Interior Design Student Exhibit and Awards

Harrison WalshVilla Maria College hosted the 2014 Interior Design Student Exhibit opening night reception on Friday, April 11, 2014.  President Sister Marcella Marie Garus was present at the event.  The reception was a resounding success culminating with the announcement of the Distinguished Students of the Year.  A jury of 21 distinguished designers and educators assessed the exhibit prior to it’s public opening and based on their votes the 1st place award was given to Harrison Walsh ’14.  He receives the Humanscale Diffrient Task Light, donated by Millington Lockwood.   Jessica FosterThe 2nd place winner was Jessica Foster ’14 who receives the HON Motivate Chair, donated by Integrity Office Supply. The 3rd place winner was Tara Clack ’15 who receives the Buffalo Office Interiors chair.  Tara ClackEach of the students is pictured in front of the exhibit of their body of work.  Members of the jury included Ike Lowry, Cannon Design; Robert Reeder, Robert Reeder Interiors; Lee Schlatterer and Todd Piotrowski, Carmina Wood Morris; Nina Lewis, DIRTT Environmental Solutions; Edna Czyc, Wolf Gordon; Megan Ebert, DalTile; Mimi Fierle, Buffalo Office Interiors; Sandra Zygaj-Borowski, Integrity Office Solutions; Mary Golden, Ferguson Lighting and Bath Showroom; Barbara Reformat, Tiles International; Ryan Renshaw, Schenne & Associates; Jim Constantin, Laura Shoemaker,  Ryan Hanes, Charles Gattie, Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Therese Smith, Villa Alum; and Villa Faculty members, Brian Duffy, Michael Bosworth, Joyce Kessel and Bob Grizanti  In addition to the selection of the distinguished students there is also a best of show category for the freshmen students.  Due to the high caliber of the freshman work, this was a difficult year for voting, but the majority votes went to Ana Spanake.  She wins a full-size drafting table donated by Seneca Blueprint.  Congratulations to all the winners!  The exhibit will run until April 25, 2014.

The Benefits of Field Trips……

Once again the sophomore Interior Design class from Villa Maria College travelled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a two day field trip.  The studio class is exploring the use of fine art as inspiration for a design concept, and thus the first day we visited the Andy Warhol Museum followed by the Carnegie Museum of Art. Each gallery visit was unique and the student reflections were varied.  The field trip was filled with shared experiences that strengthened the group camaraderie as well as improved classroom discourse. A quick stop at the University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning included a photo opportunity for ‘Harry Otter’, in the space that was momentarily re-named Frogworts.The evening concluded with a fun dinner at the Hofbrauhaus and some shopping at Southside Works.  The following day was the traditional trip to Fallingwater, the Edgar Kauffman summer residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright .  Pictured are students, guests and instructor Sandra Reicis at the swimming pool and the classic view by the river.Then it was a visit to Kentuck Knob currently owned by Lord Peter Palumbo and also designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.Several students selected works from the Andy Warhol Museum, and all students reflected on both these residences as they designed their ‘Millennium Dream Home’, the Studio 2 final project.  Experiencing the spaces was critical to a true understanding of the design impact.  The docent led tours at both locations were outstanding and provided a great amount of information and insight.

Villa Maria College students take 1st, 2nd and 3rd in ASID competion!

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced the winners of the Upstate New York and Eastern Canada Network 2012 design competition.  There are three professional categories including Residential, Commercial under 3,000 square feet and Commercial  over 3,000 square feet plus one student competition category.  Winners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place are awarded in each.  In the student competition category all three winning entries are from the Interior Design program at Villa Maria College.  Third place, for her Studio 5 Dzintari Health and Wellness Center is Sandra Zygaj Borowski.  The project location is Latvia, in the city of Sigulda.  Students Skype with the project architect, Gunta Graudupe as well as the owner/client Dr. Anda Polna. Ms. Zygaj Borowski researched Latvian folklore and history, selecting the symbol of the Cross Hatch Star to inspire her design.  The second place winner, for her Studio 4 Sephora Pop-Retail Design is Savana Czekalski.  The students in this studio travelled to New York City to visit the newest Sephora retail store, gain first hand knowledge of the business and study other examples of retail design.  Ms. Czekalski based her design on the concept, ‘Tis the Season to be Pretty. The first place winner, also for the Studio 5 project in Latvia was also Savana Czekalski. Students were required to design sustainable interiors applying universal design principles and reflecting the unique cultural and regional properties of the location in Latvia.  The projects were also critiqued by Professor Daina Gaga, from the Latvia Culture College located in Riga, Latvia. Both studios are taught in the Junior year. Faculty advisor for Studio 4 is Professor Paul Brinkworth and Faculty advisor for Studio 5 is Professor Sandra Reicis.

 

Villa Student Projects Presented in Australia…..

