The Digital Arts program at Stafford Technical Center collaborated with artist Peter Huntoon to design and create a coffee table book. Huntoon worked closely with second year students and met with them weekly. As the project developed Huntoon defined what he wanted in the book, shared his website with the class, and discussed color pallets and images. Students created a layout with multiple variations creating unity and variety. They worked with visual elements to create a rhythmical feel for viewers as they flip through the pages by choosing complementary fonts and creating a visual hierarchy.
This seemingly simple job was quite complex, necessitating students to perform multiple in-depth processes. They learned a great deal about time management, communication, organization, and critique. Each space and sight line in the book was reviewed countless times in order to ensure that nothing was missed. The students systematically and cohesively evaluated problems as they came across them. If a problem arose, they found a solution. The most valuable learning took place when students worked as a group, used critical thinking skills, and applied creative problem solving.
Peter Huntoon has generously offered to donate any profits from his book to the Stafford Digital Arts program. It is a great gift that gives back. Many thanks to Mr. Huntoon for his amazing generosity and willingness to allow Stafford to be part of his creative process. This experience has been amazing. It is a beautiful book and a great holiday gift!
On sale now! The book can be previewed and purchased on Peter’s site:
http://www.peterhuntoon.com/a-day-in-vermont/day-vermont-book/
