FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:

February 12, 1999 José A. Alvarez (619) 594-2585 jose.alvarez@sdsu.edu

 

SDSU Student in National Crafts Competition Final

A San Diego State University student has been selected as a finalist in a national crafts competition.

Matthew J. Haryslak, a senior majoring in furniture design at SDSU, is a finalist in the NICHE Student Awards Program, created in 1996 to recognize the achievements of American craft artists.

"I am really excited," said Haryslak. "Being in the finals has given me great exposure and an opportunity to meet and interact with other crafts students and professionals."

His piece, "Progressions", a wall cabinet made from wood, metal and found objects, competed in the furniture category. This year there were 363 entries from 59 schools throughout the United States and Canada. The entries are judged on technical excellence and creativity, both in surface design and form; market viability and uniqueness and originality.

The Awards are sponsored by NICHE Magazine, which is distributed to 20,000 retailers of American crafts. The winners will be announced at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft, February 21, 1999. Each winner receives a certificate of recognition and all finalists have the opportunity to display their work at a special exhibit at the Buyers Market, where it is seen by thousands of buyers from galleries and retail stores from across the country. Also, the names of all finalists and the works of all winners will appear in the spring issue of the magazine.