Tony was my most recent advisor. I think given his background, traditional approach to painting, as well as his incredible knowledge of art history makes a huge / positive impact in the MFA program. I was incredibly disappointed when I heard the news that he was being moved out of the program.
N
Nicholas Enevoldsen
9 years ago
Tony was the very reason I joined the MFA program at Lesley. He is without question the most inspiring professor I have had the pleasure of studying with. I cannot imagine what my graduate experience would have been without his critical insight and genuine support of my work and that of my peers. Tony's specialized knowledge and personability complements the MFA program. His absence during my final MFA residency was greatly felt and I lamented the incoming students being deprived of such a luminous figure. As a graduate from the program I urge you to please keep Tony on staff. He is truly one of the program's greatest assets.
T
Teresa A Bonillo
9 years ago
Let me illustrate my first graduate meeting with Tony, We had not yet met, but he remembered my 5 minute introductory.
He walked into the room and exclaimed "Oh ! I have something for you! He left ,only to return with a book. This book was instrumental in the formulation of not only my Masters,Thesis 2 1/2 years later, but of my entire current artistic path. What I found out later of this special gesture was that it was a personal book of his, one someone gave him when his mother had passed. He had not even read it yet, but somehow knew I needed it. It is this inselfish, sensitive nature that makes Tony irreplaceable. Tony is an authentic teacher, a talented artist, and a kind hearted soul. 'nough said.
I
Ian Torney
9 years ago
A great teacher and a wonderful man!
N
Nancy McTague-Stock
9 years ago
It was an incredible honor to work with Tony during my tenure as an MFA student. Tony's extensive knowledge of art historical classics as well as classical methodologies provided an integral balance with faculty well-versed in contemporary methodologies. As a mentor, Tony was always there for his students, always accessible. His development of the MFA program proved Tony to be one of the leaders in the Low Residency MFA concept, making the MFA an attainable goal for many working artists who could not leave their studios full time for a full time, on site MFA. Additionally, Tony provided many BFA students (my daughter being one of them) with an open door policy, and open mind and thoughtful response to their work as they navigated the early aspects of their artistic careers. My hope is Tony will have a place in the MFA program moving forward at LUCAD.
J
Jennifer Rosselli Cornetta
9 years ago
Tony has been an amazing support to me over the years. I've kept in touch with him since having him as an instructor in the MFA program at AIB/Lesley 2005. Over the course of eleven years, he has written me stellar recommendations and helped me with taking photos of my artwork. He is so supportive and committed to his students and colleagues and, in the midst of a competitive art world, respected the humanity in my artistic process. Please keep him on staff.
F
Francesca Milliken
9 years ago
Dear Faculty and Administrators,
I would be happy to write a 92nd comment on this petition about what a wonderful teacher, artist, and person Tony Apesos truly is, if that would help to sway your opinion of him. However, I am guessing that–even before the first comment was posted–you already knew how much his students value him. Therefore, I have to assume that your decision about his position in the MFA program has nothing to do with his dedication and skill as an educator. So, instead of enumerating all the ways that Tony has helped and supported me personally, I would like to ask/beg you to reconsider the possible alternatives to your decision.
Obviously, I do not know why AIB/LUCAD wants Tony to leave, but I do know that the MFA program will suffer a great loss without him. Whatever the politics are or whatever your differences may be, surely a group of people as thoughtful and creative as all of you can find a way to compromise and work together for a better resolution. Please try– for Tony's sake and for all the future students who will benefit from his wisdom, enthusiasm, attentiveness, and sense of humor.
Sincerely,
Francesca
D
Dominique Gagnon
9 years ago
Tony was one of my best teachers in the MFA program, extremely supporting and available, and with a deep knowledge of art history and technical aspects. Always helpful in a very positive way.
S
Scott Bulger
9 years ago
Tony Apesos is a credit to the MFA program at LUCAD, a credit to artists, and a credit to the human race. Any program, any organization, or any group of people are better off for having him a part of the group. The loss of Tony to the MFA program, will be exactly that; a loss to the program.
