The Burchfield-Penney Art Center annually recognizes those who have demonstrated a continued and sustained commitment to the museum through its Esprit de Corps awards. The museum is pleased to announce its 2003 honorees: Milton Rogovin, Hodgson Russ LLP, Steven G. Biltekoff, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, James and Suzanne Hofmeister and Frontier Liquor.

"The Burchfield-Penney benefits from the unwavering support of a dedicated team of volunteers, staff, our members, donors, artists, Buffalo State College and the Western New York community as a whole," said Ted Pietrzak, executive director of the Burchfield-Penney Art Center. "We express our gratitude to all of those who contribute to the success of the museum, and I am honored to recognize this year's Esprit de Corps winners."

Artist: Milton Rogovin

Over the past several decades, the Burchfield-Penney Art Center has proudly exhibited and collected Milton Rogovin's photographs, most recently acquiring 225 works (a gift in 2001 from Robert and Mary Ann Budin) that represent his life's labors. In 2002 our museum presented a two-site exhibition, Remembering the Forgotten Ones: Selections from the Milton Rogovin Collection, that celebrated his career and achievements as one of America's finest social documentary photographers. At 93, the artist actively participated in this project and its educational programs, reading his related poetry and speaking about his commitment to his subjects. Milton Rogovin is not only a treasure of this community, but a compassionate human being who, with his devoted wife Anne, stands as an example for all of us.

Corporation: Hodgson Russ LLP

True to the firm's commitment to the communities that it serves, Hodgson Russ LLP has been a long-time supporter of the arts in Western New York and of the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, including the exhibition Frank Lloyd Wright: Windows of the Darwin D. Martin House. It was a generous grant from Hodgson Russ that made this year's exhibition, Listening to the Trees: Burchfield Masterworks from the Spiro Family Collection a reality. Accepting the award for Hodgson Russ is Mr. Benjamin Zuffranieri, partner and the practice group leader for the firm's Business Litigation Group and a member of the Burchfield-Penney's board of trustees.

Council Member: Steven G. Biltekoff

With over three decades of service to the Burchfield-Penney, Steve Biltekoff has been a dedicated supporter of the museum and his contribution has been significant. Steve served as chairman of the Burchfield-Penney's Council (1973-1977), and today is an active member of the strategic planning committee, the nomination committee and the ethics and professional practices committee. In addition, in 2001-2002, he participated in the Museum Assessment Program, an undertaking that laid a foundation for the museum's long-term strategic objectives.

Foundation: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has shown leadership in its support of the Buffalo Niagara region and of the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, providing much needed financial contributions for cultural events and programs. Generous grants from the Community Foundation have made possible exhibitions including The Pan-American Exposition Centennial: Images of the American Indian, Roycroft Desktop and Charles Burchfield's Studio. The support shown by the Community Foundation culminated with a major grant, through the 21st Century Fund, to Art On Wheels, helping to make the regional cultural tourism project a reality for Buffalo and Western New York. Accepting the award for the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is president and CEO, Gail Johnstone.

Individuals: James and Suzanne Hofmeister

The collaborative efforts of James and Suzanne Hofmeister are honored by Burchfield-Penney for their unparalleled dedication to the museum. For over a decade, Jim and Sue have given of themselves time and time again, including acting as chairpersons of the 2002 auction and gala and co-chairing the gala in 2001, hosting Artful Table events and participating on the Alumni Committee for the Capital Campaign. Their generosity of time, donations and their expertise as artists in Buffalo make them an invaluable part of the Burchfield-Penney community.

Small Business: Frontier Liquor and Beverage

For the first time, the staff of the Burchfield-Penney saw it appropriate to honor a small business for its support of the museum. This award is granted to Frontier Liquor and Beverage. Personally and professionally, both Bill Mack, owner, and Sue Severins have supported the Burchfield-Penney through their continued generosity, and for going "above and beyond" in ensuring the success of events and fundraising activities over the past five years. Accepting the award is Bill Mack, owner of Frontier Liquor and Beverage.

The winners were honored at an awards reception on June 25, 2003 at the Burchfield-Penney Art Center. The museum also gratefully acknowledges Dick and Marian Roehmholdt for their generous sponsorship of the 2003 Esprit de Corps.

About the Burchfield-Penney Art Center

The Burchfield-Penney Art Center is a museum dedicated to the art and vision of Charles E. Burchfield and distinguished artists of Buffalo Niagara and Western New York State. Through its affiliation with Buffalo State College, the museum encourages learning and celebrates our richly creative and diverse community. For more information, please call (716) 878-6011 or visit www.burchfield-penney.org.