When Friends of East Brainerd needed design work done for an upcoming May festival, board member Al Herweyer, Director of Chattanooga State Technical Community College’s East Campus, recommended the graphic design class at Chattanooga State.
Allen Wallace’s Monday evening ad design class at the main campus took on the project in late February.
“We look for real-world work for the students that will allow them to learn as well as build their portfolios,” said Wallace.
Wallace met with the president of Friends of East Brainerd, Dr. Jill Montrey, and together they outlined the graphic needs of the non-profit group. These included a brochure, poster, billboard, T-shirt, and letterhead stationary.
“With a small budget,” says Montrey, “we need to look for creative ways to get things accomplished.” She explains that the group formed in 2002 as an outgrowth of the planning process for the Hamilton Place Community land use plan.
A small grant from the city’s Department of Neighborhood Services assisted with establishment of the non-profit organization, which has a mission to enhance the East Brainerd community.
Wallace invited Montrey to speak with his seven students. She told them about the mission of her organization, the upcoming 2nd Annual Heritage Park Community Bike Ride and Festival on May 15, and a new campaign for restoration of the park’s house for community gatherings.
Wallace then worked with his class to develop a design schedule. Montrey returned to the class on March 29 for the student presentations, and again on April 5 to let them know which designs were chosen.
“The quality of the work was stunning,” says Montrey. The Friends board members had a difficult time choosing, but ultimately settled on designs by Laura Sencabaugh and Heather Rogers.
Friends of East Brainerd, a coalition of neighborhood associations and businesses, makes a deliberate effort to reach out to local educational institutions and other non-profits such as the Hamilton Family YMCA.
“We’re all in the business of making our community a better place to live,” says Montrey, explaining that such partnerships get the job done faster and better.
The Heritage Park Festival on May 15th is a perfect example. The day is presented in partnership with Chattanooga Parks and Recreation, but Friends has also recruited the help of the Chattanooga Bike Club, the Chattanooga Rescue Service, the Chattanooga Police Department, and the Department of Neighborhood Services. Numerous commercial sponsors have donated to the day.
The day starts with a five, 10, or 25 mile bike ride and is followed by entertainment, food, drinks, and booths from community groups on bike safety, how to form neighborhood associations and apply for grants. The local YMCA will provide children’s activities, including face painting, magic shows, balloon art, and a star walk for jumping.