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August 20, 2013

ULM professor's sculpture chosen for national juried art competition

Clifford Tresner, associate professor of art at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, has been selected as a featured sculptor at Delta State University's 6th Outdoor Sculpture Biennial.

The exhibition will take place at the Hazel and Jimmy Sanders Sculpture Garden in front of the Bologna Performing Art Center in Cleveland, Miss.

"Having my work selected by a jury process from a national pool of artists is a great accomplishment," said Tresner.

"It reaffirms that I am conducting creative research that is important and relevant, and it allows me to represent ULM, VAPA, and the Department of Art through venues that promote quality of life as being an important part of community and education."

Inspiration for his sculpture "Gesture," a Corten steel piece created in 2011, came directly from his educational experience.

"As a young student artist, I found it difficult to write and talk about my artistic work," said Tresner.

"Using words and letters as part of my sculptural 'language' allows me to work through many things that require a linear approach. Using words to construct a figure just seemed sensible, as we are the species engaged and concerned with such things."

Nan Sanders, project organizer and benefactor of the sculpture garden said, "We are so happy to have Cliff Tresner's work here in the garden. My brief time talking to him was really enjoyable. He seems like a wonderful man, and his work is a clear reflection of that."

She continued, "We take ten pieces, and Cliff's piece is one of my personal favorites in this competition. The viewers that come through our sculpture garden are often new to the outdoor sculpture experience, so I love to have pieces that relate to viewers on many levels, and I expect that the Tresner piece will do that. We bring a lot of children through our Garden, and I can't wait to hear their comments. I think it's going to be a favorite for all viewers."

The entire experience has risen to the top of Tresner's favorite professional moments.

"When delivering the work to Delta State University, I had the opportunity to give an interview about my work and attend a reception," said Tresner.

"It was great to meet with the sponsors and patrons of the exhibition, Delta State University President Bill LaForge, and the sculptors selected for the exhibition – many who have shown on ULM's campus."

Tresner obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Indiana State University in 1990 and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Mississippi in 1994.

He has worked for ULM for over 17 years.

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