Youngstown Artist Susan Geissler to Receive NCCC 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award at Annual Gala
SANBORN, N.Y. – Niagara County Community College President Dr. James P. Klyczek today announced that nationally acclaimed local artist Susan Geissler will receive the school’s 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award from the NCCC Alumni Association on October 17th, at the NCCC Foundation Scholarship Gala. Geissler’s first formal art classes were taken at NCCC where she graduated with a fine arts degree in 1974. The gala, sponsored by First Niagara Bank, begins at 5 p.m. at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, 310 Fourth St in Niagara Falls.
Susan Geissler’s mixed media work and bronze sculptures of animal and human characterizations have gained national attention and commendation. Geissler has created pieces for numerous causes, public art commissions, personal collections, as well as monuments and university mascots nationwide. Geissler also annually attends a sculpture show in Loveland, Colorado, the largest in the country where she sells her artwork.
“Susan Geissler’s work is a testament to her outstanding artistic ability and we are proud to claim her as one of our finest alumni,” said President Klyczek. “I look forward to presenting Susan our Distinguished Alumni Award on October 17th and congratulate her on behalf of the entire NCCC family.”
Recently, Geissler was commissioned by the Historical Association of Lewiston and the Niagara River Greenway Commission to create the Freedom Crossing Monument. The monument is an artistic representation of Underground Railroad Station Master Josiah Tryon and others. This is Geissler’s first public art piece in bronze that has been commissioned locally and will be larger than life size. The landmark monument will be unveiled October 14, on the bank of the Lower Niagara River in Lewiston, the actual site where hundreds of slaves made their last stop on their escape before crossing the river to freedom in Canada.
"Susan's talent and education continue to inspire the community and NCCC alumni to pursue their dreams,” said Lee Simonson, a member of the NCCC Foundation Board of Directors and who also was the individual who nominated Geissler, a former classmate. “In the art world, her growing reputation is putting Niagara County on the map and her presence has culturally enriched this area. We are fortunate and blessed to have someone so talented as a neighbor and friend."
Geissler has stayed faithful to Niagara County, sculpting from her studio on Main Street in Youngstown where her life-size works can be viewed. Geissler’s work has also been commissioned by such places as the Disney World Gallery in Orlando and the George Bush Presidential Library and purchased by collectors such as the CEO of Worth Magazine. Other works of hers can be seen locally in private homes and businesses such as the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Buffalo and the Barton Hill Hotel in Lewiston.
Tickets for the gala are $100 per person and include cuisine prepared by NCCC Culinary and Baking/Pastry Arts students, complimentary Barefoot Wine, complimentary beer provided by Certo Brothers Distributing, and signature vodka beverages provided by Third Street Liquors, Niagara Falls. Tickets are available by contacting the NCCC Foundation at (716) 614-5910 or online at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation.
The Gala will be enhanced by presentations produced by the NCCC Arts & Media Division and students including dance, music and audio-visual productions.
Funds raised at the event support the NCCC Foundation which has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to students since its inception in 1987.
