Archmere Student Named Semi-Finalist in Herschel-Pensole Design Contest

Senior Jocelyn Zavala Garcia ’22 is one of 20 semi-finalists in the prestigious Herschel Workshop Design Challenge sponsored by Herschel Supply Company, Pensole Academy, and the National Art Education Association. Students designed a concept for Herschel backpack to compete for one of the coveted spots in the Pensole Internship program, which runs for five weeks, starting January 11. Jocelyn will participate in live mentorship with practicing professional creatives and industrial designers employed at Pensole and Herschel. Following the internship in February, two finalists will be selected.
Jocelyn designed a backpack inspired by one of her mixed media paintings about the separation of immigrant families. “My inspiration was a painting of mine about the separation of immigrant families at the border and their experience in the detention centers. I used aluminum foil, wire, magazines, and acrylic paint to create the painting,” said Jocelyn. “I wanted to express the importance of this issue while also creating a design that would be appealing to students. I hope that this can be an opportunity to make a difference, where we can donate some percentage of the proceeds to children and families in need.”

As a semi-finalist candidate, Jocelyn will participate in a 5-week mentorship program with live 1.5-hour industrial design instruction twice a week, beginning January 11, 2022. She will compete for one of two top finalist spots. Those finalists will present their work at the National Art Education Association Convention in March 2022 in New York City. The finalists also win a trip to Vancouver, BC, and a $10,000 scholarship to continue their creative education. 

Jocelyn has won many Scholastic Art & Writing Awards while at Archmere, currently serves as president of Archmere’s National Art Honor Society, and received the prestigious Michael P. Curcio ’06 Emerging Artist Scholarship in 2021, generously sponsored by family and friends of Michael P. Curcio ’06. 

“The goal of the National Art Honor Society is to assist student members to attain their highest potential in all forms of art and to raise awareness of art education throughout the school and community. All NAHS members and the AP Studio Art Portfolio & Junior Portfolio 2D Design students submitted a backpack design concept to this year’s contest,” said Mrs. Stephanie Silverman ’00, Archmere’s Art and Design Department Chair. “I am thrilled that Jocelyn’s design was selected as a finalist, as it is a true amalgam of art and design, featuring a mixed media painting she created in the AP Studio Art 2D Design class superimposed on the backpack as a textile concept. Even more impressive is Jocelyn’s goal as a designer to call attention to immigration as a humanitarian crisis, a concern she has systematically explored in AP Studio art this year.”

The Art & Design Program has expanded elective offerings and curriculum to include applied art and design, emerging technology, industrial design, and creative career pathway opportunities beyond traditional studio art. 
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Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.