Art Institute Students Design Mini Mercedes-Benz Pedal Cars for Auction at the 2008 Carousel of Hope Ball
Industrial Design and Interior Design students from The Art Institute of Colorado have created and embellished mini Mercedes-Benz pedal cars to be auctioned off at the 2008 Carousel of Hope Ball, benefiting the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.
Three pedal cars were painted and designed by students with much creativity in tow. Art Institute students from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) student chapter were tasked with creating a car for celebrity phenom, Miley Cyrus. Beginning with a basic design, the group slowly developed a more refined, sophisticated version of what they felt the ideal Miley Cyrus pedal car encompassed. The final product is a car painted in multiple shades of purple and metallic gold, adorned with glitter star accents, rhinestones, and operable L.E.D lighting. Justin Yost, past-president of IIDA student chapter and initial point person on the project gives his perspective, "As a Designer, and foremost an Artist, the opportunity to assist in such a beneficial event is not one to be taken lightly. I truly believe that, with the accumulation of the creative minds working on this project, we will be able to deliver a salient and remarkable end result!" On the overall project, Shawn Herwick, current IIDA student chapter President said, "This has been such a wonderful opportunity to help out for such a great cause! It has helped establish a bond between our school organization, IIDA school chapter and the new board members while knowing that we will be touching many lives to live a happier healthier life for the future."
In a similar approach, Art Institute students from the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) student chapter used their creative talents to fashion a purple and yellow basketball themed car for the Los Angeles Lakers. What initially started with five possible designs, the team meshed together various concepts from each to create a final product. To be signed by the team, the car is painted in Lakers purple and yellow signature colors, with the team's logo on each side of the car. The wheels are designed to mimic basketballs with existing hubcaps placed over a purple background while black upholstery with yellow stitching lines the interior of the car. A customized front grill complete with the Lakers logo in sliver "bling" rounds out the front. "The Carousel of Hope pedal car is an exciting project for us (IDSA) to be a part of. We are having a very positive experience with this project mainly because of its fun nature. I hope, we as a group, can help the foundation to continue its work" said student chapter IDSA President, Justin McMinn.
Both student teams then came together to collaborate on a third "Carousel of Hope" themed car to be placed in the event's photo reception area where various celebrities will have the chance to sign it. All cars were prepped for design by first removing small parts and decals then sanded down to a 400 grit finish. Unique paint and graphic elements were then applied to the sanded cars to complete the intended design.
The pedal cars will be auctioned off at the celebrity studded Carousel of Hope Ball on October 25, 2008 at The Beverly Hilton, in Beverly Hills, California. Proceeds of the biennial event benefit clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where over 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.
Additional members of the IIDA student chapter who worked on the Miley Cyrus car include: Alex Degelman, Natalie Goodman, Tiffany Van Dyke, Jena Apice, Pasha Uney, Sarah Lawson, and Dawn Ogle. Additional members of the IDSA student chapter who worked on the Lakers car include: Jon Anderson, Becky Citarella, Megan Hart, Bobby Piper, Adam Quandt, Javier Quiroga, Philip Rowe, and Dreana Smith.
About the Carousel of Hope
This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.
About The Art Institute of Colorado
For over 55 years, The Art Institute of Colorado (www.artinstitutes.edu/denver) has been a vital resource to the metro Denver community. It offers career-focused bachelor's and associate's degrees in the areas of design, creative and applied arts, creative and business management, and culinary arts. The Art Institute of Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL, 60602, 1.800.621.7440, www.ncahlc.org) The school is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.