Donald J. Siuta, '74, director of the Artists Group Gallery and owner of the custom framing business Art Dialogue Gallery, returned to his artistic beginnings January 28 when he visited campus to judge the 35th annual Art Education Student Exhibition in Upton Hall's Czurles-Nelson Gallery.
Siuta said he was happy to have the opportunity to return to campus after 10 years. Likewise, the college was pleased with the chance to have him serve as this year’s juror.
"I was familiar with his gallery and thought we’d reach out to him," said Kathy Shiroki, lecturer of art education and gallery coordinator. "It's a bonus that he is an alumnus of the program."
The exhibition, Art Evolution—Appreciating Creative Growth, runs through February 18. It features the work of 17 students and includes drawings, paintings, ceramics, photography, sculpture, textiles, and mixed media installations.
A free reception with the artists will be held Thursday, February 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the gallery.
"I am very pleased with the outcome of the student submissions," said Kelsie Tangelder, an art education major and exhibition curator. "I believe everyone did an excellent job representing themselves as artists as well as representing our department."
Siuta, who majored in art education and minored in art history, has played a significant role in the landscape of Western New York art. A former chair of the Conservation Committee for the Buffalo Arts Commissions, Siuta is an exhibiting member of the Western New York Artists Group and the Buffalo Society of Artists, of which he has served on the board of directors.
He also has judged and curated many exhibitions and teaches at Canisius College. As an artist, Suita has had solo exhibitions at the Buffalo Club, the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Canisius College, and the Arts Council of Buffalo and Erie County. His work can be found at Art Dialogue Gallery and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery Collector’s Gallery.
For more information on the exhibition, call (716) 878-4106.
Pictured (from top to bottom): Work by art education students Christine Kempf, Aleah Fierle, Kelsie Tangelder, and Julia Bottoms
