Student designs fell into three categories, including fashions made entirely of paper, muslin mixed with black, and recyclable designs made of re-purposed materials. “The designs chosen for the fashion show emulated creativity and ingenuity in design,” says Fashion Studies chair Lori Faulkner. Some of the most spectacular designs were created with very humble materials, such as a feathery cocktail dress made of plastic grocery bags, a mod chain-link sheath made with toilet paper tubes, and a ruffled dress made with paper cupcake liners, all surprisingly wearable and flattering for apparel made from disposable items.

“The GRAM was an incredible venue for our first fashion show,” says Faulkner. “Putting on this show with just one or two classes under their belt was a huge undertaking, and I am very proud of the creativity and hard work put forth by our students. Creating this show has given them first-hand experience they will need to know when they enter the fashion industry.”

Following the fashion show, designers stood by with their models to answer questions about their designs. Second-year Kendall student Athena Anger was also on hand to model her “Make It Zig” dress, the winner of ModCloth’s “Make the Cut” contest, now commercially available at ModCloth.com.

The crowd then adjourned to the Cook Auditorium, where AIGA West Michigan President Gwen O’Brien, a Kendall alumna, introduced Kuethe. A stark contrast to the playful, girlish, and colorful designs Kate Spade is known for, Kuethe took the stage with her close-cropped hair and tailored black and white outfit saying, “I’m really not the Kate Spade girl at all. But one of the things they stand for is color, and there’s something in there that works for me.” She added, “Sometimes it’s almost better if you’re not ‘the type.’ You get a little better result if you’re just one millimeter away.”

Using slides to illustrate how her style and confidence has evolved through the years, Kuethe walked the crowd through her rise to the Kate Spade position. After studying graphic design in Germany, she found an internship in New York, where she says, “I just got lucky.”

Before joining Kate Spade in 2012, Kuethe landed a packaging design job for Tom Ford, worked as a freelance typographer, and created an independent e-zine, which she credits for some of her success. “When you do something that comes from your heart, it helps people understand your aesthetic so much more,” she says. Out of her entire portfolio, she says, “Still, this is the piece of work people respond to.”

One of the pieces of advice she offered to the crowd was to build a huge library of ideas. “Anything could inspire you if you thought it was the right thing,” she says. Once you’ve gathered enough examples of designs, color schemes, type, and other solutions, Kuethe says, “You can find something in your archive and build on it.”

She also spoke about the long-term responsibility involved in shaping a brand. “One thing that’s really important for a brand is where it is at this moment. It’s easy to do something that’s beautiful at first glance, but a brand needs to maintain its integrity, quality, and consistency,” she says. That’s why she created a style guide to “think ahead” about design choices at Kate Spade.

Kuethe challenged the group of young designers in the room to believe in themselves. No longer insecure about her talent, she says, “Now, I know what I am doing is working. I kept thinking this was an accident, but now I’m past that. When you know what you want to do, you do it, and you know it’s going to work out. That’s a precious takeaway.”

The following day, a group of Kendall Fashion Studies and Graphic Design students was treated to a workshop with Kuethe. Teams coached by Kuethe collaborated to come up with marketable ideas, using “nature” as the inspiration. Students were asked to develop a line starting with a log and extending into a mini-collection of products. The amazing results created by the students ranged from accessories to apparel, and all had a unique and distinct interpretation of nature.

Capping the workshop was the announcement of a new Kendall Fashion Studies award for excellence sponsored by Mimi Ray, a local independent fashion and design professional and principal designer at Mimi Ray Style:Design, who was integral to the launch of the Fashion Studies program at Kendall. The first year’s winner of this new annual award for Outstanding Student in Fashion Studies was Athena Anger, who was chosen by the Fashion Studies faculty and recognized for her creativity and craftsmanship. Says Ray, “When I was a student, I loved participating in fashion competitions and shows. It meant so much to me to be part of these events and be recognized by peers and professionals. I’m glad my company can do the same for other students today, and I hope other companies and individuals can support Kendall’s fashion program. We have lots of talent here, and recognition helps us highlight our community of designers.”

