Graduates of the Art and Design Department are working in a wide range of areas in all parts of the world. Here are updates from a few of our alumni.
Molly McGrath, BFA, (2011), Graphic Design. As a CMU Student, Molly interned at Monument Graphics and Communications in Grand Junction. Shortly after graduation she landed a full-time graphic design position at Zielinski Design Associates in Dallas, Texas, where she worked on print ads, branding, logo design, packaging, trade show design, and web site design, and was promoted to Lead Design after six months. Molly recently accepted a position with DMA, a creative marketing firm that specializes in the produce industry. Working from Texas, Molly collaborates with designers in Seattle to create print ads, logos, web sites, identity ensembles, mailers, trade show displays, and social media promotions.
Amy Williams Averitte, BFA, (2010) Visual Arts Administration and a minor in Graphic Design. Amy has busily been creating unique handmade children's decor and plush toys through her own small business, fAveritte creations. She moved to Tennessee shortly after graduating and recently her business was ranked 164th out of over 1000 entries in the "Startup Nation Top 200 US Mom-Based Businesses Competition". Find her creations on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fAverittecreations
Michael Garlitz, BFA, (2010) Studio Art-Ceramics and Art History. Michael received his Masters of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in ceramics from the University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design in Denton, Texas and is currently teaching at CMU as an Artist-in-Residence.
Hannah Cunningham, BFA, (2009) Graphic Design. Hannah has stayed in Grand Junction and is working at Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado as a graphic designer. She began as an intern in the Marketing Department at HPCWC in 2008, and accepted a full-time position in November 2010. Hannah designs the non-profit organization's monthly newsletters, newspaper ads, posters, flyers, mailers, and email blasts, and also helps to maintain the website. HPCWC also runs a restaurant, coffee shop and two retail stores that have graphic design needs met by the in-house Marketing Department.
Clint Shaw, BFA, (2007) Studio Art-Sculpture. Clint spent two years teaching at Independence Academy Charter School in Grand Junction before traveling to Daejeon, South Korea, where he spent a year teaching English as a second language. After his return to the U.S. in July 2012, Clint began teaching art at Pagosa Springs High School while pursuing a Master of Arts in Education through Western State College.
Priscilla Nielsen, BFA, (2005) Art Education. Priscilla is currently teaching art and ceramics at Arroyo Seco Junior High School in Santa Clarita, California. For the last two years, she has participated in the Kennedy Center Program for Arts Integration in conjunction with College of the Canyons. Priscilla teaches Adult Education Classes in ceramics, and is working toward the creation of a "Recycling for Art" center to provide art educators with usable arts materials from local industry and businesses.
Steven Rippy, BFA, (2004), Graphic Design. Steven worked at the Grand Junction Free Press in Grand Junction, Colorado while attending CMU. Steven spent the summer before his senior year in London, as an intern for advertising firm Emphasis Publishing. After graduation he moved to Aspen, where he worked as an ad designer for the Aspen Times until accepting his current position as a graphic designer for Ski.com. At Ski.com Steve designs all of the print marketing and also works on online design, including social media outlets. He works from home and absolutely loves his job. See some of his work at www.rippydesign.com
Ryan Kyle, BA (2003), BFA (2007) Studio Art-Sculpture. Ryan grew up with a passion for art, nature, and all things wild. His own efforts and the encouragement of many others led him to become a sculptor, with nature and wildlife his favorite subjects. He currently resides in Grand Junction, Colorado and owns and operates Hunter Thomas Gallery (www.huntertom.com). Ryan is also currently pursuing his M.F.A. at the Academy of Art University.
Casey Winterbower (Miller), BA, (2002), Graphic Design. Casey interned at Monument Graphics and Communications in Grand Junction, Colorado during her final year at Colorado Mesa University. After graduation she acquired a permanent position as a full-time designer at Monument. Here she worked on ad campaigns, brand identity, package design, promotional materials and website design. In 2009 she went to work for Paragon Technology Services as a website designer. Casey is currently the owner of Nimbll, a full service design studio specializing in brand identity and website design.
Gabriel Gathmann, BA, (2001) Graphic Design. Gabriel continued his education at the Virginia Commonwealth University Adcenter, where he earned a MS in Mass Communication/Art Direction. He is currently a senior art director at Martin Williams Advertising in Minneapolis, and his work has appeared in Communication Arts, Archive, Graphis and The One Show annual. In 2008, Gabriel won a Clio for an animated anti-slavery TV spot, competing in the same category against high-profile brands including United Airlines and Coca Cola. In addition to his advertising and design work, Gabriel is in the process of bringing a new product to the marketplace, with planned availability in fall 2012.
Matthew W. Mortimer, BA, (2000) Graphic Design. Matthew began his career at CMU's very own Campus Design Studio. Since graduation, he has worked at Motion Products, one of the top five Lenticular Printing companies in the U.S., and has also served as an Art Director for Tomlin/Nicks/Wells & Townsend Advertising. Steven has enjoyed his projects for both national and international clients, which have ranged from business cards and large-format print design to corporate identity, social media, and website design.
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