Hey Jess! Tell us a little about your background……
I like to refer to myself as a community activist. I love trying to gather people together and challenge their ideas on how to make their city better. I've been making that my goal since before I can remember! On a yearly basis, I run the Scranton Zine Fest, TEDxScranton, and now, Electric City Shocker Theater, an organization geared towards analog video mediums such as 35mm film, Super 8 films, VHS and more. In general, we try to promote the cultural awareness of horror films throughout the decades. I am also involved in the American Institute of Graphic Arts, The Art Directors Club, The Society of Typography Aficionados, Ladies of Letterpress, POWER!Scranton, and I serve on the board for the Lackawanna Arts, Culture, and Education Council.
Professionally, I'm the graphic designer in the Marketing & Communications Department at Marywood University where I create posters, publications, and other design media. I also run an up-and-coming design collective, Backspace Studio, with my friend, Victoria Wright. We plan on officially opening for business after we graduate from the graphic design MFA program at Marywood.
What is the Art Directors Club and how did you get involved?
The Art Directors Club is a fine arts organization founded in 1920. Their main goal is to celebrate leaders in creative communications. I got involved by joining as a Young Professional member. I had found out about the ADC my freshman year of college and wanted to get involved to gain knowledge outside the classroom. I'm now an ADC Ambassador and I help bring the kinds of events that go on around their New York headquarters to Scranton. Throughout the year, they host several events to help artists network and develop a close-knit relationship. Some of these events include ADC After Dark, an easygoing social gathering with members of the club looking to hang out at a local bar together, ADC Talks, where members gain insight in how to create opportunities and forge a dynamic and imaginative career path, ADC Portfolio Night, and of course, ADC Butter, which brings creatives together with a screening of several short independent films curated by The FilmShop. There are also numerous festivals and award ceremonies for designers and visual communicators.
What inspired you to put together and host BUTTER?
BUTTER seemed like a great first choice to help people learn about the Art Directors Club. As an Ambassador for ADC, the event will help me spread the word to creative people in Scranton that a larger network of artists want to correspond with us, help us grow, and get us involved in the newest, upcoming trends.
Why do you think that events like this are important to have in the community?
Events like this help shift people's opinions of their city. It shows that people are making an effort to change the social landscape, infuse creativity, network, and craft friendships.
How did you pick the films?
The films were specially curated by The FilmShop, a group of independent filmmakers and media producers dedicated to developing new work through collaboration and collective development. The theme of the night is "Overcoming Obstacles." For more info, check out thefilmshop.org.
Will there be popcorn?!!?
Yes!! And other snacks too! The event is only $5 and you can pay at the door!
BUTTER Takes place tonight from 6-9pm at Ale Mary's in Scranton, PA. Come out, make friends and support this great event in our community!!!
