Leading Hollywood conceptual designer TyRuben Ellingson will return to his alma mater for a free presentation titled “Art School to Avatar” from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, in St. Cloud State University’s Atwood Memorial Center Ballroom. For directions to this event click here and please view general details on parking at SCSU.

One of the earliest conceptual designers hand-picked by creator/director James Cameron to be part of his elite art department, Ellingson played an important role in establishing the look of the human presence on the alien world of Pandora in "Avatar." As lead vehicle designer, Ellingson was a major player in helping Cameron carry out his legendary vision for the interstellar 3-D adventure; TyRuben designed all but two of the vehicles that were so prevalent in the film.

Ellingson has an impressive resume that includes visual effects art director on Steven Spielberg’s 1993 “Jurassic Park" and has two blockbuster films due out later this year.

KVSC is proud to sponsor this free event with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Read the full news release by SCSU University communications here. Register for the Facebook event.

View trailers for Ellingson’s upcoming creative work:

"Priest" and "Battle: Los Angeles"