HAL welcomes Susan Geissler to September meeting

The Historical Association of Lewiston’s next meeting is titled, “A Long Journey from Clay to Bronze.” Guest Susan Geissler will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St.

Geissler began her art career in the 1980s and, since that time, has placed some 45 pieces of public and monumental sculpture throughout the U.S. and Canada. This presentation will explain the process of developing these sculptures.

In Western New York, Geissler’s work includes the Freedom Crossing and Tuscarora Heroes monuments, and the Morgan Lewis portrait in the International Peace Garden in Lewiston. Other installations sites include the Buffalo Naval and Military Park and the Grand Island Veterans Park. Geissler is concluding the final six pieces of a 14-sculpture array for the Lockport’s Flight of Five lock area. This is thought to be the largest bronze project in the history of Buffalo/Niagara.

Future commissions include an over-life-size portrait of Millard Fillmore for the Fillmore Presidential Site in East Aurora; and a recently announced portrait sculpture of famed aerialist Nik Wallenda, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his historic wirewalk over Niagara Falls.

Geissler has been named a Distinguished Alumna of both Lew-Port Central School District and Niagara County Community College.

She resides in Lewiston with her husband, Peter, where they both serve as wait-staff for their cat, Longfellow. Geissler’s studio is located on Main Street in Youngstown.

This community event is free and open to all, and refreshments will be served.