Art Institute Welcomes New Fashion Director

Sherry West

Robert Swapp Photography

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – “It is my goal to produce the most talented designers and fashion professionals the industry has seen in a very long time by inspiring our students to greatness.” That’s the credo of the new Academic Department Director of the Fashion Design Program of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, Sherry West.

With 20 years of apparel experience in women’s, men’s, children’s and accessory design, West knows what the industry expects of young designers, and equally knows what students need to make it in the real world. “In addition to developing the talent, it is critical that we prepare our fashion students to succeed in this fast-paced and very competitive, albeit very alluring, industry,” she explains. And that’s the way The Art Institute likes it.

Working under the Dean of Academic Affairs, Jerry Foust, Sherry West understands clearly “the Art Institute’s aim of developing students who leave the school fully prepared for entry level positions in their chosen field. In fashion, graduates have to be at their best and ready to earn their salary from day one,” Foust has said.

The Philadelphia native, now living in Redlands, has been on the job since December 1, bringing to the classroom a background as broad as it is extensive. West’s fashion experience includes spending extensive periods of time in Hong Kong and traveling to other countries such as the Philippines, Japan, India and Turkey, as well as Paris, London, Milan and Florence, all of which will come in handy as she prepares her fashion students for their careers in this very global industry.

West’s first-hand experience of designing collections, visiting apparel factories, recruiting local artists, evaluating production facilities and capabilities, shopping European markets and trade shows and developing fresh manufacturing techniques in foreign countries will be an added plus to her role as the Academic Department Director of the Fashion Design Program.

West graduated in 1988 from Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. She was honored three years consecutively as the Outstanding Student in Fashion Design, earning her a place on the Dean’s List.

From there she joined Eagle’s Eye apparel company, a leader in sportswear and sweater design, in nearby Conshohocken as a Design Assistant. It wasn’t long before West’s designs were breaking company records garnering her an unprecedented promotion to Head Designer for the firm’s core brand after her first year with the business.

Soon West was invited by the owners and executives to explore new ventures to grow the business. West’s ideas and visions for the company were instrumental in growing the brand from $50 million in sales to more than $120 million.

After six years with Eagle’s Eye, she established Sherry West Inc. in Dresher, and over just four years she designed sportswear and sweater collections for more than 20 national labels along with founding a children’s design house, Rhyme & Reason.

It was there she oversaw the design, production and delivery of collections to more than 350 accounts across the country including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks and Fred Segal’s of Hollywood, with international accounts in Japan, Australia and the Cayman Islands.

Since 2003 West has worked for and with numerous apparel retailers and design studios, and has been a Senior Fashion Designer for Lilly Pulitzer, an on-site consultant and a Retail Director.

Her vast fashion-related background has provided West with what she says is “the ability to teach the entire design process from concept to consumer through all cross-functional perspectives from design, merchandising, technical design, product development, sourcing, marketing, to sales and distribution.”

As a teacher, Sherry West has been a member of the adjunct faculty of Philadelphia’s Drexel University where her courses have included Fashion Entrepreneurship and Drawing for Fashion Design.

For 15-plus years she has appeared as a guest lecturer and professor to four prominent design colleges: Moore College of Art & Design, Drexel’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts, the Savannah College of Art & Design and Philadelphia University.

At The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire West plans to continue that academic tradition by “honing in on, and enhancing, students’ innate talents and desires by providing them with the necessary tools and skills to make a positive impact on an industry that craves innovation,” she says.

“At the institute,” she adds after just one month, “the students are hungry and eager to learn about the fashion industry.” It’s not just about creating attractive designs, she feels, but learning about the “business of fashion” and how to work within it at all levels.

Reflecting on adding West to the institute’s faculty, Dean Foust says, “When you announce an opening for a position such as Academic Director for Fashion Design and Fashion & Retail Merchandising you usually get quite a few resumes and referrals. Most of them are qualified, and that is good. But sometimes, if you’re really lucky, you get one that makes you read it twice and say ‘Wow!’ That is Sherry West’s. Her background, her education, the things she has done in the fashion industry, her teaching and management experience all bring that word to mind. She was on the east coast and we are on the west coast – but we made it happen and our students love her and what she is doing for those programs.”

West notes, “We have some exciting times ahead of us here at the Art Institute as we grow our new department. I am looking forward to developing the talent in the students here and preparing them for their first big fashion show scheduled on June 6th at Victoria Gardens.”

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

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.
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Three students receive $6,250 in awards for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is honored in many ways in San Bernardino. Recently, The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire honored him by giving three high school students scholarships and other awards as prizes for essays about their own creative dreams.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire has awarded $5,000 in scholarships and an art supply kit worth $1,250 to three high school seniors.

The seniors, Alex Shaffer of Yucaipa and Megan Flanagan and Sylvia Rodriguez, both of Riverside, are winners in The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s “I Have A Creative Dream” essay contest, which it held in conjunction with a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day open house on Monday, Jan. 18.

“They wrote great essays,” said Monica Jeffs, senior admissions director for the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and contest coordinator. “Some of them were very heartwarming. It means a lot to these students to be awarded these scholarships.”

Shaffer, 17, attends Yucaipa High School. He received a $3,000 scholarship for his first-place essay.

“My family and I are definitely planning on using that scholarship,” Alex said. It will be a great help to me in fulfilling my creative dream.”

