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The Community Foundation of Louisville, with partner Louisville Visual Art, is pleased to present the 2020 Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists to Lori Larusso. Owing to the current pandemic, in lieu of a public event, a video recording of the presentation ceremony will post to both organizations’ social media on June 2.  

The Fischer Award, now in its third year, bestows $5000 on a deserving artist in order to provide essential support. For 2020, over 40 submission were reviewed by a panel of five noted artists and curators.

Louisville-based artist Larusso’s tireless studio practice produces vibrant images of familiar subjects, rendered with razor-sharp clarity and wit. For 20 years without a pause, solo and group exhibitions of Lori’s work have graced local, national and international venues, including the inaugural KMAC Triennial in 2019. Her consistently experimental and evolving work has earned her numerous awards and residency fellowships.

A committed instructor of visual art, Lori has taught at colleges and universities since 2003, with recent stints at the Kentucky College of Art + Design, Spalding University, and the University of Kentucky. She is also an active member of Louisville Visual Art’s network of local artists, regularly participating in events such as art[Squared] and Open Studio Weekend. 

Lori says, “The Fischer Prize will allow for vital experimentation, as well as refinement of technical and conceptual aspects of my work. The timing is perfect for this award to supplement several residency fellowships I’ve been awarded for late 2020 through 2021, at which I’ll focus on my practice and discuss ideas, processes, and materials with selected artists from all over the world. I’ll benefit from their critique, and connections to a broader professional network will expand my opportunities to produce and exhibit new work.”

Bill Fischer established the Visual Art Award that bears his name to make a meaningful impact on the career of a visual artist residing in the Louisville Metro Area by providing support in the form of grants for the execution and exhibition of artwork and other efforts to foster a professional career. Recipients of the Fischer Award must show a commitment to experimentation and the creative use of materials and techniques.