My Final Post

Well, it has definitely been a wonderful experience working at the KIA. I had a wonderful supervisor, Paul who was extremely patient and understanding. I can only hope the we accomplished what he had envisioned for this semester. I will definitely miss the KIA, but will visit it often.

Paul took Laura and I out for a lovely lunch on Friday afternoon. We took a walk downtown in the beautiful spring weather to Sushiya, a new sushi restaurant that just opened. I was our only monetary reward for working this semester, but far from the only reward.

I got to learn a lot about a very different aspect of public relations and marketing- viral marketing. Learning how to use the Internet to your advantage is a very important skill to master. No matter who you are, or what your doing, the Internet is a tool for all of us. I realized that even with two interns working for 14 weeks, that we barely skimmed the surface of what is possible. It's cool that I will be able to see the progress of the future interns because their work will only be a mouse-click away. I'll get to witness the evolution of our MySpace, Facebook and Blog from my computer.

To wrap up my time at the KIA, I will be continuing to pass out fliers to local business, I am researching some possible catering options for Paul and I am reporting to Paul for my last time tomorrow morning.

Its been a great experience; thanks to Laura, Paul and the KIA for all of their help and support!

- Gabi

A Wonderful Reception

Today, I had the pleasure of capturing the events at the West Michigan Area High School reception. Paul had asked me to attend the event in his absence and video tape some of the event. The KIA staff did a wonderful job hosting the event. There was food, music (provided by my talented friend DJ Eric P) and some of the most talented artwork I'd ever seen from any student exhibit.

I tried to take shots of the students and other vistors enjoying the work, asking if I could stand behind them while they enjoyed a piece. I asked a few students to take me to their artwork and I took pictures of them next to their piece. I tried to get a few shots that Paul could use, but I slightly lost faith in my ability to take pictures!

Near the end of the reception, there was an awards ceremony. Five students received honorable mentions, five received a cash prize while others received scholarships ranging from one free art class at the KIA to $12,000 at the Kendall Art School in Grand Rapids. It was very thrilling to see young artists given the chance to continue their education in a school that will nurture their talents.

I was so glad that I was able to attend the event, seeing all the talented work and help Paul out! Be sure to stop over at the KIA and check out the exhibit.

Why I hate the Internet; by Gabi Contesti

Well, I really didn't see that one coming! I haven't been able to log on for some time now and I'm not exactly sure why. The Internet has been throwing me some curve balls lately. I like to think of myself as Internet savvy and technically inclined, but lately I've had anything but an easy time with my viral marketing projects.
(If I were trying to study an exam, I'm sure the Internet would work without a glitch, but when it comes to trying to be productive... no dice!)

Since my last blog, a lot has happened. Our MySpace page is up and running (and looking beautiful if I say so myself!). The address is www.myspace.com/kiarts. The Facebook club is gaining more members by the day, and my latest project on YouTube has surprisingly already been hit a few times. I edited a video of our Art and All That Jazz event and posted it up on YouTube. The minute and half film is a montage of clips that will hopefully promote the monthly event. The KIA's Art and All That Jazz is a Friday night event that incorporates entertainment, live music, food, drink, and great company while touring the latest KIA exhibit. Last month was a spotlight on the Car as Art exhibit. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jCb9ya9y1o)

My latest project on the Internet (ugh) has been another difficult challenge. I am currently trying to upload some of the wonderful entries from the Teen Filmmakers Festival onto YouTube without success. I will be sure to blog as soon as they are up, as I will be very ecstatic, and I'd love to promote the students hard work. The films are really excellent!

Finally, I booked a DJ for the 2007 High School Area Show reception. A lesson I've learned quickly in my 'adventures in PR' have been that networking will make your life so much easier. A friend I made at the radio station last semester was Eric P. He is a very talented and skilled DJ who hosts a show on Monday nights. He'll add a great element to the reception and I'm looking forward to having him there. Check back for a link to the uploaded video of the High School show.

I'll check back in with more progress soon!

Gabi