December 2012
News from the President From the President
Mark Your Calendars
Faculty Kudos
Dec 15
Classes End
Jan 15
Classes Begin
Otis faculty members are not only talented teachers but also accomplished professional artists and designers whose work is recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally. Read about some recent achievements below:
Sustainability
“Midday Moon,” (at right) an exhibition of new work by Program Director of Photography Soo Kim, is on view at Angles Gallery through Dec. 22.
Shashi Caan will serve as Donghia Designer in Residence in March, 2013. She will teach a master class to Architecture/Landscape/Interiors students, and present a public lecture. Born in India, educated in Scotland and N.Y., Caan promotes green materials and products in her work, including “Fractalis,” the environmentally friendly architectural finishing product developed for an Italian company.
Product Design faculty member Tanya Aguinga (at right, bottom) is featured in “Craft in America: A Journey to the Artists, Origins, and Techniques of American Craft,” a PBS series. Link Holly Tempo, Associate Professor of Painting, received a 2012 PollockKrasner Foundation Grant. These grants are awarded to professional visual artists internationally, based on the dual criteria of artistic merit and financial need. Link Fine Arts faculty member Steve Hurd was awarded a City of Los Angeles 2012 C.O.L.A. Individual Artists Fellowship in Visual Arts, and his work was included in the exhibition at the Municipal Art Gallery through Oct. 28. More Faculty News Page 3.
New Grad Video See the new introduction to Graduate Programs at otis.edu/gp
Fashion Design Chair Rosemary Brantley attended the 2012 Sustainable Textiles conference in Hong Kong in October. On campus, Interdisciplinary Studies and Creative Action: Integrated Learning organized an exhibition of sustainable art & design by students and recent alumni from eleven AICAD schools involved in the Partnership for Academic Leadership for Sustainability, through Nov. 23 on the 6th floor of Ahmanson Hall.
Summer College Prep Scholarships Sony Pictures Entertainment provided scholarships for twelve art students from Culver City High School‘s Academy of Visual and Performing Arts to attend Otis College Preparatory classes in summer and fall.
Fashion Design Mentors
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Trustee Christopher WIcks along with several alumnae are acting as mentors for Fashion Design projects: Cynthia Vincent (’88), Claire Pettibone (’89), Heather Brown (’04) for Urban Outfitters, and Marisol Gerona (’93) for Disney. Among the other professionals acting as mentors are Bob Mackie, Marie Mazellis of Halston, Venus Williams of EleVen, Mandy Robinson of Billabong, Mary Jo Bruno, and Betsy Heiman of Western Costume Company.
Counterclockwise from upper left: Christopher Wicks, Ugo Capasso of EleVen Venus Williams, Marie Mazellis of Halston (left), Mary Jo Bruno, Mandy Robinson of Billabong, and Cynthia Vincent. All photographs by Byron LiCausi.
Ask Dad Ed Schoenberg, Special Assistant to the president for student success
What Makes A Student Successful? The father of a current student recently asked me “Since you have the phrase ‘Student Success’ in your title can you tell us what makes a student successful at Otis”? Having been at Otis for 15 years, and watching my daughter “hit her stride” and blossom as an Otis student, I have both personal observations and specific information to share. First and foremost, one must ask “What is the heart of the enterprise”? I answer, “What goes on between students and faculty in the classrooms, studios, labs and shops.” Students who are ready to learn, work hard, and seek support for their academic and artistic pursuits when needed will learn from a talented and dedicated faculty who are ready and willing to teach these students what they need to be the next generation of successful artists and designers.” Much of student success results from the interchange between students and faculty members. Our students spend most of their time in class and studio, working on projects, studying, and visiting design firms, galleries, museums and libraries for research. In addition to the learning that takes place within the classroom (curricular), learning takes place within our administrative and support areas (cocurricular). Academic support services include academic computing, academic mentoring, audio/visual lab, technical support services, library and instructional technology, galleries/ exhibitions, and the Provost’s Office. Other administrative services handle business, financial aid, facilities, registration, and student accounts. Through the Office of Student Affairs, students engage in programs, events, and access many resources that support student success Student Affairs (SA) is headed by Dr. Laura Kiralla, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Dean of Students. Dr. Kiralla and her staff of dedicated student affairs professionals support holistic student development, student engagement, and co-curricular learning through experiences that complement and enhance the artistic mission of Otis.
