The Art Institute of Philadelphia's Maria Viola-Kuttruff Wins GRANGE Colorful Exceptions Design Contest
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[PHILADELPHIA, PA March 1, 2012] Maria Viola-Kuttruff, a member of the Interior Design faculty at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, has been named the national winner of the GRANGE Colorful Exceptions Design Contest. Viola-Kuttruff is the owner-founder of Viola Interior Design, LLC, in Merion Station (PA).
Viola-Kuttruff's design, "Succette," was the top vote-getter out of almost 2000 votes cast during the 15-day online voting period in a design competition launched by GRANGE Furniture. The competition required contestants to create a unique finish on a piece of GRANGE furniture. Of the 24 designs submitted, seven finalists were chosen via local voting events throughout the country. Viola-Kuttruff's design, which was inspired by a candy shop in France and features more than a half dozen candy colors such as lemon, azure, apple green, orange and pink, will be featured in 2012-2013 GRANGE marketing pieces as well as in the May issue of Traditional Home Magazine.
"It's a real honor to win this award among such a talented pool of designers and I am so thankful to Grange for the opportunity they gave to each one of us through this competition. The ability to design something that expresses whimsy and joy through beautifully crafted furniture was a delight," Viola-Kuttruff said. She earned her bachelor's degree from Shippensburg University (PA), and her master's degree in interior design at Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA).
All seven of the final pieces are currently available for sale in the GRANGE showroom at the New York (City) Design Center. One thousand dollars from each piece sold will be donated directly to a local or national charity of the designer's choosing, including Viola-Kuttruff's choice, Covenant House in Philadelphia.
About GRANGE
Handcrafted in France since 1904 and now distributed in nearly 50 countries worldwide, GRANGE (www.grangeny.com) offers timeless, classically designed home furnishings. Master artisans use 19th century methods and 21st century green technique to create heirloom furniture. Embracing history, culture and a strong sense of family celebrated by the French lifestyle, GRANGE allows its clients around the globe to bring a piece of France into their homes for generations to enjoy.
About The Art Institute of Philadelphia
The Art Institute of Philadelphia is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of more than 45 educational institutions located throughout North America. The Art Institutes schools provide an important source for design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. Several institutions included in The Art Institutes system are campuses of South University. See aiprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important information.