Illustrations by four Sacred Heart University Department of Graphic Design & Visual Arts students have been accepted into the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.
The students are senior Kelley Aneson from Edison, N.J.; sophomore Adrianna Mallory from Pine Bush, N.Y., junior Rachel Fogarty from Stratford; and senior Michael Abate from Derby.
The pieces will be shown in the society’s annual nationally juried exhibition “West 52,” which opens at Center Stage Gallery in Burbank, Calif. on March 7.
The Illustration West 52 website will also launch this March in conjunction with the Illustration West 52 Art Exhibition.
This year, only a little over 16 percent of entries submitted were accepted into the show.
Founded in 1953 by a few of Southern California’s advertising artists and designers, the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles works primarily to promote the professional status of illustration art as well as develop both philanthropic and educational goals.
Since its beginning, the society has grown to a very productive membership whose work is seen by millions each year in all printed media, television, films, on the web and in gallery exhibitions.
Sacred Heart Professor Jack de Graffenried notes that the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles is one of the most prestigious exhibitions for illustration in the country.
“It speaks very highly of what our students are accomplishing in terms of illustration that four of them were among the 16 percent accepted into the exhibition. To be accepted into this society is an honor,” de Graffenied said.
“I am extremely proud of our students and of our program. Their talents in this area complement the work they are currently doing as graphic designers and will showcase to future clients and employers that SHU students are not only extremely talented, but diversified in their skill set as well. It is a great honor, and it speaks volumes as to how our Art & Design students can readily compete on the national stage with larger art colleges and universities.”