The Center for Creative Professions offers help with interview skills and resume writing, and coordinates part-time work and internships. The Student Resource Center (SRC) provides training and workshops in writing skills, tutoring (including an online service), and research skills, and oversees students with disability services and international student services. The Residence Life and Housing Program is staffed by professionals and students trained as Resident Assistants. Student Counseling Services provides free confidential psychological counseling services and an array of preventative, supportive, psycho-educational groups, classes, workshops and screenings. Finally, Student Life and Campus Activities comprises clubs and organizations, student government, campus activities board, student lounge operations and campus-wide activities. So far, students have been involved in “O” Week (Orientation, Family Day and “O” Camp); Constitution Day, offcampus trips and activities as well as a variety of campus activities and programs. There are “big” goings-on for Halloween, and students will come together for a Thanksgiving meal prior to the holiday break. What I have shared is just a small fraction of the activities that Otis offers. Encourage your son or daughter to get involved in the Otis’ community. Sponsored events are usually free or low cost. Also encourage them to use all the support services. The Dean of Students Office can connect your student with the right people on campus. We define student success in terms of progress toward and completion of the degree. We support our students’ academic, artistic and personal growth through our programs and services!
Reflections on Foundation Year Michaela McEttrick , Current sophomore
The Otis experience is remarkable not only because of the people you meet but also because the enduring sense of community permeates the white walls of this institution. All incoming freshmen are placed into small groups called sections, and the students in each section take studio classes together. When I entered the Foundation program last year, I was admittedly uneasy about the idea of having nearly every class with the same group of twenty or so students. As the first semester of my sophomore year is coming to a close, I realize that my section left a lasting impression on me as a student and as a person. In my section, I found friends from all over the world as well as constant motivation to improve. The section was a sort of ramshackle family with whom I’ve shared countless hours, stories and laughs.
Holiday Shopping Support our alumni this holiday season! For information on retail stores where you can purchase items designed by alumni, shops owned by alumni, and web sites where alumni products can be purchased, visit otis.edu/holiday.
If you have a question or a topic you would like to see addressed in a future Ask Dad Column please email “Dad” at eschoenb@otis.edu
Crafted by Product Design faculty member Tanya Aguiñiga, these canvas birds contrast the traditional materials used for porcelain dolls with a contemporary design aesthetic
Faculty News
Student News
Digital Media junior Jackie Kan (Image of her work below) was awarded a scholarship from The Entertainment Software Association Foundation (ESAF), which provided scholarships to 30 students in video-game related fields.
A screening of the film, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (right) was shown to a capacity crowd. Movies That Matter series organizers Perri Chasin and Judy Arthur, Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty members, moderated a Q & A with LACMA Assistant Curator, Chinese and Korean Art, Christina Yu Yu following the screening. Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty member Scarlet Cheng moderated the panel discussion “Film as Culture/Culture in Film” as part of the Chinese Film Biennial, Hammer Museum on Oct. 27. Foundation faculty member Roni Feldman is part of the group show “The Subterraneans/XYZ: The Geometric Impulse in Abstract Art,” at the Torrance Art Museum through Nov. 3. Link
Patricia Kovic (Product Design, Comm Arts, IL, ACT) and Michele Jaquis (Director of Interdisciplinary Studies and IL) were the In-School Artists in Residence at the Skirball Cultural Center through Nov 3. Their project, “Re-Creating the United States” with AP English class students at Granada Hills Charter High School uses the artifacts featured in the exhibition, “Creating the United States.” (below)
Ysamur Flores-Peña presented “Logun-Ede/Legunede Art and the Art of Teansformation: Intersexuality in Lucumí Religious Narrative” at the American Folklore society meeting in New Orleans. Graduate Writing faculty member Peter Gadol will spend part of his spring sabbatical at the Djerassi Resident Artists Program in Northern California.
