SDSU: Van Zante Artists

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Van Zante Artists

The Van Zante Visitation Program
Of Artists & Designers in the
Department of Visual Arts

Born in Brookings County, Helen Johnson Van Zante played a major role in the research and development of the microwave oven. She began her study of science here at State, but she also took art courses from Professor Ada B. Caldwell, the teacher of the South Dakota painter, Harvey Dunn. To encourage students at State, she left a large bequest that endowed an annual visiting artists and designers program, The Van Zante Visitation Program.

The program has honored nationally and regionally prominent artists and designers, as well as State Alumni from the department, such as, sculptor Carol Hepper of McLaughlin, South Dakota, and graphic designer Ed Bennett from Marshall, Minnesota, both of whom have achieved national significance in their respective field.

Annually, from one to three Van Zante visitations of artists and designers enriches our department studios and campus life. The Van Zante Visitation Program gives Visual Arts majors a number of direct contacts with artists and designers who have achieved success. These personal links between students and practitioners represent the essential spirit behind Dr. Helen Johnson Van Zante's generosity.

Past Van Zante Artists and Designers:
1998: Steve Welch, Carol Hepper, Tom Huck, Roy McKelvey (lectures)

1999: Susan and Garry Hartenhoff (Ritz Gallery Exhibition and lecture)

2000: Derek Sussner and Ed Bennett (lectures)

Barb Donelan, Connie Asher, Brad Bunkers (Ritz Gallery Alumni
Exhibition: Three Colorado Designers)

2001: Chris Casady, Josh Davis, Ron Stucki (lectures)

Josh Spies (Ritz Gallery Alumni Exhibition)

2002: Mike Dowling and David Webster (lectures)

2003: Erik Ritter and Mark Wagner (Ritz Gallery Exhibition: The Broth
Project)

2004: Adam Bertrand, James Grav, Crystal Hanson,Adam Robinson

           Arika Sanders,Billy Sides III,Andy Smith, Austin Tucker, Jordon
           Weideman, Anthony Deiss, Darren Halbersma, Dennis Holm,Terry
         Nemitz, Renae Pemble, Mark Stemwedel and Seth Volk (Ritz Gallery
         Exhibition: The Visual Wave: Daotronics Artists/Designers)

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