Thanksgiving Stories

Here are some fabulous stories of Turkey Day love and dysfunction!
 
For Thanksgiving we don’t eat traditional foods, we eat Korean food. Two years ago, at my cousin’s place my uncle was cooking lobster. And one of my cousins gets there and immediately starts yelling, banging his fork and knife on the table,  "What is this?! I was expecting turkey, gravy, and stuffing! I don’t want no stinking lobster!" And I just kept saying, “Just calm down dude, it’s going to be ok." No matter what we did he would not calm down for some reason. So he made us go to the closest super market to get him a turkey. He ate the entire turkey himself. Oh yeah and by the way he’s a freshman in college now. 
April

In my family, everyone comes together and makes a different dish. It is easier for everyone to do that instead of one person having to do all of the cooking.
Ceci

Every Thanksgiving my family comes to my house and it’s usually about thirty people at dinner. It’s pretty funny because people get really drunk and embarrass themselves but it’s alright ‘cause it’s Thanksgiving.
Zack 


My family goes up to Yosemite to hike. So it’s like a fourteen person hike and we have ham sandwiches. We reach the peak of the mountain, eat, come back down and make Thanksgiving dinner. Then the next day we go on another hike and we have thanksgiving sandwiches which are my favorite!
Alaura

Ok, I have an idea, not a story. It’s my million dollar idea. I want to open up a restaurant called Thanksgivings and it’s basically cafeteria style. All these old ladies make the food in the morning and the place is a living room setting with old school classic NFL games going on all the time. There would also be beer served. And at night time the restaurant shuts down and people can get the left over specials that we serve until four in the morning which is a Thanksgiving sandwich drive through style. Every year on Thanksgiving, for the people, who don’t have anywhere to go, we say, "You can celebrate Thanksgiving at Thanksgivings," and we take their picture and put it on the wall so Thanksgivings would be like their new family. It’s my favorite idea, I’ve put a lot of thought into it. 
Billy 

So every Thanksgiving, I have to celebrate with my mom’s side of the family, my dad’s side, my great aunt’s, and my friends place who have their Thanksgiving the Wednesday before because there are way too many people. So basically I’m running around all the time. Yay, for divorced parents!
Melissa
 

Last year for Thanksgiving, we brought the entire family together. My parents decided to buy an actual goat to cook up. So we had to pick out a goat to pretty much have it get killed. I was devastated by that. They skinned it and it was disturbing. I actually ended up taking the skull to draw it later.

We had a large tub of meat that we were cooking it in and I’m sad to say, it was amazing! Some people that came over decided they didn’t want to eat it and went to buy McDonalds. Then during grace, people were talking over my family praying and my parents were like a-----. Then my aunt got upset and threw some food which caused everyone to start fighting. We decided not to do anything this year.
Eric

- Brijae -

15 Random Thanksgiving Facts

1. A spooked turkey can run up to speeds of 20mph and also burst into flight around 50-55mph in a matter of seconds.

2. Fossil evidence shows turkeys roamed the Americas 10 million years ago.

3. The pumpkin name originated from the Greek word “pepon” which means “large melon.” The French changed it to “pompon” which was later changed to “pumpion” by the English and then the American Colonists changed it to “pumpkin.”

4. Americans eat roughly 535 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.

5. Cranberries used to be known as “crane berry” because its pink blossoms and drooping head reminded the Pilgrims of cranes.

6. Turkeys were one of the first animals in the Americas to be domesticated.

7. In colonial times, pumpkins were used as part of the crust instead of the filling.

8. The world’s largest pumpkin pie weighed 3,699 pounds in 2010.

9. In 1941, Congress declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday and to be on the 4th Thursday in November.

10. Since 1975 every year on the island of Alcatraz “Unthanksgiving Day” is held to commemorate the survival of Native Americans after the American Colonists settled.

11. Thanksgiving football games began with Yale vs. Princeton in 1876.

12. The Friday after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday mainly because stores hope the busy shopping day will take them out of the red and into black - positive profit. Black Friday has been a tradition since the 1930s.

13. Now a Thanksgiving dinner staple, cranberries were originally used to treat arrow wounds and dye fabric by the Native Americans.

14. Turkeys can have heart attacks. When the Air Force conducted test runs to break the sound barrier, fields of turkeys would drop dead.

15. 50% of Americans put the stuffing inside the turkey.

 

- April - 

Black Friday Shopping Guide

The wildest shopping day in the United States is Black Friday. This is a guide that will show you the most valuable deals and save you plenty of time.

Electronics:

For electronic products, the leading store, Best Buy has deals on almost every single product. Here is the list of sale items that I find to be the most helpful.

• Panasonic 50" Class LED 1080p 60Hz HDTV for $199.99 (in store only) 
• Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro 2-in-1 13.3" Laptop 59418309 - Intel Core i7 / 8GB Memory / 256GB Solid State Drive for $999.99
• Apple MacBook Pro MD101LL/A - Intel Core i5 / 13.3" Display / 4GB Memory / 500GB Hard Drive for $899.99
• Apple iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi Tablet from $399.99
• Apple iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi Tablet from $324.99
• Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console with Kinect + Assassin's Creed: Unity Bundle + Free Xbox One Controller for $429.99
•  Braun 7-790CC Shaving System for $149.99

Games:
For gamers, here are the deals that GameStop released:

• Xbox One Holiday Value Bundle $329.99 
• PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset $69.99
• PlayStation TV $99
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 $149.99
• McFarlane Toys $9.99 each

Target:

Here are the best deals from Target:

• iPad air 2 Wi-Fi 16GB ---- Target Black Friday Doorbuster Price $499 including $100 Target Gift Card
• ELEMENT 40-Inch 1080p LED HDTV ---- Target Black Friday Doorbuster Price $119 (was $499.99)
• Nikon L330 20.2MP Digital Camera ---- Target Black Friday Doorbuster Price $99 (was $229.99)
• Xbox One 500GB GAME SYSTEM ---- Target Black Friday Doorbuster Price $329.99 including $50 Target Gift Card (was $399.99)
• iPhone 6 16GB with 2-year contract (AT&T,Sprint, or Verizon) ---- Target Black Friday Doorbuster Price $179.99 including $30 Target Gift Card (was $199.99)
• iPhone 5S 16GB with 2-year contract (AT&T,Sprint, or Verizon) ---- Target Black Friday Doorbuster Price $79.99 including $30 Target Gift Card (was $99.99)
• Samsung Galaxy S5 (Verizon,Sprint, or AT&T) w/ 2-Year Service Agreement ---- Target Black Friday Doorbuster Price $0.01 (was $199.98)

Toys:

Now it is time to pick up Christmas gifts for your children. Here are the products that are on sale at Toys R Us:

• Skylanders Figures and Traps and Disney Infinity 2.0 Figures - BOGO 70% Off  
• Skylanders Trap Team Starter Packs - $37.50 
• Fisher-Price Medical Kits (Blue or Pink) - $7.49
• LeapFrog LeapsterGS Explorer (Green or Pink) - $24.99
• Mega Bloks 100-ct. First Builders Block Set (Blue or Pink) - $9.99
• Crayola Fabulous Art Coloring Kit - $10.00
• Disney Princess & Me 18-in. Dolls - $19.99
• Select DVDs and Blu-rays - BOGO for $1.00
• Play-Doh 4-pk. - $1.00 
• Tamagotchi Friends Digital Friend - $9.99
• Apple 16GB 5th Gen iPod Touch - $149.99 
• Video Games - BOGO 40% Of
•  Animal Planet Buckets - BOGO Free

Pets:

Pets deserve a holiday gift and PetSmart has great sales right now.

• Purina Tidy Cats Cat Litter - $7.99 
• Canine GREENIES DENTAL CHEWS - $24.99
• Marineland Aquarium Kit - $39.99
• Purina Friskies Cat Food - $0.39

Here are all the sales that I found online and I hope everyone can have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

- Tommy -

Beware Black Friday!

Ahh Thanksgiving, a time for family to get together to share a meal and talk about the latest family gossip. And once the clock strikes midnight, all hell breaks loose. You thought Halloween was scary? Honey, Halloween doesn’t even compare to the true terrors of Black Friday. Who would have thought that Black Friday’s killer deals are actually good enough to kill for? From 2006-2013, there have been 7 deaths and 90 injuries, all by people who desperately wanted whatever was on sale. 

In 2008, a worker at a Wal-Mart in Long Island was trampled to death by a stampede of Black Friday shoppers. People lined up and filled the vast parking lot in the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, NY. Police had to be called in for crowd control and when it grew near to opening, tensions ran high. By 4:55am, no police officer could be seen and the crowd became rowdy, fists were flying, people were shoved left and right. Everyone was pressing against the glass doors and witnesses say the doors bent under the sheer force of their weight. Six to ten workers tried to hold them back but to no avail for the doors suddenly shattered, releasing the mob of shoppers and one worker, Jdimytai Damour, 34, was trampled to death. 

That same year, two people were killed in a shooting inside a Toys R Us store in Palm Desert, CA. A witness said she overheard two women fighting the next aisle over. Employees went to break up the fight when all of a sudden, a number of people were yelling, “He has a gun!” Six or seven shots were heard, two fatalities, no injuries, the culprit has not been found nor the weapon recovered. 

In 2011, Walter Vance, 61, was ignored and walked over when he collapsed whilst shopping at a Target in West Virginia, which ultimately lead to his death. Vance was a pharmacist who suffered from a prior heart condition. Witnesses say some shoppers ignored him and even went so far as to walk over him in order to continue shopping. His wife, Lynne Vance, said the six nurses shopping in the store rushed over and performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. Sadly he died at the hospital. There are many more stories just like these that all revolve around Black Friday. 

The deals are amazing but that doesn’t mean we should stop being human. Take care of the people around you and make sure you stay safe as well. No one should feel that his or her life is threatened while shopping for the holidays.

-April-

Tradition of Thanksgiving

The National Day of Americans, Thanksgiving Day, is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The history of this celebration dates back to colonial times, when the first settlers in the late 1620's came to America from England. Fleeing religious persecution, a group of English pilgrims set off on a harrowing journey, hoping to find long-awaited freedom in the New World. During a harsh winter about half the immigrants died. The survivors asked for help from their neighbors, the Indians, who taught them how to plant corn and other crops. Having collected a bountiful harvest the following autumn, people were inspired to thank God with a feast. Once the first settlers thanked God for being able to survive the difficult winter; they expressed words of gratitude for the fact that they found a common language with the local tribes.

Many moons later in 1863, Abraham Lincoln established the celebration of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, which was once again confirmed in 1939 by Roosevelt. Celebration of Thanksgiving respects all ancestral traditions and it is a day to give thanks.

For Americans today, this is purely a family holiday, where relatives from distant places come together to share a meal.

NY Times Thanksgiving Recipes by State

Thanksgiving feast became a national tradition not only because so many Americans had achieved prosperity, but also to give thanks for all the sacrifices made by the first settlers who came to this great country.

Thanksgiving By the Numbers

-Sunny-

Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is a major family holiday. While your grandmother’s cooking and making everyone feel welcomed, your dad’s screaming at the television because his favorite football team is losing, your mom’s already tipsy, gossiping about other family members and your cousins are running around the house like packs of wild dogs.  Even with all this chaos everyone comes together for the most delicious feast of American comfort food. 

A traditional Thanksgiving Meals consists of:
-Biscuits
-Gravy
-Roasted Turkey
-Mashed Potatoes
-Pumpkin Pie

Here are recipes for each. Try them for a delicious Turkey Day with or without your family! 

Biscuits:

Ingredients:

-2 cups all-purpose flour 
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon sugar 
-8 tablespoons butter, cubed
-1 tablespoon baking powder 
-3⁄4 cup milk

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 425°F
-In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together. Add butter into mixture until it begins to look like cornmeal.
-Make a well with the flour mixture and slowly add milk into the middle. Knead dough with your fingers and add milk when necessary. Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll to desired thickness. Cut with small biscuit cutter.
-Butter bottom of skillet and place biscuits in pan. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.



 
Mashed Potatoes:

Ingredients:

- 4 or 5 average sized potatoes
- 1⁄2 or 1 cup of milk
- 2 or 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste

Directions:

- Wash the potatoes
- Peel and cut each potato in half or in quarters
- Boil them for about 15 minutes, or until potato falls apart when you poke it with a fork.
- While the potatoes are boiling, heat up milk until warm and get some butter out of the fridge.
- Drain the water from the pot and place back onto the stove.
- Add butter and start mashing the potatoes with a masher until they’ve turned into a puree.
- Add a bit of heated milk and continue mashing and adding milk little by little until potatoes have reached the desired creaminess.

 
Roasted Turkey:

Ingredients:

- 1 (18 pound) whole turkey 
- 1 1⁄2 quarts turkey stock
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened 
- 8 cups prepared stuffing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place rack in the lowest position of the oven.
- Remove the turkey neck and giblets, rinse the turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Loosely fill the body cavity with stuffing. Rub the skin with the softened butter, and season with salt and pepper. Position an aluminum foil tent over the turkey.
- Place turkey in the oven, and pour 2 cups turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. Baste every 30 minutes with the juices on the bottom of the pan. Whenever the drippings evaporate, add stock to moisten it, about 1 to 2 cups at a time. Remove aluminum foil after 2 1⁄2 hours. Roast until a thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh reads 180°F, about 4 hours.
- Transfer the turkey to a large serving platter; and let it stand for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.


Gravy:

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup broth

Directions:

-Heat 1 cup of broth in a pot over medium heat
-Put butter and flour into a small bowl and mix together until creamy
-Add the butter-flour paste to the stock, whisking vigorously
-Turn down the heat to low and wait for it to thicken
-Season to taste


Pumpkin Pie:

Ingredients:

- 3⁄4 cup sugar
- 1 1⁄4 cups evaporated milk
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 frozen deep-dish pie crust
- 1 can (15oz) pumpkin

Direction:

- Heat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Pour into pie crust.
- Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 2 hours. Serve or refrigerate until serving time. Store in refrigerator.

- Maggie -

American Horror Story: Episode 7

Episode 7: Test of Strength

This week's episode had a little bit of everything, and frankly the ending left me feeling a disappointed. It begins with Jimmy saving the twins, Dot and Bette, from Dandy's home. They are first apprehensive, but Jimmy is able to quickly convince them that they are better protected in the freak show. Dandy tries to plead with Bette, saying that their love is true and strong but she apologizes and explains that she must go wherever her sister goes. When they leave, Dandy's face is reddened with anger, because what had made him so happy, is now gone.

Oh Dandy, maybe you'll be loved when you're no longer a psycho murderer!

Back at the freak show, Dell the Strong Man is approached by Dr. Mansfield (who is now Richard) who threatens him, and then forces him to kill one of the freaks. Dell is originally offended and tries to kill him, but Richard pulls a gun out on him, and tells him that he's a great shot. This changes Dell's mind, and he seems up to the challenge.

Dell's first victim is Amazon Eve, but this proves to be a very unsuccessful attempt. The result should have been obvious given Eve's own strength and height, but even so Dell still tries. He soaks a rag in what appears to be chloroform, and enters her caravan. As soon as he puts the rag over her face, she wakes up and fights back. I mean, she really fights back, and beats the daylights out of Dell. Even when he gives up, she hits him on the head with a trophy and knocks him out. Then she drags him out of her trailer and says 
“Who's the Strong Man now?”

This didn't turn out so well for Dell

Once the twins are back in the freak show, they change their story. They no longer tell the truth they had told Jimmy, but twist it around to make Elsa seem innocent. They say that Elsa had been kind to them, and only brought them to Dandy's home because they wanted to go. Later on, knowing the twins must want something from her, Elsa asks what they desire in exchange for the kind words. Bette asks for twenty percent of the box office sales, a new blonde hairdo, and caviar every morning for breakfast. When Elsa asks what Dot wants, she asks for fifty percent of the box office sales.

We are then taken back to Dell and Jimmy at a bar. They have a nice conversation, where Jimmy basically listens to Dell's lies. Even so, Jimmy tells Dell the ladies at the freak show are angry because he attacked Amazon Eve. After having a good number of drinks, Jimmy leaves and pukes in an alley while Dell follows him with a brick. When he lifts the brick, Jimmy starts weeping and talks of how he knows that Dell is in fact his father. Jimmy forces Dell to admit it, and he does. They hug it out, and the brick is dropped.

Maybe Dell's not so bad after all

At Paul's girlfriend's house, she tells her father of their relationship. Even so, he accepts the fact, as he presents his friend Morris. Morris is a tattoo artist, and we all know what's to come. Her face has been completely tattooed with lizard skin, and her tongue has been forked. This is what her father calls a proper send off. When she goes and finds Paul, he isn't disgusted, but he blames himself for what has happened to her.

While that is happening, we find that Dot is still insistent on being separated from Bette. This is part of her unspoken deal with Elsa. Fifty percent, and surgery for their separation. Elsa discusses this with Richard, when he says that he would kill them out of pity. Elsa seems to be very interested in what he has to offer. Little do they know that the Bearded Lady has heard the entire conversation.

The most disappointing part of this episode happens last. Dell walks into Ma Petite's tent and presents her with a gift. It is a small purple dress that she tries on. After putting it on, she reaches her arms up to hug Dell. Though the hug begins as a gentle and normal one, an ominous sound begins in the background and Dell's grips tightens around Ma Petites neck. He breaks her neck, and she dies in his arms. Later on she is shown as an exhibit in the Morbidity Museum, and we can all assume who brought her there, Richard.

No don't do it Dell!

I disliked the last bit of this episode very much because the writers of American Horror Story seem to enjoy killing off my favorite characters. First it was Meep, then Twisty, and now Ma Petite. I can't even guess who will die next. However, I do have to make a comment on Michael Chiklis' portrayal of the Strong Man. He is very convincing, and all his emotions are consistent, so good job on that, but bad job on killing off Ma Petite.

-Jackie-

Communication Arts: Unlocked

Com Arts Student Work

Graphic design, advertising, and illustration the three majors that form the Communication Arts Department are exciting but also demanding. The department strives on a strong visual language that each student must master to be successful in their future career. This is the goal of the Comm Arts department and an idea Kali Nikitas, the communication arts department chair, reiterated in our interview.

Kali Nikitas

Kali Nikitas is one of the most noted graphic designers in the country. Her clients have included; The School of Architecture at Northeastern, The Walker Art Center, Southern California Institute of Architecture, The Weisman Museum, and SOO Visual Art Center. She has also received awards from the ACD, AIGA and the Type Directors Club. 

Q: What does the Communication Arts department do for their students

A: We are committed to have our students get in touch with the skills they have and will learn to use them in their future professions. We stress the method of showing your process and how you ending up to that final result.

Kali's AIGA poster

Q: What are you trying to accomplish in each major (Advertising, Graphic Design, Illustration)? 

A: It’s important for the students to be their self, working in their field and in the community to become part of a greater whole. 

Q: What makes this department different from others?

A: This department is unique in the sense that we push minimum requirement for maximum electives. We want you to gather as many skills as you can during your time here. 

Q: Are there any events, activities, or classes no Comm Arts students can partake in?

A: Every year there is an Opportunity Fair that all students are welcome to attend for internships. There are also numerous workshops such as the Printmaking workshop, Silkscreen workshop, and Graphic Design workshop on Thursdays. We provide an Entrepreneur course that I highly recommend everyone to take; the class takes you through the steps of creating your own business and the ways to make it successful. 

Q: What made you want to become a graphic designer?

A: I love the arts and when I set out to study it was fine art that interested me. Then I took a typography class in college and I have not looked back since. I love collaboration and I love problem solving.

Q: Is it hard being a graphic designer?

A: No. It is hard when you strive for perfection and constantly aspire to do better and better with each project. It is hard to believe in yourself. There are so many levels within this amazing profession that many people find success. The question is "what does success mean to you?" That is the hard part. And...I do not think specific to graphic design but rather specific to seeking purpose and meaning in the workplace.

Advertising Student Work

Q: Over the years as a professional has the industry evolved in any way?

A: Many many many many ways. For one, when I was in undergrad, there were no computers! Can you imagine? In graduate school, the Mac was introduced which made a difference. More importantly, the field has changed not just in the tools we use but in the opportunities to work within the world as a graphic designer. For my earlier years, the venues were limited (in general): graphic designer within the field of printed matter. Now, graphic designers are writers, curators, self-publishers, entrepreneurs. They work in digital technologies, environmental design, they collaborate with sciences, etc. Designers are recognized as important players in the world of problem solving as well as the building of visual culture.

