AIGA/LA Awards Distinguished Fellow Award to Archie Boston, Michael Hodgson and Petrula Vrontikis
(Los Angeles - September 13, 2007) AIGA/LA, the professional association for design, has named Archie Boston, Michael Hodgson and Petrula Vrontikis recipients of this year’s prestigious AIGA Fellow Award. These individuals will be honored in a special ceremony at the AIGA National Design Legends Gala held Wednesday, September 19 at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
The AIGA Fellow Award recognizes designers and other major figures in the design industry who have made significant contributions to the field and have raised the standards of excellence in the community. Designated by the Los Angeles chapter and recognized nationally, the Fellow Award represents the prestige of our profession and helps elevate awareness of the value of design.
“These amazing designers have made a tremendous mark in LA’s business
and culture,” stated Agustin Garza, President of AIGA/LA. “Archie, Michael and Petrula are shining success stories in our diverse, cultural and creative
community.”
Archie Boston is a nationally known graphic designer, educator and author, and has operated his own design-consulting firm, Archie Boston Graphic Design for over 30 years. Considered one of the nation’s leading design instructors, Boston has served as chair of the Graphic Design Program at California State University, Long Beach and was named the Outstanding Professor of the Year in 2004. He served two terms as president of the Art Directors Club of Los Angeles and has judged numerous award shows. He was also featured in “Graphic Design USA?? magazine as one of 35 design pioneers and in 2002, published “Fly in the Buttermilk: Memoirs of an African American in Advertising Design & Design Education?? in which he shares his experiences as a minority in the design profession.
The range of Michael Hodgson’s design influence extends from the Westside LA mini-mall to the global think tank. He has served as art director of “Harpers & Queen?? magazine and has taught at Art Center College of Design and Otis School of Art & Design. In 1988, Hodgson established Ph.D, a design office that develops visual personalities for companies and business visionaries. Hodgson served as past President of the Los Angeles chapter of AIGA, and now sits on the AIGA national board as Presidents Council Chair and on the advisory board of AIGA’s Center for Sustainable Design.
Petrula Vrontikis has been a leading voice in graphic design and design education communities for over 20 years. Her work has appeared in over 100 books and publications, and is part of the permanent collection of the Library of Congress. She is the author of the book “inspiration=ideas: A Creativity Sourcebook for Graphic Designers,?? and is an editorial contributor to design publications including the AIGA.org Forum. She lectures at conferences, universities and to professional organizations worldwide about her work with Vrontikis Design Office (35k.com), as well as on the topics of graphic design education and the subject of inspiration.
About AIGA/LA
As one of the first regional chapters of AIGA, the country’s largest professional association for design, the AIGA/LA continues to connect L.A.’s varied creative industries through extensive programming, events, communication and social outreach. AIGA/LA is recognized as a civic leader for its celebration of local design, partnerships with cultural and media organizations, exceptional support of educational institutions, and a dedication to nurturing the diversity and independent spirit unique to the Los Angeles creative community. www.aigalosangeles.org