VASE
VASE
Edinboro, PA is a small town, hours from a major city. Edinboro University faculty, recognized the importance of providing experiences for students to interact with art world professionals. In 1998, professors Lisa Austin, Shelle Barron, Rachel Burke and Charlotte Wellman reached out to the Erie Art Museum Director, John Vanco. The faculty offered to partner with the museum to secure a critic, historian or artist to jury the museum’s annual spring show, and to visit the university, meet with students and deliver a free public talk. This collaboration was christened VASE - the Visiting Artist & Speaker Endowment at Edinboro University, now PennWest University. Via an art auction and VASE BALL, a VASE endowment was established. Those modest funds, joined to the museum’s contributions, have brought the following art professionals to Edinboro and Erie:
2024 - Tanya Aguiñiga
2021 - Roberto Lugo
2018 - Wendy Maruyama
2015 - Jo Farb Hernandez
2012 - Emily Hubley
2009 - Wendell Castle
2006 - Joyce Scott
2003 - James Yood
2000 - Faith Ringgold