Flanagan, 18, attends Riverside Polytechnic High School. She received a $2,000 scholarship for second place.

Rodriguez, 17, attends Summit Valley High School. She received an Art Institute art supply kit valued at $1,250 for third place.

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 a new term 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 to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.
The Art Institute California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
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Wanted: Creative People for Creative Careers

(INDIO, Calif.) If you think making a living doing something you love to do is impossible, then you don’t know about the huge demand for people in the creative careers like graphic design, culinary arts, computer game design, web design and interior design. To illustrate the possibilities, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire comes to Indio in February to help high school seniors find careers they can love.

Campus President Emam El-Hout says, “The primary mission, focus and ultimate goal of The Art Institute is to assist students toward the successful achievement of satisfying creative careers in their chosen field. We have brought together a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to providing students with career-oriented curricula - including the organizational, interpersonal and theoretical, as well as the practical skills needed to become a well trained entry-level job candidate in today’s competitive creative job market.”

The first free Indio Previews for graduating high school students and their families are slated for Friday, Feb. 6 at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. More sessions will follow Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m., noon, 2:00 and 4:00 at the Fantasy Springs Resort, 84-245 Indio Parkway.

“We definitely want students from Indio, Palm Springs and the rest of the low desert to join us at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire,” said Monica Jeffs, director of admissions. “They will learn more about our programs of study in fashion, culinary arts and design and about the exciting career paths an Art Institutes education would lead them to. We will also discuss scholarships and other financial aid options, the admissions process and housing options available to them.”

Along with Jeffs will be five assistant directors of admissions who will spend an hour explaining what The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is all about. They’ll describe the curriculum and the degrees offered, the earning potential, review all the school’s financial aid and scholarship programs, discuss their professional award-winning faculty and preview The Art Institute’s multi-million dollar facility in San Bernardino.

To save your space, register on line at www.aipreview.com/indio or call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100.

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 a new term 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 to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.
The Art Institute California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
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Black Culture Foundation Will Crown Royalty

Marion and Charlotte Black

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Black Culture Foundation will crown Marion and Charlotte Black of Rialto as the Senior King and Queen 2009 on Friday, Feb. 6.

The couple will be crowned in an invitation-only reception. To RSVP, call Margaret Hill at (909) 864-3267.

“The Black Culture Foundation selects senior citizens who are involved in the community every year for this honor,” said Margaret Hill, program chairman.

Marion Black is a deacon and a member of the Board of Directors for several ministries at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship Church, and is a past recipient of the Taft Newman Award from his church. He is also a member of the San Bernardino Kiwanis Club and works with its Key Club at San Bernardino High School and is a past recipient of its Harry Rheubotton Award. He’s an Ambassador for the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and has previously been named its Ambassador of the Year three times.

Marion is a long time supporter of the YMCA. He’s also a member of the Volunteer Center of the Inland Empire, the board of Advisors for California State University, San Bernardino, the Black Culture Foundation and the Civil Service Commission of San Bernardino County.

Marion Black is also the board chairman of the Provisional Accelerated Learning Center (PAL Center) and a member of the board for the Life Stream of San Bernardino and Riverside. He has received citations from the League of Women Voters as a Citizen of Achievement.

Charlotte Black has supported her husband in his endeavors, while maintaining her own involvement in community activities. She is the vice president of her chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, where she’s held local and regional positions. She is also a member of Sunrise Church of Rialto and is involved with several of its ministries.

The ceremony and reception crowning Marion and Charlotte Black as Senior King and Queen is sponsored by Dr. Arturo Delgado, superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District and the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation.


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RIKKE VAN JOHNSON APPOINTED TO IVDA, SBIAA, IGLCBC

Rikke Van Johnson

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) - Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson has been appointed to serve on three agencies representing the City of San Bernardino in 2009. These agencies are the Inland Valley Development Agency, the San Bernardino International Airport Authority and the San Bernardino County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee.

“Two of these agencies, the Inland Valley Development Agency and the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, compliment each other,” Johnson said. “We will be doing everything we can to bring economic redevelopment to the area in and around the San Bernardino International Airport.”

San Bernardino International Airport Authority is a Joint Powers Authority representing the cities of San Bernardino, Colton and Loma Linda, and the County of San Bernardino. It is responsible for developing aviation related industries at San Bernardino International Airport (formerly Norton Air Force Base.)

The Inland Valley Development Authoirty, another Joint Powers Authority representing the same members, is responsible for developing non-aviation related businesses, industries and residences at San Bernardino International Airport and on 13,000 surrounding acres.
The passage of SB 621 established the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee formed in each county with tribal government gaming operations. Consisting of tribal and local government leaders, these committees supervise the selection of grants to public agencies seeking assistance from the Special Distribution Fund.
“Usually, San Bernardino selects its Fourth Ward Council Member along with the Mayor to represent the city on this committee,” Johnson said. “Since the Fourth Ward position is now vacant, I was appointed to fill in until a new council member is seated.”

Neil Derry, now Third District Supervisor for San Bernardino County, held the position of Fourth Ward Council Member until he was elected to the Board of Supervisors. He will be replaced in a special election in March, and the new Fourth Ward Council Member will most likely be sworn in at the beginning of April.

Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino. As a council member, Johnson serves on several other city committees. These include the Ways & Means Committee, the Redevelopment Committee, Budget Ad Hoc Committee, Educational Bridge Ad Hoc Committee, Police Ad Hoc Committee, Parolee Ad Hoc Committee. He also represents the city on the San Bernardino County Solid Waste Advisory Task Force and serves as an alternate member of the San Bernardino Regional Water Resources Authority Commission (JPA), and the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board and the SANBAG Major Projects Committee.


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More Than Art - A Bachelor's Degree

Ray Jones, director of the General Education program at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire, with students in a General Ed psychology class. Photo by Robert Swapp


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) At The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, the administration’s goal is to graduate students with a well-rounded education. While a person’s specialty might be Game Art & Design or Culinary Arts, when students leave with their Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees, they are ready for the real world in addition to a career.

Ray Jones, head of the General Education program, puts it this way: “We make sure that our students have a well-rounded education that gives them more than just an emphasis in their chosen profession.”

Jones insists that the institute’s graduates understand how to deal with bank statements and investors, be familiar with the arts around them and understand the history of various cultures. “We include English usage,” he adds, “and teach them how to speak in public. We even add sociology, psychology and anthropology.”

With The Art Institute of California –Inland Empire’s General Education objective, their graduates, regardless of their major, obtain a broader education, knowledge that will carry them through a happier, more productive life, according to Jones.

Students graduating from the International Culinary School, for instance, will know math well enough to resize a recipe for larger or smaller gatherings; Web design majors will know how to buy a car or finance a business loan; animation specialists will understand art history as well as how to address a public meeting.

The Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs target a fully-rounded education for their students, one that will aid them in dealing effectively with society, and be ready to handle whatever the real world throws their way.

“If you leave The Art Institute mastering your specialty like a professional while knowledgeable with life and society in general,” says President Emam El-Hout, “we’ve done our job.”

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 a new term 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.

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SATERN Showcases Effective Disaster Communication Tool

Tony Stephen

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Anyone interested in amateur radio is invited to learn how they can help one of the world’s oldest disaster relief organizations in its communications efforts.

The Inland Empire’s Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, also known as SATERN, will hold its 13th Annual Introduction and Seminar on Saturday, Jan. 31. This free event takes place from 8:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps, 746 W. Fifth St., San Bernardino. It’s open to the public and includes a complimentary lunch.

SATERN relies on amateur or shortwave radio, a technology that’s been around since before World War II, but is growing more sophisticated. These radios allow two-way communication across areas of about 200 miles, so SATERN uses them to communicate among its own members who are participating in a Salvation Army disaster relief effort, and with the emergency workers they’re helping.

The Salvation Army has helped in just about every disaster that has broken out over the last century, including fires, earthquakes, floods and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Inland Empire Corps’ most recent disaster relief efforts were during the Triangle Complex fire near Corona last year.

“Amateur radio is a great hobby and participating in SATERN is a great way to turn that hobby into something that helps our Inland Empire tremendously,” said Tony Stephen, Inland Empire SATERN Committee member. “If more people join us, we will be able to deliver communications more effectively during the next fire or other disaster that hits our area.”

After a sign-in time, the seminar gets underway at 9 a.m. The first speakers are Trace Wilette, a member of the Inland Empire’s SATERN committee and Capt. Stephen Ball, executive officer of the San Bernardino Corps. They will provide an introduction to SATERN.

From 9:30 to 9:45 a.m., members of SATERN and American Radio Relay League will introduce themselves. American Radio Relay League is an amateur radio organization separate from The Salvation Army, but whose members also are involved in disaster relief.

The next speaker is Jay Jones, an amateur radio operator and University of La Verne biology and biochemistry professor. Jones will speak on “A View of the Future,” providing a look at what he believes the future of amateur radio’s role in disaster relief will be.

From 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Suzi Woodruff Lacey, director of public relations for The Salvation Army’s Western Division, will speak on “SATERN’s Role in Critical Communications. Lacey will explain how SATERN provides vital communication services on several fronts during disasters, such as between its own members, to the rescue workers they’re assisting and to the public. Rescue workers frequently rely on SATERN to help those displaced in a disaster communicate their whereabouts to out-of-town family, and to provide media with information that will help keep everyone safe and well-informed.

After lunch, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Marty Woll, vice director of American Radio Relay League, addresses one of the latest technologies in amateur radio, Near Vertical Incident Skywire. Amateur radio requires use of an exceptionally large antenna, and NVIS technology allows operators to erect the antenna at an angle that will maximize their opportunity to successfully send and receive radio transmissions at the upper end of their range, perhaps as far as 300 miles.

So it will have an accurate lunch count, SATERN asks those attending to RSVP, either by email to ke6jzf@verizon.net or by calling Stephen at (909) 628-2843. He’s also accessible through amateur radio by contacting KE6JZF.

For more information go to the website www.satern.net or ,contact Stephen.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

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Black Chamber Plans Leadership Summit

Wilmer Amina Carter

Robert Byrd

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will discuss how to positively impact community, political and economic issues when it holds its Black Leadership Summit on Friday, January 30.

Black elected officials, their representatives, chief executive officers, business owners, managers and pastors have been invited to attend this event. This is the first of what the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hopes will become an annual event.

