Fairfield University Interior Design students to exhibit their skills in "Living With Art" | Press Releases

A six-week exhibition at Bridgeport's City Lights Gallery

Bridgeport resident Robert Valle has a vision. And to make that vision a reality he relies on his assets: resourcefulness, ambition, reliability, commitment and artistic sensibility. He, and two like-minded students, Susan Westphal of Milford and Mary Jane Fazekas of Stratford, all colleagues in the Interior Design Certificate Program offered by University College (UC) at Fairfield University, have joined forces to create "Living With Art," a six-week interior design exhibition opening Friday, Sept. 7 at City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport. The exhibition opens with a festive reception at 5:30 p.m. in the gallery. Admission is free.

Robert Hardy, Curriculum Coordinator of the University College Interior Design Program, recently explained the significance of the exhibition, "One year ago UC was granted an official American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) designation as a student chapter and we are proud that these three students have demonstrated their initiative by creating 'Living With Art.' This is the first exhibition to be developed by ASID members who are also credit students in the UC Interior Design Program." In addition, Valle is the Conn. ASID student representative to the Conn. chapter of ASID.

"Living With Art" conceptually incorporates a single piece of art as the focus of an interior design in seven different room vignettes. Each designer will express his or her artistic vision in one or two of the display areas and in a few instances the designers will collaborate. They will work with an entryway, living room, dining room, bedroom, sitting area, study area and a collaborative design for the reception. All artwork is by Connecticut artists.

The design team has established working relationships with Benjamin Moore, Palm Court Interiors and The Barn, both of Bridgeport and Venetuccis Home of Westbrook, all of who have graciously become valuable resources for the exhibition.

Edna Wilson, dean of University College expressed her admiration for the students' practical application of the Interior Design Program's course work, "These Interior Design students are fine examples of the seriousness with which our University College students approach new careers and the opportunities we offer for broadening one's knowledge in so many fields. I am very excited by the synergy of faculty, students and classroom teaching and the fact that this type of cooperation has resulted in making a student led initiative a reality."

The City Lights Gallery is located at 37 Markle Court in Bridgeport. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed on Sunday. For more information call, (203) 334-7748 or visit the website at www.citylightsgallery.org.

For information about the Interior Design Certificate Program or the many other Fall 2007 courses and programs, please contact University College at (203) 254-4307; toll-free (888) 254-1566 or visit the website at www.fairfield.edu/uc.