History of Our School
A key factor in this progressive new look was the work of multi-talented instructors like Zach Gray, Aaron Adams, and Randy Craven (a former contractor), whose building and carpentry skills matched their artistic talents. A spirit of adventure was in the air, cooperative creativity was flowing—the expanding staff sensed that something special was steadily emerging. By late 2002, graphic design industry professionals Ed Guthero and John Williams had joined the faculty, bringing added edge and experience to the program.
By 2004, the School of Visual Art and Design’s film program, under the guidance of David George and one of only three Christian full-fledged film-making programs in the United States, had released a successful film—Angel in Chains. The film was marketed enthusiastically on video and DVD release throughout the country. It was to be a sign of bigger things to come for Southern’s film program and a forerunner of 2006’s Secret of the Cave (external site)—a major success and finalist in the American Heartland Film Festival, competing against major large budget releases and drawing high praise.
In 2005, John Williams, an illustrator with valuable experience on both coasts, became the school’s new dean, and Southern continued to be the denomination’s leading facility in the visual arts and communications field.
2005 marked the release of The Baptism, a fully animated vignette prototype for former Disney Animation Director Hendel Butoy’s (imdb.com) planned feature-length animated film on the life of Christ. Butoy, one of the animation industry’s best, joined the faculty in 2003 and began working closely with Southern’s animation students. Selected students worked with Butoy on developing this fascinating vignette. It shows just what can be accomplished in a committed animation environment and has given the students the rare opportunity of working with a leading industry professional.