The goal of the summit is to determine three specific topics for the Chamber’s concentration during 2009. The invited guests have been asked to send in questions and comments regarding community, political and economic issues, which will be reviewed prior to the day of the summit to determine which community concerns should be discussed at the summit.

Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and Dameron Communications is hosting the event. “Working together to help each other succeed” is the main goal of this summit,” he said. “Despite the economic downturn we can make this a great 2009.”

This summit will also inform community leaders about important topics, including the current budgets of the State of California, Riverside County and San Bernardino County.
Wilmer Amina Carter, California State Assembly Member, 62nd District, will discuss the State of California’s budget.

“It is important that we acknowledge the contributions and the excellence practiced by business owners, executives, government agencies and organizations, such as the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, who are dedicated to Black business development,” said District 62 Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, a Rialto small business owner who has introduced a bill that would provide technical assistance for individuals who want to start up microenterprises.

Robert Byrd, Riverside County auditor and controller, will speak on the economic overview and Riverside County budget. He will also moderate the discussion on economic issues.

“This event will raise the consciousness of people about economic, political, and community issues and will make them want to get involved,” Byrd said.

Keith Lee, Deputy Administrative Officer for San Bernardino County, will moderate the discussion on political issues. Carolyn Murray, professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside, will moderate the discussion of community issues.

Eddie Catoe, Government Relations Executive of Dameron communications is coordinating this event The co-host committee includes State Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod, Assembly Member Carter, Deputy Administrative Officer Lee, San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, Fontana Council Member Aquanetta Warren, Rialto Council Member Deborah Robertson, Rialto City Clerk Barbara McGee

The guests will be served a continental breakfast and lunch. They will receive a CD containing an Excel spread sheet with contact information for all attending the event; the Final Health Care Report, prepared by Dr. Diane Woods of the African-American Health Institute of San Bernardino County; The State of Black California, a report from the California Legislative Black Caucus; The Inland Empire in 2015, a report from the Public Policy Institute of California; John Husing’s 2008 economic report; and information about the Inland Empire Community Calendar & Cultural Events, www.ie-community.com and how one can add an event to this calendar.


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Gingerbread Houses a Sweet Treat at Salvation Army's Hospitality House Shelter

Jessica Davis, 8, of San Bernardino, looks at some of the gingerbread houses that had just been donated to the Salvation Army. Jessica had come to the Salvation Army with her grandmother on the day the Job Corps visited to volunteer, as it was busy then creating holiday gift packages for those less fortunate.

Gingerbread house donated by Inland Empire Job Corps.

Inland Empire Job Corps students, including Janna Maples, Theo Rodriguez and Jorge Galdanez, foreground baked gingerbread houses before Christmas and donated seven of them to the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino.



(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The hot daily meal and warm beds at The Salvation Army’s Hospitality House always attract up to 96 homeless people, but for a short time before Christmas things were even sweeter.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, the guests had seven gingerbread houses to enjoy, courtesy of the culinary arts students at the Inland Empire Job Corps. These houses made festive decorations throughout most of that day, but were on the menu for desert that night.

“The kids are going to love these,” Hospitality House Director Roosevelt Carroll said after the Job Corps delivered their sweet creations. “It’s a blessing for them to even see a gingerbread house. Then they will eat them piece by piece.”

Even if they knew their creations would be quickly eaten, baking and decorating these and 13 other gingerbread houses were a labor of love for the young people enrolled in the Job Corps program. After all, if it weren’t for the federally funded training program that also gives these 16- to 24-year-olds a place to live, many of them would be struggling too.

“What we did makes us feel good,” said Theo Rodriguez, one of the student bakers.

“We’re giving to people who need help more than we do,” said another baker, Jorge Galdanez.

Job Corps also gave gingerbread houses to Maple House, a residential program in
San Bernardino for people recovering from substance abuse and their children.

“This definitely was a lot of work,” said Monica Zapata. “But it was a wonderful experience.”

The students spent anywhere from two days to a week cutting templates for the walls of the gingerbread houses, baking, and decorating them. They worked under the guidance of Job Corps Instructor Michael Gurd, who is like a father to many of them.

“Chef Michael is my father,” said Aric Ianni. “I grew up without a dad, so he has been that role model for me.”

Job Corps’ culinary students, including the 10 who came to The Salvation Army, plan on careers as chefs in restaurants, on cruise ships and as caterers. They’re learning the basics of commercial food preparation in the San Bernardino program and can obtain advanced training at another Job Corps program in San Francisco if they choose.


About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

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Passion For Fashion Winners Get $6,000 In Scholarships

Kristyn Rethaford of San Bernardino, with the dress and matching purse she designed. The Gorman High School senior won The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s Passion for Fashion competition with this dress.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Kristyn Rethaford and Desiree Bonds, high school seniors in the Inland Empire each won $3,000 scholarships from The Art Institute of California Inland Empire. The two high school students were winners of the Passion for Fashion competition.

The Art Institutes, of which The Art Institute of California Inland Empire is a member, sponsors this event yearly. This is the first year the Inland Empire’s Fashion program has entered this competition.

The Art Institute Passion for Fashion Competition was created to encourage and reward young fashion design, marketing, merchandising and retail management talent at the high school level.

Two hundred sixty high school seniors across North America applied for the competition nationwide.