As an official sponsor of Michigan’s State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH), the college’s continuing education program can now offer qualifying professional development classes to any certified K-12 educator, regardless of their field. Previously, Kendall’s professional development courses were offered only through Ferris State University, but approving Kendall as an independent sponsor simplified the process of proposing courses. “We are very excited to be able to offer more professional development for educators,” says Brenda Sipe, Director of Continuing Studies at Kendall. “Our status as a sponsor makes it easier for us to offer quality courses.”

Three Kendall classes have already been approved by the State, including oil pastel drawing from life, teaching design in the high school art room, and painting with oils. A fourth course on ceramics has been proposed to the Department of Education and is currently in the approval process. 

While teachers can choose from many courses offered throughout the state, Sipe expects Kendall’s offerings to appeal to many educators, especially in districts where art teachers have been eliminated by budget cuts. “There is a real need for it, and not just for art teachers,” she says. “Many classroom teachers are being asked to take on subjects like art that they don’t have certification for.” From elementary school to art, shop, “or any area where people have to do creative thinking,” Sipe says all teachers are welcome to attend.

Currently, K-12 educators in Michigan are required to earn 500 clock hours of professional development every three years, with one clock hour equal to one hour of instructional time. According to State administrative rules set in May 2012, these clock hours replace what was once known as State Board Continuing Education Units (SB-CEUs), though any SB-CEUs already earned are still valid for the renewal period of a teacher’s certificate.

To learn more about Kendall’s professional development courses, please click here, email Brenda Sipe, Director of Youth & Adults Continuing Studies, or call 451-2787, ext. 3012.

More information and a link to send a message to the family can be found here. 

To leave a message in the guest book, please click here. 

Photos and memories of Bob at Kendall can be sent here.

The Michigan Design Center hosts this annual event in an effort to bring students into their 30-plus showrooms to experience the products and services offered, and to hear from professionals in the field. The Michigan Design Center provides the largest selection of fine interior furnishings in Michigan and is the primary resource for the interior design community throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario, Canada. 

The ASID/IIDA students led this initiative by determining the details and associated costs for the trip. The group’s faculty advisor, mentor, treasurer and acting chauffer, Tara McCrackin, Assistant Professor of Interior Design, supported the students along the way. The group of students – who ranged from sophomores to seniors – had plenty of time to get to know each other better, talk about their expectations for the event and for their careers as they traveled to the event.

Throughout the course of the event students had the opportunity to interact with others from programs all over the state. The event boasted attendance of more than 102 students and instructors from 13 colleges and universities. This event was the perfect medium for students to engage with experienced designers who practice on the east side of Michigan.

A portion of the of the Career Day program focused on presenting awards for the ASID 24th Annual Ghiordes Knot Competition and the 2013 IIDA MI Dr. Virginia North Student Competition. Winning students were honored with certificates and cash awards. KCAD students were well represented in these competitions. 

The ASID 24th Annual Ghiordes Knot Competition included 42 entries from 3 participating schools and was swept by KCAD students. Laura Fussman, Senior, took first place and received a cash award of $400. Taking home the Honorable Mention awards were Lauren Breymeyer, Senior, and Michael Fisher, Sophomore, who both received $200 dollar cash awards.

Fussman, Breymeyer and Fisher

The 2013 IIDA MI Dr. Virginia North Student Competition included 27 entries from three schools. KCAD students placed first and second out of the three awards given. Kaitlyn Volpe, Senior, won first place and was presented with a $300 cash award. Kayla Mousseau, Senior, won second place and was presented with a $200 cash award.

Percival Business College by Kaitlyn Volpe

Kirkbride Suites by Kayla Mousseau

KCAD’s Interior Design program is proud of how well these students represented KCAD in these state-wide competitions and looks forward to their impressive future accomplishments.

Ferris received the award for its renovation of the historic Federal Building in Grand Rapids. University partners in the project, Christman Capital Development Company, the Christman Company, TowerPinkster Architects, Hopkins Burns Design Studio and the city of Grand Rapids were also a part of the award.

Kendall President David Rosen, left, and Ferris President David Eisler at the 2013 Governor’s Awards.

“It is important to recognize the people transforming Michigan by rehabilitating our historic buildings and downtowns and protecting our archaeological sites,” Johnson said. “The Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation enable us to thank these people for dedicating their time, their energy and their financial resources to make a difference for Michigan.”

