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August 26, 2011

ULM's Tresner selected as juror for outdoor sculpture competition

On Sunday, Oct. 9, ULM Associate Professor of Art Cliff Tresner will lend his artistic eye as juror at the national outdoor sculpture competition, Salmagundi XV, in Rocky Mount, N.C. He will select a winner for the competition's best in show award and present a related professional lecture.

Tresner, also director of the ULM Sculpture Garden and Bry Gallery, chose 10 finalists out of 47 entries nationwide.

"It was an honor to be selected as juror for this exhibition and a pleasure to note that many entries to the competition have been shown in our own ULM Sculpture Garden," he stated.

Salmagundi refers to a heterogeneous mixture or potpourri. The competition and subsequent exhibit gathers together a substantial variety of artists, materials and ideas and is sponsored by The City of Rocky Mount through the Maria V. Howard Arts Center.

The center's Visual Arts Specialist Catherine Lloyd praised Tresner's "outstanding reputation, dedication, and advancements in large sculpture, both as an artist and as an administrator."

Lloyd added that Tresner came to her attention in 2009 when his work was selected for Salmagundi XIII.

"He was wonderful to work with, and Cliff really has a passion, often at his own expense, to promote sculptors and create opportunities for sculptors to exhibit and engage the public," she said. "His extensive technical knowledge and experience working with sculpture in public spaces are imperative qualities for our jurors."

Lloyd said that Tresner is a respected member of the national sculpture community, with an extensive exhibition record and administrative understanding of sustaining sculpture in public spaces.

"He has a genuine desire to further the reach of art in non-academic spaces," she said. "Working with Cliff on Salmagundi XV has been a very enjoyable experience, and he has selected a comprehensive exhibit containing traditional and experimental sculpture. Our exhibit tour is always well attended by artists and local community members. We look forward to his presentation Oct. 9."

Tresner has been awarded numerous funding grants towards personal artwork and professional development in addition to amassing an extensive exhibition record in nine states. His works have received many accolades, including the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council's "Artist of the Year" award and a 2001 Addy Award.

He has a long history as a contracted consultant on public art projects and has often donated his expertise to his local community through workshops, presentations and event participation. Tresner received an MFA from the University of Mississippi.

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