**UPDATE 9/30/08** Just learned that this is a show featuring Blizzard artists, not students. See more details in bold below. 

The Laguna College of Art & Design in Laguna Beach opens its second-annual art show Wednesday based on the art of  Orange County’s biggest gaming company. Irvine’s Blizzard Entertainment, developer of massively popular World of Warcraft and StarCraft games, will be submittinng art from employees, a few who also teach at the school.

[I removed the image here because I was misinformed that it was the official invitation to the show. I will post that as soon as I receive it.]

Last year’s show launched the video-game major.  When I spoke to students and faculty last spring, everyone was jazzed about the Blizzard connection. (Who wouldn’t be? Read “Get taught by Blizzard — a perk if you attend Laguna art school.“) The first students to graduate with a gaming degree are expected this school year. 

The October exhibit, titled “Art/Studies From Blizzard Entertainment,” features art from students and Blizzard employees who worked on popular games like World of Warcraft, Diablo and StarCraft.

**UPDATE, 9/30/08** After visiting the gallery today, I learned that this is a purely Blizzard show. No student art is involved. This is part of a unique partnership between the school and Blizzard, which has loaned the school several original pieces drawn by Blizzard staff. Any fan who can make it to the gallery should plan a visit. Pieces include sketches and illustrations to show the process of creating the final product. I will post a link to my write up about this exhibit soon. 

The show starts Oct. 1, but oddly, the artist reception isn’t until near the end of the show’s 27-day run. The college, however, is giving me a sneak peek on Tuesday. In the meantime, here is a slideshow of art created by students who are majoring in game art.

And Blizzard fans, stay tuned on Wednesday-ish when we relaunch the game blog to focus on all-things Blizzard  (it’s a work in progress but feel free to watch the changes over the next few days).

::details::

What: Art/Studies From Blizzard Entertainment 

When: Reception is Oct. 23, public is invited

Where: Laguna College Art & Design gallery, 2222 Laguna Canyon in Laguna Beach

Exhibit hours: Exhibit runs from Oct. 1 to 27.
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Related:

• Get taught by Blizzard — a perk if you attend Laguna art school
• Best video game internship: Disney or Blizzard?
• Laguna college adds game major and Warcraft art show
• Ezra update: WoW fan with cancer suffers stroke
• Blizzard says BlizzCon snafu might have been avoided
• 3,000 more BlizzCon tickets and a Blizzard apology
• Blizzard Entertainment moves into new campus
• WoW developer’s dad hooked on Warcraft
• Blizzard keeps name after Activision merger
• Blizzard’s big news: Diablo III announced
• Watch the animated version of Blizzard’s splash page

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