As part of an ongoing community outreach program, PPG Automotive Refinish business development manager Steve Topczewski and elite painters Jeremy Seanor and Jason Lutton recently visited Hudson Middle School in Hudson, Ohio, and spent the day providing eighth grade students with an insider’s look at automotive refinish color and technology.

PPG’s experts brought in painted panels and shared the intricacies of paint application and its technological advancements with five art-and-technology classes taught by Terry Stump. The classes combine computer skills such as Adobe Photoshop, GarageBand for iMovies and Quicktime with the rigorous and creative demands of drawing and design, the science surrounding cars, racing and fuel and the practical use of all these skills in a business setting. The class is the only course of its kind in Ohio.

“Our class is hands-on with an emphasis on real-world applications,” said Stump. “To have these talented people from PPG come in and talk about what they know not only gives keen insight, it confirms the practical applications of what the kids have been studying.”

Students listened and watched closely as Seanor, a gifted pinstriper, and Lutton, an applications expert, demonstrated a range of refinish possibilities. Using free-hand techniques, Seanor pinstriped daggers, flames and various abstract designs that captured the students’ attention. Lutton focused on colors and effects including metallics and flakes. Seanor and Lutton also discussed the new advances in waterborne coatings and their benefits. In addition, the PPG representatives spoke about career opportunities in the automotive refinish industry.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to become involved with a local school system,” said Cristina Fronzaglia, communications manager, PPG Automotive Refinish. “It’s important for these kids to know there’s an industry ready to embrace their talent, creativity, ideas and energy.”

The presentations ended with a challenge to the youngsters to break into teams and design an original hood or door skin. PPG will judge the designs, select a winner and execute the design.

“This was an awesome experience,” said Topczewski. “The kids got into it and so did we. It was fun to do, and we were impressed with how much the students knew and how much more they wanted to learn. We can’t wait to see the designs they create.”