Stephen F. Saracino, chair of the Buffalo State College Design Department, has been awarded a $7,000 New York State Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Fellowship.

Saracino was one of 161 artists chosen from more than 3,200 applicants for the award by a peer panel review process in eight award categories: computer arts, crafts, film, non-fiction literature, poetry, performance art/multidisciplinary work, printmaking/drawing/artists books and sculpture.

"My work often directly relates to social issues that physically affect only a small number of individuals but psychologically affect untold others," Saracino said. "Having long ago left behind any real utilitarian function, I have kept it true to the vernacular of jewelry but have expanded its scope and scale, forcing it to land somewhere between 'it could be worn, but probably shouldn't,' and, more likely, 'couldn't.' Frequently, it has strong political overtones, while I try hard to be somewhat humorous to keep myself from becoming overly critical."

Each year, NYFA awards more than 150 fellowships -- each carrying an unrestricted $7,000 grant -- to New York State artists. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, NYFA gives more money and support to artists of all disciplines than any other comparable organization in the country: nearly $8 million in grants and services annually.