A pioneer in the studio-glass movement, Stankard interprets native flowers in small scale glass sculptures
Paul Stankard, a Mantua resident with an international platform for his peerless glass objects, has added a new bouquet to his vast awards collection.
Respected worldwide for his work, Stankard was honored recently with the Muskingum University President's Medal. Stankard, who holds an honorary Muskingum Doctor of Fine Arts degree, was honored "in recognition of exemplary actions on behalf of others, and distinguishing himself through his career as an inspirational bridge between past triumphs and future dreams."
"We are extraordinarily proud to honor Paul with the medal," said Anne C. Steele, Muskingum president and an attendee of the ceremony in Stankard's studio along with his past co-workers. "Paul is known worldwide for his exquisitely botanical works.. Today, his works reside in the permanent collections of more than 70 prominent museums throughout the world."
"I am truly humbled by this honor," Stankard said. "I attribute much of my career growth to the knowledge I have gained from scholars in the academic world.
"In recognition of this award, I have created a special orb, 'Celebration in Glass: VIsiting Walt Whitman's Garden on May 25,'.honoring Walt Whitman, a poet who has inspired my work throughout the years."
A pioneer in the studio-glass movement, Stankard interprets native flowers in small scale glass sculptures. His work explores and interprets color, texture and delicacy while celebrating the plant kingdom.
Stankard is artist-in-residence and lecturer at Salem Community College, where he inspires students to search for their creative spirits.
Stankard was selected to create the official United States gift to the People's Republic of China when diplomatic relations were established in 1979.
He also was recognized recently as "Master of the Medium" by the James Renwick Alliance at the Smithsonian Institute and was awarded the Glass Art Society's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stankard delivered the commencement address at Muskingum in 2007 and received rave reviews and a standing ovation.
Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.