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December 2007:
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Carolyn
Bielski and Debra Zare, Art teachers, first saw the Epson 7800
printer when they were visiting the University of Illinois last
fall. They were there to research the University’s Art Dept. to find out how they could better
prepare their Art students for a rigorous college art curriculum.
In the University’s Graphic Design lab, they saw the Epson
7800 and a few other printers. Both teachers admired how the printer
produced professional quality prints.
Mrs. Bielski immediately thought of its applicability at the high
school. “As
graphic designers we are in a unique position to be able to effect change in
our school and community through the visual communications pieces they create.
What better way to do this than on a large scale? When we applied for the printer
through the Foundation’s Grants program, we thought it was
a shot in the dark...and
then we got it!”
The Graphic Arts classes are just finishing their first project using
the 7800 printer, a large-format (24 X 32) series of posters that
serve as a call to action for the LFHS community to do more to protect
the environment. Eight students from the Graphic Design 3 and 4 classes
are in charge of creating the posters, crafting their messages, generating
the graphics and making copies. The messages vary; everything from
creating less waste, to recycling cans to produce more energy and
using less electricity. Mrs. Bielski said “We have had several
all-group critiques and several individual critiques to make sure
that we only send complete projects to the new printer, which uses
expensive paper and inks.”
They plan to laminate the posters and work with the maintenance staff
to hang them from the student cafeteria ceiling for maximum visibility.
Bielski estimates the students’ messages will be seen by over 1,000 people per day. What
validation for these young designers! Mrs. Bielski says “The
prints are unbelievable. Since the printer uses seven ink cartridges,
the range of tones, saturated colors and density it can produce rivals
large-scale presses (Heidelberg, Kamori). The students are honored
to be able to use such advanced equipment - in fact, I think having
the printer may even drive enrollment in the advanced (3 and 4) Graphic
Design classes!”
“Thanks so much to the Foundation for this incredible piece of equipment.
As my father, who has spent his career in the commercial printing industry says, “Machines
like this are putting me out of business! I can see why!” |
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