Central Michigan University

CMU graphic students capture 'Creative Smackdown' awards

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Topics in this story: Art, Arts and entertainment, Awards, People, University news

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Media Contact(s):

Lindsay Allen
989-774-7327

Program Contact(s):

Larry Burditt
989-774-3550

Professional-caliber work in a student competition has led to statewide recognition for four Central Michigan University student artists.

The late-October "Creative Smackdown 6" competition in Grand Rapids featured design and advertising entries from students at 11 universities and colleges throughout the state. Design professionals from the Grand Rapids area judged the competition, awarding CMU students second, third and fourth place wins in the design category.

"I'm very excited about how well the students did and what a good showing they made for themselves and our program at this event," said art faculty member Larry Burditt.

Each student had 60 seconds to present his or her work to a professional designer in a small-group setting during the first round of the competition. Judges chose eight entries to advance to the second round, five of which were from CMU; four entrants were then selected to present their work to the entire audience in the third and final round, and three of those represented CMU.

Winners included:

• Senior Christina DiNello of Jackson and senior Angela Ainsworth of Owosso took second place with their promotional design for the CMU art department. DiNello is a graduate of Lumen Christi High School and the daughter of Sandro DiNello of St. Clair Shores and Cathy DiNello of Monroe. Ainsworth is a graduate of Owosso High School and the daughter of Todd and Elizabeth Ainsworth of Owosso.
• Senior Brandon Hart of Carson City received the third-place award for his horse logging Web site. He is a graduate of Carson City-Crystal High School and the son of Ken and Jody Hart of Carson City.
• Senior Sharisa Petrowsky of Laingsburg took fourth place with an environmental brochure for ethanol. Petrowsky is a graduate of Laingsburg High School and the daughter of Ryan and Laurie Petrowsky of Laingsburg.

The second- and third-place winners received cash prizes of $200 and $100, respectively, along with a $500 scholarship to the 14-week Polishing Center design workshop series, free membership in the Ad2 West Michigan organization for young professionals, and complimentary registration for a "power workshop" with competition judges.

Competing through the contest's second round were:

• Senior Billie Jo McEvers of Mount Pleasant presented "The Palm Billboard," a booklet that features images from vintage matchbook covers and explores the concept of the "palm-sized billboard" as an effective advertising medium. She is a graduate of Mid Michigan Community College and the daughter of Cheri Wilhelm of Elmira and Jim Wellman of Drayton Plains.
• Senior Dan Corcoran of Sterling Heights presented his personal portfolio Web site. He is a graduate of Adlai E. Stevenson High School and the son of Timothy and Christine Corcoran of Sterling Heights.

Bringing together top advertising and design professionals with college students, Creative Smackdown allows students to interact with professionals who give constructive and personal critiques. For more information regarding the organization and its competitions, visit http://www.creativesmackdownusa.com.