St. Joe's announces 2017 Fine Arts Wall of Honor inductees

Wed, Nov 29th 2017 09:00 am
Christopher Markus, 1987 graduate of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, is the co-writer of several Marvel films, including the forthcoming `Avengers: Infinity War.` He will be inducted in the SJCI Fine Arts Wall of Honor in December.
Christopher Markus, 1987 graduate of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, is the co-writer of several Marvel films, including the forthcoming "Avengers: Infinity War." He will be inducted in the SJCI Fine Arts Wall of Honor in December.

The St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute Alumni Association is pleased to announce that the following individuals will be placed on the Fine Arts Wall of Honor: Artie Kwitchoff '84, Christopher Markus '87, Zachary Cain '98 and JJ Wright '03.

The 12th annual induction ceremony will be held on December 13 at 5:30 p.m. in conjunction with the St. Joe's Winter Departmental Concert at Rockwell Hall, Buffalo State College.

The distinction honors those members of the St. Joe's community who have excelled in the area of fine arts, both as students and in their professional and personal lives. The Fine Arts Wall of Honor can be found in the permanent gallery outside the Cullen Center for the Arts at the school.

Tickets to the event include admission to the concert and can be purchased online at www.sjci.com/alumni. Questions regarding the event can be directed to the Advancement Office at advancement@sjci.com.

About the 2017 Inductees:

Artie Kwitchoff '84 is known for live entertainment in Western New York and beyond. He began his career managing Buffalo band Goo Goo Dolls and established Funtime Presents, an independent concert promotion company still bringing incredible shows to WN. Together with SJCI grad Donny Kutzbach '92, Artie opened the Town Ballroom, Buffalo's premier live music room which has become a cornerstone of the theater district.

Christopher Markus '87 is a successful screenwriter in Hollywood. With his writing partner, Stephen McFeely, he is co-writer of "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," You Kill Me, Pain and Gain, as well as The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy. Since 2008, the two have been heavily involved with Marvel Studios.  They are the writers of the Captain America trilogy and are currently filming the two-part "Avengers: Infinity War." Christopher won Emmy and Writers Guild awards for the 2004 film, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers."

Zachary Cain '98 works as a freelancer in the advertising industry, specializing in motion graphics animation, design, and illustration. He has been awarded/recognized on both local and national levels, and his web videos have amassed millions of views. Zachary is also known for his abstract/surreal/psychedelic art pieces which have been shown in numerous publications as well as small gallery shows both locally and internationally.

JJ Wright '03 was trained as a jazz improviser at the New School for Jazz in NYC, however, is also passionate about sacred music. As a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Band, Wright performed regularly for high-ranking government and military leaders as well as the President. While performing and recording with the Caribbean Jazz Project: Afro Bop Alliance, an album was nominated for a Grammy for 'Best Latin Jazz Album' and won the Latin Grammy in the same category. JJ is currently the Director of the Notre Dame Folk Choir, and his successful performing and recording career continues.  

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