UCONN Coach Geno Auriemma Accepts Husky Sculpture From Weston Artist

WESTON, Conn., Dec. 14, 2015 – Local artist and sculptor Jesse Nusbaum recently gifted “The Husky” to University of Connecticut’s Women’s Basketball Head Coach Geno Auriemma at the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center at UConn’s Storrs campus.

“Geno Auriemma personifies the words ‘excellence’ and ‘perfectionist’ and is a master of his craft,” said Nusbaum. “My sculptures are the result of similar characteristics possessed by Coach Auriemma because I strive for perfection and put 150 percent into each and every sculpture I create, much like the teams he assembles year in and year out.

“I take pride in my artwork and recognize that success can only be attained through patience, determination and practice. Just like Coach Auriemma, I strive to be the greatest in my field and look forward to seeing my success as I progress as an artist as well as an individual,” added Nusbaum.

Since joining UConn Women’s Basketball in 1985, Auriemma has transformed the program from one winning season to its current record that includes 10 national titles, 16 Final Fours, five perfect seasons and 41 Conference titles.

Auriemma is a seven-time national coach-of-the-year and has been named the Conference coach-of-the-year 12 times. In all Auriemma has garnered a combined total of 24 National Coach of the Year honors. His 30-year overall record stands at 917-134 (.873), the best winning percentage in the history of the sport.

The custom-made cast aluminum sculpture will be on display at the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center on the Storrs, Conn. campus.

The Husky sculpture along with other Nusbaum artwork incorporates realism as the driving force. His sculptures replicate the actual size of real animals. As a result, his clay pieces range from several hundred pounds to almost 500 pounds before being fired.

Once the clay sculpture is completed, the entire process in the foundry takes from six weeks to four months to produce a single bronze or aluminum piece.

“Coach Auriemma’s curiosity as to the inner workings of how I created the final aluminum sculpture along with his engaging personality made for an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever,” said Nusbaum after presenting the sculpture.

Jesse Nusbaum, a Weston, Conn. resident, is a 2013 graduate of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Penn. The school is nationally known for its Center of the Arts founded by the internationally famous sculptor George Rickey in 1953. Nusbaum decided to major in art, where he quickly discovered his passion for sculpting with clay. Additional information about Nusbaum can be found at www.jessenusbaum.com or on Instagram @Jesse_Nusbaum_Art.

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