Please raise your glass and join me in toasting The University of Hartford's Limited Residency, Master of Fine Arts, Illustration, Class of 2011.

THE UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD has an exceptional MFA program in illustration. The professors and visiting instructors are inspirational, motivating and outstanding in the field of illustration. I had the honor to go through this program and it was the most amazing experience I've ever had in my professional career.

This Month, Hartford will graduate another class of exceptional professionals and I wish I could attend the ceremony. It begins with a reception in the gallery, where each artist displays their work. Then its followed by a dinner, with speeches, a slide show, a few tears and lots of hugs.

The program is under the direction of the great Murray Tinkelman. Long before I entered Hartford, I was a student of Murray. Seeing his work everywhere and hearing about his teaching in New York, Murray was the quintessential illustrator in my eyes. 30 years after first seeing his work, it was an honor to have him as a mentor through school and a continuing mentor and friend today.


Cheers!

Murray Tinkelman, charcoal on paper, 15 x 20 inches.