Student designs featured at screenprinting event

Kris Harrell Photo Jessica Fleischmann (left) and design contest first place winner Emily Robbins (right) show off their shirts with freshly printed designs.

A screen-printing event with the Troy Art and Design Department featured student designs after a scholarship contest.

This event is the result of a recent contest organized by the department, where students submitted a t-shirt design for the chance to have it screen-printed.

Kris Harrell Photo After printing, students hung their shirts up in the breezeway to let the fresh ink dry.

“This is basically a way for art and design to get together and have kind of a communal activity to do together because we're often separated in two buildings,” said Greg Skaggs, department chair for art and design.  “We discussed having some type of competition a t-shirt competition – promoting our department.”

On October 4, two students were selected, winning both scholarship money and the opportunity to have their design screen-printed at the event for their fellow students.

Receiving first place and a $200 scholarship was Emily Robbins, a senior graphic design major from Andalusia, Alabama. Robbins’ design featured a Trojan helm with text highlighted in the dark plumage.

Kris Harrell Photo During the event, Studio Art students prepared the screens for printing, as students lined up behind for the designs.

“I honestly wasn't expecting to win,” Robbins said. “We entered just for the class, and I was like ‘it's done, it’s a class project,’ and then I got the email saying I won.

“It's really cool to see something actually materialize and be able to have a physical item.”

On October 10, students gathered in the Malone Hall courtyard, bringing in blank bags and shirts ready for Robbins’ and Ashendorf’s designs. Studio art students began prepping the screens as a line formed behind them, shirts in tow.

With the original competition, only one $200 scholarship was advertised. However, after receiving 13% of the total votes, Alex Ashendorf was given a $100 scholarship and the opportunity to have her design printed as well.

“I was really excited, and Professor Belda actually came into the office, because I work at the IAC, and said, ‘Congratulations, you won,’” said Ashendorf, a junior graphic design major from Dothan, Alabama. “She said she vouched for me to get my shirts printed and for me to get the $100 scholarship, so I'm very grateful.”

Alongside the free printed t-shirts, students were able to enjoy a pizza party lunch provided by the Art and Design department.

With printed clothing hanging to dry, the Troy Art and Design Department hopes to organize another screen-printing event later in the semester.