Clemson University student's work recognized by International Sculpture Center

Published: June 23, 2011

Thomas Schram was recognized with the 2011 Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award. image by: Clemson University

By Taylor Reeves 

CLEMSON — Clemson University master of fine arts student Thomas Schram has been recognized by the International Sculpture Center with a 2011 Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award.

Established in 1994, the award was created for the recognition and advancement of college and graduate students’ excellence in sculpture. Faculty members in educational institutions around the world nominate students with exceptional talent in the contemporary art field, and submitted work is viewed and judged by a panel of jurors.

Schram’s work was selected from a pool of 485 students representing more than 190 colleges and universities around the world. 

“Tom is an exemplary student who very much deserves this high honor,” said art professor and graduate coordinator David Detrich, Schram’s faculty sponsor. “His scholarly diligence and investment in the discourse of contemporary art have paved the way for him to be selected as one of the very best in a competitive field of applicants from around the world.”

Schram’s work will be included in the 2011-2012 Exhibition at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, N.J., and a picture of his work will be published in “Sculpture Magazine.”

"Being selected as a recipient of this prestigious award is quite an honor for an emerging sculptor,” said Greg Shellnut, newly appointed chairman of Clemson’s art department. “To have been chosen by a review panel of arts professionals from such a talented pool of sculptors from around the world speaks not only to the quality and aesthetic potency of Tom's work, but to the strength of Clemson's model of graduate education.”

Schram's sculptural work will be on display at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, N.J., from Oct. 16, 2011, through April 8, 2012. An opening reception will be held Oct. 15 in honor of the 2011 award winners, faculty sponsors and the institutions they represent.

“Tom's work with stacked and crushed glass demonstrates both a refined aesthetic sensibility and a keen awareness of contemporary practice,” Shellnut said.

Schram is from Knightdale, N.C.

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