Sarnoff's Featured Artist of the Month - George R. Welch
Painter and art educator George Welch has resided and worked in Tucson since 1971, and has recently retired, after 40 years, from the art faculty of Pima Community College, where he headed drawing and painting - with a passion. He is equally passionate about his painting, which has been influenced by the desert, African travels, and jazz, as he reflects the rhythms and spirit of the inventiveness of the mind. He is currently a member of the cooperative gallery Raices Taller, and is exploring the next chapter of his creative life.
Dr. Louis Albert, president of the West Campus of Pima College, remarked, “Pablo Picasso once said that “painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” George Welch is a gifted teacher and artist who has shared his diary and graced this community with elegance for 40 years.”
Henry Sarnoff consistently offers a great and expanding opportunity to explore new vocabularies of painting, drawing, and graphic materials. His store is like an artist’s library, or candy store, as one can experiment with any number of new products on the market.
Over the years Henry has visited the Art Department of Pima College with several art experts to share with my students the hands-on demonstration of new art materials. During my tenure of teaching drawing and painting at Pima, Henry and I have worked hand in hand to provide students with a broad spectrum of art supplies.
He has also worked with me on all aspects of show preparation and my retrospective exhibits. Without reservation he has been a wonderful patron, and deserves my many thanks. He is also a major contributor to the TPAC Open Studio Tour for its 2012 brochure.
It’s exciting to see how Henry’s business has grown, and has helped the community with its rich art resources. I love the great easel I got from him when he began. It’s the centerpiece of my personal desert studio.
George Welch
I perceive my paintings as visual metaphors of the dream world, of chaos and the clarity of creation. When you step into the paradox of the blank canvas, you start out with something in mind and take it from where you are, like jazz.
Resume
BACKGROUND
Born in Bronx, New York, 1943
Pratt Institute, 1961-64
B. S. in Art Education, Central State University, Ohio, 1967
New York University, Urban Teacher Corps, 1967-68
Ford Foundation Grant, New York Harlem Institute for Teachers, 1968
M. S. in Art Education, Bank Street College of Education, New York City, 1971
WORK EXPERIENCE
1998-99 Fine Arts Division Strategic Plan Consultant, Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio
1983-85 Art Department Chair
1979-81 President of Ododo Theatre Foundation
1976-79 Program Facilitator
1971-2011 Retired--Full-time Art Faculty, Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona
2012 Juror and Curator of the Durango Art Center Annual Art Show
Painter and art educator George Welch has resided and worked in Tucson since 1971, and has recently retired, after 40 years, from the art faculty of Pima Community College, where he headed drawing and painting - with a passion. He is equally passionate about his painting, which has been influenced by the desert, African travels, and jazz, as he reflects the rhythms and spirit of the inventiveness of the mind. He is currently a member of the cooperative gallery Raices Taller, and is exploring the next chapter of his creative life.
BACKGROUND
