To be nominated is an honor. To have worked on an impressive 18 of this year’s Oscar-nominated films is truly SCAD.

At the 91st Academy Awards, SCAD students and alumni worked on nominated films including "Avengers: Infinity War," "Black Panther," "Border (Gräns)," "A Star is Born," "If Beale Street Could Talk," "Can You Ever Forgive Me?," "Christopher Robin," "Free Solo," "Mary Poppins Returns," "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," "Incredibles 2," "Ralph Breaks the Internet," "Ready Player One," "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," "Solo: A Star Wars Story," "First Man," "A Quiet Place," and "Bao."

“Amazing that 140 SCAD students and alumni contributed to this year’s star-studded array of Oscar nominees, more than double last year’s count," said SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace. "In 1985, when we launched our first entertainment arts degree program, I dreamed our talented students would gain global attention. It seems the SCAD family has always been destined for greatness — and golden statuettes. They bring home the hardware!”

This year, SCAD alumni contributed to nominees for best picture, best documentary feature, original song, original score, adapted screenplay, cinematography, film editing, sound editing, sound mixing, costume design, visual effects, production design, makeup and hairstyling, animated short, and animated feature.

The diversity of these nominations affirms the exceptional preparation for professional careers these alumni received while students at SCAD, as implicitly acknowledged by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Academy is made up of approximately 7,000 filmmakers and film professionals. These Academy members vote for the Oscars, championing professionals from every facet of the business.

Let's celebrate the unmistakable creative contributions of SCAD alumni across a stunning spectrum of this year's nominees:

Adams, Breanna (B.F.A., television producing, 2014) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Anderson, Grant (B.F.A., visual effects, 2017) "If Beale Street Could Talk"; "Incredibles 2"
Bartone, Nick (B.F.A., visual effects, 2008) "Incredibles 2"
Bell, Matthew (B.F.A., visual effects, 2007) "Ready Player One"
Bensen, Constance (B.F.A., visual effects, 2016) "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"
Bickley, Max (B.F.A., visual effects, 2008) "Incredibles 2"; "Bao"
Boehme, Madison (M.A., creative business leadership) "Ralph Breaks the Internet"
Boga, Nagender (M.A., visual effects, 2016) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Bolden, Nicholas (B.F.A., computer art, 2005) "Ready Player One"
Britton, Tyler (B.F.A., visual effects, 2015) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Buck, Jacob (B.F.A., visual effects, 2007) "A Quiet Place"
Burstein, Jake (M.F.A., animation, 2017) "Avengers: Infinity War"; "Black Panther"
Cancemi, Stefania (M.A., animation, 2016) "Christopher Robin"
Carrasquillo, Iva (M.A., animation, 2015) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Carter, Melanie Dorn (M.F.A., visual effects, 2008) "First Man"
Castro, Alejandro (B.F.A., computer art, 2005) "Black Panther”; "Ready Player One"
Chai, Yinghao (M.F.A., visual effects, 2015) "Black Panther"
Champagne, Chase (B.F.A., animation, 2006) "Green Book"
Chappina, Anthony (M.A., visual effects, 2008) "Avengers: Infinity War"; "Ready Player One"
Christensen, Amy (B.F.A., computer art, 1997) "Can You Every Forgive Me?"
Chu, Diana (M.F.A., visual effects,) "Solo: A Star Wars Story"
Clairy, Jason (B.F.A., film and television, 2011) "Black Panther"
Cochran, Nicholas (B.F.A., sound design, 2011) "Ballad of Buster Scruggs"
Cofer, Jocelyn (B.F.A., animation, 2009) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Conover, Aaron (B.F.A., animation, 2002) "Incredibles 2"
Coster, Ryan (B.F.A., animation, 2011) "Black Panther"
Cronkrite, Charles (B.F.A., animation, 2012) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Curtis, Alexander (M.F.A., animation, 2011) "Incredibles 2"
Davies, Jason (M.F.A., animation, 2003) "Incredibles 2"
Davis, Jonathan (B.F.A., computer art, 2004) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
DeMeo IV, Anthony (B.F.A., animation,) "Avengers: Infinity War"
De Moya Pou, Márien  (M.F.A., production design, 2016) "If Beale Street Could Talk"
DeSalvo, Peter (B.F.A., animation, 2013) "Mary Poppins Returns"
Doublestein, John (M.F.A., animation, 2007) "Ready Player One"
Ellis, Brett (B.F.A., visual effects, 2005) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Englert, Scott (B.F.A., computer art, 2005) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse"
Epstein, Jenn (B.F.A., visual effects, 2005) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Evans, Josh (M.F.A., visual effects, 2013; B.F.A., visual effects, 2011) "Mary Poppins Returns"
Fatora, Thomas (B.F.A., film and television, 2014) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Faulkner, Marq (B.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Fendly, Tom (B.F.A., film and television, 1992) "Black Panther"
Freihofer, Chris (M.F.A., animation, 2017) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Galinak, Shaun (B.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Incredibles 2"; "Bao"
Gao, Michelle (B.F.A., visual effects, 2015) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Garcia, Leo (B.F.A., animation, 2017) "Mary Poppins Returns"
Gaytan, Minor (B.F.A., animation, 2007) "Ralph Breaks the Internet"
George, Kevin (M.A., visual effects, 2012) "Black Panther"
Ghoniem, Ashraf (B.F.A., computer art, 2005) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Gillis, Ryan (B.F.A., computer art, 2004) "Solo: A Star Wars Story"
Grasso, Caterina (M.A., visual effects, 2016) "Incredibles 2"
Grey, Aaron (B.F.A., animation, 2007) "Avengers: Infinity War"; "Ready Player One"
Guice, Ethan (B.F.A., photography, 2016) "First Man"
Gunnels, Dorien (B.F.A., visual effects, 2010) "Incredibles 2"
Hahn, Cristi (B.F.A., film and television, 2014) "Black Panther"
Hale, Dave (B.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Incredibles 2"
Hamdan, Noah (B.F.A., visual effects, 2012) "Black Panther"
Hayden, Joseph (B.F.A., visual effects, 2006) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"; "Avengers: Infinity War"
Heathcock, Luke (B.F.A., visual effects, 2010) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Hildreth, Jesse (B.F.A., visual effects, 2008) "Avengers: Infinity War"; "Ready Player One"
Hodges, Alan (B.F.A., computer art and animation,  2001) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Holland, Robert (B.F.A., film and television, 2009) "Black Panther"
Holt, Justin (B.F.A., visual effects, 2006) "Black Panther"
Holtsclaw, Josh (B.F.A., illustration, 2006) "Incredibles 2"
Humphrey, Kyle (B.F.A., visual effects, 2012) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Hutton, Heather (M.F.A., film and television, 2018) "First Man"
Hwang, Seona (M.A., visual effects, 2014) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Irons, Daniel (B.F.A., film and television, 2015) "First Man"
Jansen, Josh (B.F.A., film and television, 1997) "Black Panther"
Jones, Tobin (M.A., computer art, 1998) "Incredibles 2"
Jonjai, Annee (B.F.A., animation, 2008) "Incredibles 2"
Karbozova, Akmaral (B.F.A., film and television, 2017) "First Man"
Khan, Asim (M.F.A., computer art, 2004) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Kim, JJ (B.F.A., visual effects, 2014) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Kirpalani, Shilpa (M.F.A., visual effects, 2007) "Black Panther"
Knight, Dan (B.F.A., computer art, 1996) "Solo: A Star Wars Story"
Koh, Jason (B.F.A., visual effects, 2016) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Kojeva, Katerina (B.F.A., production design, 2016) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Kramer, Anthony (B.F.A., computer art, 2004) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Kuroda, Jim (M.F.A., computer arts, 2000) "Black Panther"
Laird, Jonah (B.F.A., visual effects, 2017) "Incredibles 2"
Leerasanthanah, Win (M.F.A., animation, 2016) "Solo: A Star Wars Story"
Leidenroth, Eric (B.F.A., computer art and animation, 1998) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Leone, Nicolas (B.F.A., film and television, 2010) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Leu, Nicolas (M.A., visual effects, 2015) "Black Panther"; "Avengers: Infinity War"
Lin, Andy (B.F.A., animation, 2008) "Incredibles 2"
Lockwood, John (B.F.A., visual effects, 2013) "Incredibles 2"; "Bao"
Lombardi, Gian (B.F.A., visual effects, 2014) "Mary Poppins Returns"
Lyu, Wanqi (M.F.A., visual effects, 2017) "Black Panther"
Madrigal, Carol (B.F.A., computer art and animation, 2002) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Magid, Ryan (B.F.A., computer art, 2003) "Ready Player One"
Mahar, Mallory (M.A., animation, visual effects, 2011) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
McCann, Brian (B.F.A., visual effects, 2010) "Black Panther"
McGriff, Aaron (B.F.A., animation, 2005) "Avengers: Infinity War"
McSpadden, Jennifer (M.F.A., visual effects, 2013; B.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Avengers: Infinity War"; "Black Panther"
Meng, Jie (M.F.A., visual effects, 2015) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Messeder, Filipe (B.F.A., sound design, 2016) "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"; "Free Solo"
Mohr, Kyle (B.F.A., animation, 2005) "Incredibles 2"
Montefusco, John (B.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Christopher Robin"
Moore, Eric (B.F.A., film and television, 2014) "First Man"
Mountcastle, Marley (B.F.A., film and television, 2014) "Black Panther"
Narse, Prasad (M.F.A., animation, 2013) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Nelson, Brandon (M.F.A., visual effects, 2008; B.F.A., visual effects, 2005) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Nelson, Derek (M.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Ralph Breaks the Internet"
Nelson, Jonathan (M.F.A., computer art, 2005) "Black Panther"
Nieves, Michael (B.F.A., animation, 2014) "Bao"
Northcutt, Brett (painting) "Solo: A Star Wars Story"
O'Hara, Ryan (B.F.A., film and television, 2008) "Skin"
Okun, Sarah (non-degree) "First Man"
Ortiz, Samuel (M.A., animation, 2009; B.F.A., animation, 2008) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Page, Joseph Harold (B.F.A., film and television, 2007) "Black Panther"
Parker, Kenzi (B.F.A., animation, 2013) "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"
Piacente, Brittany (B.F.A., animation, 2012) "Black Panther"
Poh, Kiki Mei Kee (M.A., visual effects, 2010) "Incredibles 2"
Radcliffe, Ben (B.F.A., computer art, 1997) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Raza, Wajid (M.F.A., visual effects, 2008) "Ready Player One"
Rea, Clint (B.F.A., visual effects, 2016) "Incredibles 2"; "Bao"
Rempel, Jordan (B.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Incredibles 2"
Reynolds, Jeff (M.A., photography, 2012) "First Man"
Rizvi, Ali (M.A., visual effects, 2016) "Black Panther"
Rock, Samuel (B.F.A., film and television) "Border (Gräns)"
Roiter, Gal (B.F.A., animation, 2006) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Ryan, Michael (B.F.A., animation, 2008) "Mary Poppins Returns"
Sadler, Brandon (B.F.A., illustration, 2009) "Black Panther"
Samms, Haley (B.F.A., animation, 2017) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Sawtell, Martin (M.A., visual effects, 2008) "Ready Player One"
Schilling, Jordan (B.F.A., visual effects, 2006) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Serei, Sorya (M.F.A., visual effects, 2014) "Black Panther"; "Avengers: Infinity War"
Sievers, Nic (M.F.A., visual effects, 2005) "Solo: A Star Wars Story"
Sims, Demorrius (B.F.A., animation, 2014) "First Man"
Snow, Alexander (B.F.A., animation, 2009) "Ralph Breaks the Internet"
Son, J. Jeongyeon (B.F.A., visual effects, 2012) "Black Panther"
Spadafora, James (M.F.A., visual effects, 2017) "Ready Player One"; "Solo: A Star Wars Store"
Sparks, John (M.F.A., visual effects, 2006) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Tan, Ka Yaw (B.F.A., computer art, 1995) "Ralph Breaks the Internet"
Taylor, Bobby (B.F.A., animation, 2009) "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Taylor, Eunice (B.F.A., animation, 2014) "Black Panther"; "Mary Poppins Returns"
Torres, Aldrich (B.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Ready Player One"
Trusendi, Paola (B.F.A., film and television, 2016) "A Quiet Place"
Van Allen, Jim (M.F.A., visual effects, 2006) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Venegas-Spadafora, Maria (M.F.A., animation, 2015) "Ready Player One"
Ward, Erick (B.F.A., computer art, 2002) "Ready Player One"
Weglein, Jesse (M.A., visual effects, 2008) "Incredibles 2"
Weiler, Zack (B.F.A., computer art, 2000) "Black Panther"
Williams, Kevin (B.F.A., animation, 2005) "Black Panther"
Wilson, Aaron (B.F.A., computer art, 2003) "Solo: A Star Wars Story"
Wilson, Chris (B.F.A., visual effects, 2009) "Black Panther"; "Avengers: Infinity War"
Wu, Xiao (M.F.A., animation, 2018)  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Wylie, Brejon (B.A., television producing, 2014) "Avengers: Infinity War"
Yu, Xiaoyang (M.F.A., visual effects, 2018) "A Star is Born"
Zhao, Zichuan (M.F.A., visual effects) "Solo: A Star Wars Story"

If you are aware of a name missing from this list, please email information (Name, Degree, Film) to [email protected].

Matt Hebermehl's aesthetic is intrinsic to the visual identity of SCAD. His radiant, gestural artwork graces student dining hall crockery, a SCAD40 Volkswagen art car, the 1600 Peachtree tunnel at SCAD Atlanta, and a multi-story outdoor wall at Montgomery Hall in Savannah. "On Divine Wings, We Shall Prevail," Hebermehl's 1700-square foot acrylic mural, is a highlight of the SCAD-curated Art Collection at the 71,000 seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

"I've been fortunate that people at SCAD have responded positively to my work," says Hebermehl (B.F.A., illustration, 2003). "There's not a day in my life when I'm not talking to, interacting with, or creating something that's come about from my time at SCAD."

Hebermehl's most recent SCAD project was a mural created on the rooftop of the historic Clermont Hotel during Super Bowl week in Atlanta, part of a pop-up museum curated by SCAD Art Sales.

A native of Arvada, Colorado, Hebermehl currently works from his studio in Pasadena, California.

Matt Hebermehl:

When SCAD Art Sales partnered with the city of Atlanta to provide art for events hosted by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, I was asked to create a piece for the Clermont rooftop. I arrived in Atlanta early during Super Bowl week and worked on-site at SCAD Atlanta for three days to get a head start on the mural, so I'd have something substantial that I could add onto, on-site, during the festivities.

My role was, in part, to be live entertainment. There was a lot of star power there. Ludacris slid by while I was working, Jeezy snuck in later. T.I. came through, so smooth and cool. Lil Jon came over and we talked. Everyone responded positively to what I was doing, and I was feeding off their energy. It was exhilarating.

The Clermont piece was intended to be performative. The physical thing left behind is a relic of the time I spent with other people and the creative process. The iconography is after Rodin, whose work was donated to the city of Atlanta by the French government after the Orly plane crash in 1962, when 106 members of the Atlanta Art Association died. My piece is called "The Fire Below," representing Atlanta's history of rising from the ashes.

Creating live in front of people touched on things I was doing in Savannah from 2011 to 2015, with an art initiative called SeeSAW. SeeSAW stood for See Savannah Art Walls, and was co-founded by fellow SCAD alum James "Dr. Z" Zdaniewski (B.F.A., computer art, 2003) and myself. We worked with the city of Savannah's Metropolitan Planning Commission to create a mural ordinance. SeeSAW was devoted to creating in public and having the conversation between spectator and creator be part of the process.

I was fortunate to study at SCAD at a time when boundaries between illustration and fine art were being blurred. Katherine Sandoz and Traci Haymans and Julie Lieberman were professors who identified that I had something to offer and encouraged me. Those relationships are lasting to this day. When Traci passed away, Katherine and I created the mural for her in Haymans Hall. Julie is a big influence in my life. I call them my three wise women.

My work has an intentional sense of motion, bounding through space. Revisiting loose gestural mark making, and coming back and layering on top. There is no delineation between foreground and background, it's more about time and mark-making, bringing the underpainting to the foreground, and pushing the overpainting to the back. Even in the present, the past is always with you.

Paint-splattered Matt with Atlanta legend T.I.

See more Hebermehl art here.

It's a great time to be Chad Morton (B.F.A., dramatic writing, 2018). As an undergraduate, Morton worked as part of the writing team of student Emmy-winning SCAD sitcom 
"The Buzz." His new SCAD sitcom "G.R.I.T.S." (Girls Raised in the South), premiered at the 2019 SCAD aTVfest in Atlanta to a full house and wildly enthusiastic reception. Having interned at Miramax, this devotee of the art of television is poised for an illustrious creative career.

"G.R.I.T.S" creative team at 2019 aTVfest with President Wallace. Chad Morton front row, second left.

SCAD: What inspired "G.R.I.T.S."?

Chad Morton: I was working on "The Buzz" my junior year when I got the offer to create "G.R.I.T.S." All summer break I thought about what the show could be, and what it could potentially do for black students at SCAD.

I was inspired by an NBC sitcom called "The Carmichael Show." Episodes typically tackled tough subjects through a diverse range of characters, showing all possible viewpoints.

I decided to create a show that would specifically target taboo issues within the black community. I placed it in a restaurant, knowing we would be limited to one set, so that characters come and go in a natural way.

"The Carmichael Show" is inspired by Norman Lear's works. Before SCAD, I didn't even know sitcoms such as "Sanford and Son," "Good Times" and "The Jeffersons" all came from Norman Lear. It wasn't until I took a class with SCAD dramatic writing professor Chris Auer that I rediscovered those shows and began studying them.

Also, "Black-ish," "Atlanta" and "Insecure" are three shows that currently capture the black experience better than anything else on TV.

SCAD: What are the key takeaways from aTVfest?

Morton: aTVfest benefits students immensely. The festival is focused on television, with advice and information you wouldn't have access to elsewhere. The TV show premieres are amazing, but for me, the real allure is being able to attend panels by writers, showrunners, managers, and agents. Last year, writers had the opportunity to take a workshop with Karen Kirkland, who at the time was VP of talent development at Nickelodeon. These opportunities give aTVfest attendees clear advantages.

SCAD: How has SCAD prepared you to do your work?

Morton: The dramatic writing department challenged me and taught me new ways to look at the medium. I still look at my notes from script analysis. There's nothing I miss more than class critiques. That instant feedback is something students shouldn't take for granted. When you implement notes, you think differently and, in most cases, for the better.

Working on "The Buzz" prepared me for deadlines. When you realize that actors and the camera crew are relying on you to deliver a script, it forces you to think quickly and efficiently. The show must go on!

SCAD: What advice would you give SCAD students who want to write for television?

Morton: Research, research, research! I constantly analyze scripts. One thing I do is write outlines for movies or TV episodes I've already seen. It may seem trivial but you'll quickly realize how they break down and what leads into each scene, possibly making the outline process for your own script less of a daunting task. My last piece of advice is to have fun with it!

SCAD aTVfest continues through Saturday, Feb. 9. Learn more here.

The seventh annual SCAD aTVfest kicked off Thursday morning with a bevy of undeniable SCAD talent. New SCAD sitcom, "G.R.I.T.S." (Girls Raised in the South), was introduced to a packed theater by School of Entertainment Arts dean Andra Reeve-Rabb, performing arts chair Mark Tymchyshyn and film and television chair D.W. Moffett.

Created by SCAD graduate Chad Morton (B.F.A., dramatic writing, 2018), creator the student Emmy-winning SCAD sitcom "The Buzz," "G.R.I.T.S." stars "American Idol" winner Candice Glover (B.F.A., dramatic writing) and "Showtime at the Apollo" winner George Lovett (M.F.A., performing arts). Glover plays Tiana, a natural leader running a soul food restaurant in Atlanta. Her younger sister, employees and friends are a constant source of trouble and fun.

Tackling weighty, controversial topics is something Morton is interested in exploring. Morton was inspired by how NBC sitcom "The Carmichael Show" "always made it a point to show all possible viewpoints on whatever topic they're discussing." Advancing that audacity, Morton decided to create "a show that would specifically target taboo black issues within the black community."

Regarding character development, Morton says most of the characters are based on people in his life, with traits exaggerated as needed: "As the show goes on, characters start to deviate and become their own thing as we figure out what works."

