Erica Lau, a Loyola Marymount University senior graphic design student, has taken her training for the Los Angeles Marathon to the next level. She has created an inspirational poster for the AIDS Marathon Training Program, in which she is a participant. The poster will symbolize the journey across the finish line in the battle against AIDS, and it will be featured in the LMU|AIGA art exhibit “Emerge” at LMU’s Thomas P. Kelly Jr. Student Art Gallery currently running until February 15.
Initially a print class project, Lau’s poster has taken shape and become an inspiration for Los Angeles Marathon runners to raise funds to help combat AIDS. “For me, this was a significant project because I am going through the training for a cause and I know that every time I go out running to train, and on the day of the marathon, I will be running for the benefit of others,” said Lau. “I wanted to give something back to the community, which is why I decided to sign up for the AIDS Marathon program and doing this poster was another way I felt I could contribute by using my design abilities.”
Lau’s work will be among many pieces in “Emerge,” an exhibit featuring the work of students from the top graphic design programs in the Los Angeles area. Co-sponsored by the student AIGA at LMU and the Graphic Design Program, “Emerge” brings together some of the best work from 13 neighboring schools including Art Center, CalArts, Otis, UCLA and USC. The exhibition runs from January 26 – February 15, 2009. A reception will be held Saturday, February 7, from 6 to 10 p.m., when the American Institute for Graphic Arts will present $13,000 in scholarship awards for student participants.
Ten students from LMU were chosen to display their work in the exhibition. Graphic design and multimedia students from LMU are collaborating on exhibition graphics and layout in the new Student Art Gallery.
“I have seen the show displayed in the Thomas P Kelly Jr. Student Art Gallery at LMU and there are a lot of really great pieces in there,” said Lau. “I feel honored to be chosen to be part of the show, and excited since this is my first time showing in an art show during my college career.”