SCAD Style 2010

By Chris Ambrose & Heather Seccia.

SCAD Style

Proving that southern hospitality and inspiration are very much alive and well, The Savannah College of Art and Design once again graciously hosted cutting-edge artists, designers, industry professionals and innovators for their annual SCAD Style event featuring lectures, exhibitions, panel discussions, book signings, workshops and more. With 59 speakers over 9 days (April 26 to May 6) and in 2 cities (events are held simultaneously at the College’s Atlanta campus), SCAD Style has made the South not only an incubator and supporter of student creativity but a destination for those wanting to participate in a global creative dialogue.

SCAD Style, Robert Klanten

The 2 weeks in savannah kicked off with the annual The Sidewalk Arts Fest competition that offered students, graduates, alumni and prospective students an open canvas, or sidewalk square, to show their skills. The ongoing drizzle and threat of more rain dampened the day somewhat, but many used this to their advantage creating a kaleidoscope of colored creations framed in the lush green of the park.

The first discussion of the week featured designers Jonathan Olivares and Jason Miller in a thoughtful conversation moderated by Kip Kotzen. The animated talk revolved around relevant questions of the nature of design and if there are problems still left for designers to solve; while the Q&A session allowed them an opportunity to converse with interested students eager for professional advice. Olivares complemented his trip with a visit to an industrial [design] class where he offered direct feedback on student projects and challenges.

Another highlight from early in the week was Robert Klanten the founder and publisher of Gestalten – the company best known for the more than three hundred and fifty design related titles – and his presentation entitled Undercurrents In Design. It was an intelligent and thoughtful lecture establishing design in a historical context and bringing it into the present and providing context for what may be possible in future.

SCAD Style

Unfortunately New York city was calling and we had to head home after the first week and so had to miss the discussion on sustainability with architect Caleb Mulvena of Mapos, Chris Parachine (from Bushwick’s own Roberta’s pizza) and DIY’er Britta Riley (of Submersible Design). We also missed the discussion on the Lessons Learned From ‘80s New York with Designer Victoria Bartlett, iconic ‘80s cover girl Sally Brunger, along with costume designer Michael Schmidt, who for the Coachella party crowd, might know his work on the lobby of the ACE Palm Springs. So much to see and hear!

SCAD Style

SCAD Style, Style Panel Discussion

SCAD Style