MECA merry

The second half of the semester in the junior illustration majors studio at Maine College of Art has been a blitz of activity. Students worked in November on bottle and package designs for the annual Geary’s Summer Ale contest. Here’s Sarah Oppelt’s mock-up.

Katie Ackley created a lively pattern, which she made use of later, stay tuned.

The next project was to create an image to promote Circus Atlantic, the school arts program of the Circus Conservatory of America, coming to Portland in 2015. President Peter Nielsen gave an informative talk to students on the history of contemporary circus with roots in Russia and France.

They’ve recently chosen Molly Blyth-Olson’s illustration that perfectly captures the energy and drama of their mission.

Senior majors enjoyed a visit from award-winning Maine illustrator, Melissa Sweet, who shared tales of her early career, sharing her process and rough dummy versions of recent children’s books.

My junior majors class was frantically making wares for the Illustration Showcase table at MECA’s 20th Annual Holiday Sale, going on right now! Here Paul Gray and Anabelle Souza set up a pop-up silkscreen shop.

Anabelle is happy!

Meanwhile, Alex Knight was crafting felted forest friends for adorable ornaments.

Katie Ackley packaged up her Spoonflower fabric, cards, buttons, and stickers, and tote bags. Go, go, Katie!

Here Shop Manager Emma McCabe is ready to roll, with Liam Murphy assisting with a brilliant smile, on left, during the First Friday debut.

This is the fifth year of my assignment for students to make something to sell; while stressful, it always proves to be a mighty practical exercise. Thanks to Erin Hutton’s swell event development and team of MECA elves, it was a happy crowd of shoppers finding their local artists. Get thee to the sale today!

Following my shopping, I enjoyed Portland’s first Circus in the Streets, where the Circus Conservatory of America organized a performance of many players, including students in the Circus Atlantic program.

The Red Trouser Show provided a magnificent finale!

If you missed it, you can see more HERE.

Bravo to my troop of amazing students, who’ve performed under quick deadlines to make their best work, while making MECA a very merry hive!