TORONTO, February 16, 1998 -- A promising young artist and York University student is exhibiting his work and raising money for scholarships for his fellow students.

Amir Pichhadze's bold and evocative art, which has been shown around the world, will go on exhibit at the Samuel J. Zacks Gallery at York University's Stong College from February 23 to March 13, 1998. The artist will showcase original pastel and oil paintings, limited edition reproductions, and posters.

Pichhadze has decided to donate part of the proceeds from the sale of his artwork to an annual student scholarship fund at York. "My greatest reward is in sharing my talent and success by helping others," he said.

"We are proud to have such a gifted artist and generous student as part of the York community," said York President Dr. Lorna Marsden. "We welcome this donation which will contribute nicely to our campaign to provide critical financial assistance to our students. I applaud Amir for his artistry and altruism," said Marsden.

Pichhadze, a second-year student in York's Visual Arts program, works with both oil paints and pastels. His work has been shown in jury exhibitions in Toronto, the Artexpo exhibitions in New York, and exhibitions in Israel. After a childhood watching his father Jacob Pichhadze (a well-known painter and master of pastel) at work, Pichhadze began exploring his own artistic talents four years ago. Since then his work has attracted significant collector and media interest, both here in Canada and in his native Israel.

A reception will be held to celebrate the exhibit on Sunday, March 1. Guests of honour include: Toronto Deputy Mayor Case Ootes, York University President Lorna Marsden, York Visual Arts Department Chair Ken Carpenter, and Stong College Master Eric Willis.

The reception runs from 3 to 5 p.m., and guests of honour will be making remarks at approximately 3:30 p.m. Deputy Mayor Ootes will accept an original painting for Mayor Lastman from Pichhadze on behalf of York University, to congratulate him on his election as the first Mayor of the new City of Toronto.

The Samuel J. Zacks Gallery was dedicated October 31, 1972 to honour the late Samuel J. Zacks, a noted artist, distinguished collector and benefactor. His gifts to galleries and museums reflected a life-long commitment to encouraging and sustaining creativity and civilization. The Gallery continues to benefit from the generosity of Mrs. Ayala Zacks Abramov.

As an adjunct to the academic process, the Samuel J. Zacks Gallery -- which is managed by Stong College students with priority given to exhibitions by York University students -- functions as a "learning gallery" where works of emerging artists are presented in an atmosphere conducive to exploration and questioning. The Gallery is located in Room 109, Stong College, York University, 4700 Keele Street.

For more information, please call:

Sine MacKinnon
Senior Advisor for Media Relations
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22087
email: sinem@yorku.ca

Patricia Roncone
Samuel J. Zacks Gallery, Stong College
(416) 736-2100, ext. 33055
YU/015/98