In Michigan, historic rehabilitation projects using historic preservation tax credits generated more than $1.7 billion in investment in Michigan communities between 2000 and 2012. In 2012 alone, completed historic rehabilitation projects in Michigan totaled more than $118 million.

“We urge planners and other community leaders to consider historic properties unique assets and to capitalize on those assets,” Conway said. “The Governor’s Awards helps educate and raise awareness of the possibilities for redevelopment.”

Ferris President David Eisler noted that the university had renovated the Federal Building as an asset for Kendall College of Art and Design students, and did so while also meeting Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.

“In renovating this historic structure, we worked to honor the past, reflect the environmental sensitivities of the present and anticipate the needs of the future,” Eisler said. “We believe that honoring both the sustainability and usability of this building sets an example for both Kendall and Ferris students.”

            In addition to Ferris, the other 2013 Governor’s Award recipients are

• The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc., D. Layman Construction Company, and the Community of Pokagon Township, for the restoration of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Pokagon (Old Rugged Cross Church), Pokagon Township, Cass County;

• Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc., Tom Roberts, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., Grand River Builders, Inc., and the Greater Coldwater Community for the restoration of the Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater;

• Glenn D. and Jeanine Head Miller for the rehabilitation of the Milton and Kittie Geer House, Superior Township, Washtenaw County;

• Neighborhood Service Organization; Fusco, Shaffer and Pappas; O’Brien Edwards Construction; and Kidorf Preservation Consulting for the rehabilitation of the Michigan Bell and Western Electric Warehouse (NSO Bell Building), Detroit; and

• The Detroit Land Bank Authority for demonstrating a true understanding the value of historic preservation through the NSP2 rehabilitations it completed in Detroit historic districts.

The State Historic Preservation Office, of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, initiated the award program in 2003 to recognize outstanding historic preservation achievements reflecting a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many cultural resources that document Michigan’s past.

On April 30, a group of students from Kendall College of Art and Design learned first-hand how design can translate into dollars when the winners of the first Pure Michigan Woods Design Challenge were announced.

The Michigan Pure Wood Works Co-Op reached out to Kendall Dean Max Shangle with the idea for a contest that would highlight value-added wood products and utilize northern Michigan’s rich supply of both natural resources and talent. The goal was to generate student-designed furniture that represented “Pure Michigan,” was made with materials from Michigan, and could be completely designed and manufactured in Michigan. With support from the Michigan Economic Development Company (MEDC), the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, contest organizer Dennis Valkanoff, and Kendallinstructors Monty Simpson and Bruce Mulder, the contest quickly came together.

All of Kendall’s Furniture Design classes, from entry level to the capstone course, used the challenge as the basis for a four-week class project, with the option to enter their finished work in the contest at the end. A field of 13 contestants presented their work to a panel of judges including Scott Glenn, Vice President of Merchandising for Slumberland Furniture, Aime Fitzhugh, Vice President of Merchandising forGardner-White Furniture, and Steve Silver, CEO of Steve Silver Co., one of the largest occasional furniture companies in the U.S. Additional judges included Amanda Holberton and Lowell Eastman from Michigan Pure Wood Works, and contest organizer Dennis Valkanoff.

The judges evaluated the collections based on how well they represented the theme, aligned with market trends, and met the Co-Op’s manufacturing criteria. Valkanoff said the panel’s discussions revolved around three key points. “First, was there a true focus on making it a pure Michigan product? Secondly, we had to analyze the materials and manufacturability--and we determined we could manufacture anything. The final discussion was about retail. As I told the students, it may be beautiful, but I want to make you some money on the side.”

Michelle De La Rosa presenting to panel.

While the contest was originally designed to select two runners up and a first prize, the judges were so impressed by the ideas they saw that they asked to add an additional winner. Mark Kinsler, Vice President of Business Attraction for MEDC, was invited to announce the awards. The three runners up, in unranked order, were “Lily” Zhengyi Hou, Evan Fay, and Lane Risdon, who each received a cash prize of $500. The first prize of $1,000 was awarded to Christopher Eitel.

Christoper Eitel (center) with judges Holberton, Eastman, Glenn and Fitzhugh.

