Creative Movers and Shakers Jet in for Fresh Talent at Academy of Art University's Spring Show 2008b

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 10, 2008 -- Academy of Art University's Annual Spring Show celebrated its dazzling grand opening May 22, 2008 to the excitement and anticipation of all those eagerly waiting. Students and industry professionals alike converged at the Academy's state-of-the-art facility at 601 Brannan for one day of all-out art and design, a celebration of the creative fervor present throughout the university.

The Annual Spring Show is a unique industry event where select graduating students from all 13 art and design departments are invited to showcase their work for art and design industry professionals and meet for one-on-one interviews in the hopes of landing their dream job. These gifted students get the priceless opportunity to wow the critical-eyed professionals with their impressive portfolios, hoping to end the day happily employed.

The success of this year's event underscores and highlights the Academy's continued commitment to creating opportunities for students to gain experience and industry connections that prepare them for professional success. More than 300 art and design industry leaders from over 13 US states and Canada arrived in the early morning hours ready for a hot cup of coffee and an awe-inspiring afternoon.

From every corner of the sweeping warehouse space there were sensational views of this year's award-winning works of art. Seeming more like a fine art gallery than a student art show, artwork from all art and design schools powerfully exhibited the solid mixture of creativity, talent, and hard work that is life at the Academy. Brilliantly colored illustrations and intricately created graphic novels (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/create-graphic-novel.html) competed with large-scale sculpture installations and liquid plasma displays of fantastically 3D animation worlds. The passion and commitment of Academy students electrified the space.

Throughout the afternoon students waited, portfolios in hand, ready to get expert advice and a business card from industry pros, maybe even land their first big job. Industry professionals from Pixar, BMW, Canon USA, Adobe Systems, Cisco Systems, Mercedes Benz, Lucasfilm, Nickelodeon, Microsoft Games, THQ, ILM, Walt Disney Company, Sony, Electronic Arts and many others reviewed portfolios while allowing students invaluable opportunities to share their inspirations and qualifications. As they scouted each hopeful for fresh new talent, they were astounded by the high caliber of work.

"We were thoroughly impressed with the caliber of talent represented," remarked Leonardo Lawson, Managing Director at Janou Pakter Inc, a global creative recruitment firm. "We visit all of the best schools in Europe and the US. The Academy of Art University has risen to one of the top art schools (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/top-art-school.html) that we visit."

Irene Gallo, Art Director for Tor, Forge and Starscape Books, comments on her blog post about her experience at the event and how impressed she was by the substantial effort and steadfast dedication on behalf of both students and instructors in creating high quality portfolios, emphasizing the unique determination of the Academy of Art University in preparing their students for the real world.

"Clearly the school is very concerned with preparing these kids for their careers," said Gallo. "Creating polished presentations and learning how to talk and network with prospective clients is not so easy, but the event threw them into the deep end of the pool with confidence."

At the President's Reception later that day, Academy President, Dr. Elisa Stephens, honored Jack Lew, Manager, Global Art Talent Resources at the cutting-edge game design company Electronic Arts. Dr. Stephens thanked Lew for his contributions to the world of interactive media and his continuing partnership with the Academy.

In closing, President Stephens highlighted the endless future possibilities for these brilliant emerging artists and designers thanks to the comprehensive art curriculum and wide array of career-based interaction at Academy of Art University.

Kristin Cotterell, Recruitment Manager at Infinity Ward, an award-winning video game company famous for its Call of Duty games, might have said it best, "I feel that the Academy of Art University is one of the best entertainment art schools (http://www.academyart.edu/) out there. I see a high level of talent coming out of the university again and again!"

Congratulations to the student winners and a big thanks to all of the industry participants for making this the best Spring Show yet.

Don't miss your opportunity to come and check out the amazing student work at Spring Show 2008!

Annual Spring Show - May 23 through July 25, 2008 (Open To Public)

Hours: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Closed Sundays and Holidays)

Where: Academy of Art University

601 Brannan Street

San Francisco, CA 94107 (Between 5th & 6th St.) - View Map

Free Parking (Limited)

Complimentary Shuttles leaving from 79 New Montgomery Street (Ongoing)

Admission is free!

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco:

With nearly 12,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

For more information visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.

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