Student Design Showcased on KVCC Foundation Holiday Card

Kayla Gillespie, a graphic arts student at Kalamazoo Valley, created the artwork selected for the KVCC Foundation’s holiday card. The piece was produced as part of a class project in the Applied Arts & Media Technology Department that partnered with the Foundation to give students real-world design experience.

Aubrey Rogers, graphic arts instructor and department chair for Applied Arts & Media Technology, said the project allowed students to work with a real client while meeting professional expectations.

“This was a chance to build in a real-life assignment where objectives, deadlines and goals needed to be met,” Rogers said. “With the client being the Foundation, I was excited to push my students to make quality finished works.”

Gillespie said her design was inspired by the tranquility of campus during winter break.

“My design was inspired by the peace of winter break and the sense of calm it brings,” she said. “I wanted to capture how the school building feels during that season.”

Gillespie said being selected boosted her confidence as a designer.

“I was honestly really excited and a little surprised,” she said. “It felt good to know that something I created stood out.”

The Foundation’s holiday card featuring Gillespie’s artwork will be shared with supporters and community partners this holiday season.