Robert A. Sunderman
Biography
Robert Sunderman attended the University of Iowa from 1975-79, earning his BFA degree in metalsmithing and jewelry with a minor in painting. In 1980, he received his MA and MFA degrees from the University of Iowa in metalsmithing and jewelry. After graduation, Sunderman became the scenic designer and technical director at Iowa Public Television for sixteen years (1984-2000). In 2001, Sunderman joined the faculty at Iowa State University, becoming the Resident Scenic Designer and Associate Professor of Scenic Design and Technical Theatre. Besides designing theatre productions, Sunderman also teaches in the theatre department. Since 1988, he has been a metal sculpture and wearable art instructor at the Des Moines Art Center. In 1982, Sunderman founded Sunderman Enterprises in Des Moines, acting as designer and artist.Sunderman works and exhibits in many 2D and 3D mediums. He has exhibited extensively in the Midwest, but also on both coasts and in Colorado. He was invited to participate in the Christmas Tree Ornament Festival at the White House in 2002, submitting a bird ornament that is in the permanent collection there. His art works are in the collections of several institutions and individuals.
Sunderman has received numerous awards for his designs including Iowa Film Awards and a National Broadcasting Designers Award. He also won a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Meritorious Achievement Award for scenic design of the production of Twelfth Night in 2001 and of Proof in 2003 at Iowa State University. He received a summer fellowship from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre festival in 2003.
At Luther College, Sunderman designed the backdrop and DVD covers for the 2002 and 2005 productions of “Christmas at Luther.”
Source of Biography
robertsunderman.comRelated artwork
Wine Decanter