85 collages have been curated by his daughter, Noemi Zelanski Kearns, for this special online fundraiser exhibition to keep his philosophy going even though he is no longer with us.

Available for a special price, a corporate matching gift enables us to turn each $250 collage sale on this site into a $400 donation to the scholarship in his name. Art was the foundation of Paul Zelanski’s life, and he liked nothing better than to foster the same passion in his students. Please enable us to continue this legacy.

The fund provides an annual prize to an art student — not just an art major. Chosen by an art department faculty committee, financial need is considered, but the main criteria for this award is merit.

Enrich your life with Paul’s work; enrich students’ lives with their own.

“Collages are a satisfying format; they give new life to things that have been discarded, not wanted, given away … Collage work is both tactile and direct. The materials that I work with “speak” to me, visually telling me how to use every element in each piece.” –Paul Zelanski

Paul Zelanski was very happy with his life. He knew what he wanted to do from a young age and was able to accomplish it. He loved his family and his studio practice and his job. He created art every day until nearly the very end, which left a vast archive at his passing.

Paul Zelanski was a first-generation American born to Polish immigrants. He was also the first member of his family to attend college. He firmly believed that a traditional higher education wasn’t necessary for everyone, but if college was right for you, if at all possible you shouldn’t accrue a lot of personal debt.

A child during the Great Depression, Paul believed in saving your money before buying the things you want, yet Paul always said that money should be enjoyed while you’re living.