make by saving 1, 2 or even 3 lives by giving just ONE pint at the
The Art Institute of New York City Blood Drive:

  • WHEN:             Thursday, June 7, 2012 - 10:00am-4:00pm
  • WHERE:           1st Floor Gallery
Appointments appreciated, but walk-ins are always welcome!  To make an appointment or for more details, contact katie Nekiunas at knekiunas@aii.edu .  For medical eligibility questions, call 1-800-688-0900.

Please bring ID with photo or signature. Eat well and drink fluids before you donate.

Each time you donate blood, you will receive Donor Advantage points redeemable for a wide variety of exciting gifts. For more information, visit http://www.mydonoradvantage.com/

Thanks for being a donor!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

SLATES' GAME NIGHT - ALWAYS A HIT!

Joe Pirrello, Ai New York City's Dean of Student Affairs, hosted a games night social for interested students at Slates' Billiards on 21st Street in New York on Wednesday, May 16. Gene Tolan and Paul Henkel, Ai New York City Academic Advisors also joined in the fun.  Students not only enjoyed each other's company, they also enjoyed great food and fun.  Photos appear below.  Stay tuned for more Student Affairs events!




 

Monday, May 21, 2012

CAREER SERVICES DEPARTMENT HIRING EVENT AND WEEKLY SEMINARS

Representatives from Bloomingdale's, Ricky's and Sunglass Hut will be in the Gallery on Wednesday, May 23 from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m. taking applications for employment.  If you are interested in attending this hiring event, please contact Trent Rhodes, Student Employment Advisor at 212-625-6036 or trhodes@aii.edu.  It is important that you sharpen your resumes and practice mock interviews before the event so that you are fully prepared.  If you have any questions about what to say at an interview or need help with your resume, now is a good time to contact Trent for assistance. 


ON-GOING CAREER SERVICES EVENTS:
 
Just a reminder that the Career Services Department is also hosting weekly seminars every Thursday from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in Room 732.  Even if you have taken some steps to prepare for a successful career, everyone both beginner and seasoned job-seeker can benefit from these helpful sessions.  Key topics covered are:

  • Build an effective resume
  • Enhance communication skills
  • Develop a positive interview attitude
  • Acquire quality recommendations
  • Interview etiquette

 For more information contact:
Trent Rhodes
212-625-6036

Friday, May 18, 2012

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL - IT'S A WRAP!

The Tribeca Film Festival may be done for another year but Ai New York City students who had the golden opportunity to assist Tribeca Film Festival organizers with coverage of the festival were treated last evening in the Gallery to a wrap celebration to thank them for their hard work and dedication.  Ai New York City President Tad Graham-Handley said that he was extremely proud of everyone who participated in this year's festival.  Len Carter, praised the current 2012 Tribeca Film Festival team, saying that with their professionalism and teamwork, they were raising the bar for the next class! 

Tribeca Family Festival Creative Director Peter Downing called the partnership between Ai New York City Digital Filmmaking students and the Tribeca Film Festival "a great marriage" and was pleased with their work.  A video was shown in which the students gave their perceptions of what it was like to work at the festival as well as some of the footage they shot.  For some students, this was their second time covering the festival and were prepared for what would come their way.  The students who attended last evening's celebration were given an award certificate and a copy of the video to take with them. 

For those students who were unable to attend last night's wrap party.  Your certificates and DVDs can be obtained from Stephanie Gabris on the third floor.

Photos of  last evening's party appear below: