Monday, December 01, 2008

Shadows Exhibit Opens Dec. 4

Above: Jeffrey Schuessler, "On Edge, Again" photo study

When viewing lighted objects it's easy to overlook the shadows they create. At Delavan Art Gallery, Director Bill Delavan has expanded on this concept to produce a first of its kind (to the best of our knowledge) exhibit devoted entirely to shadows and featuring works by a host of noted Central New York artists.

The exhibit will open at the Gallery on Thursday, December 4, from 5-8 PM and continue through Saturday, January 31, 2009. (The Gallery will close for the holidays between December 24 - January 14).

The idea for the Shadows Exhibit was conceived with two thoughts. The first was how shadows are made (by an object, a light source and a background). The second came from Bill Delavan's special Professional interest in lighting the Gallery's exhibitions, sometimes playfully turning shadows into their own art form.

Thus, in July, the Gallery released a call for entries, sparking the interest of artists working in a variety of media and encouraging them to incorporate movement of the object, the background and colored and varying light sources.

Artists whose works will comprise Delavan Art Gallery's Shadows Exhibit include Arlene Abend, Reginald Adams, Anahid Ajemian, Barbara Conte-Gaugel, Hilary Gifford, Barre Hunt, Lauren Ritchie, Jeffrey Schuessler, Andrew Schuster and Matthew Vural.

Delavan Art Gallery is a 3,800 square foot showcase and sales venue for fine art created by area artists. Located in a convenient, downtown location at 501 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, the gallery is free and open to the public. Off-street parking is available and the gallery is handicapped accessible. Delavan Art Gallery holds regular gallery hours on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12-6 PM Saturdays from 10 AM- 4 PM and at other times by appointment. For more information, visit www.delavanartgallery.com.


Above: Matthew Vural, untitled, sculpture

Video on Syracuse.com

Check out a Syracuse.com video of Delavan Art Gallery as part of the November Th3 art hop at http://videos.syracuse.com/post-standard/2008/11/th3_november_edition.html

Monday, November 10, 2008

Junior Achievement Art Auction

Art Auction to benefit Junior Achievement of Central New York to be held Friday at Delavan Art Gallery

Details:

Friday, November 14, 2008
Silent Auction 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Live Auction 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Entry Charge = $10.00

To benefit the Junior Achievement of CNY



Diane L. Menzies, “Pumpkins” Oil on Canvas $125 5.5x7.75 nf, 9x7 framed

Fred Wellner “Rain” Acrylic on Canvas $300.00 12x24

Sue Canizares, “Flower Frog Vase” White stoneware painted with black slip $200.00 approximately 10x9

James Dwyer, “Y” Acrylic on Canvas and Wood

Christine More, Necklace, $75.00

C.J. Hodge, “The White Face Series IV” Acrylic on Wood $95 8x12 no frame

A. Brooks Decker “Randall Road Blues” Acrylic Painting $550.00 24x30

Lydia Benscher “Iride 2” Encaustic $150 6x12

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Press Release: Art for the Holidays opens Nov. 6

Ceramics, Illustrations, Mixed Media and Monotypes in "Art for the Holidays"

SYRACUSE, New York -- October 24, 2008 -- Delavan Art Gallery is proud to present ceramics, illustrations, mixed media and monotypes in, "Art for the Holidays." The exhibition opens November 6, 2008 and runs through December 23, 2008, featuring mixed media illustrations by Katya Krenina, mixed media and monotype works by Thea Reidy as well as ceramics by Clayscapes Pottery (Donald Seymour, Shawn McGuire, Jolee M. Romano, Tim See and Sallie Thompson). In addition, the gallery is pleased to present art by Elena Rall in the Wild Card area.

