Recent Graduates of C.W. Post Master of Fine Art Program to
Unveil Artwork to Beautify Nassau County Social Services Building

Dedication Ceremony: Thursday, June 3 at 5 p.m.

Images of calm cool waters, bright seascapes and colorful geometric shapes will greet visitors to the Nassau County Social Services building in Mineola courtesy of two graduates of the Master of Fine Art (MFA) program at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University.

The artwork is part of the "Scholars for Nassau" initiative, a program created by County Executive Thomas Suozzi in an effort to bring together resources from local universities and the County. A dedication ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 3 at 5 p.m. in the Social Services Building, located at 101 County Seat Drive in Mineola.

Two of C.W. Post’s MFA students were selected to create the work earlier in the year by Seung Lee, Director of the C.W. Post Fine Art and Graduate Studies program. Each student had to write a proposal to the county detailing what their work would be and how they would complete it.

"The artwork improves the aesthetics of the building and makes surroundings more pleasant," said Suozzi. "I am thankful to these talented students for their generous contribution to the residents of Nassau County."

The murals were created by Elizabeth Kisseleff and Ryan Seslow, both 31, who intend to make people more comfortable during their visits to Social Services. Kisseleff, of North Bellmore, painted a large ocean view to convey a calm atmosphere in the waiting room, and Seslow, of Island Park, created brightly colored abstract paintings in a large conference room used by staff and clients.

"I tried to think about what I would want to look at if I spent time here," said Kisseleff.

"I thought about the places I go that inspire me."

Kisseleff said she spent about a month working night and day on the six-panel, 6 foot tall, 15 foot long piece while at the same time putting together her graduate thesis show. In the end, the work was used as part of her thesis.

According to Seslow, whose nine-paneled painting consists of circles with layers of color, "I wanted to enhance the environment for the clients. All age groups respond to color. Hopefully the use of color here will draw people to respond in a positive way."

Kisseleff and Seslow both graduated from C.W. Post with MFA degrees on May 9, 2004.

The M.F.A. program is part of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at the C.W. Post Campus in Brookville. Dr. Donna Tuman, chair of the Art Department at C.W. Post said, "We are honored to have our M.F.A. students contribute their creative resources and abilities to the Long Island community. They have demonstrated how the visual arts work in extraordinary ways to positively influence our everyday lives and rejuvenate the human spirit."

The mission of the Nassau County Department of Social Services is to provide financial assistance and supportive services to eligible individuals and families in Nassau County. In addition to offering specialized programs, the Department protects children, adults and families by enforcing the mandates of New York State Social Services Law and provides secure detention for youths at the Nassau County Juvenile Detention Center.

For additional information, contact the C.W. Post Public Relations Office at (516) 299-2332 or the Nassau County Department of Social Services at (516) 571-5342.