Each of the four finalists will work with the Co-Op to have their collections produced and presented at a Michigan show “like a mini High Point,” according to Simpson. Michigan Pure Wood Works will start production of the top three designs in the summer of 2013, and Pure Michigan Furniture will be available in Michigan stores in the fall of 2013. All four winning students will receive royalties from future sales.

Kinsler told the students, “When I was asked to be a part of this, our goal was to help create more and better jobs with natural resources made in Michigan. The most important asset is you, the designers. You’re exactly the kind of talent we don’t want to leave the state, so we have to provide an opportunity for you to find a fulfilling job, work on creative and important projects, and make some money to earn a living for yourself and your family.”

Judge Aime Fitzhugh was enthusiastic about both the goals and results of the event. “This is the kind of program we need to inspire young people in the furniture industry,” he said. “Watching them take an idea from paper to product is very inspiring. It creates opportunities for students and production, and in the end it resulted in great designs that we can convert into retail.” 

Steve Silver was so enthusiastic that he has offered Hou an internship. She will join him at Steve Silver Co. in Texas for the summer.

Looking back at the process, Simpson said, “This has been a great opportunity for all of the students to be able to design products. Any time they’re tasked with working with information, doing drawings, and carrying their ideas all the way through production, it’s a great experience. It was interesting to see how each of the students chose different elements that represented Pure Michigan. Each of their collections had something that the judges liked. They did a fantastic job, and I could see every one of their collections being placed and sold.”

Pure Michigan Design: Contest winners share their interpretations of the theme

“Lily” Zhengyi Hou, Junior in Furniture Design

My inspiration is natural curves. I use curves for each piece. From nature, I think about the waves and the water, the Great Lakes that are famous in Michigan. I use a Michigan wood, which is cherry. I also use a lot of metal and glass in my design.

Hou's TV stand and sofa table.

Evan Fay, Junior in Furniture Design

My interpretation came directly from my hometown, which is Traverse City, Michigan. Up there, there are a lot of beautiful orchards and vineyards, so naturally that was a design inspiration. More specifically, I used produce crates as design direction to launch off. They set some pretty good parameters with materials and Michigan, so I picked my favorite things: cherry wood and copper, and chose pieces I would want in my home. 

Fay's bench and coffee table.

Lane Risdon, Senior

I’m from North Carolina, and living here was a huge culture shock. I grew up on the Atlantic Ocean. One of the things I would do to feel like I was back home is drive to Grand Haven and sit on the shore of Lake Michigan. I designed this with blues and rope turnings and nautical chain stylized metal fretwork in honor of the Great Lakes, and I used black walnut, satin nickel, and a robin’s egg blue paint.

Risdon's collection on display for the judges.

Christopher Eitel, Senior

I interpreted Pure Michigan through different industries that are known from an outside perspective. Being from this area, I know that the auto industry is a big thing here in Michigan. The timber industry is also something that I’ve learned about being here in Michigan and in furniture design. Other outside perspectives that have to do with the wintertime and the weather and the seasons led to some of my decision making on my designs. I tried to interpret how I view it as not a native Michigander, but a Michigander now.

Eitel's "Cracked Ice" cocktail table.

"I have such enormous respect for Kendall. I really can't describe the feeling of receiving this honor," Tinkelman said. "This is the best thing that has happened to me in academia, And that's saying something."

Tinkelman, whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Saturday Evening Post and The Washington Post, is considered an icon in the art world. He will be inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame this summer, more than 60 years after his first illustration was published in Seventeen Magazine.

It was awful," said Tinkelman, who has illustrated numerous advertisements, op-ed pieces, children's books and book covers, including covers for Zane Grey Westerns. "I was paid $10. You're right if you assume I was grossly overpaid."

But the artist admits the evolution of his work is a lesson for fledgling artists, one he's shared in lectures at museums, universities and colleges from coast to coast, including at Kendall.

"I love the caliber of students there," Tinkelman said. "They had so many questions I nearly missed my plane."

Tinkelman became familiar with Kendall more than 30 years ago, when students participated in the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition. He was impressed by the superior level of work submitted by students in the highly competitive show and in subsequent competitions, and developed a friendship with artist Jon McDonald, chair of the Illustration program at Kendall. He visited the Grand Rapids campus for guest lectures in 2008 and 2011.