Katya Krenina is an award winning artist with a passion for book illustration. Her mixed media works can be found illustrating over 15 books such as "The Cloak for The Moon," "Who took my Hairy Toe," "Tooth Tales from Around the World" and three new stories on the way. These books, published by major U.S. publishers, have received numerous awards, including the opportunity for "The Bird's Gift" to be displayed at the White House as one of the best books of 2001. It is her original mixed media illustrations for these books, many of which have received excellent reviews from publications such as the New York Times and Publishers Weekly, that will be exhibited. She explains, "To me, the beauty of being an illustrator is the ability to see relevance to my art in everyday happenings." Krenina earned a Masters Degree in Illustration through Syracuse University's Independent Study Degree Program. Prior to that, she obtained a B.F.A. in Illustration from SU and a B.F.A. equivalent with highest honors from The National Art Academy in Lvov, Ukraine. She currently teaches at LeMoyne. Her style is influenced by different cultures and masters of Eastern Europe, Russia, France and the United States along with folk art and storytelling traditions. She reflects, "The journey can get difficult sometimes, but in the amazing world of talking cats, winged creatures, magical spells and ladders that lead to the Moon there is always hope for a happy ending."

Above: Katya Krenina, Untitled, Mixed Media Illustration

Thea Reidy creates mixed media works developed both on and off of the printing press. Her monotypes combine embossed plant material, pure pigments, precious metals in powder form and specialty papers. The monotype printmaking process is often called "the painterly print," which Reidy then takes to the next level by applying drawing mediums and paint. In her artist statement she describes several themes central to her art practice, including "the interdependence of intuition with logic and an interest in things submerged, hovering below the surface." Reidy is an artist, designer and educator with teaching experience at Cazenovia College, OCC, The Art Institue of Boston, Syracuse University and the University of Massachusetts. She earned art degrees from Vassar College and S.U., studied art with David Passalacqua and attended the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. She has exhibited locally and nationally in places such as the Earlville Opera House, The Redhouse, Space 200 and the Art Institute in Boston and Galeria Pavo Real in California. She is currently on the staff of the Baltimore Woods Nature Center.

Above: Thea Reidy, "Seduction" monotype and mixed media

Clayscapes Pottery, a major distributor of clay products and equipment in CNY and the Northeast, just so happens to be located right down the street from Delavan Art Gallery. The two Warehouse District arts venues are teaming up to present an exhibit of works by the staff of Clayscapes Pottery, including ceramics by Donald Seymour, Shawn McGuire, Jolee M. Romano, Tim See and Sallie Thompson. On November 22 at 1 p.m. will be a special Wood Kiln Opening Reception and Presentation when the most recent Wood Kiln fired ceramic pieces will be revealed and the public can learn about the process. This event will be held in conjunction with the Clayscapes Pottery 3rd Annual Raku Open House.

Donald Seymour started out by studying clay and sculpture at SUNY Fredonia. He went on to do research and development on clay bodies and glazes at an architectural restoration company and sell furniture before making the jump to enter the upstate New York craft fair circuit. Five years ago, Seymour's company, Clayscapes Pottery, bought the local clay distribution business and has been growing ever since. Today, Clayscapes Pottery sells over 2 million pounds of clay materials each year and offers classes to a variety of students, from beginners to advanced at its 1600 sq. ft. studio location at 1003 W. Fayette St.

The staff are accomplished ceramists and instructors in their own right. Shawn McGuire originally studied painting but has spent the past five years working and teaching at Clayscapes Pottery. Jolee M. Romano received her B.F.A. from Alfred University and now creates hand-built functional pottery that seeks to balance the elements of form and surface. Tim See earned his B.F.A. with honors in Ceramics from Syracuse University and has taught ceramics at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, the East Area Family YMCA and as a visiting artist in several school districts in CNY. His current work applies a mechanical "steampunk" style to ceramics. Sallie Thompson studied at the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts in Portland and then earned her B.F.A. from Alfred University. She completed an independent study at Carbondale Clay Center in Colorodo in the soda firing process and was an artist-in-residence at Byrdcliffe Arts Colony in Woodstock, NY. Thompson creates vessel-based works influenced by figure and landscape. She is also a member of Skaneateles Artisans.

Above: Tim See representing Clayscapes Pottery, "Steampunk Cream & Sugar" porcelain with soldered glass, clock and watch parts

Delavan Art Gallery is excited to present works in pastel, watercolor and colored pencil by Elena Rall in the Wild Card area from November 6- November 22, 2008. Rall has been gaining attention as an emerging artist since high school, earning awards in numerous state competitions including the New York State Fair Fine Arts and Scholastic Arts competitions. With two artists in her family, her mother and grandfather, her interest in the arts has always been supported. Since an early age Rall has been exposed to various art events and has continuously been supplied with tools and given opportunities to study with local artists, including Nicora Gangi. In 2007, she embarked on a trip to China which still inspires much of her work. Recently she studied fine art at Onondaga Community College, graduating with honors in the spring of 2008. Her first love is working with portraits. She explains, "I love the challenge of capturing the individual's personality in my painting."

Above: Elena Rall, Untitled, Mixed Media

Delavan Art Gallery is a 3,800 square foot showcase and sales venue for fine art created by area artists. Located in a convenient, downtown location at 501 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, the gallery is free and open to the public. Off-street parking is available and the gallery is handicapped accessible. Regular gallery hours are Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12-6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and at other times by appointment.


Artist Events:
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 1 PM- Presentation by Katya Krenina on the process of illustrating a children's book
Th3, The Third Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5-8 PM- Elena Rall in Attendance
Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 1 PM- Wood Kiln Opening Reception with Presentation: View pieces from the most recent wood kiln firing and learn about the process; In conjunction with Clayscapes Pottery 3rd Annual Raku Open House
Saturday, December 6, 2008 from Noon-3 PM- Thea Reidy in Attendance

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Talk by Sculptors Benedict and Sottile


Left: "I Dreamed a Crow Landed on My Head" cast bronze by Dexter Benedict
Right: "Sylph" wood carving by Donald S. Sottile

At 2 p.m. this coming Saturday, October 25th, featured sculptors Dexter Benedict and Donald S. Sottile will be in the gallery to talk about their processes of bronze casting and wood carving. Please come with questions!

Gloria Romeo joins Gallery Staff




Gloria Romeo, an established member of the local arts community, has joined Delavan Art Gallery's staff as "Gallery Sales Coordinator." We are pleased to have her on board!

We invite you to get to know her better...

Position: Gallery Sales Coordinator
Originally From: She's a Syracuse native.
Fun Fact: She has 10 grandkids- all budding artists
Known For: Her work and involvement in CNY's cultural arts community including 21 years as Director of "On My Own Time," a visual arts program and partnership among the Cultural Resources Council, Everson Museum of Art and CNY businesses
Awards: Post-Standard's Woman of Achievement in Cultural Arts, National Association of Jazz Educators Award for Youth Jazz Festival at Mulroy Civic Center
Favorite Piece of Art She Owns: pieces of art by her daughter and granddaughter
Favorite Piece of Art Purchased: "Lemons on a Plate" painting by Audrey Decker
Inspiration: "It's very rewarding to be instrumental in showcasing the talents of artists."

Joe Glisson of The Syracuse New Times

Who showed up for the New Times opening of Joe Glisson's exhibit of political cartoons from "Seems Like Old Times," his 25 yr. retrospective publication?

Mayor Driscoll, Joanie Mahoney, Joan Christensen, Elvis and more!

Below: (from left to right) Gallery Director Bill Delavan, Political Cartoonist Joe Glisson, Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll and Art Zimmer, Owner of the Syracuse New Times.



Below: Assemblywoman Joan Christensen with new gallery staff member Gloria Romeo



Below: Elvis in the house!





We also adopted Elizabeth Glisson as an honorary staff member. She was great!

Below: (from left to right) Jamie Glisson (daughter), Gloria Romeo (Sales Coordinator), Elizabeth Glisson (daughter, Honorary Staff Member), Caroline Szozda McGowan (Gallery Manager), Terez Iacovino (Gallery Assistant)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Talk by the Atelier Four printmakers

On Saturday, October 4th at 1 p.m. three of the four featured Atelier Four printmakers came to speak about their process of printmaking. Below you can see photos of Bruce Muirhead, Bill Salzillo and Amy Georgia Buchholz talking about their process.




