Ohio Northern University to host Grafik InterventionOhio Northern University will host a Grafik Intervention program at Ada’s historic Pennsylvania Railroad Depot on Friday, May 9, at 9 p.m. In addition, an exhibit will highlight the history and significance of the depot beginning at 8 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. For more details click here.

Through thorough research of the building’s history, interaction with the local community and artistic minds, ONU students will bring awareness to what the building used to be. They will create projections and involve the village residents with its future by providing viewers with questionnaires to spark feedback, dialogue and ideas.

“Creating a Grafik Intervention for Ada has been an interesting process for us as students at ONU,” said Kaitlin Bondra, a senior graphic design major from Mentor, Ohio. “The project connected us to the history of the village and allowed us to draw attention to its potential before we graduate.”

“Grafik Intervention: Sparking Urban Revitalization Through Graphic Design” was originally conceived as an Master of Fine Arts graphic design thesis project at the Academy of Art University by William Culpepper. The event uses digital projections to engage the public through visually dynamic and compelling communication methods.

The projections are designed to provide historical information in an urban context. The goal of the projections is to inspire community members to consider the potential of currently unused buildings in their community. Through engagement and awareness, only positive results can occur when active community members take action and pride in their own neighborhood.

“Getting the students out of the studio and into the community engages these young designers in a thoughtful, community-based response to social engagement,” said William Rowe. “We want our students to become socially and environmentally aware leaders in the field of visual communication. The project assignment should be seen as a way to emphasize the value of design by doing something valuable for the community, and that should stimulate thought, dialog and action. Designers can also bring empathy and creativity to social challenges.”

To follow the project and to see the process behind the projections, visit www.facebook.com/2014GrafikInterventionAdaOhio