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 NOVEMBER
2004
Herbst International Exhibition Hall
California is either the sixth or seventh largest economy
in the world – depending on the marketplace at any given
moment – putting the state right up there with the countries
of France and Italy. Hollywood is the world’s film capital.
Northern California is widely regarded as one of – if
not the, best – wine regions anywhere. The San Francisco
Bay Area is often regarded as the birthplace of high-tech,
as well as social and political movements of varying import.
One senses that whatever happens in the rest of the country
probably happens here first. Is this true of the graphic arts?
Are Californians on the cutting edge, leading the way in advertising
design? Logo development? Animation?
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – the
San Francisco and California Chapters – opens “Grown
in California” at the Herbst International Exhibition
Hall (HIEH) in the Presidio November 11. Subtitled the “2004
California Show – Design Competition,” the exhibition
is a retrospective of the best in California graphic arts
within the last six years. The 200 entries on display at the
HIEH are culled from more than 3,000 statewide entries through
a tough competition in 11 design categories:
Branding & Identity
Corporate Communications
Editorial Design
Environmental Design
Illustration
Interactive Design
Motion Graphics
Packaging
Photography
Promotional (Advertising Design)
Typeface Design
The public is more than welcome, according to Christopher
C. H. Simmons, President of AIGA San Francisco.
“It’s a very accessible atmosphere,” he said.
“Local designer Mitchell Mauk designed a wonderfully
whimsical exhibit for the show, based on the ‘Grown in
California’ theme. Without giving too much away, I can
tell you it features more than 500 floating oranges.”
A gala opening night reception and fund-raiser are also open
to the public.
“Think of it as a high-energy art opening,” Simmons
said, “but with the kind of work that everyone can relate
to. It features a live DJ, a catered reception, a no-host
bar, and will be attended by the Bay Area’s top designers,
students, and other industry professionals.”
See the November
11 calendar listing or visit the website www.aigasf.org
for details on the reception and the show.
AIGA is the oldest and largest professional organization
to serve designers in the US. Selected entries will also be
exhibited at the AIGA national Design Gallery in New York,
published in a show catalog, and featured on AIGA chapter
web sites. The statewide presenting sponsor is the Academy
of Art University.
“Grown in California” was funded in part by the
Shulte Grants for the Arts and Crafts program, administered
by the Fort Mason Foundation. The Shulte program is designed
to foster, promote, and provide education in the arts and
crafts for people of all ages.
– Ron Tierney
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