Mitch Messina is a Professor of Art at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, where he teaches ceramics and sculpture. He received his B.S. degree from PSU in 1984 and a Masters in Fine Arts degree at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. He taught at numerous colleges before moving to Rochester in 1990. His artwork has been exhibited in many group and one-person shows, including solo exhibitions at the Clay Studio and the Snyderman galleries in Philadelphia, Pa. and in area art galleries at the University of Rochester, Roberts Wesleyan and Monroe community College. Recent group shows include The Clay National in Louisville Kentucky, Craftforms 2007 at the Wayne Art Center in Wayne, PA.
His work can be seen in a permanent installation of three sculptures at the Village Gate Complex in downtown Rochester and have been featured in reviews in Sculpture Magazine, Ceramics monthly and American Craft magazine. Publications include Making Ceramic Sculpture, by Raul Acero and Hand formed Ceramics by Richard Zakin. In 1991, he received the Evelyn Shapiro grant for ceramic excellence and in 1995 was awarded the excellence in teaching award from Nazareth College.
For more of Mitch Messina's work, view his personal website.
"I teach to pay it forward. Every day, I hope to be instrumental in helping at least one student find their right pathway. I teach to give back a piece of what was given to me." Read more.