Cliff Tresner, associate professor in the ULM Division of Art, was honored Feb. 16 at the ArtsWorks 2008 by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council with its highest honor for practicing artists, The Artist of the Year Award.

Nominated by the Twin City Art Foundation and the Masur Museum of Art, Tresner was selected from a group of six professional artists, each nominated by one of Cultural Region 8's major arts institutions.

Tresner described his desire to advance a greater appreciation or understanding of his art form through his body of work. "My art connects me to a network of artists and visual art opportunities which I share with the community in hopes of establishing a dialogue which enriches and enhances our cultural offerings."

Tresner’s recent large-scale work “See What I'm Saying” has been purchased by the Masur Museum of Art and is now part of its permanent collection, placed in front of the museum.

About the Award:
To acknowledge the invaluable contributions of individual artists to the quality of life in northeast Louisiana, The Artist of the Year Award was instituted in 1993. Nominees are outstanding professional artists who have shown excellence in their discipline and have enriched the arts community through their artform.

Tommy Usrey, president and CEO of the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, spoke about Tresner’s honor. "Cliff was selected by a jury comprised of artists, art administrators and community volunteers from outside Cultural Region 8. The jury selected Cliff not only because of his body of work as a successful artist, teacher and mentor to his students, but also because of his involvement in the local arts community, raising public awareness and appreciation of sculpture as a vital medium in the art world. Having worked with Cliff since his arrival at ULM and observing his enthusiasm and dedication, I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award. Cliff has recently been selected by our Executive Committee to join our Community Representatives Board as liaison to ULM. I’m really looking forward to working with Cliff because he brings his special talents and unique perspective to the Arts Council."




Photo of sculpture "See What I'm Saying" courtesy of Cliff Tresner