space odyssey expanding universe acrylic 4'x6' A large 6 ft painting "Space Odyssey" by Steve Kuzma was donated and presented in a permanent collection at the Cherokee high school library, Marlton NJ on February 12th.The painting is quite moving to see well before cell phones,computers and digital technology. The painting was completed in the Cherokee high school art room in 1978. In this work Steve coveys a sense of expanse and movement indicative of his later work in his illustration and career.When standing before this acrylic painting one is drawn into the silence of dark expanse of matte black and gloss glazes then the emergence dynamic and bright solar bursts of color that are painted with heavy textures of color engaging the viewer into a kinetic space.Painting can do that eternally unlike film or digital media.The work adorns the wall of the library with his classmate Diane Spellman's Summer Joy an oil that is in a free form contemporary style.

When I entered the building there was much security and regimentation that did not exist when we attended Cherokee in the 70's. We were given a tour of our school through halls we walked through and memories then walked to the library where the painting were presented.