MSJ adjunct professor and renowned sculptor recognized for his contributions to art education and the community
Tom Tsuchiya, renowned sculptor and adjunct professor at Mount St. Joseph University in the Department of Creative Arts, has received the Southwest Ohio Art Education Association (SW OAEA) Distinguished Citizen for Art Education Award.
The award, presented through the Ohio Art Education Association’s Regional Service Awards, recognizes individuals outside the professional art education field who have made significant and lasting contributions to art students and community art education. Tom Tsuchiya’s recognition reflects his longstanding commitment to using art to educate, engage and connect with the community.
A Cincinnati native, Tom is an accomplished sculptor whose work spans sports, portraiture, public art, and environmental advocacy. His sculptures can be found throughout the Cincinnati area, including the baseball legends of the Crosley Era at Great American Ball Park. Since 2016, he has also created portrait reliefs for the bronze plaques honoring members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
Tom Tsuchiya's work also reflects his passion for sustainability and STEAM education. His Atlas Recycled project, created from recycled materials, combines sculpture with environmental awareness and has collected hundreds of pounds of recyclables through exhibitions. He has also collaborated with students internationally to explore the intersection of art, science and, environmental protection.
His connection to Cincinnati and his Japanese heritage is reflected in Embrace No Evil, his interpretation of the Three Wise Monkeys. The work was exhibited at Music Hall in 2023, and a LED version became the first permanent installation of Cincinnati's BLINK art and light festival in 2024.
At Mount St. Joseph University, Tom shares his professional experience with students as an adjunct professor. He views teaching as an opportunity to pass along the artistic knowledge he received from his mentor, Carin Hebenstreit.
"I enjoy passing on the torch of artistic knowledge and consider it an important responsibility to my students," Tsuchiya says.
The SW OAEA Distinguished Citizen for Art Education Award honors Tom Tsuchiya's impact as an artist, mentor, and community advocate and recognizes his ongoing efforts to make art an avenue for education, connection, and discovery.
