BIRMINGHAM, MI. — Recognizing the need for community involvement during these challenging times, Hagopian Family of Companies, maintains their commitment to local educational endeavors.
Observing Covid-19 protocols, a small group convened at the Hagopian World of Rugs Birmingham showroom to judge the entries submitted by College for Creative Studies students for the 32nd annual Student Rug Design Competition. Judges for this year’s competition were Suzanne Hagopian, Edmond Hagopian and Angela Hagopian Snow, hosts and owners of metro Detroit’s Hagopian Family of Companies. Matt Chung and Prof. Don Kilpatrick from CCS were also present to view the entries and be a part of the judging process.
The 2020-21 criteria asked students to use the concept of “wellness” and to consider the importance of image, color and pattern as a link between our surroundings and our mental health, when creating their design. After careful analysis of the criteria, the designs submitted and the student’s accompanying statements, three winners were determined. First and second place were awarded to Joseph Cardenas, Graduate Student in Color and Material Design; third place was awarded to Cecelia Caputo, Senior, Communication Design.
The competition is a long-standing collaboration between the College for Creative Studies and Hagopian World of Rugs and gives students the chance to submit designs based on specific criteria and compete for scholarship moneys sponsored by Hagopian. In addition, the first place design is made into a rug and displayed at the annual CCS Student Exhibition in May each year. The competition was conceived to mentor students and encourage interest in the textile arts. The experience has proven meaningful for all; students, instructor’s and judges.
The Hagopian Family of Companies are long-time enthusiastic supporters of education and the cultural arts in metro Detroit. In addition to this competition; they are long-time hosts for the Detroit Chamber Winds “Night Notes” series bringing fine music to local venues at an affordable cost; and, Hagopian World of Rugs / Hagopian Cleaning Services is a Major Benefactor to the Detroit Institute of Arts.