One "G.R.I.T.S." character sure to evolve is Candice Glover's Tiana. Her timing is spot on, and there is no doubt she is enjoying the experience. "I think I'm naturally funny, but to have a script and make it pop feels great," Glover said.

In the first episode, Tiana's impulsive younger sister shows up engaged to a man she's known for only two weeks. Meanwhile, a protest against taking down Confederate statues rages outside the restaurant. As a conversation about the issue takes place, the fiancé reveals he is not in favor of removing them. He also admits he was adopted and raised by a white family. While the group at the restaurant is not exactly thrilled by his position on the statues, he finds the protestors aren't as welcoming as he expected.

Pulling this off with humor, humility and laughs takes talent, collaboration and guidance. By that standard, the cast and crew of "G.R.I.T.S." are fully primed. The set is comparable to a major network sitcom, proving the skill level of SCAD's production design program. SCAD faculty have imparted the knowledge and experience they possess in order to move the project from classroom idea to full-length, professional-level sitcom episode. Watching the performances, hearing the dialogue, and laughing and learning with a diverse crowd of SCAD aTVfest attendees clinches it: "G.R.I.T.S" is a hit.

Attendees of the SCAD aTVfest opening night "G.R.I.T.S." screening were treated to a Q-and-A session featuring the following talent:

Candice Glover
, actor (B.F.A., dramatic writing)
Kennedy Coe
, actor (B.F.A., performing arts)
Kevin Holloway-Harris, actor (M.F.A., performing arts)
George Lovett
, actor (M.F.A., performing arts)
Charmaine Shaw, 
actor (M.F.A., performing arts)
Travis Campfield
, actor (B.F.A., performing arts)
Jessie Hyder
, actor (M.F.A., performing arts)
Andre Haskett
, actor (B.F.A., performing arts)
Brianna Dance
, director (B.F.A., film and television)
Rachel Kerby
, producer (B.F.A., film and television)
Chad Morton
, creator (B.F.A., dramatic writing, 2018)
Zach Freshley
, creator (M.F.A., dramatic writing)

SCAD aTVfest continues through Saturday, Feb. 9. Learn more here.

SCAD aTVfest, Atlanta's only festival dedicated to all things television, is happening this week, Feb. 7-9, 2019!

Now in its seventh year, the university's annual signature event celebrating the television industry attracts industry-leading producers, directors, writers and actors to SCADshow in Midtown Atlanta. The festival focuses on design, creativity and innovation in television and media production, bringing together professionals to discuss the current industry trends while showcasing the best work in the field.

This year, Entertainment Weekly (EW) will serve as the first ever Official Media Partner for SCAD aTVfest, delivering unparalleled talent and screenings throughout the three-day event.

"Georgia's only festival dedicated to television, SCAD aTVfest gives attendees direct access to performers, producers, and industry experts as well as screenings, exclusive looks, and program premieres," said SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace "The world needs SCAD aTVfest to stay current on everything from streaming platforms to network news. This year, we fête the funny and wildly talented Ellie Kemper as well as everything about the small screen. And with EW as our first official media partner, we've drawn in more talent and unique programming than ever before. I can't decide who's luckier: SCAD students, or the industry professionals who get to meet our rising stars and hear their best pitches!"

Ellie Kemper, star of Netflix and Universal Television's "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", will receive the annual Spotlight Award. NBC and Universal Television's "New Amsterdam" will receive the Outstanding Cast Award with cast members Ryan Eggold, Freema Agyeman, Anupam Kher, Tyler Labine and Jocko Sims attending. Honorees are scheduled to attend screenings of their respective episodes. In honor of the university's 40-year anniversary, SCAD alum Mir Zafar Ali (B.F.A., visual effects, 2015) will receive the SCAD40 prize.

The Emmy award-winning team behind "The Buzz" will debut "G.R.I.T.S." (Girls Raised In The South), SCAD's latest student-produced sitcom created by dramatic writing student Chad Morton (B.F.A., dramatic writing, 2018). "G.R.I.T.S." is an all original student-produced sitcom written, directed, produced and performed by African-American SCAD students. This sitcom stars Candice Glover (B.F.A., dramatic writing) and George Lovett (M.F.A., performing arts). The show will premiere opening day of the festival.

As Official Media Partner for SCAD aTVfest, EW helped curate this year's programming and will have staff on-site to moderate select talent panels. EW will also host a photo and video studio for talent to come through and galleries will be available exclusively on EW.com and its social platforms, as well as special events.

Shows and representatives attending this year's festival include: "All American" (The CW), "American Gods" (Starz), "Bosch" (Amazon Prime Video), "The Enemy Within" (NBC), "The Gifted" (FOX), "i'm sorry" (truTV), "Manifest" (NBC), "Miracle Workers" (TBS), "New Amsterdam" (NBC), "The Oath" (Sony Crackle), "The Other Two" (Comedy Central), "The Passage" (FOX), "PEN15" (Hulu), "Proven Innocent" (FOX), "The Resident" (FOX), "Schooled" (ABC), "SEAL Team" (CBS), "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" (Netflix) and "The Village" (NBC).

