Artwork From Lombardo Award Recipients on Display

Whether it’s neatly framed on the wall, effortlessly hanging from the ceiling, precisely placed in a display case, or claiming its territory on the floor, the current artwork in the Czurles-Nelson Gallery demonstrates the remarkable talent of nine students in Buffalo State’s visual arts programs.

Norman Cramer, Aleah Fierle, Jenna Hutzler, Stephanie Kahn, Mary Morrison, Jacquelyn O’Brien, Elizabeth Anne Spector, Tina Vu, and Predolino Zelasko were selected by faculty members of the Art, Art Education, and Design departments as recipients of the James Lombardo Sr. Award for Excellence.

"This is really an exceptional group of artists," said Stephen Saracino, professor of design. "Each student was chosen as the best in their discipline by the area coordinator of their specific program. They had to meet several academic and artistic guidelines to qualify for the award."

The award was established by James Lombardo, ’95, to preserve the values and interests of his late father, James Lombardo Sr. In addition to inclusion in the current exhibition Across the Visual Arts IV, the award includes a trip to New York City later in the semester.

While many people travel to the Big Apple for leisure, this tour will be strictly business. Lombardo, an investment adviser and art collector, will introduce the students to useful business practices that they will be able to employ as creative professionals.

During their trip, the students will learn how to approach galleries for representation, how to construct a personal business plan, and how to advance their creative careers in the competitive art industry. Students will also meet and network with professionals as they become acquainted with the city’s gallery system.

Across the Visual Arts IV will be up in the Czurles-Nelson Gallery in Upton Hall until Thursday, September 6. Media from each visual arts program is represented, including ceramics, painting, drawing, communication design, sculpture, jewelry design, furniture design, fibers, photography, and printmaking. A closing reception will be held on September 6 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

The Czurles-Nelson Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.