Tom Little (1955-2006) studied painting and printmaking in Kent State's School of Art in the late 1970's and went on to become the Master Printer for Brand X Editions, an important New York print shop to which many prominent artists turned when seeking top talent to make multiples of their work. Tom had a keen eye for color relationships and a sure grasp of the processes needed to produce vivid, visually arresting prints. These talents were recognized by some of the most significant artists of our time, such as Chuck Close (whose work may be seen behind Tom, above), Jenny Holzer, Dorothea Rockburne, Helen Frankenthaler, LeRoy Neiman, Glen Ligon, Nicholas Howey, Robert Indiana, Wolf Kahn, Robert Longo, Vija Celmins and Terry Winters, many of whom had Brand X and Tom Little create prints for them.
For many years, Tom welcomed KSU students on travel-study trips to New York City and was a vibrant, inspiring, and generous teacher. He returned to Kent State to give demonstrations and instruction and to serve as mentor to emerging printmakers from the KSU studios. His premature death in July, 2006, was felt as a deep loss by his many friends and colleagues, who have come together to establish thie Thomas D. Little Prize in his memory to honor and continue his dedication to printmaking students in the School of Art at Kent State University.
The Thomas D. Little Prize will be an annual award to an undergraduate student excelling in printmaking, to be used for further study, supplies, travel, or other purposes to further individual education. The award will be made on the basis of portfolio review by a panel of School faculty.
Individuals may contribute to the prize by directing their gifts -- made out to the "Thomas D. Little Prize" -- to the Director, School of Art, Kent State University, PO Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242. Click here for a downloadable PDF form to enclose. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
During March and April, 2008, works on offer were previewed on-line at CMarket.. A second auction of works donated after the first auction began will be held in the near future, at a date to be announced.
Thanks to everyone who made the Gala Benefit, held on Saturday, 26 April, a resounding success. Proceeds of donations and the silent and live auctions all go to support the Thomas D. Little Prize. The evening included jazz by the Bob Niederriter Quartet, a sneak preview of video recollections of Tom's life by friends and family (plus a chance for attendees to be included in the video), and the live auction with celebrity auctioneer Al Moss of Hillbilly Idol. Food was provided by local chefs and the cash bar presided over by celebrity bartender Liz Maugans, Director of Zygote Press. Click here for a list of sponsors, artists and collectors who contributed work for auction and all who worked so hard to make the event so much fun!
We are pleased to announce that proceeds from the event exceeded the minimum needed to endow the prize; additional information will be made available shortly.
For further information, contact: Christine Havice, Director, The School of Art.