Art and Design | Open Access Articles | Digital Commons Network™

Your Library Website Stinks And It's Your Fault, Matthew Reidsma Oct 2012

Your Library Website Stinks And It's Your Fault, Matthew Reidsma

Matthew Reidsma

Library websites stink. They are difficult to use and create tension between us and our patrons. This is a talk about library websites, but it's really a talk about people. It's a talk about our library patrons, a talk about us, what's wrong with the way we're doing things, how and who it hurts, and what we can do about it.

Go to article

Ralph Fasanella: Worker, Activist, Artist, Nick Salvatore Jun 2012

Ralph Fasanella: Worker, Activist, Artist, Nick Salvatore

Nick Salvatore

[Excerpt] In his art, as in his life, Ralph Fasanella reminds us all of the complexity of our society and of the need for each generation to dedicate itself anew to the commitment of justice for all. That his work, accomplished without the benefit of formal training, is as arresting and as pleasing as it is, is but a reflection of Ralph Fasanella's basic message.

Go to article

Transformation 8: Contemporary Works In Small Metals, The Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’S Prize, Anika Smulovitz Feb 2012

Transformation 8: Contemporary Works In Small Metals, The Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’S Prize, Anika Smulovitz

Anika Smulovitz

Transformation 8: Contemporary Works in Small Metals is the 2011 edition of the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize series, which recognizes excellence in the field of contemporary craft. This series was inaugurated in 1997 in honor of Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael, founder of the Society for Contemporary Craft and a longtime figure on the national craft scene. Transformation 8 features the work of 33 internationally recognized and emerging artists, and highlights outstanding examples of contemporary works in small metals and jewelry.

Go to article

Halal Hotdogs [Design Ignites Change Idea Award], Brian Wiley, Mohamud Mumin, Ahmed Hirsi Dec 2011

Halal Hotdogs [Design Ignites Change Idea Award], Brian Wiley, Mohamud Mumin, Ahmed Hirsi

Brian M. Wiley

Halal Hotdogs is a collaborative effort between Brian Wiley, Mohamud Mumin, and Ahmed Hirsi. It was devised as a way to celebrate Somali culture and change its perception here in the Twin Cities by using food as a catalyst for community engagement and cultural acceptance. The project also serves as an opportunity to provide job skills and entrepreneurial development to young Somalis. Ultimately, we feel that food carts could create a source of sustainable income for newly-arrived Somali immigrants that may otherwise struggle to find meaningful work.

Go to article

The Mechanical Bride, Allison De Fren Dec 2011