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Osborn Exhibition Opens Oct. 9


PLATTSBURGH, NY __ Thirty-seven sculptures by Don Osborn, professor of art at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, will be on display in the Burke Gallery and the Myers Lobby Gallery from Oct. 9 through January 21, 2005. The exhibit, "Profound Shapes: The Art of Don Osborn," opens with a reception, which is open to the public, on Saturday, Oct. 9 in the Burke Gallery, Myers Fine Arts Building.

Art Professor Don Osborn The sculptures in the exhibition include a large selection of Osborn's recent work and a retrospective selection of unique and seminal pieces produced over a period of 20 years.

His works are divided generally into four groups that evolved during this time period.  The first phase is of physical abstraction - abstract references to visual reality, many including color. 

In the second phase, the sculptures develop a distinct narrative element that evolves into allegory.  Color becomes monochrome and sinks below the surface. 

The third phase is of maquets and monuments.  A distinct sense of scale and monumentality develops in the work and we see the physical reality of works rise and fall.  In the most recent works -- a fourth state of evolution -- a narrative, in some cases comment, returns to the sculpture.

Osborn came to SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall of 1985 when he assumed direction of the sculpture area.  Since that time, the program has changed greatly in facilities and broadening of student opportunities.  The scale of student accomplishments during this period expanded immensely.  Students and community have benefited greatly from the presence of three-dimensional creativity and projects throughout the Art Museum Sculpture Park.  Bringing artists, installing and choosing works and turning the activities into a learning experience have challenged many students to pursue their own sculptural experiences.

One of many Osborn pieces on the Plattsburgh State campus While pursuing these teaching accomplishments at Plattsburgh State, Osborn's own work has passed through a critical and definitive evolution.  These changes have been recognized by placement in prestigious exhibitions and collections, such as:  The Chicago Pier Walk Exhibition; Convergence (Providence, R.I.); Art Omi (N.Y.); Western Sculpture Park (St. Paul, Minn.); University of Northern Michigan and Franconia Sculpture Park (Safer, Minn.). He was also the recipient of the SUNY Award for Exemplary Contribution to Research and Scholarship.

Although Osborn plans to retire at the end of the fall semester, much of this work and activity will continue.  Quoting his former student, Dave Colosie, "An artist and teacher like this cannot retire; he can only leave his job."

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