Architecture/Landscape/Interiors initiated the first annual Awards for Excellence in Design Studio. Studio instructors selected one student for the award based on: consistent presence, participation and effort; development and use of skills; clarity and incorporation of concept; creativity and excellence of design; consistent design development; clarity and scope of presentation. Winners were Melissah Bridge Gunawan Wibisono, Lori Choi, Julia Sieh, Stephanie Robbins, Sandra Sadauskaite, and Thomas Acosta.
Staff News Eunice Cho and Maria Contto of Financial Aid took part in the 11th annual “Cash for College” event at the L.A. Convention Center, attended by 10,000 LAUSD high school seniors. Maria was part of a short segment on Univision channel 34 promoting the event.
Liberal Arts and Sciences Assistant Chair Parme Giuntini gave a paper “Out of the Cave and into Cyberspace or Lessons I learned While Rethinking Art History, Technology and Pedagogy in the Classroom,” at the Southeastern College Art Conference in Raleigh-Durham in October.
Matthew Penkala, Academic Coordinator for Foundation, was selected for this year’s New American Paintings Pacific Coast edition, juried by Monica Ramirez-Montagut, Senior Curator at the San Jose Museum of Art.
Heather Joseph-Witham presented “Ghost hunting, Folk Drama and the Burden of Proof’” at the American Folklore Society Conference in New Orleans. Fine Arts faculty members Siri Kaur and Soo Kim were included in an exhibition at WUHO Gallery, through Oct. 31.
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Foundation Chair Katie Phillips curated “Split Realities,” an exhibition of work by seven painters at Nan Rae Gallery, Woodbury University through Nov 17, including faculty members Jacci Den Hartog, Christopher Warner, Roy Dowell, and Edith Beaucage. (MFA’10) Link
Apple, Inc. invited the Technology Steering Committee to attend an Executive Briefing at the Cupertino headquarters in July. Provost Kerry Walk, CIO Robert Walters, Director of Library and Instructional Technology Sue Maberry, and Director of Academic Computing Services Felipe Gutiérrez attended presentations on Technology in Higher Education, eBooks Using iBooks Author, Student Laptop Programs, and OS X Deployment and Transitions.
Alumni News Dawn Baillie (’86) founding partner of BLT Communications LLC, won the inaugural Saul Bass Award from the Hollywood Reporter’s annual Key Art Awards. Her work includes art creative direction for The Book of Mormon’s print design campaign.
Continuing Education Michelle Chong (’06 MFA) and Matt MacFarland (’03 MFA) were included in “The Subterraneans/XYZ: The Geometric Impulse in Abstract Art,” Torrance Art Museum through Nov. 3.
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On Oct. 25, approximately 160 Japanese college students from the consortium Jikei COM participated in Exploring Creativity, the second annual digital media workshop at Otis.
Brian Dailey (’75 MFA) has a solo show “Americans in Color,” at Stephan Stoyanov Gallery, N.Y. through Nov. 18. Diane Gamboa (’84) and Maryrose Mendoza (’85) received 2012 City of Los Angeles (C.O.L.A.) artist fellowships, and displayed their work at the Municipal Art Gallery through Oct. 28. Architecture/Landscape/Interiors grads Justin Kang (’11), Joem Sanez (’10) and Sam Tanis (’11) pursue Master of Architecture studies at USC, Columbia and Univ Ill Chicago, respectively. Rick Klotz (’90), founder of Freshjive, sold his Warriors of Radness line to American Apparel. Edith Beaucage (’10 MFA) and Whitney Stolich (’03 MFA) showed in concurrent oneperson exhibitions at CB1 Gallery, L.A. through Nov. 11. Aaron Philip Clark (’08 MFA) released a new crime novel, A Healthy Fear of Man: A Paul Little Novel, the second in a series.
Alexander Kroll (’08 MFA) had a solo exhibition at James Harris Gallery, Seattle, in September.
CE expanded its online offerings from developing smart phone apps to include a media literacy class this term. Amy Gantman, Dean of Continuing Education and Pre-College Programs, and Inez Bush, Associate Director of Pre-College Programs, presented on the Jikei COM workshop and the Teaching Learning Initiative at the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design’s (AICAD) Continuing Education Deans and Directors Conference in October.
