Awards
Announcement
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Juror’s Statement
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| Charles Fensch judges the entries of the 2007 exhibition |
First, I would like to cite a tribute to John VanHaren; his idea and efforts to establish the MEA/MAEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition have stood the test of time for forty-three years. I also want to express my appreciation to the MAEA and the MEA for the major role they played in my career success.
The opportunity to return to my home state of Michigan and jury this exhibition was a treat indeed. It is most encouraging to see that fine artwork continues across the state.
The wide variety of submitted work signals that creativity is alive and well in Michigan. I chose work that exhibited a creative and unique view coupled with a sense of craftsmanship. I always profess the importance of creativity in our teaching and likewise in our artwork. This exhibition is a demonstration of those ideas. I congratulate all of the exhibiting artists!
May I also thank Julius Kusey and Shelli Long for their making my jury duties possible. And “hats off” to the MAEA and MEA committee members for their contributions to this exhibition.
It was my honor to be involved, thank you.
Charles Fensch
Charles Fensch
Charles “Chuck” Fensch is currently completing his tenure as professor of art (art education) at the University of Texas at El Paso. At UTEP he served as Department of Art chairman for nine years, Department of Theatre Arts and Film chairman for 15 years and also as the College of Liberal Arts associate dean.
He began his teaching career as an art teacher at Southfield High School. Later, he was appointed assistant professor, then full professor, of art at Eastern Michigan University where he headed the art education program. During his time at EMU, he served as president of the Michigan Art Education Association; Representative Assembly of the NAEA; president of the MEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition 2007 Western Arts Association of the NAEA; director, Higher Education (Western region), NAEA; and vice president (Western), NAEA. Fensch was also the NAEA’s Detroit Conference chairman.
Recently, Fensch was president of the National Council of Art Administrators, an organization of fine arts deans, college art presidents, and art department chairpersons in the United States and Canada. He has also served on the board of directors for the Texas Association of Schools of Art and as higher education representative for the Texas Art Education Association. His involvement with theatre allowed him to design sets, act in university productions, and work on four films with Jeremy Irons, Bryan Brown and Heather Graham.
His work has been shown in selected exhibitions at EMU, University of Michigan, Cranbrook Academy, The Michigan Artist-Craftsman—Detroit Institute of Arts, Museo De Arte—Juarez, Mexico, Wayne State University, Brigham Young University, and the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Arts.
Fensch was honored as Teacher of the Year (College Art) and Art Educator of the Year (MAEA). He is also an MEA Life Member.
Exhibit Dates/Hours
The 2007 Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition is on display now through May 1, 2007 (Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – excluding Good Friday) at MEA headquarters, 1216 Kendale Blvd., East Lansing, MI. The exhibition artwork is available for purchase (excluding those items already purchased). For additional information or purchase inquiries, please contact:
Shelli
A. Long
Administrative Assistant & Art Acquisitions
Staff Liaison
MEA Executive Office
1216 Kendale Blvd., P.O. Box 2573
East Lansing, MI 48826-2573
Ofc: 517/332-6551, ext. 5488 or Toll-free: 800-292-1934
Fax: 517/337-5587