News and Events - Year of the Arts

Internships Open Scores of Doors for Music Students

norrisma1 — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 20:05:07 +0000

Published Date:

June 29, 2012

This spring semester, six students from Buffalo State’s Music Department received most of their education outside of the classroom.

Through professional internships, the students acquired firsthand experience and insight in their chosen field while earning credit toward their degrees.

Geoffery Kutnyak, a pianist, and Ariel Bauerlein, a cellist, worked at the Buffalo Suzuki Strings Music School. Kutnyak and Bauerlein assisted the Suzuki staff with group lessons and individualized attention for students. Kutnyak also provided piano accompaniment for performance classes.

At the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Campbell and Jennifer Schelm worked on a variety of projects including educational programming, public relations and social media initiatives, and events planning. Campbell and Schelm also helped manage the musical score collection.

Jennifer Babcock completed her internship at Buffalo State’s campus radio station, WBNY 91.3FM, focusing on music promotion.

Joshua Moore interned as a musical assistant at the Great Lakes Guitar Society. Moore helped to plan and organize professional development events for the Society, and was asked to continue his work with the organization in the fall semester.

“Through internships, students gain a view of how the arts world actually operates,” said Carolyn Guzski, assistant professor of music. “Equally important is the opportunity to meet and network with active arts professionals and to profit from their experiences as well as their regrets. Everyone's story is different in this field, and chance encounters with a variety of artists can send a newcomer spinning in exciting new directions.”

Although internships are encouraged, they are not guaranteed. Students are responsible for seeking and securing positions for the semester as well as filing the necessary paperwork to receive credit for the experience. As an upper-level elective, students are held to high standards in their positions as they apply what they’ve learned from the music program at Buffalo State.

“There simply is no substitute for this invaluable, ground-level field experience,” said Guzski. “Internships offer a unique curricular option which we hope every student will choose to include during his or her course of study.”

For more information about the internship program, visit the Music Department website.

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William Schmidt Commercial Art Collection: Art, Advertising, and History

norrisma1 — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:45:30 +0000

Published Date:

June 19, 2012

"Box 1, File 1-1: Bipperts Farms; 1958; notes and cost estimates. 5pp."

A small, aged piece of paper with notes jotted in pencil is the first artifact in the William Schmidt Commercial Art Collection. Although the scrap of paper seems insignificant, it is the perfect introduction to the body of work that follows.

William Schmidt, ’50, worked extensively in local advertising after graduating from Buffalo State’s art education program. He created hundreds of designs on commercial plastic bags that were sold locally and nationally through Buffalo’s Transparent Bag Company.

Unlike a traditional portfolio, which consists primarily of finished products, Schmidt’s collection is supplemented with dozens of notes, sketches, research material, and prototypes. These scraps, thumbnails, blue prints, and scrawled transcripts (paired with the fact that they were not discarded throughout the decades) give viewers a rare insight into the artist’s process and several mini glances back in history.

“This collection is wonderful because it is so complete,” said Daniel DiLandro, college archivist at E.H. Butler Library. “You can see his progression from the client’s wishes, to his drafts, to his final copies. The work really tells a story.”

Schmidt’s designs came long before the days of Adobe’s Creative Suite. Hand-drawn lettering and precise, delicate gridlines mark sheets of tracing paper that were used to outline various projects. On one draft Schmidt writes “move band half inch down,” and “have rabbit hold radish instead of carrot.” On the accompanying 1959 package for Irondequoit Radishes, you can see the execution of the notes on the final product.

In addition to designing packages for produce, Schmidt designed packages and advertisements for bakeries, apparel companies, grocery stores, paper products, and more. Schmidt donated his work to E.H. Butler Library’s Archives and Special Collections in 1989. Aside from his professional work, which dates from the 1950s through the 1970s, Schmidt included art he created when he was a student in elementary school, high school, and college. He also included personal artwork that reflects his military service in WWII. Interspersed among his work are newspaper clippings, documents, envelopes, and invoices from decades past.

“We accept collections that have strong ties to curriculum at Buffalo State,” DiLandro said. “Schmidt’s work might be of especial interest to art or design students, but it’s very interesting from a business and historical perspective as well. Schmidt is sort of our own ‘Mad Man,’ and the bulk of his work is dated within the time frame of the television series. Anyone interested in advertising, past or present, would enjoy this collection.”

The William Schmidt Commercial Art Collection is available at Archives and Special Collections in E.H. Butler Library, room 140. A finding aid, which details the contents of each of the five boxes of the collection, is now available online.

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Insertion Date for Daily Bulletin Feature:

June 22, 2012

Exhibition of Faculty Work Travels to China

norrisma1 — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:28:37 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

June 18, 2012

Philip Ogle, professor and chair of the Fine Arts Department, recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Beijing, China, where he shepherded 21 pieces of two-dimensional art created by Buffalo State faculty.

As part of the artistic exchange Make Your Mark: The Culture of Drawing with Capital Normal University in Beijing, drawings and paintings by faculty from the fine arts, art education, and design departments were exhibited in a university gallery May 10–22. Some faculty members created work specifically for Make Your Mark, while others sent previous pieces that fit into the parameters of the show.

“It was nice to see the work from the various disciplines all together,” Ogle said. “A few faculty members said it was the first time they had gotten involved in this kind of thing in a long time.”

In exchange, an exhibit from Capital Normal faculty was on exhibit at the Czurles-Nelson Gallery April 29–May 4, and included an impressive collection of Western-style drawings, abstract paintings, and muted watercolors in the more traditional Chinese style.

A number of students in Beijing attended the opening for the Buffalo State show and eagerly wanted Ogle to go around and explain the various pieces, which he did with the help of an interpreter.

“They had so much interest in our work,” he said, adding that they asked him to share a PowerPoint presentation of his own work and explain how it fits into the contemporary context of the art world. He talked about the importance of honoring both convention and invention in creating art.

“Their work tends to be very routed in the past,” Ogle said. “The Chinese are still discovering themselves and are fascinated with what is happening in the United States, in particular, and Europe, too.”

During his free time, Ogle explored some of the museums and galleries of Beijing and said he realized there is a huge opportunity for western artists in China.

“A vast majority of tourists are Chinese,” Ogle said. “What you are seeing is the coming age of the middle class.” And they are hungry for new cultural experiences.

He also visited faculty and student studios on the Capital Normal campus to see the projects they are working on.

“It never ceases to amaze me that students are the same the world over,” he said. “They have the same kind of questions, the same kind of concerns.”

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June 20, 2012

Preserving The Art of Girl Scouting

norrisma1 — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:53:37 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

June 11, 2012

Last September, representatives from the Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) brought a treasured piece of the storied organization's history to the Art Conservation Department's annual clinic.

It was a 1933 offset lithographic print commemorating the organization’s then 21st year, featuring a young girl in a bright blue dress uniform with a jaunty yellow scarf tied around her neck. A muted image of an elegant woman stands in the background, as if symbolizing the woman the girl will become after years of emulating the Girl Scout’s core values, which are listed in block letters behind her.

The printed poster is stunning, but through the years it suffered insect and water damage, puncture marks, and abrasions. And a cardboard easel that once attached to the reverse of the poster is missing. When first-year art conservation student Elyse Driscoll spotted the poster at the clinic, she decided to take it on as her first paper conservation project.

"I was interested because the treatment of the poster would involve conservation methods and techniques that were new to me, such as loss compensation," Driscoll said. The poster also held a personal significance to Driscoll who joined the Girl Scouts in elementary school.

For the past two semesters, Driscoll has worked diligently on restoring the 17-by-22-inch poster, which she expects to complete this fall. This is perfect timing as the Girl Scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year and are in the process of restoring and creating pieces of art to showcase the artistic side of scouting.

Alison Wilcox, senior vice president of program and membership for GSWNY, attended the September clinic, along with Janet Hill and Jane Gerken, members of the GSWNY Archive Committee, and Barbara Nelson, community member and volunteer. In addition to the poster, the women brought a black and white painting and two embroidery samplers that came from the Girl Scouts’ archive. The art conservation faculty members said students could handle the painting and poster, but suggested the organization restore the two samplers themselves, which they are planning to do.

When the poster is complete, it will be included in The Art of Girl Scouting exhibit in the Community Gallery of the Burchfield Penney Art Center, to be held April through June 2013. The exhibit also will include artwork by Girl Scouts and area artisans

In the meantime, GSWNY leaders wanted to view the progress of the poster and introduce Girl Scouts to art conservation. Wilcox and Kimberly Billoni, leader of Troop 30101, visited the Art Conservation Department on May 19 with the girls from the troop.

"The poster looks fantastic," Wilcox said. "The girls were absolutely thrilled, and they also learned a lot from the visit."

Along with hearing about Driscoll’s process with the poster, the third- through fifth-grade girls toured the department’s labs and studios where several of Driscoll’s classmates briefly explained their projects—from photographs to books to a large plaster bust. In the department’s science lab, the girls got to view pigment particles, fur and fiber samples under a polarized light microscopy. And, best of all, they got to make their own paper.

"Making paper is really hands-on—fun and messy," Driscoll said. "We thought the girls would enjoy it, and they did."

The Art Conservation Department typically charges a nominal fee for the restoration projects it performs for the public. In this case, the Girl Scouts paid for the poster with the best commodity they have going: cookies. The troop delivered 50 boxes of Thin Mints, Caramel Delights, and other favorites to the department in May and will bring an additional 50 boxes in October.

"I think the girls and their troop leader left the department with a better understanding of the value of works of art—not just in museums, but in their own homes," Driscoll said. "And perhaps they have a better understanding of why it is so important to take care of our cultural property."

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June 12, 2012

Student Profile: Travis Carlson

norrisma1 — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:44:14 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

June 5, 2012

Travis Carlson, a Buffalo State junior majoring in television and film arts (TFA) with a minor in writing, has landed a summer internship with Los Angeles-based film company OddLot Entertainment.

Known for its recent success with the critically acclaimed Drive, Rabbit Hole, and From Prada to Nada, OddLot is currently producing the independent film Ender’s Game that will be released next March.

Carlson will work in script development and office management while he writes his next independent project on the side, said Jeffrey Hirschberg, associate professor and director of the TFA program.

“Travis’ Hollywood internship is adding to TFA’s continuing tradition of its students obtaining highly competitive positions in the entertainment industry,” Hirschberg said.

Carlson, an All College Honors student and resident assistant, also co-founded the Silver Screen Association and is a member of Friday Night Live, the campus’s improvisation group. His 125-minute action film, The Codex, was one of 12 finalists in the student films category at the 2011 Buffalo Niagara Film Festival.

This is a busy time for Carlson, who just returned to the United States from the University of Virginia’s Semester at Sea program. While taking globalization-inspired college courses on the ship comprised of 650 students, Carlson sailed around the world, stopping and studying in 13 foreign countries. A documentary project of this journey is in the works.

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June 6, 2012

Clay Olympics Award Winners Announced

norrisma1 — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:29:17 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

June 1, 2012

Buffalo State’s ceramics studio was filled with frenzied creativity and fun during the 14th annual Western New York Clay Olympics held May 18.

Along with producing laughter and camaraderie among art students from four area high schools, the Clay Olympics also produced winners. Pioneer High School took first place in the timed clay construction events that included who could build the tallest tower of clay, make the most cups, or construct a pot on the pottery wheel without using their hands. Lewiston-Porter High took second place in the overall competition, followed by Kenmore East and Lancaster.

“It is great to see the enthusiasm, excitement, and energy of the students competing in the Clay Olympics this year,” said Robert Wood, chair of design and coordinator of the ceramics program. “The talent demonstrated by the students and the ceramic artwork exhibited is particularly strong and a reflection of their teachers’ ability to draw out the best from each student.

“As all four of the high school art teachers are alumni of the ceramics and art education programs at Buffalo State, it is rewarding to see them passing on what they have learned and to see the successes they are having within their own art programs.”

Students also had the opportunity compete in an art contest held in Upton Hall's Czurles-Nelson Gallery. Josh Kraft (Pioneer) took first place, followed by Jennifer Conrad (Pioneer) in second place and Kenton Smith (Pioneer) in third. The traditional pottery award went to Valerie Adolf (Lancaster). Four students also received honorable mentions: Dylan Szucs (Kenmore East), Carissa Cecconi (Lewiston-Porter); Kayla Wagner (Lancaster); and Jordan Powell (Pioneer).

All the winning artists received cash awards made possible by the Sylvia L. Rosen Endowment at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

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June 4, 2012

Summer Workshop Welcomes Aspiring Journalists

norrisma1 — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:17:32 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

June 1, 2012

Young writers have the opportunity to learn about the craft and career of journalism during a weeklong workshop sponsored by the Communication Department, August 13–17.

During the second annual Summer Workshop for High School Journalists, Buffalo State faculty and professional journalists will share their expertise with approximately 12 Western New York students entering their junior or senior year of high school.

“We wanted to keep it to 12 or fewer students because we wanted small groups and as much one-on-one time for students as possible,” said Annemarie Franczyk, assistant professor of communication, who is coordinating the workshop.

From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day in the Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building, students will get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and will acquire skills and techniques they can apply at their own school newspapers. They also will publish multimedia reports online.

“The main reason for organizing such a conference is to introduce journalism to a new generation of writers,” Franczyk said. “They get a lot of exposure to professionals.”

She points out to the students that the journalists who lead the sessions are more than just instructors; they are part of a local network they can connect with if they do pursue a journalism career. Additionally, the workshop is an opportunity to showcase Buffalo State’s stellar faculty.

“We would like to show students what we have here, let them become familiar with the campus, and use it as a base of comparison when they start looking for college programs,” she said.

Last summer, the conference drew a mix of students from urban, suburban, public, and private schools, Franczyk said, and she hopes for the same diversity this year.

A few Buffalo State communication students will assist with the workshop and serve as a resource of information for the participants. They earn one credit for their work, but Franczyk noted that the experience transcends college credit.

“A lot of the students who helped last year were nervous. They didn’t realize how much they had to share, and this experience helped them appreciate what they already know,” she said. “One student told me she would have done it even without the course credit. It’s a nice element for everyone involved.”

The cost of the workshop is $150, which includes all supplies and lunch for the five days. To participate, students must apply by June 29. Space is limited and early registration is recommended.

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June 5, 2012

The Transit of Venus: A Rare Opportunity

norrisma1 — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:33:51 +0000

Author:

Mary A. Durlak

Published Date:

May 30, 2012

Observe the Transit of Venus, a rare astronomical event that helped eighteenth-century scientists figure out the size of our solar system, Tuesday, June 5, at Buffalo State's Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium.

The Transit of Venus refers to Venus passing between the earth and the sun in such a way that it can be seen, with proper equipment, as a tiny black orb moving across the sun’s face. Buffalo State’s planetarium will present a special show, “When Venus Transits the Sun,” from May 31 to June 6 at various times. View schedule.

“This is a big event in the astronomy community,” said Kevin Williams, director of planetarium and assistant professor of earth sciences and science education. “It has provided scientists with a lot of information, including earth’s distance from the sun back in the 1700s. Now, we are learning more about the atmosphere on Venus by measuring the light passing through that atmosphere as Venus moves in front of the sun.”

The Transit of Venus will begin at 6:03 p.m. in Buffalo on June 5 and will not occur again until 2117. “We will be showing ‘When Venus Transits the Sun’ here in the planetarium,” said Williams, “and with the help of the Astronomy Club, we’ll take our telescopes—equipped with special solar filters—to the Science Museum, where the public can observe the event directly.”

Photo: Venus on the eastern limb of the sun. Courtesy: NASA/LMSAL

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June 1, 2012

Kenan Center Exhibit Features Buffalo State Artists

norrisma1 — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:20:07 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

May 29, 2012

An invitational exhibit of fine craft art now on display at the Kenan Center in Lockport features the work of three Buffalo State faculty members, one retired design faculty, and two alumni.

Extraordinary Forms III: Focus on Fiber and Wood opened earlier this month and runs through July 15, showcasing the studio work of 15 accomplished artists. Along with Buffalo State, the artists come from Villa Maria College, Edinboro College, Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) School of American Crafts, and Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada. Gerald Mead, artist, collector, and lecturer of design, serves as guest curator.

“This is a unique exhibition that specifically concentrates on the craft media of fiber and wood. It’s not something you see very often,” Mead said. “Fiber and wood craftsmen have a specialized relationship with our area and that relationship often intersects with the outstanding craft programs at two institutions—RIT and its School for American Crafts and the design program at Buffalo State. Both have a long history of influencing the careers of artisans working in these media and many of those individuals have gone on to become educators in the field.”

Buffalo State faculty included in the exhibit are Jozef Bajus, associate professor of design; Sunhwa Kim (work pictured), assistant professor of design; Barry Yavener, professor of interior design; and Nancy Belfer, professor emeritus of design. Additionally, design alumnae Carla Castellani and Ginny O’Brien are participating.

Multiple connections exist among the artisans. Mead, who served as a curator at the Burchfield Penney Art Center for several years, honed his skills under the tutelage of Belfer when she taught at Buffalo State. Bajus recently brought Belfer into the classroom as a guest to share a technique she is well known for with another generation of students.

“This show not only celebrates and highlights the excellence in these media,” Mead said, “it also underscores that Western New York is a focus for education in fiber and wood.”

The Extraordinary Forms series began in 2007 with Binational Clay featuring work by ceramic faculty from Western New York and Ontario. Extraordinary Forms II: 40 Years of Craft Media was produced in 2010 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of 100 American Craftsmen show at the Kenan Center.

This year’s 100 American Craftsmen show will be held June 1-3. At this time, Extraordinary Forms III will be open on June 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and June 3 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Afterward, the exhibit will be open during regular summer gallery hours: noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. The Kenan Center is located at 433 Locust Street in Lockport. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.kenancraftshow.com.

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