STUDENTS EXHIBIT "MENTAL INK," A JURIED GRAPHIC DESIGN COMPETITION

Work ranging from illustrations to CD covers, designed by students at The Art Institute of Charlotte, will be on display through April 30 in the atrium of Amelie’s French Bakery in NoDa.

A grand opening and awards ceremony for “Mental Ink,” The Art Institute of Charlotte’s Juried Graphic Design Competition and Exhibition, is planned for 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Amelie’s (North Davidson & 24th Streets).  About 35 works will be on exhibit.

Richard Withem, Graphic Design academic director at The Art Institute of Charlotte, said the exhibit “features a sampling of all of our classes – from package design to posters.”

Serving as jurors for “Mental Ink” were Carolyn Colonna, president of AIGA Charlotte (the professional association for design), and Ryan Drye, a Graphic Design graduate of The Art Institute of Charlotte, who has his own design studio.

The Art Institute of Charlotte offers bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts Management, Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, Fashion Marketing & Management, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography and Web Design & Interactive Media. It offers associate degrees in Culinary Arts, Fashion Marketing, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Web Design & Interactive Media.  The Art Institute of Charlotte is licensed by The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina to confer Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, licensed by The North Carolina Board of Community Colleges to award certificates and diplomas. The Art Institute of Charlotte is accredited by the Accrediting Counsel for Independent Colleges and Schools.

The Art Institute of Charlotte is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.