Q: How is the graphic design market today in your opinion?

A: The opportunities to be hired into the positions that already exist are great if you have: the skills to collaborate; a teachable attitude; kindness and respect towards others; dedication to projects; the attention to craft and detail; and willingness to take risks (to name a few). In addition, the world is open to any single person or group of people interested in taking their talents and applying them in ways that we have not yet seen. This to me is the most exciting. When I became an Academic Administrator, I had no idea just how important my training as a graphic designer would be to the new job. A problem that needs to be solved is a problem that needs to be solved. Research, critical thinking, risk taking, people management, translates into so many venues that it turns out that if you are trained as a graphic designer, you can do so many things. Amazing!

Q: Where does a typical Otis comm arts student end up after they graduate?

A: Some students work for advertising agencies or movie studios, or magazine companies and post production houses. Some work for small design studios or cultural institutions. Some go to graduate school (hopefully ours), and some alumni open up their own studios. All in all, I think Otis Alumni are taking over the world!

Q: What is the process and steps you personally take to reach your final piece of work? For example the book design for ‘Letter Perfect’.

Kali's book design

A: Each project is different. In general, I work both on and off the computer. The “Letter Perfect” book featured incredible work done in the last century. There was a lot of pressure that I placed on myself to design that book. My contribution could 
never rival the books and posters featured in the publication but it was important to create a template that did not conflict with the content. The cover was letter pressed and that was super fun to do. A little note: my Assistant at the time was Adam Michaels who is now partners at ProjectProjects in NYC. I actually have a letterpress poster I am working on now and I believe that some of my favorite work has been produced that way.

Q: How does working on a book cover design, poster design, or a web design differ from each other? Are there different main ideas and emotions a viewer should get from each?

A: I have designed few websites yet I am confident that I can shape and storyboard a project as it relates to content, user experience/navigation, and ensuring that a client is getting the most from the media. I have actually designed more posters than anything else in my career, which I absolutely love because I set a limit to design in one day. Production may take longer but the design is quick and I have more freedom of expression in posters than in longer running projects like book design. There are a number of faculty at OTIS whose practice includes web design, publication and environmental graphics. I prefer to step aside and give them a chance to work their magic.

My design practice is not so traditional anymore. Each year, I make a couple things that would be described as graphic design. The way I work these days is to apply my design skills and people skills to projects: building academic programs, curating events with designers/for designers; curating and hosting symposium; brokering talent with individuals or companies looking to hire designers.

Illustration Student Work

Q: What are certain things you listen for when a client comes to you for a project?

A: Who are they as in: what is their history, what is their mission, what is their dream? After a conversation, I then think about what I can do to help. If I cannot help, I direct them as best I can to people they might like to meet. I do more of that these days. I am starting to feel like an agent and I like it!

Q: What helps you decide to take a certain job from a client or not? Why?

A: If I can make a difference I will take a job. If I am not the studio for that client or project, I will be the first to admit it.

Advertising Student Work

Q: What is your ideal client and working conditions?

A: A risk taker, a collaborator, a bill payer.

Q: Who are your heroes and mentors that you believe have impacted your work?

A: This should be a question I love but it is not because my definition of mentor and hero has changed. Basically, I learn so much from a great number of people. I look more to the qualities that a person possesses rather than the full package. Some people show me how important it is to be generous. Some teach me about patience. Others lead by example when it comes to: talent, leadership, skills in collaboration, civic mindedness, humor, etc. The goal for me is to be open enough to meet as many people as possible and learn as much as I can. So actually I am constantly being mentored not just in regards to my work but in daily living.

Q: Would you consider yourself more of a teacher or mentor to the students at Otis? Or both?

A: A mentor. I use to teach more and I loved it. I do occasionally at the MFA level. One of the great rewards of teaching is watching your former students prosper. Fortunately, I have taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and Otis so there are a fair number of alumni reminding me weekly, that I have the best job in all the world.

Wall of Com Arts Student's Work