Lanny Sommese (1943-2022) was a towering figure in American graphic design, an artist and educator whose influence resonates from the halls of Penn State University to the permanent collections of the world's most prestigious museums. For over fifty years, Sommese was a prolific creator, a master of the poster, and a mentor who shaped generations of designers. His work, including the "Beaux Arts Ball Poster" available at Metro Gallery Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, offers a window into the mind of a true design original. Born in East Moline, Illinois, Sommese's journey led him to Penn State in 1970, where he would spend the next five decades as a Distinguished Professor, building the graphic design program into a powerhouse of creative education. His teaching philosophy was legendary—demanding, honest, and witty. As one former student eloquently put it, "It seemed like we could never catch our breath, until we realized he was training us for altitude." This rigorous training launched countless successful careers and cemented Sommese's legacy as a transformative educator. As an artist, Sommese was a staunch advocate for the power of the hand-drawn image. In an era of increasing digitalization, he remained committed to a process driven by ideas and executed with a raw, visceral energy. "Poster design begins with a relevant idea," he once stated, "That's what drives the image making process. " This philosophy is evident in his vast body of work, particularly the 48 iconic posters he designed for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. These posters, vibrant and joyful, became the visual identity of the festival and are celebrated for their artistic sophistication.Sommese's unique style, characterized by its bold symbolism, dynamic line quality, and clever use of typography, can be seen as a continuation of the groundbreaking work of Push Pin Studios artists like Milton Glaser and Seymour Chwast. Like them, Sommese championed illustration and a conceptual approach to design, creating images that were not just visually striking but also intellectually engaging. His work was not about personal expression alone, but about communication selling products, filling auditoriums, and conveying powerful social and political messages. His immense talent did not go unnoticed. Sommese was elected to the exclusive Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI) in 1999, an honor reserved for the world's most influential designers. His posters have won countless awards and are held in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., and the Muzeum Plakatu w Wilanowie in Warsaw. This global recognition speaks to the universal appeal and lasting importance of his work. Metro Gallery Nebraska is proud to offer a piece of this incredible legacy. The "Beaux Arts Ball Poster" is a prime example of Sommese's genius—a playful, provocative, and masterfully executed design that captures the rebellious spirit of its subject. For art and design enthusiasts in Lincoln, Nebraska, and beyond, this is a rare opportunity to connect with the work of a true American master, an artist whose contributions to design and education will continue to inspire for generations to come.
