May 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Harvey Levenson
Cal Poly Graphic Communication
805-756-6151; hlevenso@calpoly.edu
Lighting Executive Supports Cal Poly Development Drive—
Acquires two paintings by famous California artists
Annie and Duane Armstrong
Denis Rizzo, an executive with Las Vegas-based LongLite US, acquired two of the 59 paintings gifted to Cal Poly as part of a Armstrong/Waters Endowment to support graphic communication education at the university. Cal Poly is home to one of the largest graphic communication programs in the United States, supporting the printing, publishing, packaging and digital imaging industries.
Well-known Northern California artist and humanitarian Duane Armstrong and his wife Annie recently donated 59 oil paintings with an appraised value greater than $1.7 million. The gift was arranged by Cal Poly alumnae Pat Waters.
“Rizzo’s acquisition is an investment in education,” said Harvey Levenson, head of Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Development Program. The support advances Graphic Communication education at both academic and professional levels.
The academic program funds student scholarships, professional faculty development, lab expansion and maintenance, special lectures and joint projects between students and faculty.
At the professional level, the Armstrong/Waters Endowment ensures continuing education and applied research through the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly. The Institute is actively engaged in industry research, testing, product evaluation, and in-plant testing, and conducts seminars, workshops and conferences for working professionals.
Rizzo said, “The opportunity and memory of spending an entire day with both Annie and Duane Armstrong will not be forgotten. I now own two works of art that will remain in my family for many years to come. This was the top art buying experience of my life. The proceeds are for the purest cause -- benefiting Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication program. No commercial gallery sale can match this experience. I would recommend this type of purchase to any discerning art connoisseur because of what this university department is doing and offering, and the way that this transaction directly supports those efforts.”
Armstrong is one of America’s most published painters. During the 1970s, the popularity of Armstrong’s paintings catapulted him into the top five print sales in the nation.
The donated paintings were appraised by an independent art appraiser. The values range from $6,500 to $87,000 each. Buyers will receive original certified appraisals and will be listed as Endowment Founders through named sub-endowments.
Images and descriptions of the complete collection can be viewed at: www.grc.calpoly.edu/armstrong.
For more information on the Cal Poly Armstrong collection or on acquiring or renting any of the paintings, contact Harvey Levenson at 805-756-6151 or hlevenso@calpoly.edu.
About Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department
Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department (www.grc.calpoly.edu) was founded in 1946 and is one of the largest and best-known programs of its kind in the nation. The department includes concentrations in graphic communication management, web and digital imaging, design reproduction technology, graphics for packaging, and individualized study. The program is strongly supported by industry with equipment, supplies and software for the department's more than 33,000 square feet of modern laboratories. The Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly (www.grci.calpoly.edu) focuses on services for industry including research, testing, product evaluations, consulting, seminars, workshops and conferences.
About LongLite US
Longlite Technologies AG is an independent company with headquarters in Switzerland. Well known as a pioneer in the field of photoluminescence, the company has developed and distributed photoluminescent safety products since 1985. Based on many years of experience, developments and innovation on a high quality standard, LONGLITE has become a leading Trade-Mark for photoluminescent systems. Longlite US (www.longlite.us.com) is now operating in North America, serving the United States, Canada and Mexico.
###