Alumni and students featured in Applied Arts Student Awards Annual

Applied Arts Student Awards Annual
Bambino Pasta package design by Hoda Gharai
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 - 5:00am

Students and recent grads from Photography, Advertising, Illustration, Industrial Design and Graphic Design were selected for this year’s prestigious Applied Arts Student Awards Annual, on newsstands now.

2014 Advertising graduate student Bonnie Cheung’s HomeSewn campaign was selected for the Complete Advertising Campaign category. Designed for the Canadian Apparel Federation, her campaign is designed to re-ignite the desire for Canadian-made clothing with the introduction of the HomeSewn sub-brand.

2014 Illustration graduate student Cornelia Li’s series of works called This Gold is Tarnished were chosen for the Complete Illustration category. “By inserting disturbing elements into social incidents otherwise considered ordinary, the series questions the booming country propagated by Chinese authority by exposing the living conditions of the average Chinese.”

Also selected for the Complete Illustration category was Broken Telephacts by 2014 Illustration graduate student Sophia Feesh. “Just like stories and rumours, when statistics are told time after time, they take on a new form and message. In combination with numbers, statistics hold an aura of truth. By illustrating misleading statistics, Broken Telephacts underline the absurd nature of these claims.”

Second-year Illustration student Hong (Ivan) Chen’s Fear of Public Speaking was selected for the Illustration Single category.

Fourth-year Photo student Emma Blackshaw’s series Emerging Existence was selected for the Photography Series category. Her series investigates the relationship between familiar Canadian landscapes and the surreal element of lighting. “In this series I wanted to explore the idea of staging scenes that exist somewhere between reality and imagination. The landscapes allow the viewer familiarity, but the lighting transforms the familiar place into a mysterious, spooky, and dream-like environment.”

In the Packaging Design Series category, fourth-year Graphic Design student Hoda Gharai’s Bambino pasta and spaghetti for children was featured. “Bambino means kid in Italian and is designed for children. As target users, they are attracted to the package, because it is small, colourful, communicative and also comes in three different favourable flavours. Although Bambino's brand block is different in imagery, it communicates as a unity.”

In the Packaging Design Single category, fourth-year Industrial Design student Sarah Eldershaw’s Shoe String Assemblies was selected. “This is my packaging and branding concept for Shoe String Assemblies, a flat-packing DIY shoe kit. Everything needed to construct the pair of shoes is included inside the kit. Much like the construction of shoe, the packaging does not use glue; the shoelace is what tethers the package together.”

Entr’acte

Work by Hazel Meyer
Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 5:00am to Thursday, January 8, 2015 - 5:00am

RBC Emerging Artists Project, Featuring work by:

  • Michelle Forsyth, Associate Professor, Faculty of Art
  • Anda Kubis, Associate Dean, Outreach and Innovation, Faculty of Art
  • Hazel Meyer (MFA, Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media & Desgn, 2010)
  • Lisa Myers (MFA, Cricitism & Curatorial Practice, 2011) and Writing and Learning Consultant (Aboriginal Student Support)
  • Alex McLeod (BFA, Drawing & Painting, 2007)
  • Franco Arcieri, thesis student in Sculpture & Installation
  • Rebecca Ladds (BFA, Printmaking, 2014)

Gallery Hours: Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Image: Hazel Meyer
Photo: Janick Laurent

Venue & Address: 
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre (Gallery Level) 189 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1M4
Phone: 
<p>(416) 314-2901</p>
Cost: 
Free

Alex Newman, Erin Jacobson among Marketing’s Top 30 Under 30

Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 5:00am

OCAD University alumni and Faculty of Design Instructors Alex Newman (BDes, Advertising, 2010) and Erin Jacobson (BDes, Advertising, 2007) are among this year’s prestigious Marketing magazine Top 30 Under 30 selections.

Nominations were submitted to Marketing in June, with the magazine’s editorial team reviewing and researching all nominees to determine a shortlist. Each finalist was then able to contribute information and contacts.

Newman, who is also Art Director at JWT Canada, won a Cannes Young Lion award in 2011. With his creative partner Patrice Pollack, he plays an important creative role on the Air Canada portfolio, spearheading their digital launch and helping to create their branding campaign for ‘Your World Awaits.’ Newman was selected for the Top 30 Under 30 along with JWT Canada colleague Mark Phillips, Director of Business Development.

Outside of his ad world work, Newman is an advocate for LGBT youth, volunteers with Toronto PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and is working on publishing a book with Random House Canada that explore the coming-out process.

When she’s not teaching about a designer’s role in social change at OCAD U, Jacobson works as Vice-President, Digital Public Affairs at Edelman. Her career started as a volunteer for Olivia Chow’s 2005 campaign for a seat in the House of Commons. Later she joined Chow’s late husband Jack Layton as communications assistant, progressing through her career with the NDP until she became Deputy Director of Strategic Communications for the office of Thomas Mulcair. She continues to volunteer for candidates seeking office.