The winner of the national competition will receive a full tuition scholarship to study at a participating Art Institutes location and an all-expense-paid trip to New York City for Fashion Week in February 2009, a “meet and greet” at Seventeen Magazine’s offices and lunch with staff at Seventeen Magazine.

Rethaford of San Bernardino is the winner in the Fashion Design category. Not only will she receive a $3,000 scholarship but is also competing in the nationwide competition held in February 2009. She is currently a senior at Gorman High School in Redlands and plans on attending The Art Institute of California Inland Empire in the Fall of 2009.

“This experience has shown me that I really do want to be in the fashion industry and I truly enjoyed doing this project,” said Rethaford.

Rethaford’s inspiration for the designing the dress came from the Jazz Era of the 1920s. A black and gold formal dress, just below the knee, sleeveless gold bodice and gold skirt with black velvet embellished roses. Black beaded trim around the back and bottom of the skirt. Accented with a scarf with roses cut into the fabric and finished with a black hat with feathers and beads.

Bonds of Apple Valley is the winner in the Retail Management category. She will received a $3,000 scholarship for the fall 2009 quarter at the Inland Empire Art Institute. She is currently a senior at Silverado High School in Victor Valley, California. Bonds plans on attending The Art Institute of California Inland Empire in the fall of 2009. Bond’s heard about the competition through an admissions director.

She organized a portfolio describing her idea of an Urban Fashion Retail Store which including a catalog of clothing item examples and a plan for a grand opening.

“This competition has definitely taken my interest to the next level,” said Bonds. I am really looking forward to attended the fashion program in the fall of 2009.”

Fashion Design Director of the Art Institute of Inland Empire and member of the Fashion group International, Sherry West said “These are young talented students with drive; they have a sense of style and workmanship which is going to take them a long way in this industry.”

She is impressed with Rutheford and Bonds creativity for such a lofty competition. West says, “These are the go getters; the next rising stars.”

“This is truly a great opportunity for high school seniors. A competition like this gets their foot in the door to future employers,” said West.

These seniors were recently presented at Fashion Night to friends, family and potential fashion students.

As the fashion department gets more exposure to the exciting and popular program at the Art Institute of California Inland Empire more competition is expected by the November deadline in 2009.

“There are many fashion competitions in college but usually not offered at the high school level and especially at a nation wide level.” “These high school seniors have an early incentive to create a future for themselves early on,” said West.


To be eligible, students must be a high school senior scheduled to graduate in 2009. In the Fashion Design category, entry requirements include submission of an original eveningwear design. In the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management category, entry requirements include a finished product or plan.

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

It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 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), a system of over 40 education institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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Design Students Showcase Volunteer Work for Non-Profits

Rachel Makowski, who recently obtained her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, shows some of the work she did as a student. Next to her, fellow bachelor’s degree recipient Raysa Cerna also had a display. In their final two quarters both of these students and 18 others worked as Citizen Designers, creating design projects for non-profit organizations. The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire now has a new group of Citizen Designers who can design projects for other non-profit organizations. For more information, call Carl Dameron at (909) 888-0017. Photo by Carl Dameron


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Twenty emerging graphic designers, some of whom are new graduates of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and others who will be soon, recently showcased projects they’ve been working on for non-profit agencies the past few months.

Citizen Designer is a program the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire created last July, matching the students with non-profits that had specific needs for developing promotional materials that would make a high impact on prospective clients and donors. These included posters, brochures, various forms of advertisements, business cards, Web sites and more.

“The idea is to help our graphic design students who are near the end of their education by giving them practical experience,” said Citizen Design instructor Frank Houlihan, who formerly directed an advertising agency. “We want them to establish client skills.”

The students mostly worked with the same non-profit organizations for two quarters, from July through December. A few more students and non—profit organizations came on board when the Art Institute started its fall quarter in October.

Dante Guiab, a senior Graphic Design major, worked with Operation SafeHouse, designing an informational folder for the teen shelter. It was a hit with the SafeHouse executive board.

“It was great working with Dante,” said Fonda McGensy, Operation SafeHouse Safe Place director. “He understood what we wanted and he went with it.”

Scott Kruger spent his six months as a Citizen Designer creating a membership kit and partially designed a Website for the Inland Empire Ad Club, which is the local division of the American Advertising Federation. The graphics on both of these include silhouettes of palm trees and an “Ad Club” billboard against a light blue background, Kruger’s effort to capture a scene Inland Empire residents would see every day on the region’s freeways.

Kruger said he had frequent feedback from Ad Club President Andrew Wilkin. Working with the rest of the Ad Club board was a learning opportunity.

“I had the preliminary design ready after a few meetings with Andrew, but the board didn’t make a decision on the design until the start of the fall quarter,” Kruger said. “Then they asked for a lighter shade of blue in the background. They didn’t give final approval until near the end of the quarter.”

“Ad Club is the toughest group of people you will ever have to work for, because they are professional ad designers” said John Barry, who is director of public relations for both The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and the Ad Club. “The fact that Scott’s first real-world graphic design concept passed the board with flying colors is truly an accolade.”