"We recognize that such a high honor is reserved for only the most talented and accomplished professionals," said Kendall President David Rosen. "Judging by this criteria, Murray Tinkelman is long overdue since his accomplishments as an illustrator and art educator are unparalleled."

Tinkelman's illustration prowess has earned numerous awards. He was commissioned by The National Park Service to draw and paint national parks and monuments, and his baseball illustrations have been displayed at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and the United States Sports Academy. His work can be found in many permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum, the Delaware Art Museum, the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, the New Britain Museum of American Art and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Tinkelman's well-earned success and notoriety as an illustrator mirrors his love for teaching. He is the founding chair of the illustration program at Parsons School of Design, taught illustration and is professor emeritus at Syracuse University, and founded the Low Residency Master of Fine Arts in Illustration Program at Hartford University's Art School.

Tinkelman enjoys traveling around the country and presenting slide presentations on his work, the history of illustration and related topics. He prides himself on combining his career as an artist with his career as an educator.

"There's a libelous cliche: Those who can, do; those who can't, teach; I am so offended by that statement," Tinkelman said. "I think those who can, do and teach."

Tinkelman, who celebrated his 80th birthday on April 2, lives in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. with his wife, Carol, who coordinates the MFA program at Hartford. On April 7, they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

Kendall will hold its commencement ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids. Of the 249 students who will receive degrees, almost 190 are expected to participate in the ceremony.

“One of my favorite events is the Kendall Annual Student Exhibition. The quality of the art and the many different avenues of expression are truly impressive,” said David Eisler, President of Ferris State University.

Adds Kendall President David Rosen, “On any day, I love walking through the corridors to see the student work that changes daily as new work is completed. It always leaves me in awe of the creativity and achievement of our students. But when all 270,000 square feet of the buildings come alive with the work of our students, one is immersed in a world fully transformed by the spirit of imagination and making. I experienced it for the first time last year, and I thought that it was unbelievable, overwhelming, and moving. I can't wait to be in the space again when it will be alive with students, their creations, and their communities.”

Student work from all levels, first year through graduate, of seventeen different fine art, design, and academic programs will be on display. Fine art programs Drawing, Illustration, Medical Illustration, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture and Functional Art will be represented alongside work from design programs Collaborative Design, Digital Media, Fashion Design, Furniture Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Metals and Jewelry Design. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy the work of Art Education and Art History students. New to the exhibition this year are works from the three unique programs launched this past fall: Collaborative Design, focusing on specialists who can collaborate across disciplines; Fashion Studies, an exciting “3+1” program with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City; and Medical Illustration, a groundbreaking partnership with Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine.

“The Annual Student Exhibition is a celebration of the achievements of our students, providing a venue for us to share with the community a presentation of the breadth and scope of what makes Kendall great. Classrooms, lobby spaces and hallways become galleries featuring presentations by graduating seniors and representative work by the entire student body,” says Dean Max Shangle.

“There really is no better time to come and see the range of accomplishments our students are capable of," says Sarah Joseph, Director of Exhibitions.

Adds Assistant Director of Exhibitions Michele Bosak, “It’s the culmination of another year's worth of exploration, growth, and endless hours in the studio. It is a week of reflection and celebration.” Noting that many of the pieces are for sale she continues, “Being an avid art collector, I delight in the opportunity to support Kendall's emerging artists, while adding to my own collection.”

The exhibition is free and open to the public, beginning with the opening reception at 4:00pm on Tuesday, May 7. Hours are Tuesday, May 7, 4:00-7:00pm; Wednesday May 8-Friday May 10, 9:00am-9:00pm; and Saturday May 11, 9:00am-2:00pm. The exhibition culminates with the Commencement ceremony on Saturday May 11. Please visit kcad.edu for more information.

The open house was hosted by Design West Michigan (DWM), an organization that explores and advocates for design as an economic building block for the region. “Having Material ConneXion accessible to designers and firms in the region adds to West Michigan’s ability to continue its strong design tradition,” said John Berry, Executive Director for DWM.