OCAD University and alumni drive creative economy

Friday, October 24, 2014 - 4:00am

OCAD University and its art, design and digital media alumni are important contributors to the GTA creative economy, according to a recent labour market report. The total direct and indirect economic impact of OCAD U from institutional spending, student expenditures, increased graduate outcomes and induced spending is $257.6 million per year.

HESA report

Conducted by Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA), the report determined the total increased earning power of alumni who hold BFA degrees, and who live and work in Ontario, is $66.6 million per year (this is compared to Ontarians with education below a bachelor’s level). The report also found that alumni were very satisfied with their work because they feel it reflects their values, interests and personality.

“There is tremendous value in art, design, digital media and related degrees, socially and economically,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD U. “Culture, arts and heritage contribute $47.8 billion to the Canadian economy, and our community plays a big role in those industries.”

The HESA report also noted that the majority of art, design and creative industry employers in the GTA have increased or maintained their number of employees with 84% currently employing recent grads. Such numbers bode well for recent graduates who are joining the workforce.

SNAAP survey

These strong economic outcomes are mirrored in the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP), an annual online survey of art and design alumni from participating post-secondary institutions throughout North America. It shows OCAD U students have reason for optimism once they graduate. The survey asks about alumni experiences at the institution and post-graduation with a focus on employment outcomes. Among OCAD U alumni from the past five years the majority are currently or have been self-employed in the past, some having founded non-profit or for profit organizations. The survey participants also indicated their training at OCAD U was relevant in their current employment.

NSSE numbers

OCAD U students are engaged with their instructors and academically challenged during their studies, according to the latest numbers released by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). NSSE collects information about the undergraduate experience among universities and four-year colleges across North America. Participants include first year and senior year students only.

When compared to other Ontario University students’ experiences with faculty, OCAD U students rate their experience at or above the mean for both student-faculty interaction and effective teaching practices in first and fourth year.

“Members of our faculty are at the top of their fields and known throughout Canada and the world,” said Dr. Diamond. “Because of our smaller class sizes, students have the opportunity to interact with their instructors beyond what is possible in larger schools.”

Undergraduate applications are now open for the 2015-16 school year. This Saturday, October 25, the public and prospective students are invited to “Look Inside,” the annual OCAD U open house. This event encourages visitors to take a studio tour, watch a student demo, talk with faculty and staff and explore undergraduate and graduate studies along with other programs. 

OCAD University (OCAD U):

OCAD University (www.ocadu.ca) is Canada’s “university of imagination.” The university, founded in 1876, is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD University is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD University community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.

 

For more information please contact:

Christine Crosbie, Media Relations Officer, OCAD University

416-977-6000 Ext. 4890

ccrosbie@ocadu.ca

 

 

 

 

Art Toronto: The Toronto International Art Fair

Illustration featuring a blue sky with cloud, pairs of white wings and figure wearing decorative head piece in foreground
Friday, October 24, 2014 - 4:00pm to Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:00pm

 

Founded in 2000, Art Toronto: Toronto International Art Fair is Canada’s only modern and contemporary fine art fair, providing unique access to the Canadian art market. An annual fall event, Art Toronto serves as the galvanizing vehicle for the nation’s art world. Considered the country’s must-attend event for art collectors and industry professionals, Art Toronto is the place for galleries wishing to attract a new sophisticated market of collectors, and professionals, and the place to network with a diverse and well connected group of fellow participants. Building on its successful platform as an exceptionally well serviced, user friendly fair, Art Toronto presents more than 100 select galleries, complemented with special projects, exhibits, a full VIP program and dynamic cultural offerings.

With work by OCAD U faculty and alumni.

OPENING NIGHT PREVIEW
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Special Collector’s Preview 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Opening Night Preview 6:30pm to 10:00pm

PUBLIC HOURS
Friday October 24th to Monday October 27th, 2014
Friday & Saturday – Noon to 8pm
Sunday & Monday – Noon to 6pm

Image credit: Jean-Christian Knaff, White Cloud, Associate Professor, Illustration, OCAD University - CFA Gallery, Booth 112

 

 

 

Venue & Address: 
Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building, Exhibit Hall A &amp; B 255 Front Street West
Website: 
http://arttoronto.ca/about/
Cost: 
Free

Open Life Drawing Studio

Model standing on a drawing table
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 - 11:00pm to Thursday, March 20, 2014 - 2:00am

All are welcome!

Room 615, 100 McCaul

Life Drawing (no instruction), open to all
Interested in drawing a professional model? These sessions are perfect for people looking for life drawing without instruction.

While this studio time is offered by the OCAD University Alumni Association, you don't have to be a student or alumni to attend - they're open to everyone!

Bring a board and materials - no reservation is required. Payment may be made to the monitor.

Wednesday sessions 7:00-10:00pm

Winter 2014 Semester Schedule

January
Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22, 29
Saturday, January 11, 18, 25

February
Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19, 26
Saturday, February 1, 8, 15, 22

March
Wednesday, March 5, 12, 19, 26
Saturday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
*Saturday March 1st extended pose for painting or sustained drawing.

