October 25, 2018
ArtCenter Opens Innovative Learning Facilities and Dedicated Space for Alumni Programming
Bruce Heavin Media Production Studio Dedicated to Online Learning
Bruce Heavin and Lynda Weinman Alumni Center Unveiled at Reunion
ArtCenter College of Design will celebrate the opening of innovative learning facilities to support online education and dedicated space for alumni programming during the College’s Alumni Reunion weekend, October 26 th through 28th, 2018. These significant milestones are made possible in large part due to the generosity of ArtCenter Trustee and alumnus Bruce Heavin (BFA 93) and former faculty member Lynda Weinman.
The new Bruce Heavin Media Production Studio was established to support online learning and create greater awareness of the College through this more accessible educational platform. The studio boasts a state-of-the-art film stage, sound isolation rooms, editing bays and a viewing lounge. While open to students, the studio is intended to support faculty and administrators in delivering online courses. During the last several months, the College has been preparing to launch ArtCenter Online, a new initiative to offer entry level courses for future students, continuing professional education for alumni and courses of general interest to the public.
The Bruce Heavin and Lynda Weinman Alumni Center provides the College’s global alumni network of 20,000 artists and designers a dedicated space to convene when they return to campus. Whether they’re visiting to participate in a sponsored project, conduct a seminar for students or introduce potential partners to the College, the Alumni Center will serve as an important programmatic gathering space. The Alumni Center features a flexible conference room, lounge area and interactive gallery space. The Alumni Center is outfitted with products and furniture designed by alumni, including efficiently controlled LED lighting contributed by alumnus Scott Yu (BS 82) through his company, Vode, which designs adaptive architectural lighting systems; office furniture and occasional seating by Haworth Inc., made possible by alumnus and ArtCenter Trustee Michael M. Warsaw (BS 90); and additional custom furniture donated by alumnus Nolen Niu (BS 99). A highlight of the Alumni Center is an interactive gallery of alumni work through the decades.
These two new spaces, as well as the new Peter and Merle Mullin Gallery, will be unveiled during the College’s Alumni Reunion, a weekend of panel discussions, exhibits, receptions and networking opportunities intended to reunite old friends, reignite their passion for art and design, and reconnect them to the College.
The Bruce Heavin and Lynda Weinman Alumni Center, and the Bruce Heavin Media Production Studio—as well as the Alumni Reunion itself—are made possible in large part due to the generosity of alumnus and ArtCenter Trustee Bruce Heavin (BFA 93) and former faculty member Lynda Weinman.
“We are very grateful for Bruce and Lynda’s generosity to make these new learning and convening spaces a reality,” said Lorne M. Buchman, president of ArtCenter. “Bruce has proven himself to be a thoughtful and engaged Trustee, providing us new ways to engage our vast alumni network and spark the interest of prospective students who may not have access to art and design resources.”
“Education is not only the act of imparting knowledge but also about the exchange of ideas,” Heavin said. “Lynda and I are incredibly fortunate to collaborate with ArtCenter—a place that means so much to us—to help facilitate education in new and engaging ways.”
The design of the Bruce Heavin and Lynda Weinman Alumni Center, and the Bruce Heavin Media Production Studio is being overseen by Darin Johnstone Architects (DJA). Over the last five years, DJA has designed and completed eight building renovation projects for seven different departments across the College’s two Pasadena campuses totaling more than 130,000 square feet of learning space including classrooms, galleries, archives, studios, labs and cafes, as well as public spaces and administrative offices.
About ArtCenter
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is an international leader in art and design education. ArtCenter offers 11 undergraduate and seven graduate degrees in a wide variety of industrial design disciplines, as well as visual and applied arts. In addition to its top-ranked academic programs, the College also serves members of the Greater Los Angeles region through a highly regarded series of year-round educational programs for all ages and levels of experience. Renowned for both its ties to industry and social impact initiatives, ArtCenter is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College’s long and storied history, ArtCenter alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live and important issues in our society.
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Media Contact:
Teri Bond
Media Relations Director
ArtCenter College of Design
626 396-2385
teri.bond@artcenter.edu
