PAVE Lab Opens in FIT

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) has opened its Exhibition Graphics Lab in the Display & Exhibit Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York).

The FIT department's purpose is to develop excellence in design and in the business of visual merchandising. PAVE's goal is to encourage students to study in the field of retail design and planning and visual merchandising through seminars, workshops and the annual fund-raising Gala with proceeds dedicated to financial assistance for students in this field.

Elisabeth Jacobsen, acting chairperson of the department and a member of PAVE's advisory board, said, “FIT's Display & Exhibit Department is very appreciative of PAVE's support. The new Exhibition Graphics Lab is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility and an incredible place to explore the graphic design opportunities in today's world of visual merchandising.”

According to PAVE president Greg Gorman, the lab is designed to provide the hands-on training and exposure the students need to be competitive in the field, and broaden their range of professional skills as required by the industry in today's marketplace.

A federal grant provided the funding for the lab equipment including nine computers, one iBook, licensing for software, a cinemawide-format display monitor, a vinyl cut signage maker, scanners and other printing and photographic equipment.

PAVE donated the materials necessary to complete the lab, including carpeting, desks, chairs, lighting, bulletin boards, clock, wastebaskets and surge protectors. Providing those items were Innovant LLC, Richardson & Associates, Trim Corporation of America, Nautica Retail USA, Robert M. Weiss & Company, GMG Design Inc., B Free Designs and True Visual Inc.