The talk turned into an intense interactive discussion as listeners looked at plates firsthand and walked around the room hearing the stories behind specific pieces. The three printmakers often work comfortably around each other in the collaborative printmaking environment, so it was interesting to hear them cooperating together to describe their work. Additionally, teaching experience runs high in the group so they were able to discuss how their students approach the medium and what they've learned from each other. At the end, the conversation turned to history to examine how specific artists have effected the medium and what the future impact of digital will be.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Lighted Sculpture Installed


Back on August 19th a lighted sculpture was installed at Delavan Center as part of the Connective Corridor. A group of SU graduate students designed the sculpture and we are pleased to be a host. We've been busy with our re-opening, but we finally snapped a photo. To read the full story, check out the article in the Post-Standard HERE.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Two Great Events this Week

Join us at Delavan Art Gallery...

On Thursday, September 18th from 5-8 PM for Th3, The Third Thursday, Syracuse's citywide visual arts night. Special Event: Featured painter C.J. Hodge will be in attendance during Th3 from 6-8 PM.



On Friday, September 19th at 5:30 PM for an illustrated talk by Avis Berman, editor of Katharine Kuh's autobiography MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH MODERN ART.



Greater Syracuse NOW (Nat'l Organization for Women) presents an illustrated talk by Avis Berman, editor of Katharine Kuh's autobiography "My Love Affair with Modern Art."

"Katharine Kuh (1904-1994), an Art Institute of Chicago curator for over two decades and art critic for the Saturday Review for 19 years, found personal contact with artists essential. Nothing, she stated, could substitute for the experience of seeing work firsthand in the artist's studio. And that was what she set out to do. Over the productive decades of her career, modern art icon Kuh became close friends with Edward Hopper, Fernand Leger, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Isamu Noguchi, Clifford Still, and many others. Overcoming her reticence to reveal her own personal life, Kuh had written three-fourths of her memoirs prior to her death in 1994. Her editor and friend Avis Berman carefully sifted through stacks of notes, draft essays, and clippings to piece together the remaining portrait of Kuh's amazing life among artists." -Art Institute of Chicago website

Opening Photos- a Five Year Anniversary Celebration!

THE ARTISTS:

Painter C.J. Hodge (in attendance this Thursday, Sept. 18 from 6-8 PM for Th3)

Sculptor Dexter Benedict

Sculptor Donald S. Sottile

Printmaker Amy Buchholz

Father/Son Printmakers Bruce and Jake Muirhead with their family

Who got away? Printmaker Bill Salzillo snuck out without a photo... lucky duck.



THE CELEBRATION:

Caroline is back!

Terry Delavan after bringing out delicious Thai food

Gallery Women: Cheryl of Edgewood Gallery (left) and Melissa of Orange Line Gallery (right)

Bill Delavan explaining... We're Glad to be Back!

Bill setting candles in our five year anniversary cake

Staff members Caroline Szozda-McGowan (left), Courtney Rile (middle) and Bill Delavan (right) just after blowing out candles

Gallery Girls: Martyna (left) and Fall 2008 Interns Christine (center) and Terez (right)

From Christine, the new Intern

I'm Christine Kelley and about a week ago I started working as an Intern for the Delavan Art Gallery. I'm currently a Senior at Syracuse University enrolled in VPA as a Photography Major. In the recent past I had work in the Everson Biennial and hope to graduate from SU and be able to make a career as a practicing artist. Also noteworthy to be mentioned is that another Intern was hired to work at the Delavan, Terez Iacovino. She is also a Senior at Syracuse University and is majoring in Printmaking. Since we are both graduating in the spring we are currently working on our BFA shows and are hoping to be able to exhibit our work together sometime in
April.

