Released on: May 30, 2008, 8:35 am

Press Release Author: The Art Institutes

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: Winners Announced in 2008 The Art Institutes and Americans
for the Arts Poster Design Competition

Press Release Body: Eighteen-year-old Tess Brownson of Golden, CO, created a winning
poster design integrating the theme for The Art Institutes and Americans for the
Arts Poster Design Competition, \"Life is Better with Art in It\" and adding a twist
with the phrase, \"so step out of the Ordinary!\" Her illustration featured a pair of
colorful sneakers walking on a sidewalk making it come alive with art from a plain
black and white background.

Sponsored by The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts, the Poster Design
Competition was created to recognize, encourage and reward artistic talent at the
high school level. High school seniors with an interest in graphic design were
eligible to enter the competition to express their visual interpretation of why
\"Life is Better With Art in It.\"

In addition to being awarded the grand prize of a $25,000 tuition scholarship to
study at The Art Institute of Colorado, Tess will attend a Congressional Reception
on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with representatives from The Art Institutes,
Americans for the Arts and invited members of Congress, honoring the work of the
local winners in the competition.

Tess is excited to have the opportunity to study at The Art Institute of Colorado,
and follow in the footsteps of her father, Matt, who graduated from The Art
Institute of Colorado in 1990. \"I was so excited that my piece was chosen. I spent a
lot of time working on my entry and was happy to know that my hard work was
rewarded.\"

\"It is always a thrill for us to see what incredible artistic talent is out there
among high school students. Not only can they create amazing artwork, but they have
a point of view and a perspective that is mature and thoughtful,\" said John Mazzoni,
President of The Art Institutes.

Robert L. Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Americans for the Arts,
said, \"We are pleased to support the exceptional work of these students. From the
studio to the classroom to the conference room, these emerging artists are at the
forefront of exhibiting creativity and innovation in the nation\'s workforce.\"

The competition, which began in February, took place in two stages - locally and
nationally. Students submitted their entries to a participating Art Institute
location, where local competitions were held by March 2008 and a local winner from
each participating Art Institute location was selected. These first place local
winners\' entries were placed into consideration for national judging.

A panel of graphic design professionals visited The Art Institutes\' Web site
(www.artinstitutes.edu/posterdesign) and scored the 37 entries on a 100 point-value
system. Approximately $100,000 in tuition scholarships to The Art Institutes was
awarded to the top 12 students in the competition.

The designs of the top twelve winners work in the national competition will be
featured in a calendar, to be distributed to high schools across North America. In
addition, The Art Institutes created an online gallery of all scholarship winning
artwork on its Web site at: www.artinstitutes.edu/posterdesign.

For more information on The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts Poster Design
Competition, visit www.artinstitute.edu/pr.aspx?ID=pdc006.

About The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of over 40 education
institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of
design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

About Americans for the Arts

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts
in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of 48
years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving
local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in
and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at
www.AmericansForTheArts.org.


Press Contact
Jacki P. Muller
Vice President - Public Relations
The Art Institutes
jpmuller@aii.edu
412.995.7262

Devra Pransky
PR Specialist
The Art Institutes
dpransky@aii.edu
412.995.7685

Web Site: http://www.artinstitute.edu/pr.aspx?ID=pdc006

Contact Details: 210 Sixth Avenue, 33rd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222