I’m honored to have co-curated an the exhibition Kunstlerleben : From Budapest to the Valley : Stephen Gyermek Retrospective in the summer of 2011 with Miguel Guerrero (Artist & Mentor Extraordinaire) featuring the amazing Stephen Gyermek. Mr. Gyermek was truly a cultural treasure… art historian, master woodblock printmaker, stained glass designer, painter, curator… it’s incredibly humbling to have been a part of this project.
The exhibit featuring 220 artworks, objects, and documents from his personal collection and family archive, displayed together and designed as an unorthodox and approachable retrospective, across two continents and 4 countries – in scope from age 10 to the present. A challenge to offer the uncommon and remarkable in a fitting way… the galleries were stunningly motivating and emotional. An enthralling and humbling effort to honor this master artist and friend.
On Saturday, July 9th we presented Gallery Talk. Stephen, Miguel and I extended our sincere appreciation to the nearly 40 patrons who came to the event. Stephen surprised us all, speaking for nearly 45 minutes! He gave the audience an insightful and humorous survey of life events that impacted his development as an artist and art historian. Miguel and I spoke about the exhibition concept and design. In addition it was announced a catalog with a projected release date of mid-September would be produced. Special thanks to all Stephen’s colleagues and past-students who made the effort to be there and share stories and appreciation with the group. Your contributions have made this exhibition all the more special.
Rhinohead Productions 
Stephen is an extraordinary artist with a fascinating art/life… I can’t wait to see the show!!!
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A genius man full of vision, wisdom and humility… and after seeing that most of the 10 Top Blogs at WordPress are currently filled with Charlie Sheen, Nic Cage, Trump and All My Children dredge and bile, I am all the more happy to be working (and blogging) about Kunstlerleben.
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Mr. Gyermek is one of the greatest people I have ever known. A great teacher, a great artist and a great friend. Though I haven’t seen or talked to him in 20 years or so, I am very grateful to have known him back then.
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Thanks for the kind words for Stephen… if you’d like, I can put the two of you back in touch. He’s had several old colleagues, friends and students from across America and even Europe who have been able to contact him due the exhibition. I would be more than happy to do that for you if you’d like.
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Finding this article again, having had it saved in my favorites to refer to from time to time. Thank you for your time you spent honoring my grandfather. This brings me so much joy and peace to know he was loved by so many! His art work is living on as is his story! If you would ever be interested in sharing stories about Stephen I am all ears. If you know of anyone else who would like to share a memoir I would be so grateful to hear it! Thanks again for your time spent with him and honoring his life’s work.
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