The Lindberg Award
2008 Lindberg Award Recipient
Scott Schnepf, Professor of Art
 |
|
Award Announced February 28, 2008
Scott Schnepf, Professor Art, has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the Lindberg Award, given annually to the outstanding Teacher-Scholar in the College of Liberal Arts.
Professor Schnepf has a long and distinguished career at UNH. First appointed in 1981 after completing his MFA at Kansas State University, he has exerted a steady but profound influence on an unusually broad range of important programs at UNH. Best known as an extraordinary printmaker, he has developed a reputation as a master of this medium. His works most frequently celebrate the quietly beautiful forms around us—objects in a room, buildings on a narrow street, a plant or even light streaming into an ordinary setting. In each there is both simplicity and depth, a drawing transformed into an event. As one of his colleagues noted, Prof. Schnepf is “an excellent artist whose technical brilliance serves his rich and poetic imagery.” Attesting to the attention and respect his artistry has gained, his works have been exhibited continuously and extensively, from the Currier Gallery to the Library of Congress, and many venues between and beyond.
Prof. Schnepf’s students happily provided a wealth of testimony to the impact he has had on their personal and professional development over a very long period of time. He takes studio students through the multiple stages of becoming artists with patience and skill; they learn to be critical at every step, just as they learn to explore the creative world with the perspective and vision only an artist can grasp. Each of the many who wrote spoke of him as both demanding teacher and personal counselor, reflecting the crucial balance which successful artists must achieve in creating art which brings their sensitivity and training to canvas or print. He has shown them the quiet, observing component of the creative genius, and they are to a person deeply grateful for the role he played in their development. From those who have become part of the commercial world to those painting, making prints, and teaching in the academy, all praise him as a true mentor.
Defying every popular image of the artist, Prof. Schnepf has also demonstrated a keen knack for effective management of art programs. His six years as Chair of Art and Art History saw him handle curriculum and crisis, feast and famine, outrage and euphoria with grace and a remarkable sense of perspective. He was instrumental in developing our study abroad site and programs in Ascoli, and through several summers shared all experiences Italian with undergraduates and graduate students alike. The still developing career is one which glistens with achievement, international recognition, and permanent influence on a host of current and former students. The College is very lucky to have him, and to honor him with this prestigious award.
