North Haven native honored in 'Draw Up a Chair' design competition

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SAVANNAH, GA (06/06/2013)(readMedia)-- North Haven High School graduate and Savannah College of Art and Design alumni Jamie Bowerman (M.F.A., industrial design, 2012; B.F.A., graphic design, 2004) has been been selected as a top designer in The Battery Conservancy Americas "Draw Up A Chair" Design Competition.

The Battery Conservancy in New York City created the competition to foster design excellence and innovation in the public domain. Jurors selected the best 50 designs from 679 designers representing Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico and the United States.

Bowerman credits bold innovators for his interest in design and his decision to attend SCAD. "I draw my inspiration from a number of places. Mainly anyone or anything that pushes boundaries; I love making the impossible possible," Bowerman said. "A big moment for me was touring Diane von Furstenberg's studio. Somewhere wrapped up in all the fabric and forecasting of future fashion trends I had an ah-ha moment where anything seemed possible. It's stayed with me ever since and I think back to that moment often."

From May to October, the public can view the top 50 designs on exhibition banners located near the Battery Green and in an online gallery. Visitors and members of the public can submit their opinions at (424) CHAIR-55.

Designs were selected by a jury panel that included Paola Antonelli, senior curator for the Department of Architecture and Design at The Museum of Modern Art, and Allison Arieff, design and architecture writer for The New York Times.

Finalists will be announced in November. The winning concept will be awarded a $10,000 cash prize and will be fabricated for the public's use in The Battery, New York City's birthplace and original waterfront park.

About The Battery Conservancy

The Battery Conservancy was created in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) not–for–profit educational corporation to rebuild and revitalize The Battery, the 25­acre waterfront public park at the southern tip of Manhattan, and its major landmark, Castle Clinton National Monument. The Battery remains one of the oldest public open spaces in continuous use in New York City.

The Battery Conservancy, with its partners at the city, state and federal levels, has raised $122 million to revitalize the park. Expansive lawns, overarching shade trees, vast perennial gardens, and waterfront promenades with sweeping harbor views will soon be joined by the new Battery Bikeway connecting the East and West Sides of Manhattan; the much­anticipated SeaGlass carousel; and a remarkable new expanded Battery Playspace designed by Frank Gehry.

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor's and master's degrees at distinctive locations and online to prepare talented students for professional careers. SCAD offers degrees in more than 40 majors. Visit scad.edu.