9-10-98

Contacts:
Murray Blackwelder, External Affairs, (515) 294-7730
Mark Engelbrecht, Design, (515) 294-7427
David Topel, Agriculture, (515) 294-2518
Steve Sullivan, News Service, (515) 294-3720

EGYPTIAN PAINTER WILL BE ISU CARVER ARTIST-IN- RESIDENCE

AMES, Iowa -- Youssef Asar, an award-winning painter from Cairo, Egypt, will be Iowa State University's George Washington Carver artist-in-residence during the 1998-99 academic year.

Asar, who arrived at ISU in early September, is based in the College of Design, where he will teach a painting course during the spring semester. Asar also will conduct painting seminars, lecture and assist in other art and design courses during his ISU residency. Asar's appointment is sponsored by the College of Agriculture, College of Design, ISU Extension and the ISU Office of External Affairs.

Iowa State University is celebrating the legacy of its first African American student and faculty member, George Washington Carver. The celebration includes a series of cultural and educational events and programs. Renowned for his accomplishments as a scientist, Carver also was an accomplished artist. Two of his paintings were exhibited at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.

"Like George Washington Carver's paintings, Youssef Asar's artistic works celebrate his love of the earth and environment," said David Topel, dean of the College of Agriculture. "We are honored to have Asar at ISU as our Carver artist-in-residence. He will be an important component of our Carver celebration and contribute to the diversity and internationalization of our university."

Asar has spent most of his life in Egypt, but also spent many years in Australia. Asar's work has been exhibited throughout Europe, Egypt and Australia, and is on permanent display in museums throughout Egypt, Australia, Europe and the United States. His work has won numerous awards in Egypt and Australia.

Asar also has experience as an art teacher and lecturer in Egypt, Australia, and India. He established a fine arts department at what is now the University of the Northern Territory in Australia.

"In addition to his abilities as a painter, Asar brings excellent teaching credentials to Iowa State," said Mark Engelbrecht, dean of the College of Design. "His Iowa State residency will be an excellent opportunity for our students and our faculty."

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