WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 7, 2016 — West Liberty University Assistant Professor of Art Robert Villamagna was selected as 2016 Artist of the Year by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.
The official awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m., March 10, 2016 in Charleston, W.Va. as part of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.
“I was surprised and pleased to receive the phone call informing me of my selection. I’m looking forward to attending the ceremony and thank Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith for my selection,” said Villamagna. Reid-Smith leads the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.
“His creative work stands the test of time. At the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, we are proud to have your award winning juried art in our state art collection,” said Reid-Smith, in Villamagna’s formal letter announcing his selection.
Each year, the artist of the year award recognizes an individual artist who has impacted the exposure to the arts in W.Va. through his or her work.
“West Liberty University is proud of Bob Villamagna and his work. He is an important part of our excellent art department and we congratulate him on his selection for this statewide honor. Our students benefit daily from his skills and artistic vision,” said WLU President Stephen Greiner.
Villamagna joined WLU in 1996. He also is also the director of WLU Nutting Gallery, which hosts art exhibitions throughout the year. He earned his master’s at Wright State University and his undergraduate degree at Franciscan University.
Prior to this award, Villamagna received four awards from W.Va. Division of Culture and History at W.Va. for juried exhibitions in 2015, 2013, 2009 and 2005. He also serves on the Wheeling Arts Commission and maintains a website at robertvillamagna.com.
“His artworks truly speak to the heritage of our state,” commented Reid-Smith.
West Virginia Division of Culture and History annually recognizes individual artists, organizations and communities in five categories: Arts in Education Award, Distinguished Service Award to the Arts, Leadership in the Arts Award, Artist of the Year Award and Governor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement as well as several biennial awards.
The College of Arts and Communication includes the departments of Journalism, Communication and Visual Art, Music and Theatre.
To read the WEELUNK interview with Villamagna, please click here. To view WTRF 7 coverage, please click here.