The nonprofit groups helped by the graphics design program of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire include Foster Family Network, The Salvation Army, Operation SafeHouse, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, OPARC, The American Advertising Federation – Inland Empire, The San Bernardino Visitors Center, The American Lung Association of California, Building a Generation, The Inland Empire Weekly, The Inland Empire Job Corps Center, The United Way, Seasons Restaurant, SEBA, and the American Diabetes Association.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire began a new quarter on Jan. 12, and another group of approximately 20 students are now working with these and other non-profit organizations. The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is seeking additional non – profit organizations for which it can provide services. To recommend a non-profit agency in need of graphic design or Web design assistance to The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, call Carl Dameron at (909) 888-0017.

Since the Web Design students weren’t involved the first two quarters, Jason Diehl, academic director for Web Design & Interactive Media, encourages agencies that need help with Websites to get involved in 2009.

“These Graphic Design students did great things for the non-profit agencies, including designs for their Websites,” he said. “Next quarter’s students should also deliver impressive work. But the Web Design & Interactive Media students will be able to take the Websites to an entirely new level.”

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will likely have 20 or more students enrolled in the Citizen Designer program from now on, as a growing number of students are reaching the advanced levels of their education.

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 free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

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Students gear up for fashion show at Toyota

A committee of, left to right, Andre Bradley and Tina Le Blanc of the Toyota African-American Collaborative, Ontario Chapter, John Barry of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, Wilson Johnson of Toyota African-American Collaborative, Sherry West of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and Carl Dameron of Dameron Communications is planning a fashion show celebrating Black History on Feb. 26 at Toyota’s North American Parts Logistics Division in Ontario.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Fashion students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire are gearing up for the first opportunity to showcase their work, a fashion show they will put on for employees of the Toyota North American Parts Center (NAPCC) in Ontario, Calif..

The fashion show will be held on February 26, 2009 at Toyota’s North American Parts Center, 1425 Toyota Way, Ontario, Calif. 91761.

It takes place less than one year after The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire began its fashion programs. It began offering a degree in Fashion & Retail Marketing in March 2008 and a degree in Fashion Design in June 2008.

The show, which is sponsored by Toyota’s African American Collaborative, Ontario Chapter (AAC), will focus specifically on African-American fashion as part of Toyota’s observance of Black History Month 2009.

“We’re very pleased to partner with the Art Institute of California as we come together to recognize diversity within our community,” said Wilson Johnson operations manager for Toyota NAPCC.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design and Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. 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 Jan. 12 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.

Culinary School Announces Dinner Hours at Campus Restaurant

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) If you are looking for a great place for dinner, The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire has the perfect place: Seasons’ Restaurant.

“We previously have only been open for lunch,” said International Culinary School Director and Executive Chef Eyad Joseph. “But since fine dining restaurants get most of their business after hours, serving dinner will be even better on-the-job training for our talented and award-winning culinary students.”

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 20, Seasons will be open to the public from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at the San Bernardino campus, 630 East Brier Drive. The campus is located at Carnegie Drive and Brier Drive in the Hospitality Lane area of San Bernardino, near Waterman Avenue. Because of Seasons’ popularity and seating for just 40 diners, reservations are suggested but not required.

Four course dinners will be served. They will feature an amuse (a meal starter prepared by the chef), an appetizer, a soup or salad and an entrée. Prices range from $23 to $32.

The restaurant also welcomes call-in orders. The phone number for either reservations or call-in orders is (909) 915-2170.

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

The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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.

Art Institute Grads Display Portfolios

Regina Cortez with some of the work she did while earning her associate degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. She was one of nine students earning a degree in December and presenting their work at a portfolio review.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire hosted its first Graduate Portfolio Exhibit on December 18th.

“This was a great opportunity for our nine graduating students to showcase their work, especially to employers, but also to friends and family,” said Cindy Jones, Director of Career Services for The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

“The students not only had a chance to display their work, but also were able to discuss their concepts to an audience,” said Jones.

All Graphic Design students maintain portfolios of their college work while at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. These portfolios are now complete for Raysa Cerna, Anthony Guevara and Rachel Makowski, who are receiving the program’s first bachelor’s degrees and for Regina Cortez, Elizabeth Horn, and Salvador Vazquez Jr., who are receiving associate degrees.

Some of the employers in attendance included: The Inland Empire Weekly, Think Tank Design, Dameron Communications, SBL and Manila Design.

Jim Saunders an ad salesman for Inland Empire Weekly was especially impressed with the work of Raysa Cerna. She designed a wrap for his car that advertises the Inland Empire Weekly and worked on a cover for the paper as well.

Carl Dameron, Creative Director of Dameron Communications attended the show and felt it was very beneficial to employers, “not only getting a chance to network with students who are highly motivated and creative but allowing students to explain their creative vision behind their work.”

Dameron was impressed with Cortez’s recruitment campaign for tutoring services, which included prints of her work of children’s book cover ideas, Ed Hardy clothing advertisement ideas, expression-type posters and Young Bellys Maternity stationary ideas.

Cortez said, “This experience helped me to keep conversations going.” She was able to network with employers like Manila Graphic and Dameron Communications. Her plan is to go back to school at the Art Institute of California- Inland Empire for her Bachelor’s Degree, to refine her knowledge and education in graphic design. Cortez plans on working freelance while in school.

Guevara displayed his work including print pictures, editorial advertisements, posters, packages, and brochures.

“The show was actually a really fun event. It gave us a chance to show the community what we are made of. It was nice to hear what employers had to say, with different viewpoints, said Guevara. “It was a nice finish.”

