This spring break, graphic design students at Wichita State University had the opportunity to apply the skills they learned in the classroom to real-world situations and serve the Wichita community in the process.

“100 Hours of Design” is a program organized by Assistant Professor Jeff Pulaski and Associate Professor Jim Hellman from WSU’s School of Art and Design to bring valuable experience-based learning opportunities to their students.

Juniors in the program spent their spring break this year working with professional designers from the Wichita AIGA group to develop solutions to visual problems for nonprofit organizations in the Wichita community.

Three small groups of students met with clients March 13 to hear about the work they do in the community and their particular communication issues. During spring break, the following week, the students worked to find solutions to their clients’ problems. The project culminated with presentations by the students on March 20 at the McKnight Art Center.

Clients for the project included the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County, The Old Town Association, Commerce Street Arts District and Spero House. AIGA Wichita professionals who mentored the students included Doug Stucky, the group’s president, and Jonathan Wood, membership chair.