Larry E. Elsner, one of Utah's finest ceramists and sculptors, died early Tuesday, March 27, at his home in Logan. He was 59.
At the time of his death, he was professor of sculpture at Utah State University.Elsner received his BFA in 1957 from USU and his MFA in 1958 from Columbia University, New York. His teaching career began in 1960 when he joined the faculty in the art department of Utah State University. During 30 years of teaching at USU, Elsner also produced highly creative ceramics and sculpture. He also participated in more than 150 national and international exhibitions and won numerous awards. Elsner's work has been represented locally by the Phillips Gallery.
He is survived by his wife, Yoko, in Logan; daughter, Tami, in Salt Lake City; mother, in Nampa, Idaho; and brother, Earl, in Boise, Idaho.
Memorial services will be held Friday, March 30, at 4 p.m. in the Eccles Conference Center on the USU campus. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Larry E. Elsner Graduate Endowment Scholarship in Art, Development Office, USU, Logan, UT 84322-1420.