Based in New York City, Material ConneXion is the leading global materials consultancy. Headed by a team of materials specialists and scientists, it offers a subscription-based membership to the world's largest collection of advanced, innovative and sustainable materials, along with consulting services to help members fulfill current needs and collaborate on future projects.

Material ConneXion Library at Kendall

Creatives from across West Michigan and as far away as Indianapolis gathered to see, touch, and be inspired by the samples on display. By the end of June, 1,000 samples will be on hand—the largest collection in any academic setting nationwide. Conveniently located for the entire West Michigan design community, this site joins 10 other brick-and-mortar Material ConneXion libraries around the world, along with an online database featuring all 7,500 material samples.

During the open house, guests mingled among samples ranging from lacy, paper-like webs to scented tiles, reflective fabric, and furry fibers before the organization’s Vice President, Dr. Andrew Dent, addressed the crowd.

“I love providing information and energizing creative people by showing them what’s available in materials,” he says. “One of the best things we can do is encourage cross-pollination. If you understand all the materials, you can start to see connections. Who cares what industry a material comes from if it has properties that can be transferred to other applications? By sourcing materials based on their properties, not what they are supposed to be used for, your list of resources suddenly broadens.”

John Berry, left, and Dr. Dent address the gathering

From an academic perspective, Dr. Dent says the library’s material resources are broader than any school can teach. Students from Kendall have full access to the library, and community members ranging from individuals to companies can subscribe for a fee. The library will be open during regular business hours or by appointment, and the library staff will be happy to set up custom boards for material studies or client presentations. 

Max Shangle, Dean of Kendall, said that in addition to giving students the opportunity to touch, feel, and learn about materials, the Material ConneXion library also connects Kendall to the outside world. “We want business, industry, designers, and creators of all kinds to understand what we have here,” he said.

Reaction among the open house guests was positive, with many of them touching or experimenting with the samples and pointing out their favorites to others.  Asked how he might use the library, Scott Sheline, Controls Engineer for Gentex, said, “There might be a problem that I don’t know how to solve, or I might see a new material that triggers ideas and makes me wonder what I could do with it. It’s the uncovered rock that helps with that kind of thinking.”

His colleague Mark Roth, Product Designer for Gentex, added, “Materials are basically the foundation of innovation. If you can wrap ideas around them that haven’t been tried before, you may be able to come up with something new and patent the idea.”

Guests explore materials samples

Andy McIntyre, whose Indianapolis-based employer Knauf Insulation manufactures insulation materials with recycled beer bottles, said, “We’re always looking for new materials compatible with what we currently produce. Material ConneXion could help us identify new markets or applications for what we’re doing or discover new opportunities based on the materials we see here.”

To learn more about Material ConneXion or subscribe to the library, please contact John Berry.

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) has released a stair prompt signage design to promote active living in Western Michigan. Graphic images promoting healthy behavior have been shown to motivate stair users, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The message in the signage, “Get Healthy, Save the Earth, Take the Stairs!” also points to a greener option, the stairs, over energy consuming elevators. A stair week is planned for early September to raise awareness.

According to national research on health-promoting architecture, six studies evaluated the relationship between people’s perception of the environment and physical activity. Overall, the median improvement in some aspect of physical activity was 35 percent given a perceived safer, inviting environment. In active building design research, men who climbed at least 20 floors per week (four floors per work day) can lower their risk of stroke and death from all causes by 20 percent. The American Institute of Architects released a report last December titled “Local Leaders, Healthier Communities Through Design.”

The KCAD poster design was selected by a multidisciplinary, intersectoral partnership consisting of health professionals, educators and designers. The jury members are: Max Shangle, Dean of the College, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University; Bryan W. Koehn, AIA, Director of Design, Progressive AE; Mariposa Davis, Graphic Design Specialist, Mercy Health; David King, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Graphic Design Area Head, Grand Valley State University; Lisa Stefanovsky, M.Ed, Public Health Administrator/Health Officer, Ottawa County Health Department; Kenneth Kraus, MPA, Public Health Director, Muskegon County; and Adam London, RS, MPA, Administrative Health Officer, Kent County Health Department. The jury was convened by Joyce Lee, FAIA, LEED AP, Green Health Chair of the American Institute of Architects, Grand Rapids.

