Art alum chosen to paint retiring chief justice

• November 10, 2011 2:00pm

Elizabeth (Green) Zanzinger, ’04 art, is one busy alum!

A year ago a portrait she painted of retiring California Chief Justice Ronald M. George was unveiled at the California Supreme Court Building in San Francisco, where it can now be seen.

Currently, she is working on three more prestigious commissions, this time for the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View. 

“It is very exciting to be able to put my painting to work to honor people who have made some amazing accomplishments in their life.  Not only do I get to paint all day, but I learn about subjects I would otherwise not be exposed to,” said Zanzinger, who has recently moved to Oakland after four years studying with Juliette Aristides at the Gage Academy in Seattle, WA.

Zanzinger was selected to paint the Chief Justice from a pool of artists by the Judicial Council of California. Because the portrait was to be a surprise, she was challenged with capturing the essence of the chief without having met him. Her guide was numerous candid pictures and videos.

A suma cum laude graduate of CSUEB, Zanginer has received many awards, including the grand prize in the 2010 Utrecht Art Competition, Best of show in the 2009 Best of Gage show, 2004 Hayward Friends of the Arts Purchase Award, and the 2001 Loefler Art Award from the San Leandro Art Association.

DD