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 Dan Bittman Named AIGA Fellow


AIC is independently owned and operated by professional designers. We offer only one degree, Graphic Design.

The curriculum is practical and designed by professional graphic designers known locally, nationally and internationally.

At AIC you can expect a small and caring atmosphere with a student to teacher ratio of 12 to 1 where students receive individual attention.

 General Education Staff: AIC's General Education courses are taught by accredited instructors and are selected from local Colleges and Universities.


Academics | Curriculum | Faculty | Gallery

Marion K. Allman, CEO & Co-founder, studied at the Layton Art School in Milwaukee, the University of Cincinnati and is a graduate of Gable Art School. She was active in the Cincinnati Art Directors’ Club as Scholarship Chairperson and in 1999 received their “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Marion is a Charter member of ICDS (International Council of Design Schools) and served as President of that organization. She is listed in Who’s Who of American Women and was recipient of the coveted “Athena Award” presented by Cincy Magazine in 2006 for her role in helping women achieve their goals.

Sean M. Mendell, President, holds a Bachelor of Science from Northern Kentucky University in Marketing. He has spent the last eight years employed in marketing and advertising for the aviation industry. Sean is also the founder and owner of The Children’s Art Academy in Ft. Thomas, Ky. He is active in YMCA Camp Ernst as a member of the committee of management and served as Assistant Ranch Director from 1995-99.

Cyndi Mendell, VP/Admissions/Instructor, The Mendell family lineage goes back to great uncle and Master Artist, Frank Duveneck. Co-founder of AIC, Ms. Mendell is also a graduate of Gable Art School. As Director of Admissions, her vitality, energy and positive nature inspire students in planning their future. Ms. Mendell was also an active member in Art Directors’ Club of Cincinnati as well as many other civic organizations in Northern Kentucky, among them the YWCA and the Foreign Exchange. She is listed in Who’s Who Among American Teachers.







Dan Bittman, Instructor Graphic Design, holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati. Founder and President of Design Team, he has taught at Northern Kentucky University and the University of Cincinnati. He has served as President of both the Cincinnati Chapter of AIGA and the Art Directors’ Club of Cincinnati. Bittman has given lectures and presentations across the country including the AIGA National Conference and IDSA Worldesign. His work has been recognized with awards from numerous exhibitions including CA, AIGA, CLIO, and ID. He has served as a juror for AIGA, Art Directors’ and Advertising Club competitions across the country as well as the prestigious Communication Arts Magazine CA Annual.

Frederic Bonin-Pissarro, Instructor, If the name sounds familiar it’s because Frederic is the great grandson of Camille Pissarro father of the Impressionist Movement and contemporary of Monet, Van Gogh, Gaugin, Renoir, and Cezanne. Frederic received his Master of Fine Arts in 1990 at the ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and has won many awards. Frederic taught graphic design in France, designed three Cincinnati Wine Festival posters, designs for French Rendezvous and exhibits his paintings in Cincinnati galleries as well as galleries nationally.

Randall Zimmerman, Computer Instructor IT, Randy’s diverse background in agency and studio work as a lead designer and Art Director has enabled him to work with several major corporations in Cincinnati and across the U.S. Along with print media, Randy also has experience in the multimedia and packaging design fields. His award-winning talent in design is partnered with his expertise in the technical side of software and computers.

Steve Dilonardo, alternate instructor,is an alumni of AIC and has worked in the field for over 10 years designing exhibits, packaging and teaching graphic design. He is the owner of DiLonardo Graphics.







Rita Schrand, Financial Aid Director,

Dennis Gates, Director of Placement/Instructor, graduated from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, Graphic Design, and has served as President of the Art Directors’ Club of Cincinnati. His years as Account Executive and Brand Consultant for major American and international clients provide a great source for networking. He is President and Creative Director of the G8s Design Alliance, a graphic design and integrated marketing collaborative specializing in brand identity and packaging design.

Laura Lewis, Accounting, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from Northwestern State University. She has eight years of accounting experience. Laura enjoys using her business skills to help students achieve their education and career goals.

Connie Springer, Librarian, Connie as an artist herself enjoys organizing the school’s collection or art-related books and the ever popular A-Z picture file. Not only does Connie have an M.L.S. (Master’s in Library Science) from Simmons College, but she also trained in photography at the Art Institute of Boston (no connection). Connie has worked as a Special Librarian at the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Gerontology Center and for five years was a Reference Librarian in the Films & Recordings Department of the Cincinnati Public Library. She also worked as an Archival Assistant in the library of the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Tori Zimmerman, Administrative Assistant, The first person to greet you whether on the phone or when visiting The Art Institute of Cincinnati is Tori. Her smile and energy will make you feel right at home. As administrative assistant Tori is with AIC to assist staff, faculty and students in their daily needs. Her computer, organizational and marketing skills serve as a major contribution to the operation of the college.

Steve Dannemiller, Facilities Director, past owner of Dannemiller Electric and full-time employee of Children’s Hospital is a board certified electrician. On a regular basis, Steve supervises and maintains all improvements and repairs at AIC.







General Education Faculty - Associate Degree, AIC’s General Education courses are taught by accredited instructors and are selected from the AIC faculty staff, and from local colleges & Universities.

Marlene Shmalo, Speech, Motivation & Etiquette Ms. Shmalo has a Bachelor of Science Degree in education and an MA in Theatre from the University of Cincinnati. She presently is Director of Performing Arts at the Jewish Community Center of Cincinnati

Barbara Morganstern, Esq., ethics, earned a B.A. in journalism from Arizona State University and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. She also serves as an adjunct in the journalism program at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. At AIC she teaches business law, ethics and English. In the summer of 2011 she taught "Specialized Reporting" at Miami University's Florence, Italy, summer program.

Jessica Park, Psychology, Ms. Park also has a MA in General Psychology from the University of Dayton and taught at NKY as a Adjunct Instructor and lecturer; was a Psychological Report Writer at Live Oak Psychological Associates in Jackson, MS. and a Behavioral Therapist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Deena Pinales, Art History, Deena was Director of Education at the Springfield Museum of Art, Associate Curator for Docent, School Services & teacher Services at Taft Museum of Art and Dayton Art Institute and holds a MAAed (Master’s in art education) and a BA in Art History.