IDEA, the Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association is comprised of universities from Australia and New Zealand offering programs in interior design and interior architecture.  This year their conference and exhibition, Interior Design:- a state of becoming, was held September 6 to 10 in Perth, Australia, hosted by Curtin University.  The conference opening coincided with the exhibition opening, An Interior Affair: A State of Becoming. This was held at Form gallery. Curators fo the show are Marina Lommerse, Curtin University, Australia Jane Lawrence, University of South Australia, Australia Sven Mezhoud, Monash University, Australia Stuart Foster, Massey University, New Zealand. The event was also covered by Gallery Watch, a television program dedicated to support and promotion of the Australian art scene.It was an excellent event to bring all conference participants together to socialize, theorize, meet and greet.   delegates had expectedly travelled from across Australia and New Zealand but also included South Africa, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Canada, United States and other countries.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjo22EpFuAU

The conference theme explored the world of the interior as a state of constant and dynamic ‘becoming’ rather than ‘being’. Asking questions such as:- how do we reconsider the interior and the occupant becoming ‘old’? Where is the value in constantly ‘becoming’ new? How do we re-vision the history of interiors in the light of ‘becoming’? What are the potential roles and responsibilities for Interior Designers / Architects in addressing becoming homeless and ‘being’ disadvantaged?  Sandra Reicis, Associate Professor of Interior Design at Villa Maria College, Buffalo, New York, saw the relationship to a recent Villa student project.  The submitted abstract was reviewed by the conference committee and selected for presentation.  “The Millennium Dream Home: quality of life and quality of surroundings”, documented the project research and design process, including the work of sophomore level students Harrison Walsh and Jillian Schultz.  Challenged to re-think and re-define the American Dream Home the projects demonstrated inclusiveness and domicile adaptiveness, drawing on historical precedent and universal design principles to create well-designed and beautiful interior spaces. As demonstrated in the student diagram above, the use of rotation was integral to the final form and spatial design of the first floor plan by Walsh. Design inspiration was derived from works of fine art on display at the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY. This fused glass piece, crafted by Schultz, was an inspiration from a work by Georgia O’Keefe. The story behind the art piece led Schultz to an exploration of courtyards and passageways, which became integral to her final project. The paper was presented under the topic of interior: in its everydayness together with presentations by Jane Simon, MacQuarie University, Sydney, Australia, Vanessa Galvin, Curtin University, Perth, Australia and Mary Anne Beecher, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.  Other topics included interior: in flux, interior: as performance and interior: as virtual.  The conference included Keynote speakers, Beatriz Colomina, see Interior Design live wire and Charles Rice.  Images of the gallery show can be downloaded here.

Revit Training…..by popular request……

Educating students in the art of presentation, and preparing students for the demands of the professional work place is growing in scope and complexity.  We start with hand drawing and work at developing talents in color rendering and technical drawing.  We use these skills in design develoment and concept exploration.  But the world of presentation is growing increasingly more digital!  Pictured above is Junior level student Therese Smith’s rendering of the second floor of a school design with a view to the first floor using the program Revit.  Her presentation was received with highest praise and she went on to present her work at a state-wide education conference.  This past semester, Villa starting receiving requests from graduates for courses in Revit training.  The above rendering was completed by a graduate, keen on learning these new skills, who attended class with Villa students.  Our students have the benefit of learning multiple software programs while studying in their discipline.  Graduates and professionals must rely on self teaching techniques or seek out workshops and training programs.  Villa Maria College, by popular demand, has created a four day training session in Revit Architecutre to help designers and architects learn the skills they need for today’s marketplace.  The course starts on Saturday, September 8, 2012.  Enrollment is open but space is limited.  For additional information and registration contact Connie Broniszewski at 716-961-1815 or at cbroniszewski@villa.edu .  Instruction is with a Villa Faculty professional and students will have access to the Villa computer labs.  This is a great opportunity that is open and available to everyone!

Excellence in Art and Literature….as seen in SKALD

“Underneath the intense and undefined nature of a student’s college life, there lies a calculated process of experiential learning and engagement.”……..SKALD 2012.  A literary and artistic publication of Villa Maria College, the recently published edition features works from almost all programs at Villa and includes a distinctive collection from the Interior Design Program. Emphasizing a global perspective, the Junior level studio showcases the talents and abilities of student Sandra Zygaj Borowski.Senior Nicole Sansano explored the properties of glass in the Introduction to Fused and Leaded Glass course.  This is one of the required courses for the Villa certificate program in Historic Preservation.  Pictured is a fused and slumped glass vessel. Emily Bolles is a sophomore and used the modern fairy tale theme for her Studio loft design project.

You can view the entire SKALD publication by clicking here

A Villa Connection at Artpark…..

