Jury – Horizons Design + Art Competition

The Horizons Design + Art Competition entries are juried by established artists and designers with professional expertise related to each category.

Art Juror

John Paradiso
Resident Artist/Curator, Portico Gallery

John Paradiso earned a BFA at the State University of New York (Purchase) and his MFA at the State University of New York (Buffalo). He is a mixed media artist and his work is based upon such issues as identity, sexuality, health, and love. Paradiso has work in private and public collections including the Kinsey Institute, the Leslie Lohman Museum, The Stamp Collection at the University of Maryland, College Park, and a portfolio of seven photographs in the National Picture Collection at the Library of Congress, (AIDS portfolio) John lives and works in the Prince George’s Gateway Arts District in Brentwood MD. He had worked as the Curator of Programs at the 39th Street Gallery, Gateway Arts Center for 13 years and starting in 2018 he is the Resident Artist/Curator at the Portico Gallery and Studios in Brentwood, MD. www.john-paradiso.com

Fashion Design Juror

Nina Thirakul
Treasurer, Fashion Group International

Nina Thirakul has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Fashion Design from Marymount University, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Marymount University’s School of Business. She completed her internship in London with fashion designer Arabella Pollen. Her internship focused on manufacturing and sales through wholesale distribution to the American, Japanese and German markets. Upon completing her college degree, Nina worked for the prestigious House of Chanel for the next ten years. Her role as Chanel’s brand ambassador, and assistant buyer provided her with an in-depth knowledge of the luxury market segment, its manufacturing, production and pricing strategies, buying cycles, and most importantly, establishing and maintaining superb customer relations. While at the House of Chanel, Nina obtained her M.B.A. and decided that she wanted to pursue a teaching career. She returned to Marymount University as an adjunct professor and taught in the Fashion Merchandising and Design program for two years. Nina then moved to The Art Institute of Washington where she was the lead faculty for the Fashion Marketing and Management program for twelve years. 
She also served as interim department chair for four years. Her awards include: Honored Faculty 2011, Faculty of the Year 2013, Faculty of the Quarter 2015, Excellence in Service 2016. www.Thirakuldesigns.com

Graphic and Media Design Juror

Regina Ball
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, Centauri

Regina Ball is a multidisciplinary designer and creative strategist based in Northern Virginia, specializing in branding, print and web design, and marketing campaigns. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Marymount University in 2012. She enjoys sharing her experiences and mentoring young designers, and drinking too much coffee. www.reginaballdesign.com

Interior Design and Architecture Juror

Kelley Dorsett
Senior Interior Designer/Associate, HDR Inc.

Kelley Dorsett is a Healthcare Designer and Associate with the global design firm, HDR. She has practiced healthcare design for over two decades. In her tenure, she has been responsible for developing interior design standards, project coordination and construction documents for domestic and international healthcare projects. She has led design teams on multiple large-scale projects and created positive environments for patients, their families and caregivers, utilizing evidence-based and sustainable design initiatives. Her professional expertise in healthcare has earned her CHID accreditation from American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers. www.hdrinc.com