The class of 2006 of the York/Sheridan Joint Program in Design will showcase their talents Saturday through Wednesday at their graduation exhibition, The Conscious Collective, at the Steam Whistle Brewery in downtown Toronto.
Left: Fourth-year design student Liang Zhang’s "SARS", a work highlighting type design and poster design
The students present their best work over the past four years from a range of projects, including visual identity and branding, environmental graphics, book designs, exhibitions, typography, information design and new media.
"It’s a remarkable show from a remarkable four years of intense work from a remarkable group of young professionals," said David Scadding, Chair of York’s Design Department. Brian Tsang, Sheridan program coordinator and professor, said "The Conscious Collective celebrates the graduating students’ achievements and provides an opportunity for the community to meet the young designers."
These young up-and-coming designers also curated the exhibition, from conceiving the theme of the show and designing the promotional Web site and materials, to soliciting corporate sponsorship and installing their work. "It’s been a lot of hard work," said graduating student Trish Papadakos. "But it’s a great way to close out the academic year."
The highlight of the event is Industry Night on Tuesday, when prominent industry leaders will address the students. The guest speakers are Peter Heywood, a principal with Industry Brand Strategy and a well known brand strategist; Canadian illustrator and designer Anita Kunz, well known for her work with magazines, design firms, book publishers and advertising agencies; and John Furneaux, president of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario.
Right: Work by fourth-year student Tina Chou, titled "A Thousand Year Old Tradition", showcasing stamp design and communication design
The public is invited to view The Conscious Collective April 8, 5-9pm; April 9-11, noon-9pm; and April 12, 11am-3pm. The exhibition will be on view in The Roundhouse of the Steam Whistle Brewery, 255 Bremner Blvd. at Rees St. just south of the CN Tower. Admission is free.
York/Sheridan Joint Program in Design
Established in 1999, the Joint Program in Design is Ontario's first bachelor of design degree program. It is offered jointly by York University in Toronto and Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning in Oakville, with students taking courses at both institutions.
This article was submitted to YFile by Mary-Lou Schagena, publicist for York’s Faculty of Fine Arts.