SU students win top prizes at international design competition

SU students win top prizes at international design competitionMarch 31, 2005Jaime Winne Alvarez jlwinne@syr.edu

Students majoring in surface pattern design in the School of Art and Design in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts garnered top prizes in the SURTEX 2005 International Student Design Competition, “Travel Fantasy.”

Lauren Satenstein, a junior, won first prize for her entry, “Cafe Casablanca,” while Catrina Reingold, a junior, tied for second place for her project, “Liscio Spa: A Mediterranean Retreat.” Elizabeth Lisle, a senior, received honorable mention for her design, “Canine Couture,” for pampered pet furnishings.

Students were charged to create original surface designs with specific end uses, such as fabric, floor coverings, furniture, lighting, stationery, toys, wall coverings and window treatments, and give a professional design presentation following the competition’s theme. Entrants were encouraged to be innovative and dramatic, while taking into consideration the commercial viability of designs.

A jury of professionals from the design industry chose this year’s winners from a field of 100. The winning designs will be exhibited during the 20th annual edition of SURTEX, the premier North American trade show geared exclusively toward the sale and license of art and design, May 15-17 in New York City.

“A very strong and exciting body of entries for the 2005 SURTEX International Student Design Competition is a promising sign for the future of design worldwide,” says Rita Malek, show manager. “SURTEX is proud to encourage these young artists with a professional-level challenge at the beginning of theircareers, and to allow their vision and creative energy to inject a burst of inspiration into the industry.”

Satenstein designed restaurant furnishings inspired by Moroccan culture created to draw the traveling client into another world. The surfaces include wall and floor tiles, throw pillow and tablecloth designs. The project won for its concept, presentation, technical and artistic use of mixed media and attention to detail. Judges cited Satenstein’s ability to capture the feel of an exotic destination and the collection’s all-around appropriateness to the competition theme. She will receive a $500 cash award and a trip to SURTEX 2005, in addition to a one-week design industry internship in New York during the show.

Reingold’s spa furnishings incorporate colors, design and textures inspired by ancient Mediterranean cultures and evoke serenity. Judges cited Reingold’s mosaic work, ingenious towel rendering, diverse media, exquisite designs and cohesive presentation. She will receive a $250 cash award.