The Art Institute of Tampa is a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design.

The Art Institute of Tampa Culinary Arts Alumni 2005: Kim Albritton

TAMPA, FL - October 2010- Kim Albritton, a 2004 Interior Design graduate from The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch campus of Miami International University of Art & Design, says that interior designers, architects and builders are remodeling reactively without taking into account physical circumstances of the public for which they are designing, namely, senior citizens and those with disabilities. By bringing together key groups, Albritton believes that navigation for these groups will be improved and money could be saved from reactive remodeling.  

This is why Kim decided to organize a unique conference called Visions for an Inclusive Community 2010 (VIC2010) to unite members of the design/build community, the healthcare industry, disabled community and governmental agencies for a more inclusive design of products and spaces. There were over 50 attendees at the VIC 2010 conference which took place in Tampa last month. They included professionals such as interior designers, architects, planners, transit specialists, contractors, developers, engineers and real estate professionals.

“This conference was meant to get these groups talking and thinking out-of-the-box,” Albritton said. As the aging and disabled populations continue to grow, it is vital to the sustainability of communities that these needs be addressed on a proactive planning level she said.

At the conference, attendees carefully examined and truthfully discussed issues surrounding inclusive housing and workspace solutions, barriers to mobility and adequate transportation, and community design across many levels.

Kim Albritton is also the owner of Focus Design Services, a residential interior design and consulting firm that combines innovative design strategies with consultation and education intended to perpetuate acceptance of inclusive design as the new standard in residential spaces.

VIC testimonials: Abbie Sladick- licensed general contractor: "VIC2010 was a great event. I have come home inspired and empowered to do so much more. Thanks for all your personal efforts in making it a success. Please know you can count on our support in the future."

The Art Institute of Tampa Culinary Arts Alumni 2009: Katie Machol

Employer: Creative Loafing, creative weekly newspaper
Career:  Food Writer for Creating Loafing

“Food is an art form.” — Katie Machol

What’s Katie doing today?
Katie is a food stylist and contributor for Creative Loafing’s food blog called The Daily Loaf.  She is busy concocting new recipes and alternatives to others. Creative Loafing entrusted Katie to launch their Green website where she went beyond recipe creativity and into writing articles on bio-dynamic wine making and local organic and sustainable foods. When she’s not writing, she’s busy cooking and styling food for on-air presentation for the Home Shopping Network, or for a mouth-watering picture for print and online. With a background in film and television, Katie wants to have her own cooking show where she can deliver her fun and original recipes with all foodies of the nation. She also hopes to assist other creative minds with recipe development.

Creative inspiration
Katie’s inspiration comes from making things her own by adding a new twist or taking a different approach. She says if she were to be a baked good, she’d be a Redhead: Her take on the cousin to the brownie and the blondie, only a little sweet, a bit nutty, and with a spicy kick at the end. Katie loves teaching others her perspectives on food, recipes and alternative methods to cooking meals.

Getting out there
Katie believes that the best way to succeed is to make sure your goal is in your heart. If it is, you won’t take any step towards your goal lightly. Every step is an opportunity to prove your worth.

Giovanna Smith:  2009 Baking & Pastry Graduate from The Art Institute of Tampa

Employer: Owner of Sugar Art Studio
Career:  Studio owner and utensil creation

“Create while in the moment with inspiration from within.” — Giovanna Smith

What’s Giovanna doing today?
Giovanna is the owner of Sugar Art Studio in Tampa, Florida. She is busy thinking how she can create new molds, cookie cutters, and other decorative utensils to make the most artistic and competitive cakes in the industry. As part of her business, Giovanna provides her original utensils to vendors for sale online. When she’s not developing new tools, she’s helping her clients turn their dream cakes into a reality. She is always careful to not include her own personality, or likes and dislikes into her clients’ cakes. Giovanna also gives cake-decorating classes to the public. She enjoys teaching how to create sugar flowers and sculptures, and how to work with chocolate, fondant, and gum paste. She recently helped to create a celebration cake for the 5,000th performance of Cirque du Soleil’s performance of Saltimbanco. One day, she hopes to become a chef instructor at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Tampa.

Creative inspiration
Giovanna’s creative inspiration began when she was a small girl watching her father work as a glass blower. The colors, the techniques, and the art melted together to give life to Giovanna’s passion for artistic cakes and the utensils that allow her to deliver on her baking and pastry visions.

Getting out there
Giovanna believes that consistency leads to miracles. One must not lose site of their goals. Give your best to everything you do. She also insists that one must determine their limits and what they can realistically give to the industry of choice. Cake decoration and creation requires a lot of time on your feet and detailed work; however the main ingredient is artistic ability.

Gabrielle SanFelice:  Current Student, Fashion & Retail Management, 9th Quarter at The Art Institute of Tampa



Employer: Fashion Week Tampa Bay (FTWB)

Career:  Wants to work with either Elle or Vogue magazines to start her professional career



“I like being in the middle of everything. Being a public relations specialist in the fashion industry allows me the opportunity to be the one to talk about the latest trends and upcoming fashion lines, designers, etc.” — Gabrielle SanFelice



What’s Gabrielle doing today? 

As a student at The Art Institute of Tampa, Gabrielle served as the volunteer event coordinator for Fashion Week Tampa Bay (FWTB). Fashion Week Tampa Bay is an opportunity for the local fashion community to celebrate the creativity and style sensibilities right in Tampa’s back yard. This is Gabrielle’s second year assisting with the production elements of the fashion week. In addition to those responsibilities, she was selected to begin writing a blog for FWTB.  Some of her topics included feature stories on the participating designers, trends out of the NY shows, and a profile of the Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Tampa.


Creative inspiration 

Ever since Gabrielle was a little girl she loved getting dressed- up… and shopping, of course, was an essential part of the process! Now, as a young adult, her objective is to study and practice what she loves in life. As she puts it, “FASHION IS FUN!” 



Getting out there

Gabrielle is a mover and a shaker in the fashion and retail industry in Tampa. She also has her own blog called “Fashion Gab” where she covers national fashion trends, and local and national events among other topics. Gabrielle started the blog to put her writing skills to the test, start her own audience, and begin spreading her love of the business of fashion.