Yupo Corporation America, the largest manufacturer of synthetic paper in the western hemisphere, announces an accomplished panel of independent judges that will select the winning entries for Yupo’s fifth annual Wally Awards on November 1, 2007. The panel will include: Vernon Lockhart, National Board Member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and Principal of multi-disciplinary design firm Art on the Loose; MB Flanders, Principal of design services firm Flanders + Associates; Rao Liming, Principal of Studio Liming Rao, an award-winning art and design studio; Tami Terrell, Editor-in-Chief, Dynamic Graphics magazine; and Deborah Wheeler, Specification Sales and Marketing Manager at xpedx, a leading distributor of paper, graphics and digital workflow systems for creative managers. The 2007 Wally Awards judging panel combines decades of experience in graphic communications, art, printing, and design, along with extensive knowledge of the unique characteristics and attributes of YUPO® synthetic paper.

Now in its fifth year, Yupo’s Wally Awards recognizes distinctive achievements in design, printing and original artwork using YUPO synthetic paper. The panel will meet at Yupo’s North American headquarters in Chesapeake, VA on November 1st to judge submitted projects and select three winners based on the criteria of Creativity, Originality and Functionality. Additional finalists will be entered for the Wally Designer’s Choice contest, where industry peers will cast votes online for their favorite pieces.

“Yupo Corporation is committed to recognizing and rewarding innovative excellence in the design, art and printing communities,” explains Martin J. Fiorillo, Vice President Marketing and Distribution Sales, Yupo Corporation America.  “The creative talent of this esteemed judging panel is outstanding, and we are looking forward to seeing the imaginative projects that will be submitted to the Wally Awards this year.”

This year’s Wally Awards winners will each receive a cash prize of US$1,000 and a customized Wally Award statue designed by illustrator Bill Mayer. Entrants can now register at www.wallyawards.com; the deadline for all entries is October 15, 2007.

The 2007 Wally Awards judging panel will include the following distinguished professionals:

Vernon Lockhart – AIGA, Art on the Loose
Vernon Lockhart is the founder and principal of Art on the Loose, Inc., a Chicago-based multidisciplinary firm specializes in corporate identities, exhibition and environmental design, and multimedia design. With Art on the Loose, Lockhart has provided art direction for many significant projects in the Chicago area and has served an impressive list of clients, including: Northwestern University, University of Illinois Laboratory Schools, Hyatt Regency, Nike, Whirlpool, DuSable Museum of African American History, Museum of Science and Industry, Bronzeville Children’s Museum and Namasté. Lockhart is the recipient of awards and praise from Print, Communications Arts, Graphic Design USA and Graphis. Lockhart served on the AIGA Chicago Board as Community Outreach Chair, managing the Poetry In Motion program and student contest. He also participated as a rider with Team AIGA/Roll Over Aids during his tenure.

After serving nine years as chair of the Chicago chapter of the Organization of Black Designers, Vernon helped co-found Project Osmosis, a not-for-profit arts based education and mentoring initiative. The organization has helped over 300 inner city students gain access and knowledge about career opportunities in design. Throughout his work and career, Lockhart has helped to nurture creativity amongst professionals and students alike. Lockhart currently serves on the National board of The American Institute of Graphic Arts and is Program Director of Project Osmosis Education and Mentoring Initiative.