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Chuck Schmidt and Stephen Talasnik What inspires an artist? Perhaps it is something observed, imagined or experienced. For Stephen Talasnik, ’79, it’s the 1964 World’s Fair that made an indelible impression; for William Villalongo, ’01, it is reacting to disparate information that he encounters in painting, kitch, or science fiction. For Jack Wax, ’78, it is his investigations of cartographic activity, and for Bruce Paul Grefe, ’68, it’s a mix of literature and surrealist fantasy that informs his work. The sources are as unique as each artist and his or her work. But there is another kind of inspiration, one not necessarily manifest in the artwork directly, but equally important, and that is the influence of a teacher in learning how to work. Whether demonstrating the necessary discipline and skill, or encouraging the curiosity to pursue a project or solve a problem, teachers have a profound effect upon their students’ lives. At this year’s Tyler graduation, the above highly acclaimed artists returned to salute our retiring faculty members Chuck Schmidt, Stanley Whitney, Jon Clark, and Neil Kosh, ’54 and ’56, for just that form of inspiration. As Bruce Paul Grefe said of Prof. Neil Kosh, “I cannot overestimate his influence. If I have any measure of success in my teaching, it belongs to his continual guidance and example.” Read their presentations and catch up with these distinguished Tyler alums and professors by clicking on their photos here. We are also sending along a graduation photo gallery—you’ll see it is still the festive occasion that it always was on the Elkins Park campus. This year everyone, including students from Architecture, could celebrate together! Have a great summer, Hester Stinnett Vice Dean John Clark and Jack Wax
Stanley Whitney and William Villalongo
Graduation2009
Neil Kosh and Bruce Grefe