Where Art Meets Technology
Instructor of Art for the Graphic Design track Kenn Kotara shows examples of design to the students in his Introduction to Commercial Art class.
Thirteen years ago, the A-B Tech Art Department consisted of a room with a paper cutter. Now, there's a Macintosh computer lab, a beautifully renovated art studio full of natural light, exhibition space, and a darkroom.
There is also a brand new program: the Associate of Fine Arts. Sharon Trammel, Instructor of Art for the Fine Arts track, and Kenn Kotara, Instructor of Art for the Graphic Design track, could consider themselves the proud parents of this bouncing new program - with lots of doting aunts and uncles lending their support. It started 13 years ago, when Trammel, a freelance painter and muralist, was hired to teach Art History in the Humanities department. It was then that she started dreaming of an AFA program.
"Each year, I would add one to two more courses to the curriculum," said Trammel, "with the intent of eventually developing a Fine Arts Degree program." For nine years, Trammel went it mostly alone as the sole instructor, teaching Watercolor, Art History, Painting, Drawing, and Design, until she was hired fulltime. Three years ago, painter and designer Kenn Kotara was hired as an adjunct, teaching primarily 2-D and computer design classes. "That's when we thought, 'Oh, now is the time to start pushing for an AFA degree," Trammel and Kotara say simultaneously. It was the integration of the fine arts with computer arts, or "the marriage of the traditional with the technological" that really awakened the attention of the administrators.
Instructor of Art for the Fine Arts track Sharon Trammel shows painting techniques to the students in her Watercolor class.
Dean of Arts and Sciences Tom Dechant ran with the idea, and with "a big push" from Vice President of Instructional Services Sharon Morrissey, the dream Trammel envisioned all those years ago became a reality. In May 2005, A-B Tech will graduate its first AFA student.
"We live in the middle of the most incredible arts community," says Morrissey, "There's a great deal of artistic talent that wants to be nurtured. As the community's college, it's our responsibility to do that."
Many of the students will transfer to four-year colleges, and Trammel and Kotara are confident they will be more than prepared for this next step. "We pack a lot into 2 years," says Kotara, "but our students are going to go on and become a big part of the art community." With the knowledge gained in the program, these students can further their education to become graphic designers, architects, interior designers, painters, muralists, illustrators, and animators - the possibilities are endless. Just like the dreams and plans Kotara and Trammel have.
A-B Tech Welcomes Twelve New Employees
Amanda Born is now a full-time secretary/receptionist for the Financial Aid Department. She received a B.A. in French from the College of Charleston. She was previously employed as a part-time secretary for the financial aid department.
Paula Boyles is now a full-time nursing instructor. She received a B.S.N. in Nursing from the State University of New York, and M.H.D.L. in Human Development and Learning from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She was previously an adjunct instructor in Nursing at A-B Tech.
Kathy Godfrey is now a full-time English/Communications instructor . She received her A.A. from A-B Tech, her B.A. in Literature from UNC-Asheville, and M.A. in English from the University of Tennessee. She was an adjunct instructor at A-B Tech.
Michele Hathcock is the Director of Recruiting and Student Activities. She has her B.S. in Parks/Recreation Management from Western Carolina University, and was previously employed as the Director of Program/Membership Services for the Girl Scouts of WNC.
Rebecca Howell has joined A-B Tech as an Academic Advisor/College Transfer Advisor. She has her B.S. in Environmental Studies from UNC-Asheville and was the Coordinator of Resident Student Education at UNCA.
Constance Humphries has been hired as a full-time instructor in Business Computer Technologies. She received B.F.A. in Fine Arts from UNC-Asheville and M.S. in Information Systems Design from UNC-Chapel Hill. She was an adjunct in Business Computer Technologies.
Lauren Karahalis is an instructor in computer-aided design (CAD). She received her B.S. in Industrial Technology from Appalachian State University, and was previously employed as an engineering technician for the City of Hendersonville.
Traci Lyda is an accounting technician/cash receipts. She received an A.A.S. in Business Administration from A-B Tech. Formerly, she was a part-time secretary/cashier for Continuing Education.
Sherry Ratzlaff is now a full-time instructor of biology. She received an A.S. in Science from Virginia Western Community College, B.S. in Biology from Radford University, and M.S. in Zoology from Oklahoma State University. She was previoulsy an adjunct instructor at A-B Tech.
Robert J. Sanford has joined A-B Tech as its newest Spanish instructor. He received his B.A. in Spanish from the University of the South, and an M.A. in Spanish from the University of Wyoming. He was previously a Spanish instructor at the University of Wyoming.
G. Robert Webb, Jr. is now a full-time math instructor. He received his B.A. in Mathematics from UNC-Asheville, and a M.A. Ed. in Mathematics from Western Carolina University. He was previously a Mathematics adjunct instructor at A-B Tech.
Jennifer Yowell is the Coordinator of English as a Second Language (ESL). She received her B.A. in International Studies at UNC Chapel Hill and M.T.I.D in International Development from North Carolina State University. She was previously an ESL instructor at Central Piedmont Community College.
