Art Center’s 120 Group, an ethnically diverse, alumni-based organization was recently established to promote educational and career opportunities in art and design for underrepresented minority populations. Its members seek to create a diverse, inclusive, culturally- and ethnically-rich global community of artists and designers.

The group’s founding members include Art Center alumni, staff, faculty and students. The group is led by current president Tyrone Drake (GRPK ’96), who himself is both alumnus and faculty member, as well as Creative Director at Natsun America.

What’s the group’s ultimate goal? “Our goal is all about connection. We encourage all alumni to come back and get involved with this very passionate group,” Drake says. “Together, I believe we can make a difference and become a valuable resource for the entire Art Center community.”

120 Group serves Art Center College of Design and the greater art and design community through three key areas: Diversity and Inclusion, Outreach and Accessibility, and Mentoring and Support.

Although its members are primarily committed to increasing diversity at the College, they also seek to create awareness and opportunities for underrepresented minority students, faculty, staff, and alumni interested in studying, teaching or working in art and design related fields.

Artist Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. in conversation at Art Center College of Design.

In addition to mentoring and outreach efforts, 120 Group seeks to bring a diversity of creative voices to Art Center. In November 2011, 120 Group, in conjunction with Art Center’s Archetype Press and the Southern California Chapter of the American Printing History Association, co-sponsored a lecture and workshop series with guest artist Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. The artist is a letterpress printer and bookbinder based in Gordo, Alabama. At age 40, unsatisfied with his comfortable, middle-class life, he abandoned the traditional American Dream to follow his own. He traded in his computer for a printing press, his white collar for overalls, and is now a self-proclaimed “humble negro printer” whose letterpress work raises emotionally charged questions about race and individuality.

The founding members of 120 Group invite interested Art Center alumni to assist in their mission by becoming part of this valuable network. Please contact Dana L. Walker at dana.walker@artcenter.edu or visit the group’s website to join today and get more information.

Continuing a volunteer initiative launched in celebration of the College’s 80th Anniversary in 2010—and in support of the National Day of Service inspired by the life of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.—Art Center is proud to bring back “Art Center Takes Action: A Day of Service in Pasadena”.

“Art Center Takes Action: A Day of Service in Pasadena” will kick-off at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18 on the rooftop of the College’s South Campus. Volunteers will have breakfast with College leaders and representatives from participating organizations. From there, teams of Art Center volunteers will grab a boxed lunch and be dispatched to locations around the city to take on such tasks as collecting food, facilities improvement, environmental clean-up, beautification projects and special activities.

The "Art Center Takes Action" poster was originally designed by Advertising student Ray Allan David.

The local organizations that Art Center volunteers will engage with this year include: AIDS Service Center, which develops and delivers services, advocacy and education tailored to improve the quality of life for those impacted by and at risk for HIV/AIDS; Arroyo Seco Foundation, which promotes the preservation and promotion of one of Southern California’s greatest natural treasures; The Boys & Girls Clubs of Pasadena, whose goal is to improve the lives of children by helping them build self-assurance and develop leadership skills while reinforcing positive values; and Villa Gardens Retirement Community, a premier retirement community steeped in tradition, culture, caring and a love of life.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, friends and family are all encouraged to volunteer. Sign-up now using the online registration form to volunteer with your organization of choice or visit the CSE office at Hillside Campus to sign-up in person. For more information, please call 626.396.2323 or email cse@artcenter.edu.

*** You must sign-up prior to the event to ensure we’re best prepared to serve our community and that we can provide enough meals for volunteers.

Art Center volunteers beautify the courtyard at The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena in 2010.