California Institute of the Arts is composed of a community of artists who collaborate, create and learn under one roof.

CalArts is internationally renowned as one of the leading centers for undergraduate and graduate study in the performing and visual arts and in the critical study of these arts.

It was nation's first art institute to offer BFAs and MFAs in both the visual and performing arts, and today the Institute remains dedicated to training and nurturing the next generation of professional artists, fostering brilliance and innovation within the broadest context possible. Admission to CalArts is competitive and considered mainly on the basis of demonstrated talent, creativity and commitment. Other important considerations include educational records, recommendations, and artist's statement.

I was asked to create photo-collages for the redesign of the Donor Panels in the main lobby at CalArts. This was a huge honor, and pleasure to work on. The previous panels were installed in the mid 90's, when CalArts completed it's 2nd major contribution campaign.

The redesign was initiated to revitalize the panels to reflect the schools history, while also having area to typographically list all CalArts Trustees, Donors & Contributors. Each of the 3, 4ft x 7ft panels corresponded to a decade in CalArts' history – the '70s, '90s and '00s. We achieved this by including paramount events, notable faculty/alumni and general art making/performance symbols relevant to the school. The institute also wanted the panels to have a sense of fun, while maintaining a sense of reverence towards many high profile supporters & donors.

The challenge was right up my alley, and in the end the panels tell a narrative about the school that is both fun, respectful and engaging. The designs were then laser printed onto the 4.5' x 7.5' glass panels, and installed in the main gallery of the school.

Typographic Panels by: Scott Taylor