Source: Elliott Pujol, 785-532-6605, hepujol@k-state.edu
Photos available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415.
News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k-state.edu

Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010

K-STATE'S ELLIOTT PUJOL TO RECEIVE A 2010 GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARD

MANHATTAN -- Elliott Pujol, professor of art at Kansas State University, will receive a 2010 Governor's Arts Award for his work as a master metalsmith and Kansas artist.

The Governor's Arts Awards are given annually to recognize distinguished Kansas artists, patrons and arts educators. Pujol will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 11, in the Washburn Room at Washburn University's Memorial Union.

"Elliott Pujol is such a respected artist internationally -- it's great to have his work also honored in his home state," said Gerry Craig, head of K-State's department of art. "His technical skill, intellectual acuity and expertise within the history of the discipline are peerless. He is also a terrific teacher and wonderful colleague, and we are delighted he is being recognized."

Pujol earned his master of fine arts degree in 1971 from Southern Illinois University. The same year, the National Endowment for the Arts and Penland School of Crafts selected him as one of the 50 outstanding craftsmen in the United States. Pujol also was chosen by the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis as a master metalsmith in 2005, which included a one-person retrospective of his work. Pujol joined K-State in 1973 and was promoted to full professor in 1983.

His work is comprised primarily of vessels, including a copper-covered 1960 Dodge truck that K-State's Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art featured on its rooftop gallery in 2008.

Pujol has worked in a variety of metals, but said he favors copper because to its workability.

"It seems to take texture and color better, so I can more easily create the surface I want while I'm working with it," he said. Some of Pujol's work can be viewed online at: http://www.k-state.edu/art/faculty/bios/pujol_elliot/

Pujol is one of six people or organizations receiving the 2010 Governor's Arts Award. An expert panel made up of members of the Kansas Arts Commission, a representative from the governor's office and arts professionals select the winners from submitted nominations.

The Kansas Arts Commission is a state agency dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Kansas. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the people of Kansas to experience, celebrate and value the arts throughout their lives. More information on the commission is available http://arts.ks.gov