SGIA members team up with Fresh Artists to showcase careers in graphic arts

Fairfax, Va. – Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) is proud to be an event sponsor for the third annual Fresh Artists–Cool Jobs Expo March 20–22, 2018, at Moulin at Sherman Mills in Philadelphia. The three-day career fair gives low-income youth in the Philadelphia region insight into 21st century creative careers.

“Cool Jobs was designed as an urgent response to learning that 52% of Philadelphia children drop out of school after eighth grade, an unfortunate metric seen in other large urban districts. Our aim is that Cool Jobs will spark dreams of exciting art-based careers that will keep these kids in school and moving toward high school graduation and jobs to love for life,” said Barbara Chandler Allen, Founder and CEO, Fresh Artists.

The event hosts 600 youth over the three-day expo. Most are from Philadelphia public schools, but Fresh Artists is also busing in students from Camden, New Jersey, and Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Students will rotate through personal presentations by professionals in a variety of creative industries — like graphic design, large-format printing, vehicle wrapping and prop fabricators for Saturday Night Live — who will discuss what it is like to work in those fields, why they love their work and how they got to their current positions.

“This program inspires students to make something of themselves, to be proud of who they are and what they do,” said Erin Nuss, Associate Manager of Education, SGIA.

SGIA is also partnering with Fresh Artists to create a “tour-kit” for members who want to guide plant tours for students. The kit will provide suggestions of activities to make the tour more engaging and educational.

“The goal will be the same: To get younger students interested in creative careers in print and graphic arts. There’s so much you can do in this field! Not every position requires a college degree. By inspiring them to find their dream job in the creative economy, we’re inspiring them to continue their education,” Nuss said.

The festivities begin March 19 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm with a fundraising preview party where attendees will mingle with creative presenters and enjoy a close-up look at the dramatic Cool Jobs Expo educational space. Event tickets are $25 and available at FreshArtists.org.