News and Media

Published: Apr 14, 2009

SAVANNAH, Ga. - ShopSCAD, Savannah College of Art and Design's unique gallery store exclusively featuring the artwork and designs of students, faculty, staff and alumni, launches a brand new Web site April 21. The Web site design artfully combines work by three SCAD artists with user-friendly interactivity and brand new features to make shopping a delightful experience.

"The website is a wonderful way to showcase all that SCAD has to offer," said Amy Zurcher, managing director of shopSCAD, and brainchild of the new design. "Visitors really get a feel for the depth and breadth of programs offered at SCAD, as well as the incredible talent present here," she continued. The site already has an international reach, including customers from Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South America, Japan and all 50 states in the United States. This design will make it easier and more fun to browse through shopSCAD's fabulous collection of artistic pieces for all budgets. "Discovering SCAD treasures from up-and-coming artists really is quite a thrill," said Zurcher.

Abstract paintings by SCAD alumna Yoko Iwanaga (M.F.A., painting, 2004) initially inspired the Web site's new look. Zurcher combined two of Iwanaga's mixed-media paintings titled "American Spirit I" and "American Spirit II" into organic flowing graphics that rise from the bottom of the screen. While Zurcher enjoyed the abstract and Eastern influences in the imagery, the artist drew on her fascination with Native American culture for inspiration.

Next, Zurcher turned her attention to the brilliant illustrator and longtime sales and visual manager of shopSCAD, Savannah, Kyle Millsap (B.F.A., illustration, 2006). Millsap created black-and-white illustrations highlighting each major represented at shopSCAD. The illustrations are briefly animated and reveal unique "fun facts" about the programs when a visitor scrolls over them with the mouse. They also allow visitors to narrow their search by major.

Inserting another layer of intrigue, whimsical artist Ally Hughes (B.F.A., furniture design, 1999; M.F.A., painting, 2000) painted original oil works to identify shopSCAD's categories of fashion, fine art, books, baby, bath, décor, gifts, jewelry, stationery and accessories. Hughes' modern playfulness, commonly associated with shopSCAD, adds the perfect finishing touch to the new design. Her "wonky chandelier," representing the décor gallery wobbles back and forth with blinking lights.

Additional layers of interactivity provide visitors the ability to sort by price point, and even size. The new "Small Works" feature of the site reveals a selection of works measuring 18 inches or less and priced under $500. Once a viewer selects an item of intrigue, the site can also intuitively suggest additional items the viewer might enjoy, making it much easier to search for unique gifts. Viewers will also be able to browse the shopSCAD collection by artist and can even create their own wish lists and gift registries to share with friends and family for special occasions. A customer FAQ page, hand-drawn location maps and mailing list sign-up will also make the shopSCAD experience more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

For more information, call 912.525.5180, e-mail shopSCAD, or visit the new Web site at www.shopscad.com or www.shopscadonline.com. Media may call 912.525.5225 for image requests.