Exhibit Showcases Vassar’s Graphic Designers

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (August 31, 2004) — Behind the scenes at Vassar College a team of skilled designers realizes hundreds of projects each year, as immediate as a daily Web page banner and as enduring as a 300-page art book. The distinct aesthetic they create for the college will be showcased in "Design Inside: The Art of Communicating Life at Vassar," a rare survey of in-house design work to be exhibited Tuesday September 28 through Sunday October 17 at the James W. Palmer Gallery in Vassar's College Center. An exhibition reception will be held at the gallery from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 6.

"Everywhere at Vassar the work of our talented designers keeps us informed, makes our jobs easier, piques our interest in campus events, creates a feeling of liveliness, and contributes to our sense of pride in where we work, teach, and study," according to Susan DeKrey, Vice President of College Relations.

DeKrey explains that the idea for "Design Inside" crystallized after one of her regular visits down the hall to print designer Charlie Mosco, whose office walls brim with examples of college design work. "It struck me that our designers produce an exceptional body of work worthy of a proper exhibition," explained DeKrey.

Among the unique aspects of the exhibition will be a 43-foot long wall full of promotional posters, approximately 150 stylized documents announcing lectures, performances, art exhibitions, and related activities. Susan Sontag, Stephen King, Johnnie Cochran, Twyla Tharp, and Tony Kushner are among the distinguished visitors featured in these pieces.

A dozen computer monitors will be stationed around the gallery to display an extensive series of designs from within the college's 15,000-page Web site. Examples will range from the artful daily banners that distinguish the Vassar home page to complete site designs for college departments.

"Design Inside" will also display a number of art catalogues, books, and brochures prepared for the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, the library's Department of Archives and Special Collections, and the James W. Palmer III '90 Gallery. For several years the Office of College Relations has also retained the consulting firm Nesnadny & Schwartz of Cleveland, OH to design student recruitment and admissions publications, and some of this work will also be exhibited.

Each year the two print designers and four Web designers in Vassar's Office of College Relations create over 300 print pieces, 375 Web page banners, and 25 new primary websites for the college.

For hours and other information on the James W. Palmer Gallery in Vassar's College Center, call 845-437-5370. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings at the same number.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Tuesday, August 31st, 2004.