For SCAD students, SCAD aTVfest offers valuable insight into the world of agents, managers, casting, comedy, integration, pitches, production partnership, programming placement, reality television, visual effects, post-production, and the convergence of digital media and television. An integral part of aTVfest is premiering SCAD student work alongside their professional counterparts. A juried showcase will include dramas, comedies, web productions and more from SCAD's School of Digital Media.

More than 8,100 SCAD students and alumni work in the fields of animation, entertainment, motion pictures, media production, writing, editing, broadcast media and performing arts, with over 2,800 in Georgia alone. A unique, project-based approach to film, TV and performing arts provides SCAD students a distinct advantage before they graduate with unparalleled access to industry tools, experts and life-changing opportunities.

For more information visit atvfest.com.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is pleased to announce "Savannah Songs," a unique, interactive live performance experience celebrating the university's 40th anniversary and honoring Georgia Day. Students from the university's award-winning performing arts programs will showcase the city's remarkable historical legacy. "Savannah Songs" takes places Friday and Saturday Feb. 1-2.

"'Savannah Songs' celebrates Georgia Day in a uniquely SCAD way — through music, story, and plenty of pizzazz, all performed by SCAD students for our community," said SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace. "'Savannah Songs' is a time-travel musical, an hour-long party that literally sings tour guests from place to historic place, all in honor of Georgia Day. This year, SCAD's immersive performances vivify our city's rich history from the 1920s to the ‘60s — a time of memorable music and magnificent architecture, too. We hope everyone will come!"

Over 120 SCAD students from a range of preeminent degree programs including performing arts, dramatic writing, preservation design, interior design, costume design and sound design will bring the "Savannah Songs" performance to life. "Savannah Songs" will take audiences on an hour-long "musical tour through time" showcasing the city's storied past from the 1920s, ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s.

This multi-site musical tableau showcases incomparable moments in the history of the city of Savannah. This biennial celebration recognizes the culture and history of the city, and provides unique opportunity to tour four distinctive venues within SCAD's preservation footprint.

Guests of "Savannah Songs" will begin their experience at Trustees Theater, then proceed across Broughton Street to Gutstein Gallery, followed by Jen Library and concluding at the Lucas Theater. All locations will feature interactive participation between guests and SCAD students.

Trustees Theater, which opened February 14, 1946, will take the audience back to the 1940s.  The performers will be dressed as members of the Mighty Eighth Air Force who have just returned home from World War II. They will be joined by fellow performers portraying wives and domestic partners who were working in Savannah shipyards, factories and victory gardens during the war.

Gutstein Gallery will transport guests to the 1960s, when the space was the Azalea Room restaurant, adjoining the former Levy's department store.  On March 16, 1960 three African-American high school students took part in a sit-in at the whites-only lunch counter. This was one of the first steps that ultimately led to desegregation in Savannah, as commemorated by a Georgia Historical Society plaque The Georgia Civil Rights Trail: The Savannah Protest Movement. "Savannah Songs" guests will learn more about the day of that historic sit-in.

The Jen Library, formerly Levy's, will showcase the 1950s. The department store was once the most popular and stylish place in Savannah to buy dresses and other clothing. Guests will be treated to a sock-hop performance and get a glimpse of vintage dresses from SCAD's permanent collection.

The Lucas Theater, the last stop of the tour, opened in 1921. "Savannah Songs" guests will be treated to a spectacular vaudeville performance and bags of popular candy from that era.

Performances on Saturday, Feb. 2 are open to the public. Admission is $10.  Tickets available online.

Check-in for "Savannah Songs" at the Savannah Box Office at Trustees Theater.

Performances begin at 10 a.m.

Do you resoundingly agree with the assertion, “Cats are the greatest creatures of all time!"?

Then come hither, feline friends. For as its clever creators claim: "CATBOX is the cat bed of your favorite feline's dreams!"

Overseen and undersigned by Jamie Bourgeois (B.F.A., fibers, 2012) and J. Magnus Nelson (B.F.A., sound design, 2015), CATBOX is a cardboard box engineered to fit cats of varying sizes comfortably...and to entertain cat owners too. CATBOX features cut-outs and illustrations that turn your cat into a cosmic seeker, a rock god, or something else entirely.

Incontrovertible CATBOX cuteness is, however, not the whole story. Bourgeois and Nelson are both experienced entrepreneurs with thriving professional careers in art and design.

Nelson, service manager at Gotham Sound and Communications, Inc., builds and maintains equipment for the film industry. He also runs a side business repairing vintage synthesizers, and plays in multiple delightfully demented rock bands in Atlanta. Bourgeois, gallery manager at the esteemed Spalding Nix Fine Art, is proprietor of her own eponymous line of hand-dyed kerchiefs, scarves, patches and prints. These sundry strands come together with CATBOX, as Jamie explains.

Jamie Bourgeois:

I met Magnus when we were both at SCAD. He and my boyfriend played in a band together. One day Magnus came over with a small cardboard box and put it on the floor. Our cat immediately got in. I said, "What is this magic?"

Magnus had the idea for CATBOX. There are actual scientific studies on why cats like boxes. There's a burrowing instinct, and they like being in tight spaces. CATBOX is a rectangular cardboard box, sized to fit cats comfortably. There are cut-outs on each end for face scratching, head resting, and amusement.

