The Cleveland Institute to Art regrets to announce that Clarence E. VanDuzer, Professor Emeritus, class of 1945, passed away on January 28, 2009. Mr. VanDuzer was a graduate of The Cleveland Institute of Art, class of 1945. He then earned his MFA at Yale School of Art. Mr. VanDuzer taught at CIA for 53 years, between 1947 and 2000.
Mr. VanDuzer established himself as a highly regarded artist through his painting and sculpture work. The large stainless steel sculpture at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, called Global Flight, is one of Van’s best-known public works here in Cleveland. It was crafted in 1976 to celebrate the airport’s fiftieth anniversary.
A remarkable artist, and Agnes Gund Scholar, Mr. VanDuzer was celebrated throughout his long career. His awards and scholarships include the Edwin Austin Abby Memorial Scholarship for Mural Painting, the 21st National Midyear Show-First Prize 1956- The Butler Institute of American Art, Prix de Rome National Competition Bronze Medal 1947.
His work can be found in museum collections, which include the National Academy of Design in New York, NY; Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, PA; Dallas Museum of Art in Dallas, TX; Detroit Institute of Art in Detroit, MI; Orlando Museum of Art in Orlando, FL; Denver Museum of Art in Denver, CO; Cincinnati Museum of Art in Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, OH; and Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, OH.
A scholarship is being established in honor of Clarence E. VanDuzer. Remembrances can be sent to The Cleveland Institute of Art, VanDuzer Scholarship Fund, 11141 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106. Checks should be made payable to The Cleveland Institute of Art, and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contributions can also be made online.
To read more about the life of Mr. VanDuzer, listen to this story on 90.3 WCPN Ideastream, or read this article on one of Mr. VanDuzer’s exhibits.
7 Comments
Does anyone know whether Clarence Van Duzer was an art student at West Technical High School under Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ulen?
yes. van was an art student with the ullen’s at west tech.
he had high regard for the husband and wife art instruction team.
van and i attended most of the west tech alumni gatherings
throughout the years. he enjoyed his high school days at west tech and the ullens.
Would anyone know if Mr. Van Duzer lived on Wadena Ave. in East Cleveland some 50 years ago? I had a childhood flashback when I saw his name and photo in the online obituaries. My grandmother lived on that street. Thanks, and so sorry for your loss.
yes. van lived on wadena ave. when he moved back to cleveland and began teaching at CIA in the early 50’s.
I remember coming to his studio in the Flats when I was very young for a family reunion. There were some HUGE metal sculptures he was working on. We even had the opportunity to see his apartment upstairs. I knew him though as “red”.
Mr. Van Duzer was a kind man and a good mentor. I remember his classes and encouragement very well. I’m sorry to learn of his passing.
Great Uncle “Red” I remember his studio in the flats too! We miss him. He was too cool and always said the funniest things.