Academy of Art was awarded “Most Creative Float” for this year’s Chinese New Year Festival and Parade. The recognition was made in a ceremony by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in April.
This Lunar Year is otherwise known as the Year of the Pig. Students from different departments collaborated to complete the massive parade float reflecting this theme.
An Academy Collaboration
School of Illustration (ILL) students designed the images that adorned the float, while Sculpture students from the School of Fine Art (FA) took on the creation of the pig wire sculptures and lanterns.
According to metal fabrication instructor David Skoll, they opted to go for more practical shapes this year as opposed to large-scale animal forms like they did in the two previous years that ILL contributed to the Chinese New Year float.
As for ILL Director Chuck Pyle, having their students contribute to extracurricular projects such as this is an easy decision to make.
“It gives students a chance to show off their skills to San Francisco, do some freelance work, march in the New Year Parade with our float, and get a great Chinese banquet.”
Meanwhile, School of Music Production & Sound Design (MUS) alumna Shia Jia came up with the musical soundtrack played on float speakers.
Further livening up the float during the actual parade were School of Acting (ACT) students. They choreographed a fun dance to engage with the parade watchers on the streets.
“People just lit up when they saw us dancing,” said ACT student Raven Miyamoto. “We all made up a dance that we did for the entire parade, and there were even little kids in the audience who were copying our dance moves. It was great to engage with the audience.”
A Constant Presence
The Academy was also presented with an appreciation award from San Francisco Mayor London Breed for its sixth consecutive year of participation in the annual parade. This year also marks the 16th year that the art school has participated in the festivities.
Publications & Special Projects Manager Bob Toy accepted the award on behalf of President Elisa Stephens.