Magnus wanted the outside of the box to have a design that made the cat into a character. I created the illustrations. We have a CATBOX with an astronaut design called ASTRObox, and one called ROCKbox where the cat is playing a double-necked guitar or drums, depending on how the box is turned.

All our boxes are composed of 100% recycled corrugated cardboard, printed with vegetable-based inks that are safe for cats, and are constructed and shipped here in Georgia. It's important that CATBOX is sustainable and creates no new waste.

My senior year at SCAD I made scarves printed with an illustration about how humans classify non-human organisms in categories like invasive species and parasites, while excluding ourselves. I used synthetic dyes in the printing process. I realized that if I wanted to continue the work and be pro-environment, I couldn't continue using synthetic dyes. I started growing and harvesting plants like marigolds to create the dyes I use in the eco-bundling process.

CATBOX has a lifespan and then you compost or recycle it. It's is not a kitty litter box, it's a box for your cat to hang out in. If you put the CATBOX on a shelf, your cat will like that, because they'll feel secure but they can see everything.

Our research and development team included cats Harrison, Squirrel and Cersi — they've been invaluable getting us to launch. On the human side, both Magnus and I run own our small businesses, so we have that experience already. We hope one day CATBOX will be our full-time job.

Learn more about CATBOX and contribute to the Kickstarter campaign here.

See more of Jamie's hand-dyed handiwork here.

Listen to Magnus' most excellent band KYLE here.

SCAD students presented elevated designs at the fifth annual SCAD Hong Kong Fashion Showcase, Jan. 10, 2019, an event that attracted 450 industry guests. Curated by Michael Fink, Dean of the SCAD School of Fashion, the showcase featured fashion vignettes throughout the former North Kowloon Magistracy building in Sham Shui Po. A total of 52 designs from 20 senior fashion students and recent alumni were spotlighted.

Held at the university's historic North Kowloon campus, the event hosted special guests including renowned Hong Kong supermodel Kathy Chow, and VIP industry representatives Ma Yao, Mimi Tang, Janice Wong and Lu Lu Cheung, in recognition of SCAD students' technical and conceptual achievement in fashion.

SCAD alumni designs showcased at the Hong Kong Fashion Showcase 2019.

SCAD Hong Kong Fashion Showcase 2019 highlighted the university's commitment to professionally preparing young design talent for creative careers. The show provided a high-profile platform for students to connect with elite professionals from global leading brands including Chanel, Dior, Bulgari, Swarovski and YSL. The show was distinguished by the work of SCAD Hong Kong fashion students Maria Nava (B.F.A., fashion, 2018), Tammi Lau (B.F.A., fashion, 2018), Cheryl Ma (B.F.A., fashion, 2018) and Dylan Helyer (B.F.A., fashion, 2018).

Focusing on womenswear, Cheryl Ma is particularly interested in texture and tactile sensations as seen in her collection "RISE", inspired by the ability of fungi to continue to grow despite adversity. Ma is currently employed as a fashion designer for an established textile company in Hong Kong.

Maria Nava's collection "Green" is a futuristic women's collection inspired by movement and German Expressionism, visible in its custom fabrication, lenticular prints, odd silhouettes and distorted conventional shapes. Nava is currently developing her own label as a fashion designer.

Design from SCAD alumna Maria Nava’s "Green" collection, 2019.

Tammi Lau's abstract womenswear collection "Windaholic" draws inspiration from the movement of wind and its symbolic meanings. Incorporating illusion graphics, "Windaholic" creates a psychedelic mirage using neoprene fabrics. Tammi is currently working as an assistant fashion designer in the city.

Dylan Helyer's collection "Dream State" emphasized sustainability, incorporated Swarovski crystals, and was inspired by the ocean and aquatic life. Helyer currently works as senior fashion designer at ERTH.

SCAD fashion students gained first-hand experience running the show's backstage operations for this professional production, as special guest Kathy Chow shared her invaluable experience as a supermodel in the fashion industry in Hong Kong.

"The top ranked fashion program at SCAD offers a rigorous curriculum structured around principles of design, unbounded creativity and state-of-the-art technology, and this is evident in the latest fashion collections produced at SCAD Hong Kong," said Mr. Khoi Vo, Vice President for SCAD Hong Kong. "SCAD students are flawlessly prepared for leadership in the dynamic and ultra-competitive global fashion industry, and the creations presented at this year's Fashion Showcase 2019 are a true reflection of that."

Above: Design from SCAD alumna Tammi Lau’s "Windaholic" collection, 2019.

Top banner image: Design from SCAD alumna Cheryl Ma’s "Rise" collection, 2019.

Learn more about SCAD Hong Kong and SCAD fashion degree programs.

In 2018, after seven eventful years in New York City, Tamara Garvey (B.F.A., illustration, 2008) moved back to Savannah, bringing her delightfully detailed pen-and-ink works with her. Garvey's art currently features in Gutstein Gallery's "Small Works" show, and her affordably priced cards and prints sell like hotcakes at shopSCAD. Tamara's endearing insouciance belies a deep dedication to her work, and to growing a business model she believes in.

