iSchool announces 12 semi-finalists in its Windows Project initiative

iSchool announces 12 semi-finalists in its Windows Project initiativeApril 28, 2009Margaret Costello Spillettmcostell@syr.edu

The School of Information Studies (iSchool) has selected 12 semi-finalists to present their design ideas for the Windows Project. The presentations will occur Thursday, April 30, from 6-8 p.m. in Room 011 of Hinds Hall. The proposals showcase a wide range of media to be considered for permanent art installations in six window wells in the basement of Hinds Hall. The presentations are open to the University community; light refreshments will be served.

The 12 semi-finalist teams-half of which are led by students and the other half led by faculty members-will have five minutes to explain their design ideas and then five minutes to respond to questions from the judges, who include iSchool Dean Elizabeth D. Liddy, College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Dean Ann Clarke, iSchool Alumni Relations Director Barbara Settel and Deborah Ryan, senior curator at the Everson Museum of Art.

The semi-finalists were among 34 proposals submitted by students, faculty and staff to put the finishing touch on the award-winning renovations to Hinds Hall, the iSchool’s home. Participants represented such programs as architecture, ceramics, engineering, illustration, information studies, photography, theater and transmedia. Proposed ideas ranged from cement sculptures and rock gardens to multimedia displays and paintings.

Winning proposals will be awarded $1,000 for each window, plus $2,500 per window to cover materials and fabrication. Selected designs will be announced in early May.

The semi-finalists are:

• Aaron Hraba, adjunct professor of transmedia and foundation, and John Mannion, adjunct professor of photography;
• Erin Murphy, adjunct professor of foundation;
• Clare Olsen, assistant professor of architecture;
• Darcy Van Buskirk, master’s degree student in sculpture;
• Alok Wadhwani, undergraduate majoring in theater design major with a minor in information management and technology;
• Errol S. Willett, associate professor of ceramics;
• Margie Hughto, professor of ceramics, and students;
• Gail Hoffman, assistant professor of foundation and transmedia;
• COLAB Team No. 9 (with VPA assistant professor Craig McCray and students Daniel Luther, Amanda Savitzky, Allison Ehrke, Rosa Clark, Alexi-Rae Cheson and Rachel Sivak)
• Thomas Day, sophomore architecture student;
• Janet Marsden, Ph.D. student in the iSchool; and
• Adam Bellamy and Matthew Farrell, School of Architecture master’s degree students (with faculty sponsors Daniel de Riva and Clare Olsen).

For more information, visit: http://ischool.syr.edu/windowsproject.