A magical space called ‘Emerald Grove’ has opened at Artpark, and the creator is Jesse Walp.  He’s a sculptor, artist, designer and dreamer, and he is also an instructor in Interior Design and Fine Arts at Villa Maria College.  His enthusiasm and energy is embodied in his work and is evident in this ambitious installation. He was selected by Artpark for this special project and spent many days on sight, exploring the potential for his design.  He brought his work onto campus, where he shared the design process with Villa students, who were able to learn through example and experience through practice.  Seeing the work completed and installed was a special experience not only for myself but for the little ones who were visiting, playing and clearly enjoying Emerald Grove.  Created in the Villa Maria College Art Shop, which is our on-campus wood working facility, the project is also a testament to the capacity of the shop and the potential for students to dream big.  Look for Jesse on campus this fall, teaching Furniture Design and Two Dimensional Design…..and before the summer is out…..take a ride to Artpark and experience Emerald Grove…….located above the Niagara River with spectacular views and a magical atmosphere. Check out this article in the Niagara Gazette – http://niagara-gazette.com/nightandday/x748661996/Emerald-Grove-takes-root-in-Artpark. and look at Jesse’s web site http://jessewalp.com/home.html.

Joan Miro…..from businessman to Catalan artist

Our morning started with a visit to the Fundacio Joan Miro.  Located at Montjuic, the gallery was design by Miro’s friend, architect Josep Lluis Sert in 1975.  Miro himself donated many of the works that are on display today.  Joan Miro’s life as a professional artist followed a  career as a businessman.  He attended the Barcelona School of Fine Arts above La Llotja.  Thrown out for poor draughtsmanship, he went on to become one of the 20th century’s most original talents.  His work is remarkable for its playful abstracts. He spent much time in Paris, and although he was opposed to the Spanish dictator Franco, he return to Spain in 1940 but lived mainly in Mallorca. He developed a Surrealistic style, noted for vivid colors and fantastical forms. A theme that runs through much of his work is the woman and the bird.  His work is on public display throughout the city, from a sidewalk mural on La Ramblas to the Dona i Ocell ( Women and Bird) sculpture at Parc De Joan Miro.

Dali…..Catalonia’s most eccentric artist…..

Salvador Dali was born in Figueres, a market town north of Barcelona, and this is the location of his self-designed Teatre-Museu Dali.  He is best known for his Surrealist works. There are recurring themes in his work.  Students and faculty are pictured at the street level infront of his museum.  The repetitive pattern on the building surface are reproductions of traditional Catalan bread loaves.  Much of Dali’s work was never far from controversy.  The reaction to his work today stretches the range from thought provoking to humorous, with a touch of mystery and drama.  Here the students are photographed once again, but by the scupture in the courtyard at the museum’s entrance. Watching the young children from the local schools enjoying a day at the art museum  makes you wonder how they will be inspired by this wild collection.  In 1974, Dali turned the town theatre into his museum. It features a central courtyard with glass dome and a unique garden that is both display space and installation.  The gold statues resemble Oscar awards, and surround the space while gesturing to each other across the garden.  Filled with sculpture, texture, color and humor the space is lively and engaging.  Featured at the center is Rainy Taxi The rain falls inside the car, and the car is filled with small snails.  The glass dome is visible through the large expanse of windows.

 

The monument continues and a boat soars above the garden.  Dali was fond of turning the world upside down.  This also provides a wonderful view of the glass dome.  Here are more images of the oscar statuettes.  The Mae West Room is an intriguing installation that can be appreciated from multiple levels.  Ceiling fresco in the Wind Palace Room.  Picasso……….. and final resting place.

……a morning at the Paris American Academy

Our second day in Paris took us to the Paris American Academy, http://parisamericanacademy.fr/PAA/WELCOME.html where we met Professor Christophe Salade.  The school is located in a historic building next to the Val-de-Grace Church. Here, the students and instructors from Villa Maria College are pictured in the courtyard of the Academy.  Our workshop included a walking tour of the area surrounding the school on Rue Saint-Jacques with time for sketching. Professor Salade pointed out architectural details and shared the local history, providing a perspective to complement our tour. It was a beautiful Paris morning for sketching! After our warm up exercise, we continued our walking tour to the Luxembourg Gardens. Many fine statues were erected in the gardens during the 19th century. The park is a peaceful haven, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.  We paused briefly to sketch at the fountains, and then continued our tour.  Here is our group, pictured with Professor Salade, fourth from right.  Here also is the Palais du Luxembourg.

 

 

 

We paused briefly to admire the Octagonal Lake, attributed to Jean-Francois Chalgrin.  It is surrounded by formal terraces where visitors to the gardens often sunbathe.  The duck house is a favorite feature that moves about the grounds. Clearly the ducks seem to like it!  A visit to the Luxembourg Gardens would not be complete without the Fontaine Medicis.  The 17th-century fountain is in the style of an Italian grotto and is thought to have been designed by Salomon de Brosse.  Our walking tour eventually led us back to the Academy, but not before Professor Salade pointed out St. Sulpice in the distance, made famous in the book and movie the Da Vinci Code, as well as a quaint building along our walk, familiar to some of our group from the Disney movie, Mary Poppins. During our stroll we marvelled at the beautiful apartments that surround the gardens, and the charm of the area, with its groves, paths and fountains.  Many a Parisian was enjoying the day, jogging, exercising or relaxing in the park.