Guevara is applying for a job at Homes and Land Magazine, doing editorial layouts.

Hors d’ouvres and beverages were served during the event. Ronnell Lawson and Roberto Vazquez Pulido, who are the first two students to obtain Culinary Arts degrees from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, created some of the hors d’ouvres as samples of their work.

The International Culinary School opened in January 2007, a year after the first programs began at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Lawson and Vazquez Pulido earned their associate degrees in less than two years, in part by taking advantage of a year-round schedule their school offers.

Raymond Heredia, the first graduate of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s Web Design & Interactive Media program, displayed Web sites he has created on display. He is receiving a bachelor’s degree, having also taken advantage of the year-round schedule to complete his education in less than three years.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire held this event for the first time because this is the first quarter the three-year-old campus has had multiple graduates. Plans are already underway for the Graduate Portfolio Review to become a quarterly tradition in 2009. Similar events are planned in March, June, September and December of next year.

“We anticipate 20 to 28 graduates for the winter quarter, which ends in March,” Jones said. “Our numbers of graduates are growing and could reach more than 100 per quarter a year from now.”

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

It’s not too late to start classes 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), a system of over 40 education institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.


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Jump Start Your Future at Art Institute's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House

Many celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Bernardino. Among those will be The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, which is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. open house at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif) – Do you have an eye for interior design, a talent for the media arts, a taste for the culinary arts or are you fashion savvy? An Art Institutes education may be just what you are looking for.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will host an Open House on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 10 a.m. Monday, January 19 at its 630 E. Brier Drive campus in San Bernardino.

Attendees will be invited to learn more about the school’s programs, discuss educational goals, tour the facilities, learn about tuition scholarship opportunities and gain a first-hand look at how an Art Institutes creative education can be the preparation for an exciting career.

“The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is inviting those interested in a creative arts education to learn more about our school and our programs,” said President Emam El-Hout.

To learn more about The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day event, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/Admissions/OpenHouse.aspx, or call (909) 915-2100.

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 a new term 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 to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.
The Art Institute California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Art Show Will Feature Students' Finest Creations

Art Institute of California – Inland Empire student Traci Anderson with her creation for the 2008 PROCESS Student Art Show. Art Institute students will again display their work at the Division 9 Gallery in Riverside from Jan. 28 through Feb. 27 for the EVOLVE Student Art Show.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) First and foremost, students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire are artists.

They’ll have an opportunity to show off their artwork in “EVOLVE,” a student art show taking place January 28 through Feb. 27 at Division 9 Gallery, 3850 Lemon St. in downtown Riverside.

“Art should be displayed and enjoyed,” said Stephen Bautista, academic director for Foundations courses and the show’s organizer. “The works the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire instructors will select for this show were created for class assignments. That means they are beautiful and have a purpose, and we want people to appreciate both of these roles art plays in everyone’s lives.”

Media Arts & Animation student Jake Castorena, who took part in the 2008 art show “PROCESS,” sees benefit to these art shows for students, their families, the Art Institute and the Inland Empire community.

“It puts our finest works of art before the community, and it may inspire young people in the community to pursue art as a career, as we have,” Castorena said. “It also allows the Art Institute to show how well we are instructed in art. And it shows our family what we do. We are so busy with school, working in our rooms or in a lab, they don’t see much of us. This allows us to show them what we have been working on for six or seven months.”

The show will feature 60 to 75 of the best works students have created as coursework at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. Some of this work will be the Web sites, animated videos and other computer-generated art they produce in advanced courses.

But the show will also include works produced with paper, pencils, paint and other traditional artistic media. Students learn the foundations of artistic expression in courses using these media at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, thus the beginning courses are known there as “Foundations” courses.


“We are privileged to help students turn their passion for art into a career,” said Emam El-Hout, president of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “We believe that when the spark of creativity is alive in a person, they should be given the opportunity to nurture it.”

“This is the third year The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire has sponsored a student art show,” Bautista said. “Last year, more than 700 people viewed the work on display in the PROCESS art show. Since then, numerous students have expressed interest in having their work in our annual art show.”

The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment.

A “grand opening” for the art show takes place on Thursday, Feb. 5. It coincides with the Art Walk, an event the Riverside Arts Community holds the first Thursday of every month in downtown Riverside.

“We hope to increase the Riverside area’s awareness of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire through this art show,” Bautista said. “Our campus is only 12 miles from downtown Riverside, and provides artists with a great opportunity to make a career out of what they love.”

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 a new term 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 to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire), a system of more than 40 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.


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Life is Better With Art In It theme of Art Institute Poster Contest

Alurra Hughes of Redlands created this poster to win the Art Institute of California - Inland Empire poster contest in 2008, and is now attending the school with scholarships.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) For high school seniors with an interest in turning their love of art into a career, The Art Institutes are sponsoring a Poster Design Competition, which awards tuition scholarships of up to $25,000 to study Graphic Design at a participating Art Institute location.

In partnership with a non-profit organization, Americans for the Arts, The Art Institutes annual Poster Design Competition is an opportunity for talented young artists at the high school level to earn a tuition scholarship to study graphic design. After earning a degree, students may launch a professional career in the graphic design field.

Deadline for entries is February 6. In all, approximately $100,000 in tuition scholarships will be awarded.