Its always a pleasure for me to be able to go to different galleries and get to know new artists and look at their work. I'm always interested in seeing other artist's work and understanding the ideas that inspired it. Since I have been here things have been a little busy. On my first day working not only was the current exhibition hung, but also lit, something that takes a great amount of time and work. Needless to say it was a great day for an intern to start. The chance to be able to help accomplish these tasks is something that every intern is looking for when they're applying for internships.

This past week we had the opening for "Five Years at Delavan". The exhibition includes two sculptors and four printmakers. It was a great night. The artists were able to attend the opening and had the chance to speak with many of the viewers. There were always people at the show and never a dull moment. Even towards the end of the opening when the gallery was beginning to close there were still several people meandering about looking at the work. The Delavan is an excellent space to be able to really meet and speak with the artists. Its a much more personal space than many other galleries that I've been too, and it really enables there to be a one on one experience with the artists.

Donald Sottile, one of the two sculptors showing, was one of the artists that I was able to chat with during the opening. His work has been shown all over the country and to be able to meet him and talk to him about his work was a wonderful opportunity. I was also able to speak to C. J. Hodge, the artist currently showing in the Wildcard area. Both artists were very interesting to talk to and obviously very passionate about their work. C. J. Hodge will also be at Th3 this coming Thursday. One of the interesting things that he did was to make miniature paintings, maybe 2" x 3" and pass them out at the opening with his business card on the back. He's a great artist to be able to meet with and always has very interesting things to say about his own work and other exhibiting artists. I'm looking forward to being able to go to Th3 on Thursday and get a new group of people into the gallery to look at the current exhibition.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Gallery on Channel 3 News!

Last week Laura Hand of Channel 3 interviewed Bill Delavan and artist Barbara Kellogg. It aired on Tuesday, September 9th... Check it out!

http://www.wstm.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=188341

Friday, August 22, 2008

Press Release for the Exhibition "Five Years at Delavan"

Delavan Art Gallery proudly reopens with the exhibition "Five Years at Delavan"

SYRACUSE, New York -- August 25, 2008 -- Delavan Art Gallery is proud to reopen after a six month break to celebrate its five year anniversary and launch a new year of exhibitions. The first, appropriately titled, "Five Years at Delavan," opens September 11, 2008 and runs through October 25 featuring prints by the Atelier Four (Amy Georgia Buchholz, Bruce Muirhead, Jake Muirhead and Bill Salzillo) as well as sculptures by Dexter Benedict and Donald S. Sottile. In addition, as part of the new changes at Delavan Art Gallery, an exciting flex-space called "Wild Card" is being launched this fall. The first two exhibits in this area are paintings by C.J. Hodge from September 11 through October 4 and political cartoons by Joe Glisson from October 9 through November 1, 2008.

The Atelier Four is a group of artists associated with Hamilton College working together in the collaborative workshop spirit often found among printmakers. Linked philosophically to the Arts and Crafts Movement that has deep roots in Upstate New York, this group is committed to keeping the tradition of studio printmaking alive while promoting its contemporary relevance. The selection of intaglio prints exhibited in "Five Years at Delavan" compares and contrasts the working methods of the four whose teacher/student relationships developed into life-long friendships that have shaped their art and careers. From a historical perspective the selection also references the important influences of the upstate New York printmaking laboratories centered around Robert Marx at Syracuse University and Harvey Breverman at The University of Buffalo.

The Atelier Four at work

Despite similar goals, each of the four artists represents a different approach to intaglio printmaking. Bruce Muirhead is a self-defined painter/print-maker in the romantic mold. His Middlebury College colleague, David Bumbeck, who learned his craft from Robert Marx at Syracuse University, introduced him to the intaglio process in the early 1970's. Bruce is Professor of Art at Hamilton College where he teaches painting and also runs the print shop.

Bruce Muirhead, "The Italian House" Etching / Aquatint

William Salzillo, also a Professor of Art at Hamilton College, learned printmaking as a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, and later studied lithography with Garo Antresian, a founder of the Tammarind Institute at the University of New Mexico. Salzillo's new prints reference historical styles, a direction inspired by his curatorial research as Director of Hamilton's Emerson Gallery from 1982 to 1993 and 1999 to 2001.

