Wall of Discovery, University of Minnesota

"The University of Minnesota's Wall of Discovery is a 253-foot-long illuminated "blackboard" that tells UM scholars' stories through a series of personal notes, sketches, and diagrams."

The Big Picture 04.09

Atrium Mobile, Macalester College

"At three stories tall, each graphic rotates on an axis to give the display its own sense of motion. Guinee comments, "The movement isn't meant to be distracting. With the constant opening and closing of doors airflow creates a slight movement that naturally draws attention to the application." LA ink continues to receive praise on the project. Deb Chaulk, director of donor relations, Macalester College, expresses her appreciation, "Everyone is truly impressed with the work in the Leonard Center. I wish you could see people's faces when they first look up in the atrium, and see the mobile."

Digital Output vol.XIV no.12 page 20

Wall of Discovery, University of Minnesota

"The Wall of Discovery, part of Scholars Walk at the University of Minnesota, is a beautiful exhibit of world- class scholarship displayed for ail to see. Viewers have the opportunity to explore the sketches, formulas, diagrams, and profound scrlbblings of leading thinkers who graduated from, or taught at, the university. These are the beginnings of miraculous inventions, cures, and processes that continue to Influence our world."

Visocky O'Grady, Jenn and Ken Visocky O'Grady. Information Design Handbook. New York: HOW Books, 2008. 192-93

Wall of Discovery, University of Minnesota

"People are gravitating toward it, so it's more populated and, hence, safer - a byproduct, not an intention," says Sternal.

Fischer recalls a particularly poignant moment that, for him, solidified the importance of this EGD installation: "One of the things that made me feel so fulfilled occurred about three days before the dedication. We hadn't put up curtains yet to hide it and a student had stopped to absorb it. I interrupted her and asked what she thought, and she said, 'I wonder if my name will be up there someday."'

segdDesign no.17 2007

Wall of Discovery, University of Minnesota

"The matt surfaces of the “blackboards” contrast with the reflective surfaces of the glass, and the onlooker sees a reflection of himself as he reads, and is intended to consider whether or not his/her own thoughts will some day appear in the display. LA ink developed not only the concept and design, but also took on the research behind it, and for this received an SEGD Honor Award in 2007. The project shows the critical contributions that communication designers can make to create a strong, particular identity, when working together with Architecture."

PAGE Dec 2008 p.41

Wall of Discovery, University of Minnesota

"Drew Sternal, founder of the Minneapolis design firm LA ink, conducted the research and finalized the layouts of the panels. Sternal's design juxtaposes, for example,Bob dylan's lyrics for "Temporary Like Achilles" and Dr. Norman Borlaug's Notes on disease resistant crop varieties, for which he won a nobel prize."

Architecture MN vol. 34 no.02 Mar/Apr 08

Wall of Discovery, University of Minnesota

"Though inventors and academic researchers are widely represented, the display is leavened with others: writers, musicians and more.

"The breadth of the disciplines at the U are well covered," Stemal said. Hockey coach Herb Brooks is there, represented by a page from his journal representing thoughts about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's "Miracle on Ice."

"This transcends sports in my eyes," Stemal said."

Mpls. Star Tribune Sept 29, 2006

College of St. Catherine Mural

"The mural certainly meets and exceeds all expectations. The center, circle image establishes the strong and unified CSC community and is surrounded by many wonderful images that resonate with the administration, students, faculty, staff, alumnae and friends of the college....The mural links the legacy of St. Kate's with the present day, as well as illustrates the future of St. Kate's with the addition of the Coeur de Catherine." It is inclusive of all aspects of CSC, from greal historical moments to one of the familiar squirrels on campus it is an extraordinary creation that successfully captures the rich history and dynamic community of CSC."

The Wheel Oct 15, 2004

Campus Life Mural University of Minnesota Alumni Association

"Permanence is part of the charm of mural design," says Sternal. "This is a format that affords you the ability to reward the viewer. It's such a wonderful visual medium. We want to create emotion, to have the viewer come away with the sense that they feel good. or they feel nostalgic about missing good-old college days, or something powerful. These works are going to be around for many years. If the graphics are done well, and produced well by the right production team, then the murals become works of art that give a lot of people pleasure."

The Big Picture Nov/Dec 2000

"...The United States is behind Europe and the Orient in the use of large graphics...We want to help bring the concept here." Slernal's first project was creating a pair ol 40-by-26.5-foot murals for Mariucci Arena...He's now helping the university remake its image by designing more murals, along with graphics and flags, for the Washington Avenue bridge. His biggest project to date is the 77-by-180-foot fabric mural that adorns a Northwest Airtines' hangar at the Minneapohs-St. Paul International Airport. The largest mural in The world to be produced on a 3M Scotchprint 2000 electrostatic printer..."We enjoy tribute graphics because they lend themselves to big images." [Sternal] says, "This is a labor of love."

Twin Cities Business Monthly April 1999

NWA Hangar Mural

"Sternal believes the graphic to be the largest of it's kind in North America and has succeeded in boosting Northwest's corporate image. According to Darwitz, "The response from the public and our employees has been tremendous. The graphic tells the story of Northwest Airlines, its people, and global capacity better than a painted image of a jetliner ever could."

The Big Picture Jan/Feb 1999

Mariucci Arena Murals

"To recognize Bonin's feat, a new All-America mural will be unveiled in Mariucci Arena. Bonin is pictured with the Gopher 11 other All-Americans since 1968. That mural adjoins the mural of the 15 older Gophers All-Americans, starting with John Mariucci in 1940 to current coach Doug Woog in 1965...We felt it was important to do some-thing extra for our home opener because we have something special to celebrate, our first All-American in several years...We should celebrate the history of our sports, and this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Minnesota hockey and all the All-Americans we've had..."

St. Paul Pioneer Press Oct 24, 1995

Mariucci Arena Murals

"By all accounts, the original goal of ensuring that Gopher Hockey heritage was brought to the new arena has been met. The larger-than-life images of Golden Gopher Hockey All-Americans transfers to the viewer a real sense of hockey action, pride and commitment to excellence. The huge central image of John Mariucci, whose eyes seem to follow you everywhere, gives one a sense that he is truly there in spirit. An inspiration to Gopher players and fans.... and an intimidation to Gopher opponents."

Let's Play Hockey Jan 27, 1994

Mariucci Arena Murals

"A larger than life Scotchprint Graphic from Commercial Graphics Division is the backdrop for hockey dreams at the University of Minnesota's Mariucci Arena."

3M Today Dec 1993