Introducing FlexLounge

At the American Libraries Association show in New Orleans this past June, Creative Arts Unlimited unveiled its newest product – The FlexLounge Modular Wall and Seating System.  If you were not able to make the show, check out this great animation showing the features of the system.

Please call us at (727) 525-2066 if you have any questions or need additional information.  One of our principals will be happy to assist you.

Outstanding Library Projects Recognized by American Libraries Magazine

Earlier this year, Creative Arts submitted three of our projects to American Libraries Magazine Design Showcase, and are proud to announce that all three were chosen for inclusion as examples of outstanding library design.

Creative Arts’ project for visually impaired visitors to the GLASS/Atlanta-Fulton County Central Library was included in the Design Details section of the showcase as was our work for the new Stonecrest Library in Lithonia, Georgia.  Stonecrest was also selected for inclusion in the Children’s and Teens’ Spaces section.

Caroline County Public Library’s new Teen Zone – a modular, multi-media space designed with the input of the area’s teens – was not only included the Children’s and Teens’ Spaces, but was also selected for inclusion into American Library’s Digital Spring Supplement.

Congratulations to all of our team members who worked on these projects for all of your outstanding work recognized, yet again, as national-class!

Willy Wonka New York featured in VM+SD Magazine

In late summer 2010, the craftsmen at Creative Arts Unlimited began creating whimsical, colorful, larger-than-life fixtures for the Willy Wonka flagship store in Times Square, New York.  Our crew installed the fixtures in September, and the store opened to wide acclaim receiving mentions in the national press including Women’s Day magazine and the Today Show.

The retail industry has taken note as well.  VM + SD (Visual Merchandising and Store Design) Magazine has featured the new Willy Wonka, New York Store in the December issue.  To read the entire article and see images from the project, visit http://vmsd.com/content/willy-wonka-new-york.

Update: Dyersburg High School Library

In July 2010, Creative Arts Unlimited designed and fabricated signage and large-scale graphics as part of a library makeover (in partnership with Dean Equipment and Furniture and the Brodart Company) for the Dyersburg High School Library in Dyersburg, Tennessee.  Recently, the school’s librarian, Mrs. Patricia Twilla, wrote to us detailing how the more inviting library interior has not only increased student attendance in the library, but has also increased reading rates as well.  We are proud to have been a part of creating a library environment conducive to student learning and enjoyment.

To see more images of the Dyersburg High School Library, please visit their website at:
http://dyersburg.k12tn.net/dhslibrary/Dyersburg_High_School_
Library/Library_Photos.html

Medical Office Today Speaks with Roger Barganier

Recently, a reporter from Medical Office Today spoke with Roger Barganier, President and  head of Creative Arts’ Design Department, to find out about best practices in upgrading nurses’ stations.  To read some of his suggestions, click here to see the whole article.

The Changing Face of Libraries

Career Lounge at James V. Brown Library (Williamsport, PA)

Just this week, we were asked about the future of libraries as the world moves more from print to digital books.  Creative Arts President, Roger Barganier saw libraries becoming more like community centers.  “The loss of book stacks will open up more space for lounge groups, café, WiFi areas, and parent/child spaces,” he said.  So, we found it of interest when the new role of libraries and librarians as a place people are turning to while seeking employment was the focus of a story on NPR’s Marketplace.  (“Libraries Adapt To Help Unemployed” April 15, 2010).

Libraries are adapting to new roles in their community, and the way they use space makes a difference in how easily their visitors can access the services provided by their community library.  As an innovator in interior planning for library spaces, Creative Arts has already begun creating semi-private spaces that separate career centers, cafés, teen/young adult areas, and spaces for children.  Our modular systems are perfect for this ever-changing role of libraries in their communities.  With pieces that can easily be removed or added, these freestanding rooms can expand or contract as their purposes evolve over time.

Freestanding, modular space for Teens/Young Adults

Our metal and wood grid systems also provide libraries with the flexibility to create separate areas while still maintaining the openness of a room.  Custom graphics and work surfaces can be incorporated into the grid systems to allow for computer/WiFi stations that are quickly becoming integral in the digital world.

Examples of Wooden Grid Stystems

Creative Arts prides itself on working with our clients to help design and fabricate interiors that make libraries easier to navigate and enjoy.  To see examples of unique spaces we have created for libraries, take a look at our Library Portfolio on our website at www.creativeartsinc.com.

Going Corporate

For many years, Creative Arts Unlimited was known as a designer/fabricator of fantastic and whimsical retail displays for clients such as Macy’s Herald Square, FAO Schwarz and Walt Disney World.  As time has gone on, we have expanded to bring experiential environments to a broad range of clients including libraries, museums and hotels.  But, creative environments can be more than just a way to move product or bring history to life; corporate interiors can convey a company’s story and position their brand in the eyes of a visitor.

Installing Interior Elements at Mosaic's Corporate Headquarters

Corporate interiors have become a prominent part of Creative Arts’ design/build services in recent years.  We have designed and fabricated museum-quality displays featuring the history of The Mayo Clinic for their Jacksonville, Florida campus and crafted a bold new entranceway for the Ringling College of Art + Design’s Digital Film Department.  Recently, our craftsmen have been installing the interior of the new corporate center for The Mosaic Company – a world’s leading producer of fertilizer – but we didn’t stop there.  We also designed, fabricated, and installed exhibits for The Mosaic Express, a mobile exhibit of phosphates, their history, and how they are used in food production.  Corporate branding and interiors do not need to exist solely within the office!

The Mosaic Express Mobile Exhibit

Creative Arts’ designers take the time to listen to our clients and understand their company environment and brand before we start any design.  Crafting a high-quality corporate interior is not just about a pretty design.  Our goal is to clearly articulate our clients’ identities through engaging, interactive, three-dimensional environments.  If you have not stopped by our website yet, we invite you to take a look at our capabilities.  www.creativeartsinc.com

Creative Arts Unlimited at FLA

Visit with Creative Arts’ CEO, Chuck Stanmore, at this year’s FLA (Florida Library Association) Annual Conference & Expo April 7-9 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida.  We are very interested to hear about your upcoming projects and can show you new ways to turn your institution into a destination.  We will be in Booth #402, right by the front entrance, make sure to stop in!

Brodart Creative at PLA

Brodart Creative – the collaboration between Creative Arts Unlimited and Brodart Contract Furniture - will be back at this years PLA (Public Library Association) Conference & Expo March 24-26 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon!  Stop by the booth to see the new interactives and furniture we will have on display to bring your library to the next level.  President, Roger Barganier, and Designer/Project Manger, Josh Pearson, will be on hand to answer your questions and discuss any upcoming projects you might have on the horizon.  We look forward to seeing you at Booth 1753!

Creative Arts Names New Creative Director

Congratulations go out to Designer/Project Manager Josh Pearson who was recently promoted to the position of Creative Director.  Josh has designed some of our most cutting-edge projects such as:

• The Hilton Dallas/Southlake Town Center
• The Ritz-Carlton Naples VUE – An interactive teen space for the hotel
• The Mosaic Express – A mobile exhibition housed in a 42-foot RV
• The interior of the new Mosaic Corporate Center

He is also a leader in designing new furniture lines for our projects.  We are excited to have him as our new Creative Director.  You can meet with Josh at the Public Library Association show in Portland, Oregon March 24-26.