William Salzillo, "Sun Drawing" Etching / Aquatint

Amy Georgia Buchholz studied art at Kirkland College in Clinton, NY. She earned her MFA at the University of Buffalo where she was Studio Assistant to the Director of the Printmaking Program, Harvey Breverman. Buchholz has received a NYFA Fellowship, a Kirkland College Fellowship and a NYSCA Artist-in-Residency Grant. Her recent dry points, based on nature subjects, reference the aesthetic philosophy of the Etching Revival.

Amy Georgia Buchholz, "Fledglings" Etching with Dry Point

Jake Muirhead grew up in Clinton, NY and also attended Hamilton College, majoring in art. He did post graduate work at George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia, where he earned his MFA in printmaking. Jake has participated in numerous national and international print competitions. He is currently Associate in Charge of Etching at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Maryland in addition to teaching drawing at Montgomery College and printmaking at the Washington Waldorf School.

Jake Muirhead, "Glass Factory Road" Etching

Dexter Benedict is a sculptor and the owner/operator of the Fire Works Foundry and sculpture studio in Yates County, New York. He is known for a number of commissions ranging from small commemorative awards to monumental bronze portrait figures. He states, "The process is fascinating, from the evolution of an idea in transitory soft clay to the conversion into enduring bronze..." Benedict received a B.A. in Art from Ottowa University and an M.F.A. in Sculpture from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In addition to his work as a sculptor, Benedict also teaches at Keuka College.

Dexter Benedict, "I dreamed a crow landed on my head" cast bronze

Donald S. Sottile of Penn Yan, NY, is an accomplished sculptor working in both bronze and wood. For 23 years he worked at Wendell Castle as an engineer, designer, painter, sculptor, teacher and then Director at the Wendell Castle School. In December of 1999, Sottile became a full-time artist, producing commissioned work such as eleven bronze child figures, public statues in bronze of Abe Lincoln (Town of Westfield, NY and Hartford, CT) and life-size solid wood carvings including a mahogany Madonna and Child for Grace Episcopal in Seneca Falls, NY.

Donald S. Sottile, "Sylph" carved wood and acrylic color

C.J. Hodge is a painter and photographer living in Jamesville, NY, and teaching art at Cortland Junior Senior High School. In "The Tile Series," Hodge works with digital images of people that he has captured and manipulated using image editing software. Using these images as reference, he then sketches the images with pencil, adds an acrylic under-painting and then a grid, eventually treating each square as an individual piece of art and completing them with oil pastel and pencil drawings. The exhibit of C.J. Hodge's paintings will open with "Five Years at Delavan" on September 11 with a reception from 5-8 p.m. and will continue through October 4, 2008.

C. J. Hodge, "Turning Away" Painting

Joe Glisson is a political cartoonist with a new book being released titled "Seems Like Old Times." The book is a political cartoon retrospective of work published in the Syracuse New Times, featuring major events and politicians of the past 25 years, including local topics and persons. Delavan Art Gallery is exhibiting a collection of Glisson's originals beginning on Friday, October 10 and running through November 1, 2008. A reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, October 10. Joe Glisson will be at Delavan Art Gallery for a book signing on Saturday, October 18 from Noon to 3 p.m. The new book is available for purchase at the gallery at any time during the exhibit.

Joe Glisson, "Garbage In, Garbage Out" Political Cartoon, Pen and Ink

Delavan Art Gallery is a 3,800 square foot showcase and sales venue for fine art created by area artists. Located in a convenient, downtown location at 501 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, the gallery is free and open to the public. Off-street parking is available and the gallery is handicapped accessible. Delavan Art Gallery reopens on Thursday, September 11, 2008 with regular gallery hours on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 12-6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and at other times by appointment.

