November 2005

Visual communications students honored by the American Institute of Graphic Arts

Two visual communications students have been recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts for their work in design and photography.

Shawn Rourk, a senior from Goose Creek,  and Erin Zanders, a senior from Columbia, were among thirteen college students in South Carolina to have their work included in AIGA’s annual “InShow.”  

Rourk’s work was a photo illustration called “Happiness” and Zanders entry was a portrait of her father called “Father Sees All.”

Those named to the InShow were honored at a gala held on October 26 at the Columbia Museum of Art. Their work was on display in the museum lobby and during a ceremony each received a whimsical trophy known as the “InShow Cube.”  This year’s award was a plexiglass cube that doubled as a mock aquarium complete with water, gravel and a plastic fish.

The InShow is an annual, juried competition sponsored by AIGA and includes entries from professional designers and students. There are no categories or first, second or third prizes. A panel of judges reviews the entries and each work is then judged to be “In” or “Out.”

“The judges were tough this year,” said Nikki Villagomez, president of AIGA South Carolina. “A lot of the work didn’t make the cut, so those that did should be very proud of getting in.”

This year there were 214 entries, 172 from professionals and 42 from students.