Academy Alumni Win Space in de Young Museum Exhibit

Academy of Art University Alumni Sebastian Parker, Fine Art, and Arlene Elizabeth, Graphic Design, will have their Asian-inspired work featured in the renowned de Young Museum. Winning a juried competition with submissions from all over the Bay Area, Sebastian and Arlene gain invaluable exposure through working with such a high profile museum.

“It’s a wonderful chance for students and alumni to showcase their work in a fine art institution, and it’s good for us to get to know new and existing talent,” said show curator Robert Melton. “It can be difficult for new artists to connect with museums, this show gives them the opportunity to refine their approach and cultivate relationships.”

Arlene was thrilled to learn she would be featured in the show. Since graduating from the Academy, she has sampled a variety of vocations including book designer and custom furniture maker. “The Academy of Art University is the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” she said. “I studied so many different things that I wouldn’t have been able to study at another school. It made me a more versatile, confident artist.”

Arlene’s piece Greetings from Tibet resembles a quilt from afar, but get closer and viewers will find that the entire thing is constructed of hundreds of origami cranes. Arlene exclusively folds cranes because they are a peace symbol and her mosaic work is a way to express her passionate political views.

An aura of asymmetrical Zen surrounds Sebastian’s sculpture, Whirlybird, which is inspired by the smooth turns and graceful forms of Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi and the kinetic sculpture of Alexander Calder. The sculpture landed the prime spot on the show’s invitation.

This type of opportunity defines Academy of Art University. Students not only unlock their potential and ignite their passions, they also gain real world knowledge and contacts. During the Spring Show each year, industry leaders from major companies around the world are flown in to review student work. Many students receive job offers from companies like Apple, LucasArts, Pixar, Zac Posen, Escada and many more!