F
fern migdal
9 years ago
Tony is one of the most empathic, giving and sharing of the faculty at Lesley. He spent time with me when I had no appointment. He must remain at Lesley. Do not let him go!
G
Gil
9 years ago
If the master artists were alive today, they’d have nothing to do with the staff & faculty members at AIB, that cling to their ego and importance. The whole program needs to be gutted.
There really is only about three teachers that make the foundation of this program and one of them is Tony Apesos. Where ever Tony is, art, inspiration, learning takes place, all while having fun. Get a grip AIB! You should pay the students to be there!
C
Cindy Kaylor
9 years ago
Featured
How can traditional boundries be challenged unless they are understood? My work was not traditional. Tony gave me more input, consideration and help than anyone I can think of.He is the backbone of the program. Maybe he should be promoted?
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
His voice is needed on the programme. He is a faculty member who is generously engaged with the students' progress and is a wealth of very specific knowledge.
M
Maria Scott
9 years ago
Tony always had time to talk with me. Even though he was never my advisor he spent individual time with me every residency. He taught us so much. The program will lose something without him.
R
Richard Strong
9 years ago
If it weren't for Tony, I would not have chosen Lesley and its MFA program. He is the most important member of team. Do not lose him.
J
Jeannine Lazzaro
9 years ago
In the beginning of this program it was synonymous with Tony. A lot of people became aware of this MFA program because of Tony's excellent reputation. I feel that this decision needs to be clarified and justified in some way that will not hurt this wonderful man! On the surface it looks like another case of an institution carelessly casting aside an individual who has worked painstakingly in its behalf. We, who have benefitted from Tony Apesos' kindness, hard work and talent deserve an explanation.
R
Rinat Harel
9 years ago
Unless there are unknown circumstances, the dismissal of Tony Apesos from the MFA programme seems like a huge injustice.
B
Bethany Bennett Behr
9 years ago
I probably would have dropped out of the program if it wasn't for Professor Tony Apesos. Please don't let go of my mentor and adviser.
L
Lauren Cross
9 years ago
I was not privileged to have as many encounters with Tony during my time at AIB but I have always greatly admired his vision for the MFA program and how it could better serve students. I've had the opportunity to speak at Lesley's Preview days about the program and it was usually me and Tony sharing with prospective students together. I count those moments as an honor because I remember being a prospective student inspired by his vision for the program. I don't know what the reasons are for his termination but I'm surprised to see LUCAD let go of someone who has been so integral to the program's development, vision, and success.
Tony was my most recent advisor. I think given his background, traditional approach to painting, as well as his incredible knowledge of art history makes a huge / positive impact in the MFA program. I was incredibly disappointed when I heard the news that he was being moved out of the program.
Tony was the very reason I joined the MFA program at Lesley. He is without question the most inspiring professor I have had the pleasure of studying with. I cannot imagine what my graduate experience would have been without his critical insight and genuine support of my work and that of my peers. Tony's specialized knowledge and personability complements the MFA program. His absence during my final MFA residency was greatly felt and I lamented the incoming students being deprived of such a luminous figure. As a graduate from the program I urge you to please keep Tony on staff. He is truly one of the program's greatest assets.
Let me illustrate my first graduate meeting with Tony, We had not yet met, but he remembered my 5 minute introductory. He walked into the room and exclaimed "Oh ! I have something for you! He left ,only to return with a book. This book was instrumental in the formulation of not only my Masters,Thesis 2 1/2 years later, but of my entire current artistic path. What I found out later of this special gesture was that it was a personal book of his, one someone gave him when his mother had passed. He had not even read it yet, but somehow knew I needed it. It is this inselfish, sensitive nature that makes Tony irreplaceable. Tony is an authentic teacher, a talented artist, and a kind hearted soul. 'nough said.
A great teacher and a wonderful man!
It was an incredible honor to work with Tony during my tenure as an MFA student. Tony's extensive knowledge of art historical classics as well as classical methodologies provided an integral balance with faculty well-versed in contemporary methodologies. As a mentor, Tony was always there for his students, always accessible. His development of the MFA program proved Tony to be one of the leaders in the Low Residency MFA concept, making the MFA an attainable goal for many working artists who could not leave their studios full time for a full time, on site MFA. Additionally, Tony provided many BFA students (my daughter being one of them) with an open door policy, and open mind and thoughtful response to their work as they navigated the early aspects of their artistic careers. My hope is Tony will have a place in the MFA program moving forward at LUCAD.