"The Last Picture Show" Reception Photo



Above: Illustration professor John Thompson and SU VPA Dean Ann Clarke speaking at the reception for "The Last Picture Show" on August 8th

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Special Exhibition: The Last Picture Show

VPA’s Independent Study Degree Program in illustration concludes with ‘The Last Picture Show’ exhibition July 31 – Aug. 8

Above: "War of the Worlds" by Vincent Di Fate

After 35 years of offering professional illustrators the opportunity to receive a master’s degree while working full time, the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ (VPA) Independent Study Degree Program (ISDP) in illustration will conclude with the exhibition “The Last Picture Show,” July 31–Aug. 8 at Delavan Art Gallery, 501 West Fayette St., Syracuse. A closing reception will be held Friday, Aug. 8, from 6–9 p.m. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

The exhibition will feature the thesis work of the ISDP illustration class of 2008: Sheila Carey, Rafael Diez, Jeff Miller and Lynnette Sorbello. Also featured will be the work of 29 award-winning illustrators who have served as members of the program’s faculty throughout its history.

Faculty illustrators who will exhibit work include Joe Ciardiello, John Collier, Kinuko Craft, Roger De Muth, Vincent Di Fate, Randy Enos, Teresa Fasolino, David Grove, Rudy Gutierrez, Gene Hoffman, Gary Kelley, Anita Kunz, Betsy Lewin, Ted Lewin, Greg Manchess, Franklin McMahon, Mark McMahon, C.F. Payne, Jerry Pinkney, Don Ivan Punchatz, James Ransome, Whitney Sherman, Nancy Stahl, Barron Storey, Herb Tauss, John Thompson, Murray Tinkelman, John Vargo and Robert Weaver.

VPA began offering ISDP programs in both advertising design and illustration in 1973, after former advertising design faculty member John Sellers identified the need for a graduate program aimed at students who were already professionals and had specific goals and needs. Sellers and Vargo created the two programs as a way for these students to obtain a master’s degree in a reasonable amount of time without having to leave their jobs. They assembled a faculty of top creative professionals to teach each program and limited the students’ on-campus residency time to one two-week summer session for three consecutive summers. Students also met 10 to 12 days each year in different cities for critiques, lectures and visits to creative agencies.

“The Independent Study Degree Program in illustration was an ingenious idea that was admired throughout the illustration community for its level of excellence,” says Thompson, professor of illustration in VPA and coordinator of the ISDP illustration program. “We are especially thankful to its originator, John Vargo, and to Murray Tinkelman, who led the program for 30 years. ‘The Last Picture Show’ will be an outstanding final tribute to this original concept.”

The ISDP advertising design program will also conclude this summer. VPA will continue to offer a master of fine arts degree in illustration through its residency program.

Delavan Art Gallery will be open for the exhibition during the following days:
Thursday, July 31: Noon – 6 PM
Friday, August 1: Noon – 6 PM
Saturday, August 2: 10 AM- 4 PM
Thursday, August 7: Noon - 6 PM
Friday, August 8: Noon – 9 PM

VPA is the creative center of Syracuse University. The college is comprised of five areas: the School of Art and Design; the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies; the Department of Drama; the Setnor School of Music; and the Department of Transmedia. Together, students, faculty and staff play a vital role in the academic and cultural life of the University and Syracuse communities. Learn more about the college at http://vpa.syr.edu.


Sheila Carey, "Isaac Newt"


Kinuko Craft, "Cybelle's Secret"


Roger De Muth, "Bessie found one striped sock,
On the floor behind the clock.
Can you help her find the other?
She doesn't want to ask her mother."
-both from the book "Messy Bessie, Where's my homework?"


Rafael Diez, "Orlando Street Scene"


Rudy Gutierrez, "Katrina Loot?"


Anita Kunz, "Frog Princess"


Greg Manchess, "Night Crossing"


Jeff Miller, "Digging" (detail)


C. F. Payne, "Ross Perot"


Lynnette Sorbello, "JoAnne"


John Thompson, "Sightseers From The East"