SAN FRANCISCO -- In its annual culmination of the school year, Academy of Art University's Spring Show opened this past week, featuring the best work from each of the 28 majors and departments. Numerous artist-athletes were among the students showcasing their portfolios for the public, faculty, and industry professionals. 

As kickoffs to Spring Show, various majors held special ceremonies including the 2015 BFA Fashion Show & Open House and Multimedia Communications' Media Awards.

Among those displaying their work at the Fashion Show & Open House were Jenny Johansson of women's tennis and Madeline Martin of women's basketball. With the lights down and all eyes on the runway, women's golfer Mariana Pazos showed off a bright collection of textile designs.

"The whole experience of working on collection was a huge learning experience for me," said Pazos. "Everything from getting chosen, meeting the designer, working really close with my directors to having no breaks and intense deadlines; it is by far the biggest project I have ever worked on. Finally watching the models walk down the runway felt like a win off the golf course."

The night prior to the official open to Spring Show featured a live broadcast of the first-ever Media Awards as announced by the School of Multimedia Communications. Hosting the event was women's basketball artist-athlete D'Andree Galipeau who, along with Regina Camera, received an Undergraduate Focus Award. From men's basketball, Rodrigo Maza earned the title of Best Undergraduate Producer for his work in his Game Show class the alum was in attendance the following evening for the opening of Spring Show's doors.

"This year was the first year I attended the Spring Show and it was great to see the work of all the students but it also was great to see that athletes were there to represent," said Maza. "Even if I am going to be 1,000 miles away next year, I will always have this school and its athletic program with me. Now I feel I am the honorary member of a big family. I appreciate Meghan Bushnell and Colin Preston coming to support me at Spring Show and I will try to make them and my basketball family proud playing professional next year. I also won't forget the coaches and my teammates that were a big part of my success here at the Academy of Art."

Standout artists from the School of Graphic Design included Melissa Genao from women's golf, Kanoe Irvine of volleyball, and Nina Gajdosikova from women's tennis. Among the highlights from Genao's portfolio were the 2014-15 athletics schedule posters she collaborated on with fellow Spring Show selection Caitlin Boring (volleyball) from the School of Animation & Visual Effects.

Also in the show from volleyball were Rachael Smith and Isabel Emrich. Smith had her advertising campaign featured and Emrich's jewelry necklace was on display. A tandem of men's soccer athletes in the School of Web Design & New Media, Runar Gudbjartsson and Jon "Jay" Eldon, were in the mix as well. Additionally, the School of Advertising selected Aleigh Krug from women's basketball.

From women's soccer, Natalie Gabriel, winner of the ARTYs award for Best Individual GPA, had her work from the School of Fine Art open for viewing along with Laura Mick who represented Jewelry Metal and Design.

Exemplifying the artist-athlete with success in the classroom along with being Academy of Art University's first NCAA All-American, former cross country runner Jenny Bergren represented the School of Interior Architecture & Design, sharing the same major as former women's tennis athlete Courtney DeWalt.

"It was a huge honor to be chosen for Spring Show," said Bergren. "It meant a lot to be surrounded by so many amazing, creative people and have to opportunity to see everyone's work."

Bergren's former cross country teammate Temarius Walker was also in the Spring Show, proudly displaying his work from the School of Illustration. One of his signature pieces was a painting of former softball athlete Elyse Cordova and his previous teammate Madeline Dignadice from the School of Photography also gained inspiration from one of her fellow Urban Knights. Dignadice's photograph of current teammate McKaela Christenson was among the images on display.

Former volleyball athlete Meg Williams had her photography work featured for the third time this year and was awarded Director's Choice for Best Portfolio. Called a "greatest hits" of the work she has done at Academy of Art University, Williams' portfolio was reviewed by professionals in the industry and she was excited about the post-graduation advice she received the morning before the show took place.
 
"The Spring Show is definitely a highlight," said Williams. "It's a place to showcase all the beautiful work done by my classmates. Being surrounded by all the stunning imagery is inspiring and not just when it comes to the Photography department. I don't typically get to see a lot of work from other majors during the school year and having all of them represented at Spring Show is one of my favorite parts. I love seeing the artist-athletes in all the diverse majors work and having their passion come to life. I feel incredibly proud when I see a fellow urban Knights work displayed at the show. I know all the hours, sleepless nights and sacrifice that was required to create their art."

If you wish to view this year's Spring Show collections please call 415-274-2200 for more information.