Becca Osborn Recognized with Thayer Fellowship of the Arts and Patricia Kerr Ross Award

Rebecca Osborn, a visual artist and Stony Brook University Master of Fine Arts student, was one of two recipients of the annual Thayer Fellowship of the Arts and the Patricia Kerr Ross Award, presented by the State University of New York (SUNY) to help foster environments where artists have the support they need to thrive.

"Works of art and artistic expression help nourish the spirit and expand the mind, and SUNY is proud to foster the talents of outstanding students who create artwork that connects, inspires, and transforms our communities," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. "The Thayer Fellowships and Patricia Kerr Ross Award exemplify our dedication to celebrating and supporting the next generation of artists as they follow their dreams. Congratulations to this year's exceptional awardees."

"Stony Brook University is an institution defined by excellence and impact, including in our deep commitment to the arts that inspires our imagination, speaks to our humanity and our emotions, and connects us to each other and our past in truly unique ways," said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. "Rebecca Osborn's recognition reflects the extraordinary creative talent flourishing at Stony Brook. The arts are essential to who we are as a university, to the communities we serve, and to how we shape a more thoughtful, innovative, and connected world."

Osborn and Bianca Calá of SUNY Purchase College were both honored as recipients of the Thayer Fellowship, and split the Patricia Kerr Ross Award.

Osborn's project, Landscape of Awe, used ceramics, intricate textures, and multi-layered glazing to depict the communal and individual journeys of grief and loss and their connection to hope and joy. The installation was in the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery and included in the Spring Art Crawl. Karen Levitov, Zuccaire Gallery director and curator, described Osborn's work as "a labyrinth-like pathway with ceramic sculptures and earth that invites contemplation about life cycles and the natural world."

The Thayer Fellowship was established in memory of Jeanne C. Thayer, SUNY Board Trustee from 1974-1984. Fellowship selection is based on talent, achievement, and potential as a professional artist. Osborn and Calá were awarded $7,000 each.

The Patricia Kerr Ross Award was established in honor of the former artistic director of the Thayer Fellowship. These awards are provided each year to outstanding students preparing for graduation from a SUNY school. The Ross Award of $1,000 is given annually and was divided between SUNY's two exceptional winners. The basis for this award is excellence, originality, and promise.

The fellowships are intended to provide post-graduate support for SUNY students pursuing careers in the arts. The awards may be used for, but not limited to, auditions, studio space, supplies, equipment, website development, rent, recording sessions, and publishing costs.