Published October 2, 2024
BY DANIELA FOLEY
When Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. was looking to create merchandise featuring the cafe’s new coffee, Foglifter, the owners turned to Carmel High School students Tullah McColl and Megan Ikemiya in hopes of integrating the CHS art department into community involvement.
Megan Ikemiya and Tullah McColl (from left) received first and second place for their design entries . (courtesy of JANET McATHIE)
Janet McAthie, a co-owner of Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. alongside her husband Dean McAthie, was inspired to incorporate the artwork of CHS art students after her daughter was an art student herself.
“It was easy to recognize that his classroom was a place of joy, sanctuary and creativity, and Mr. [Steven] Russell has always been open to working together to find creative ways to engage students and show them how their art can be celebrated outside the classroom,” McAthie says.
Tullah McColl, a CHS junior, was awarded first place for her artwork. (courtesy of JANET McATHIE)
McAthie explains that the local coffee shop was inspired to create the opportunity as a way to mentor the youth of Carmel, something that is a strong value of the business.
“As a company, one of our guiding principles is to support causes that uplift and provide care for women and children in our community,” says the business owner. “By offering creative opportunities to students, they get a taste of how they might be able to use their artistic talent in the real world and make it a career, not just a hobby.”
CHS junior Megan Ikemiya was awarded second place for her Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company design. (courtesy of JANET McATHIE)
After providing a prompt that would incorporate CVCRC’s recently trademarked and best-selling coffee Foglifter, CHS juniors McColl and Ikemiya were chosen to have their designs on limited edition t-shirts and stickers.
McColl, who received first place for her artwork, chose to create her piece uniquely.
“I first drew out my idea on paper, and then I took a picture of it and traced it out on the computer,” McColl says. “A lot of artists like doing their entire design digitally, but I prefer making my art physically first.”
For Ikemiya, her inspiration was drawn from the retro-inspired theme the company was looking for.
“I immediately knew I wanted to incorporate something like the roller skate and disco ball,” says the artist.
