Nov. 19, 2019
This holiday season, DePaul created its own Christmas window tradition for the Loop Campus near the bustling corner of State St. and Jackson Blvd. On Nov. 7, faculty and students debuted a stop-motion animated film and 3-D window display that captures the spirit of the season and DePaul’s Vincentian mission.
Created through a collaboration between the School of Cinematic Arts and the Division of Mission and Ministry, the film utilizes state-of-the-art technology to build an imaginative, 3-D experience rooted in the message and vision “Christmas at DePaul”— designed to touch our humanity, evoke a sense of communal joy, celebrate DePaul’s Catholic identity, and share the magic of Christmas.
JoAnne Zielinski, associate dean in the College of Computing and Digital Media, gives remarks during the premiere of the stop-motion film “Merry Christmas from DePaul.” (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Scott Kelley, associate vice president for mission integration, shares remarks before the premiere of the stop-motion film “Merry Christmas from DePaul”. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Devin Bell, left, and Meghann Artes, both associate professors in the School of Cinematic Arts, answer questions from guests after presenting the release of the film. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Student filmmakers take questions from the audience during the premiere of their stop-motion film. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Left to right, Meghann Artes, Devin Bell and JoAnne Zielinski unveil the “Merry Christmas from DePaul” film and window display. A new tradition for DePaul, the display builds on the history of magical holiday windows along State Street for more than 100 years. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Students, faculty and staff watch the stop-motion film after its debut on State St. The window utilizes state-of-the-art technology to build an imaginative, 3-D experience. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
A crowd of DePaul faculty, staff, students and other onlookers cheer for the stop-motion film and display. More than 30 students worked for more than a year on the film. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Creators of “Merry Christmas from DePaul” include faculty, staff and more than 30 students in the School of Cinematic Arts. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
The DePaul community, family and guests were invited for a post-unveiling reception which included hot chocolate and holiday treats on the Digital Cinema Stage. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
JoAnne Zielinski, associate dean of the College of Computing and Digital Media; Devin Bell and Meghann Artes, filmmakers and associate professors; Scott Kelley, associate vice president for mission integration; and Robert Steel, associate professor and composer; during the feature stop-motion film “Merry Christmas from DePaul.” (DePaul University/Shannon Lynott)