Statement by President Rogers, College for Creative Studies :

I am deeply saddened to tell you of the death last night of Joseph Wesner, professor and chair of the College's Sculpture program. This tragic event comes as a shock to all of us--his family, his students, his colleagues in the Fine Arts department, and all of his friends at CCS and beyond.

Joseph was a remarkable artist and teacher, whose contributions to the College were extraordinary. His loss is devastating, and I know we all will have a difficult time coming to terms with it. Our sympathies go to his wife Lisa, their daughters Lauren and Isabella, and their family.

We do not have any details regarding a memorial service but we will share them with you as soon as they become available.

Free Press Obit:

Joseph Wesner: Teacher, renowned sculpture artist

April 3, 2002

BY FRANK PROVENZANO
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Joseph Wesner, a renowned sculptor and teacher at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, died Monday. His abstract sculptures of wood and metal are included in the collections of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Cranbrook Art Museum, Oakland University and the Saginaw Art Museum.

He was 46 and lived in Birmingham with his wife, Lisa, and daughters Lauren and Isabella.

Mr. Wesner was born in Philadelphia. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and a master's of fine art, specializing in sculpture, from Cranbrook Art Academy in 1980. Four years later, he joined CCS and later was named head of sculpture. He was known as a tireless advocate for students, pushing to get them recognition and jobs.

"Joseph was a remarkable artist and teacher, whose contributions to the college were extraordinary," said CCS President Rick Rogers.

An avid oarsman, he translated his love of the sport of rowing into his video installation inspired by the Detroit River, "Voyagers." The critically acclaimed piece was featured in the DIA's "Artists Take on Detroit," an exhibit last fall of work by local artists to commemorate the city's tricentennial.

A solo exhibit of Mr. Wesner's latest works was held in 2000 at the Hill Gallery in Birmingham.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

If you have any memories, comments etc. about Joseph, please share them with us.