'FATHER OF COMPUTER ART' HONORED WITH UNIVERSITY'S HIGHEST AWARD

Charles A. Csuri created entire new artistic industry

Charles A. Csuri, an Ohio State emeritus professor and internationally known computer artist, will receive the Sullivant Award during ceremonies this week. The award, which comes with a $10,000 prize, is only presented every five years to an outstanding faculty member. Csuri will be honored at two ceremonies: 10:30 a.m. Friday during the Board of Trustees' meeting at the Longaberger Alumni House and on Saturday during halftime of the Ohio State-Michigan State football game.

In the early 1980s, Csuri perfected the computer-generated three-dimensional graphic and turned it to commercial use. His company, Cranston/Csuri Productions, produced ground-breaking work for all three major networks. Csuri-taught graduates - two of whom have won Academy Awards - are employees of Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Productions, Industrial Light and Magic, Pacific Data Images and MetroLight.

The 78-year-old Csuri is available for interviews this week to discuss his nearly 50-year association with Ohio State, how he founded an entire new artistic genre and his research with the National Science Foundation, the Navy and the Air Force Office of Research. In addition, videotape of his animation will be available to interested media.

WHAT: Charles A. Csuri to receive the university's highest faculty honor, the Sullivant Award

WHEN:11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, during the Board of Trustees meeting

WHERE:Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Road

WHY:To honor the legacy created by the founder of computer art