“The value we perceive in any activity encourages or discourages us from engaging in that activity. Design helps us perceive that value. The design of a poster, in this case, helps us see the importance of something so small as taking the stairs, which saves energy, helps the environment and keeps us fit. I am pleased that this distinguished jury found a poster that may help us all take actions that will improve the health in West Michigan and so benefit everyone, as well as the individual,” said David Rosen, Ph.D., President of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.

"Our mission as a health system is to build a healthier community, and we can't do it alone. This project is a great example of cooperation among organizations to raise awareness about being healthy,” Roger Spoelman, Regional President and CEO for Mercy Health.

“Stair posters at the point of decision are environmental design cues that will also reduce carbon footprints. The US Green Building Council has recently taken the lead to introduce a LEED pilot credit called Design for Active Occupants. I thank my colleagues, Wayman Britt, Brad Thomas, and Mary Boyd, fellows with the National Leadership Academy for Public’s Health in this initiative,” said Joyce Lee, FAIA, LEED AP.

Fenton will discuss his Fulbright-Hays fieldwork and research on the African tradition of masquerades in Calabar, Nigeria.

Those who attend will be able to hear many things they haven’t heard before, ”said Danielle Voorhies, a programming assistant in the Office of International Studies. “Even for those who know of or may have visited Africa, being initiated into a group or adopted as a son is a unique story to be heard.”

Fenton spent 15 months in Calabar, where he researched the art, rituals and performances of six masquerade societies and also was initiated into each, adopted as a son by a local king, conferred with the rank of chief and honored with lengthy apprenticeships into an imaged and performed esoteric knowledge system.

"As an assistant professor at Kendall and a Fulbright Scholar, our office wanted to welcome him to Big Rapids and introduce him to the students and community here,” Voorhies said. “We have many Nigerian students [studying at Ferris] this semester, and I think even for them Jordan’s story will be a very unique one to hear.”

The presentation is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Ferris’ Center for Global Studies and Engagement.

For more information, visit the university’s events calendar: http://calendar.ferris.edu/

"I was honored to be asked to join the board because I saw the excellent work ArtServe has been doing to demonstrate the importance of the arts and to advocate for and support their place in Michigan's education, economy and culture,” said Rosen. “As we enter a phase in the life of the region, state and nation where our population's creativity will be required for economic advancement and personal completion, an organization like ArtServe is best able to tell the stories and cultivate resources to allow us all to prosper. My job and Kendall's job is to support that work that is so essential for us all."

Members across Michigan elected to the Board of Directors are active in public policy, business, cultural organizations, civic affairs, higher education, the legal profession and nonprofit work and serve three-year terms. The Board meetsquarterly and works collaboratively to guide the organization in its statewide efforts to advocate, connect and support the creative community as a contributing force to Michigan’s revitalization.

“David’s passion and knowledge on creative economy and arts education issues, the role the arts plays as a significant contributor to Michigan’s success and how business and creativity converge to build opportunity for entrepreneurship and talent attraction align perfectly with the mission of ArtServe,” said Jennifer Goulet, president and CEO of ArtServe Michigan. “His expertise and experience will be an asset to our continued work cultivating the creative potential of our state.”

Joining Kendall as president in 2012, Rosen is continuing the momentum established by his predecessor Oliver Evans in growing enrollment, while working to establish Kendall as a trailblazer for its innovative new programs, including Collaborative Design, Medical Illustration and Fashion Studies; raising awareness of it’s award-winning fine art and design programs; and building new masters programs, including an architecture program focused on sustainable living and environmental responsibility.

Prior to Kendall, Rosen served as Senior Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Woodbury University in Burbank, Los Angeles, which has been nationally recognized for its innovation, creativity and forward-thinking leadership in education. There, he co-authored and coordinated significant grants and awards and helped secure the Ray Bradbury Center for Creativity. He also served more than two decades at the University of Maine - Machias. 

Rosen earned his doctorate and master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. and his bachelor’s degree from Haverford College in Pennsylvania. A Maine native, he currently resides in Grand Rapids, Mich. He has directed various academic and small theater productions and founded the Maine Youth Summer Theater Institute and Burbank Summer Theater Institute. He also is a published author and songwriter.