For some time Weekly Planet has been crowing about USF graduate student Leslie Elsasser; we named her Best Emerging to Emerge Artist in 2001, then Best Emerging Artist for 2002. These honors were based on her paintings, computer-generated Indian miniatures and charcoal drawings. Regardless of the medium, her process is meticulous and charged with unique content. This year we recognize her once again, this time for winning a student Fulbright award for academic year 2003-04. The Fulbright Program began in 1946 and is now considered one of America's most prestigious awards. Her distinction brings honor to USF and the entire Bay area; she was one of only 11 students in the country to win out of 500 applicants. Student awards include travel expenses, tuition and a stipend. In September 2003, Elsasser travels to Banares Hindu University in Varanasi, India, where she'll study miniature painting and research the Hindu goddess Kali within the context of contemporary women. Fulfilling the philosophy of the Fulbright, she'll also develop artist and scholar exchange programs on site and foster future dialogue or exchanges with the Indian university and her home base at USF. Such meaningful human contact is always critical, and it's even more important during this particular historical period.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.