The top twelve 2009 national winning poster designs will be incorporated into a 2010 calendar. The 2008 winners are featured in a 2009 calendar that is now available by calling The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.

About 40 local winners, one from each participating campus of The Art Institutes, (including The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire) will be in contention for the top scholarship and have their posters displayed in a calendar. Both these winners and second-place students at the local level will receive partial scholarships to The Art Institutes.

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

It’s not too late to start classes 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 free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.
The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes, (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.


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International Culinary School Announces Best Teen Chef Competition

Who will succeed Kevin Agra as the Best Teen Chef of the Inland Empire? A new winner for this title will be crowned March 14 when The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire holds its Best Teen Chef 2009 competition. The winner receives a scholarship and advances to a national competition. Photo by Robert Swapp

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) -- High school seniors with aspirations of a culinary education can qualify to win a $2,000 scholarship by entering the Best Teen Chef Competition 2009 at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.

Now in its tenth year, the Best Teen Chef Competition awards more than $250,000 in tuition scholarships to high school seniors in the U.S. and Canada interested in pursuing a career in the fast growing culinary industry.

A local cook-off competition will take place at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire in San Bernardino on March 14.

The first place local winner will receive $2,000 and advance to the National Best Teen Chef Final Round Competition, which will be held on Saturday, May 9 at The Art Institute of Charlotte.

In addition to a full-tuition scholarship and the title of Best Teen Chef 2009, the national first place winner, in partnership with television’s Food Network, will be an "Intern for a Day" at Food Network Kitchens in New York City. The winner will also receive a tour of Food Network’s studios, dinner for two at a Food Network chef's restaurant and a library of Food Network Kitchens cookbooks.

According to Chef Eyad Joseph, Director of the local International Culinary School, "Each year we see the interest in this competition grow. Teenagers still in high school are demonstrating the determination, focus and drive needed to have a career in the challenging field of culinary arts."

To be eligible to enter the competition, high school seniors must first submit a completed Entry and Release form by February 6, 2009 to The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire or complete an online registration form at: www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=btcWB.

Deadline for completed entries into the competition is February 20, 2009. A completed entry, which is submitted to the same campus selected when first entering the competition, includes an original recipe in standard recipe format, a high school transcript and a 250-word essay explaining why you want to study at a campus of the International Culinary School.

To learn how to enter the Best Teen Chef Competition 2009 and view full details, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=btc092 or contact Mario Alcazar, malcazar@aii.edu or (909) 915-2100.

About The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes is North America's largest system of culinary programs with over 30 locations.

Based on classical Escoffier, Asian and Latin culinary techniques, with an emphasis on progressive trends and practices, the schools' curricula are designed to develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and professional skills and introduce a variety of international cuisines. Internships, student-run school restaurants, guest lectures, Web-based seminars and study-abroad programs help broaden the scope of learning for students.
Program offerings vary at each school. Prospective students should check the course offerings at The Art Institute school they are interested in attending before enrolling. To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary or www.exploreculinary.com.

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

It’s not too late to start classes 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 free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

Rikke Van Johnson Named Mayor Pro Tem

Rikke Van Johnson, who represents the Sixth Ward on the San Bernardino City Council, was recently elected by his fellow council members as Mayor Pro Tem of San Bernardino. Johnson is the first Mayor Pro Tem under a new city ordinance that allows him to serve until March 2009, and all subsequent mayor pro tems to serve for one year. Previously the job alternated monthly between council members.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) - Rikke Van Johnson has been elected by the San Bernardino City Council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

“They feel I am fair, and would help to lead the city in the right direction,” Johnson said when asked why he was chosen for this position by the council.

He was named to this position at the council’s first December meeting and said he will hold the office until March 2009. After his term, the Council will select a new Mayor Pro Tem each March.

Previously, council members alternated as Mayor Pro Tem for one month at a time, but a newly revised city ordinance extended the Mayor Pro Tem’s term to one year. The revised ordinance also designates the Mayor Pro Tem as the one responsible for assigning members of the city council to city committees, and naming the chairpersons of those committees, although it gives the rest of the city council the right to reject the Mayor Pro Tem’s choices.

The Mayor Pro Tem’s job is also to perform mayoral duties, when the mayor is out of the city, ill or unable to perform his duties for any other reason. Johnson says his duties may include representing the City of San Bernardino at public events. Occasionally, it will also mean chairing City Council meetings.

Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.

As a council member, Van Johnson serves on several city committees. These include the Ways & Means Committee, the Redevelopment Committee, Budget Ad Hoc Committee, Educational Bridge Ad Hoc Committee, Police Ad Hoc Committee, Parolee Ad Hoc Committee. He also represents the city on the San Bernardino County Solid Waste Advisory Task Force and serves as an alternate member of the Inland Valley Development Agency, San Bernardino Regional Water Resources Authority Commission (JPA), and the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board and the SANBAG Major Projects Committee.

From 1975 to 1986, Van Johnson coached youth softball for San Bernardino Parks and Recreation and Rialto Parks and Recreation departments, and also did so at Eisenhower High School in Rialto from 1981 to 1986, along with girls’ basketball. From 1987 to 1992, he served as a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) referee for high school basketball games.

He currently volunteers with several groups including the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino and Westside Action Group. He is married to Sharon, and has three children and one grandchild.

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