April
Wednesday, April 2, 9, 16
Saturday, April 5, 12

100 McCaul St.
Toronto, Ontario
alumni@ocad.ca
$10 per session

Venue & Address: 
Room 615 100 McCaul St. Toronto, Ontario &nbsp;
Website: 
http://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/alumni-association/life-drawing-sessions.htm
Email: 
alumni@ocadu.ca
Cost: 
$10.00

Open Life Drawing Studio

Model on drawing table
Thursday, March 6, 2014 - 12:00am to 3:00am

All are welcome!

Room 615, 100 McCaul

Life Drawing (no instruction), open to all
Interested in drawing a professional model? These sessions are perfect for people looking for life drawing without instruction.

While this studio time is offered by the OCAD University Alumni Association, you don't have to be a student or alumni to attend - they're open to everyone!

Bring a board and materials - no reservation is required. Payment may be made to the monitor.

Wednesday sessions 7:00-10:00pm

Winter 2014 Semester Schedule

January
Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22, 29
Saturday, January 11, 18, 25

February
Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19, 26
Saturday, February 1, 8, 15, 22

March
Wednesday, March 5, 12, 19, 26
Saturday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
*Saturday March 1st extended pose for painting or sustained drawing.

April
Wednesday, April 2, 9, 16
Saturday, April 5, 12

100 McCaul St.
Toronto, Ontario
alumni@ocad.ca
$10 per session

Venue & Address: 
Room 615 100 McCaul St. Toronto, Ontario &nbsp;
Website: 
http://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/alumni-association/life-drawing-sessions.htm
Email: 
alumni@ocadu.ca
Cost: 
$10.00

ALUMNA SHARY BOYLE REPRESENTS CANADA AT THE VENICE BIENNALE 2013

The Cave Painter, 2013. Courtesy the artist and Jessica Bradley Gallery. Photo by Rafael Goldchain

Music for Silence, a multimedia installation by Shary Boyle (AOCA, Experimental Arts, 1994), one of Canada’s most acclaimed artists, is Canada’s official entry in the Venice Biennale 2013. The National Gallery of Canada curated the installation and helped raised some of the funds needed to bring it to Venice.

Boyle, who spent long hours working on the installation seven days a week to prepare for the fair, is enjoying an enthusiastic reception to her work. The Canada Pavilion is reporting long queues. The art fair, which features work from over 90 countries and is considered the world’s largest and most influential, runs from June 1 to November 24, 2013.

Boyle’s installation is intended to get people to slow down and experience silence, and as a result, she worked to create an intimate, darkened space for the exhibition. It includes colourful projections ceramic figures, record players, 16-mm film, and images in sign language. At the centre is a three-metre sea deity in an all-white cave.

Boyle is well-known for her bold, fantastical explorations of imaginary narratives featuring a cast of marginal characters. Her work is multidisciplinary, combining craft, a high degree of detail, porcelain figurines, animist mythologies and arcane techniques to create a symbolic language uniquely her own.
 

Learn more:

Canadian Art profile

CBC profile

Department: 

Open Life Drawing Studio

Model being drawn by students
Thursday, December 18, 2014 - 12:00am to 3:00am

All are welcome!

Room 615, 100 McCaul

Life Drawing (no instruction), open to all
Interested in drawing a professional model? These sessions are perfect for people looking for life drawing without instruction.

While this studio time is offered by the OCAD University Alumni Association, you don't have to be a student or alumni to attend - they're open to everyone! 

Bring a board and materials - no reservation is required. Payment may be made to the monitor. 

Wednesday sessions 7:00-10:00pm 
Friday sessions 7:00-10:00pm

Fall 2014 Semester Schedule

September
Wednesday 10, 17, 24
Saturday 13, 20, 27

October
Wednesday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Saturday 4, 11, 18, 25

November
Wednesday 5, 12, 19, 26
Saturday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

December
Wednesday 3, 

Venue & Address: 
Room 615 100 McCaul St. Toronto, Ontario
Website: 
http://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/alumni-association/life-drawing-sessions.htm
Email: 
alumni@ocadu.ca
Cost: 
$10

Open Life Drawing Studio

Model standing on a block with students drawing her
Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 3:00pm to 6:00pm

All are welcome!

Room 615, 100 McCaul

Life Drawing (no instruction), open to all
Interested in drawing a professional model? These sessions are perfect for people looking for life drawing without instruction.

While this studio time is offered by the OCAD University Alumni Association, you don't have to be a student or alumni to attend - they're open to everyone! 

Bring a board and materials - no reservation is required. Payment may be made to the monitor. 

Wednesday sessions 7:00-10:00pm 
Friday sessions 7:00-10:00pm

Fall 2014 Semester Schedule

September
Wednesday 10, 17, 24
Saturday 13, 20, 27

October
Wednesday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Saturday 4, 11, 18, 25

November
Wednesday 5, 12, 19, 26
Saturday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

December
Wednesday 3, 10, 17
Saturday 6, 13

Venue & Address: 
Room 615 100 McCaul St. Toronto, Ontario
Website: 
http://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/alumni-association/life-drawing-sessions.htm
Email: 
alumni@ocadu.ca
Cost: 
$10

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