TAMARA GARVEY: I was 24 when I enrolled at SCAD. I had an undergraduate degree in biology and I'd lived on my own and paid my bills for a few years. I really appreciated being at SCAD because I'd sought it out. I felt confident that anything I wanted to do I could do eventually. Now I'm ten years out of university and happy with how things are going. I have an attainable career.

I sell prints at shopSCAD as well as working there part-time. I also worked at shopSCAD when I was a student here, and it's interesting to see what's different there now. shopSCAD now has 3-D printed items, and greeting cards where you hold a phone over them and they animate via an app. In 2008 we didn't have that!

It's been nice having a balance where I sell to shops wholesale, on-line with shops like Etsy, and at craft shows. I like having all three tiers of business. In Brooklyn, there is an Artists & Fleas warehouse craft show in Williamsburg where I was a permanent vendor every weekend. It was like having a little shop of my own. People who go to craft shows are interested in hand-made things, and they're excited to meet you face-to-face. My price point for my prints is $20. I believe art should be for every income level, and that there is room for art and design in all aspects of people's lives.

Of my two pieces in "Small Works", one is a pen and ink drawing of a birch tree which is very tight and precise, the other a gestural drawing of vegetables made with quick, loose brushstrokes. The pieces are different stylistically, but they happen to both be red and green so the colors look nice together.

Birch trees are fun to draw because they have nice hatching. While I was at SCAD, I made a drawing called "Birch Forest: Four Seasons" – it was an assignment for an illustration class to illustrate the concept of time. I did it ten years ago and the print is still a huge seller!

Then I thought, what if in addition to birch trees I drew burglars with striped shirts and bandit masks, like old-timey French silent movie burglars? The trees are back and white, the characters are black and white…. I did a series of seven or eight pieces with birch trees and burglars and added an absurdist element in each one, like Russian nesting dolls. I like absurdism. 

I love the physicality of dipping the pen into the jar, being careful not to smudge when the ink is wet. I work on paper and the end result is going to be on paper as well, whether that's a print or a card. It's nice that cards are popular. People really like seeing their loved ones' handwriting. And people really like getting something in the mail that's not a bill.

See more of Tamara Garvey's work

and shop for cards and prints

at her website.

Kyle Millsap (B.F.A., illustration, 2006) is in tune with the SCAD aesthetic. A muralist, maker and designer of environments, he has created numerous distinctive design elements adorning SCAD buildings.

Whip-stitched banquette covers add rustic notes to The Hive Coffee Bar. A wraparound lobby mural in Adler Hall is an outdoorsy delight. Banana leaf wallpaper brings lushness to Ruskin Hall's walls, while the mural upstairs bestows erudition upon the new SCAD Admission Welcome Center. Millsap's work is quite like the man himself: meticulous, expressive, and a lot of fun.

KYLE MILLSAP: I grew up in Warrensburg, Missouri. One of my formative childhood memories is going to the Missouri State Capitol and seeing Thomas Hart Benton's murals on the walls. It stuck with me: Public art is fantastic! It activates your imagination and transforms a space.

My senior year in high school, I knew I needed something a state university couldn't offer me. SCAD was different: it's creative and polished. I was inspired by the fact that you can be an artist and be a professional.

I worked at shopSCAD from 2004 to 2010, and that was an education unto itself. It taught me about the market, people's desires and how they connect to artwork, and also how to sell artwork, including my own.

In 2016, I started my own business as Kipper Millsap, using my childhood nickname. Right away, SCAD asked me to paint a 360-degree mural in Adler Hall. I'd never painted a mural in my life. I said sure! My SCAD education prepared me for being thrown into a hot pot and figuring it out. Any suggestion is potentially actionable when you're working on a creative project with SCAD. The mural became a nature scene in the woods, with fishing, an Airstream trailer and a bear.

After completing the Adler mural, I was asked to create the mural for Facebook headquarters in Atlanta. Now, with selfie culture, businesses understand the importance of having unique, site-specific pieces. The commission was facilitated by SCAD Art Sales. It was a feather in my cap.

With my work and influences, I try not to overexpose myself to trends.  I've always been a thrifter and a picker. I love old weird things. I buy books on ornamentation from the early 20th century. I get stacks of old gardening magazines from the 1950s. I build a mental rolodex of things I've seen that are interesting, and that feeds my work.

The SCAD projects I've worked have been really fulfilling. Upstairs in Ruskin Hall is the new Admission Welcome Center, where I designed the mural around three walls. The concept is a genteel study, like a classical library of someone who has traveled the world and brought back treasures: a taxidermied peacock, a marching helmet, an antique drum. You'll notice "The Bee and The Acorn" is one of the books. I selected a burgundy and green color palette, rich but sophisticated, desaturated hues that still have a lot of contrast. It's a great space for people to come learn about SCAD.

Being a muralist is a lot of work. I draw everything by hand, then superimpose it onto the walls for a solid rendering of what it's going to look like. Where walls meet and transitions occur and windows and doorways appear is all taken into consideration in the creation of the mural. It's hand-painted, then I put a clear coat of polyurethane on it to preserve the piece. I don't name my pieces or sign them. I let them be what they are.

My art is accessible, there's no velvet rope. You can touch it, lean on it, take a picture with it. I've always gotten joy from other people enjoying the work.  It's for everyone.

See more of Kyle's work at www.kippermillsap.com.