Artist From Troy - Book Signing, Prime Rib Buffet - 11/16

Meet Artist John Emmett Connors, Author Vito Grasso

University Club Foundation hosts book signing for Artist from Troy on November 16

The public is invited to take a journey into the history, character and architecture of Troy, NY and surrounding communities through the artwork of John Emmett Connors. Connors and University Club Foundation President and author Vito Grasso will discuss and sign their book, JOHN EMMET CONNORS: ARTIST FROM TROY (August 2012, SUNY Press) at a reception at on Friday, November 16 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the National Register-listed University Club of Albany, 141 Washington Avenue.

The book features 53 images of Connors’ work, as well as his reflections, given voice by Grasso, about the influence of the Capital District on his development as an artist. “My upbringing was enhanced and reinforced by living in a historic community with many important lessons to learn and values to acquire from the history of the people and families who had lived, struggled, and triumphed in the same place where I was raised,” said Connors, who was raised in Troy. “I benefitted from being part of the continuum of people produced in the crucible of the Capital District, where history, pride, pathos and determination are evident throughout the communities that comprise this area.”

John Emmett Connors is known for his local and New York City street scenes. He studied artistic anatomy and painting on scholarship at the Art Students League of New York where he mentored under Robert Beverly Hale for four years and was awarded a Fine Arts Certificate of Completion. He also studied Sumi-e (Japanese brush painting) including studies in Japan.

Vito F. Grasso is Executive Vice President of the NYS Academy of Family Physicians. He has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Graduate School of Public Affairs at the University at Albany, State University of New York and holds the certified association executive professional accreditation conferred by the American Society of Association Executives.

Tickets for the Author and Artist reception, with light fare and cash bar, are $25. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the Club at 518-463-1151. Guests are invited to stay for the Club’s renowned “Prime Rib & More” buffet from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The cost for the buffet is also $25, and includes entrée, soup, side dishes, and house-made cheesecake, plus tax and tip, drinks are extra.

A portion of the proceeds from the reception benefits the University Club Foundation, a 501c3 corporation formed to recognize and maintain the unique historic and architectural significance of the University Club building and property, its neighborhood and the city of Albany, where it has been located since its inception in 1901.