Tony has been an amazing support to me over the years. I've kept in touch with him since having him as an instructor in the MFA program at AIB/Lesley 2005. Over the course of eleven years, he has written me stellar recommendations and helped me with taking photos of my artwork. He is so supportive and committed to his students and colleagues and, in the midst of a competitive art world, respected the humanity in my artistic process. Please keep him on staff.
Dear Faculty and Administrators, I would be happy to write a 92nd comment on this petition about what a wonderful teacher, artist, and person Tony Apesos truly is, if that would help to sway your opinion of him. However, I am guessing that–even before the first comment was posted–you already knew how much his students value him. Therefore, I have to assume that your decision about his position in the MFA program has nothing to do with his dedication and skill as an educator. So, instead of enumerating all the ways that Tony has helped and supported me personally, I would like to ask/beg you to reconsider the possible alternatives to your decision. Obviously, I do not know why AIB/LUCAD wants Tony to leave, but I do know that the MFA program will suffer a great loss without him. Whatever the politics are or whatever your differences may be, surely a group of people as thoughtful and creative as all of you can find a way to compromise and work together for a better resolution. Please try– for Tony's sake and for all the future students who will benefit from his wisdom, enthusiasm, attentiveness, and sense of humor. Sincerely, Francesca
Tony was one of my best teachers in the MFA program, extremely supporting and available, and with a deep knowledge of art history and technical aspects. Always helpful in a very positive way.
Tony Apesos is a credit to the MFA program at LUCAD, a credit to artists, and a credit to the human race. Any program, any organization, or any group of people are better off for having him a part of the group. The loss of Tony to the MFA program, will be exactly that; a loss to the program.
Tony is one of the most empathic, giving and sharing of the faculty at Lesley. He spent time with me when I had no appointment. He must remain at Lesley. Do not let him go!
If the master artists were alive today, they’d have nothing to do with the staff & faculty members at AIB, that cling to their ego and importance. The whole program needs to be gutted. There really is only about three teachers that make the foundation of this program and one of them is Tony Apesos. Where ever Tony is, art, inspiration, learning takes place, all while having fun. Get a grip AIB! You should pay the students to be there!
How can traditional boundries be challenged unless they are understood? My work was not traditional. Tony gave me more input, consideration and help than anyone I can think of.He is the backbone of the program. Maybe he should be promoted?
His voice is needed on the programme. He is a faculty member who is generously engaged with the students' progress and is a wealth of very specific knowledge.
Tony always had time to talk with me. Even though he was never my advisor he spent individual time with me every residency. He taught us so much. The program will lose something without him.
If it weren't for Tony, I would not have chosen Lesley and its MFA program. He is the most important member of team. Do not lose him.
In the beginning of this program it was synonymous with Tony. A lot of people became aware of this MFA program because of Tony's excellent reputation. I feel that this decision needs to be clarified and justified in some way that will not hurt this wonderful man! On the surface it looks like another case of an institution carelessly casting aside an individual who has worked painstakingly in its behalf. We, who have benefitted from Tony Apesos' kindness, hard work and talent deserve an explanation.
Unless there are unknown circumstances, the dismissal of Tony Apesos from the MFA programme seems like a huge injustice.
I probably would have dropped out of the program if it wasn't for Professor Tony Apesos. Please don't let go of my mentor and adviser.
I was not privileged to have as many encounters with Tony during my time at AIB but I have always greatly admired his vision for the MFA program and how it could better serve students. I've had the opportunity to speak at Lesley's Preview days about the program and it was usually me and Tony sharing with prospective students together. I count those moments as an honor because I remember being a prospective student inspired by his vision for the program. I don't know what the reasons are for his termination but I'm surprised to see LUCAD let go of someone who has been so integral to the program's development, vision, and success.
Keep him please.