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April 2024

AAD Insider's Scoop

Student drawing on large paper on wall.

April 2024

News and Happenings around the College

Food Magic's Sustainable Paint Project

“Spirit of the Earth” diptych painted with natural paints and instruments by Hiromi Okumura and Avery Gendell.
“Spirit of the Earth” diptych painted with natural paints and instruments by Hiromi Okumura and Avery Gendell.

Food Magic, a project that aims to transform food waste into paint and raise awareness about the food cycle, has extracted pigments from different sources such as corn husks, orange peels, and onion skins to create all-natural watercolor paints.

Alumnus finds happiness among blueprints, wine, and llamas

Michael West with four of his divine llamas. Photo courtesy of Michael West.
Michael West with four of his divine llamas. Photo courtesy of Michael West.

By 2007, 1980 Bachelor of Architecture alum, Michael West, had converted a dilapidated farmhouse into a tasting room and home, named a farm after his wife and three daughters, started a winery, and owned the fourth largest llama farm in the country.

Alumnus forges successful career in 3D art

Alumnus Matthew Yourshaw uses 3D art in a variety of fields, creating special effects for film and AI devices that control how buildings operate. Photo courtesy of Matthew Yourshaw.
Alumnus Matthew Yourshaw uses 3D art in a variety of fields, creating special effects for film and AI devices that control how buildings operate. Photo courtesy of Matthew Yourshaw.

Matthew Yourshaw, 2014 Bachelor's in Fine Arts and 2016 Master of Fine Arts in Creative Technology, has created 3D scene assets like aliens for major screen titles including "Stranger Things" and "Thor: Ragnarök." Now, in the latest step of his diverse and accomplished career, he's working for a company that creates artificial intelligence for buildings.

Theatre Design, Technology, & Stage Management Showcase

Save the date! The School of Performing Arts will be holding a showcase for their Theatre Program on April 26th at 5:30 PM in Theatre 101. This event will include work from student designers, technicians, and stage managers, and will finish with a cabaret performance at 6:15 PM.

The event is nonticketed but seating is limited for the cabaret performance.

Learn more about events being hosted by the college on our engagement page!

AAD video stories:

School of Visual Arts
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School of Performing Arts

New Inductees to the College of Fellows for the AIA

The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design is excited to announce the induction of three Virginia Tech alumni to the College of Fellows for the American Institute of Architects:

  • David A. Bailey, FAIA ('99 Master of Architecture)
  • Jeffrey A. Kenoff, FAIA ('95 Bachelor of Architecture)
  • R. John Woelfling, FAIA ('92 Bachelor of Architecture)

AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3% of the AIA members have this distinction.

To learn more about the College of Fellows, and be an early registrant to the AIA National Conference, visit the AIA website.

☀️ Make your summer plans with AAD

Alumni Weekend is a favorite Hokie tradition, so let us help you make your plans this summer.

This all inclusive event covers meals, drinks, tours, and more. Some highlights include:
🧡Tour of the new School of Design with Director Matt Powers.
🍷AI and accessible design for the blind.
🎆Saturday lunch with Lu.
🏀Sunday’s special farewell brunch with Athletics.

A full schedule of events can be found on the Alumni Weekend page.

Come home to Blacksburg to enjoy summer, explore campus, learn, and have fun with your fellow Hokies!

Time to Share Your Thoughts

The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design is looking for input from AAD alumni for our strategic plan. The survey only consists of 4 questions and takes less than four minutes to complete. Your input is valuable and helps determine important areas of focus and key indicators of progress for the college. Complete the Alumni Strategic Plan Survey by April 15.

VT Jazz Ensemble to Perform for Party for the Arts in Alexandria

Alexandria Arts Alliance Party for the Arts invitation
Alexandria Arts Alliance Party for the Arts

The City of Alexandria is celebrating its 275th birthday this year and the Alexandria Arts Alliance commemorates the occasion with its 2nd annual Party for the Arts. From 11am till 7pm on April 27 at 11 Canal Center, Alexandria VA, a celebration will be held to showcase all artists in Alexandria. The VT Jazz Ensemble will be featured at 4pm alongside an art market, games for children, local music groups, singers, dancers, poetry readings, food, and other live performances.

The Alexandria Office of the Arts, a proud partner of Virginia Tech, works in close collaboration with the Alexandria Arts Alliance.

Stay up to date with the latest news from the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design!