Lan Chi Lam (’98) designed new smart phone apps for L.A. Metro. Izzy Lamas (’07) now with RipBang Studios, Venice, designed the decorative stair for Scavolini SOHO Gallery, N.Y., in collaboration with Ryan Spruston and Enrico Como of SPaCe.
Sandeep Mukherjee (’96) has a solo show in N.Y. at Brennan & Griffin through Nov. 25. Felicia Martin (’02) is working with CO Architects, L.A. after returning from Spain in early 2012. She received a Master of Architecture from Yale, and worked for Francisco Mangado in Pamploma on the winning competition for Torribera Food Campus. Jacob Melchi (’03 MFA) showed new paintings at George Lason Gallery through Oct. 6. Kent Twitchell (’77 MFA) was selected to paint three murals in Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, L.A. Sam Watters (’02 MFA), author of Gardens for a Beautiful America, 1895-1935, delivered a lecture on his book at LACMA’S Bing Theater on Sept. 19. Mary Younakof (’06 MFA) produced a video installation at the Pacific Design Center through Oct. 31.
Media iTunes U tweeted to its 72,000 followers: “Zoom through an artistic journey from cave-painting to impressionism with 33 5-minute lectures by LAS faculty member Jeanne WIllette from Otis College.” Leah Ollman reviewed the Alison Saar exhibition at the Ben Maltz Gallery in Art in America, stating “Saar’s work is personal, but so deeply informed by myth and history that its narratives become universal and inclusive.” Fashion design alumni Cynthia Vincent (’88) Link and Kiana Anvaripour (’03) Link both appeared in print recently.
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Otis press releases include: “Otis Teams Up with Contemporary Designers to Create New Fashion Collections,” picked up by 167 sites, 32,242 newsfeed impressions and 905 onsite impressions. Including the LA Daily News, Street Insider, San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, CBS 5, Boston Globe, Yahoo News, Sport Balla “Teaching Tolerance and Respect in L.A. partnership with the Museum of Tolerance picked up by 159 sites, 64,256 newsfeed impressions and 3,052 onsite impressions. including USA Today, Hollywood Industry, Yahoo News, Street IQ, United Press International, San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, CBS 5, Boston Globe “Literary Translation as Creative Practice” picked up by 115 sites, 31,110 newsfeed impressions, and 6,718 onsite impressions. Including Yahoo News, SF Chronicle, Boston Globe, and San Jose Mercury News, and The Brooklyn Rail linked to otis.edu “Color Coding the American Electorate: D.C. Artist (alum) Brian Dailey reflects the regional diversity of American politics during a polarized national Election,” picked up by 15 sites, 54,242 newsfeed impressions, and 3,350 onsite impressions.
The L.A. Times Home featured work by El Dot, the design/build firm started by alumni Leo and Lishu Rodriguez (’01) shown at Architecture/Landscape/Interiors alumnus Robert Apodaca’s (’03) Fifth Floor Gallery in Chinatown.
“Influential Author, Journalist, and Cultural Critic Diedrich Diederichsen to Speak in L.A,” picked up by 8 sites, 52,292 newsfeed impressions, and 3,952 onsite impressions These releases were picked up by USA Today, Yahoo News, SF Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, CBS 5, and the Boston Globe, among others.
Ben Maltz Gallery
Alumna Renee A. Fox (’02) listed in CBS “Best Art Curators of Los Angeles” Link The Huffington Post featured cartoons by faculty member Lalo Alcaraz on Oct. 2 and 4. Link KCET Artbound featured the Graduate Public Practice event “What Can We Learn from dOCUMENTA (13)?” Link And our very own Trustee Elaine Goldsmith’s editorial for the Huffington Post, “Is the Clock turning Back for Women’s Rights?” appeared on Oct. 24. Link
The current exhibition Alison Saar: STILL. . . will travel to the following institutions through 2014: Figge Art Museum, Davenport, Iowa; David C. Driskell Center, University of Maryland, College Park; and Sandra and David Bakalar Gallery, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston. Get behind the scenes of the curatorial effort for the upcoming exhibition “This Side of the 405” at the Ben Maltz Gallery in April. Link