Supervisor Gonzales' Christmas Cards showcase local students art work

Image created by Emmanuel Mendez

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales has sent her best holiday wishes to key constituents ever since she was first elected in 2004, but her 2008 card took on more of a local flavor.

Emmanuel Mendez, a Graphic Design student with the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire designed the 2008 card for Supervisor Gonzales. The card depicts a present wrapped in solid red, with white ribbons and a festive white bow. A tag shaped like an arrowhead, the logo of San Bernardino County, identifies the sender as Gonzales, and inside she is “Wishing upon a star that all your dreams come true.” A small star, with an arc like a comet, sails over the greeting.

“When I was asked to make a card for Josie Gonzales, I thought it should be a modern, very professional piece and something that would put the Christmas spirit into people’s thoughts and lives,” Mendez said. “I thought about a gift and a bow, and from there I created this piece, which I am honored was selected by the Supervisor.”

Gonzales selected Mendez’s card over other designs submitted by Graphic Design students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. The students produced these designs in a course taught by instructor Frank Houlihan.

“When it came time to send out my holiday greetings, I saw this as a great opportunity to showcase the talent of a student from the Art Institute of California - Inland Empire,” said San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales.

“While presented with several options, I chose the simple, artistic design created by Art Institute graphic design student Emmanuel Mendez. It is my pleasure to give Emmanuel and the Art Institute full credit and praise,” said Supervisor Gonzales.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Feb. 19 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.