Perhaps best known for his crystal sculpture, “The Ideals of Aaron”, presented to Pope John Paul II, in 2005, von Schmidt’s work has also been included in exhibitions in the Anchorage Art Museum, the Islip Art Museum, the Nassau County Art Museum, and the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art, as well as numerous other exhibitions around the country.

A graduate of The Cooper Union (BFA, 1973), and Brooklyn College (MFA, 1977), von Schmidt was on Staff and Faculty of both institutions after receiving his degrees. In 1977 he was a visiting lecturer at the Rhode Island School of Design, in conjunction with a solo show of his prints/sculptures. He is presently an Adjunct Professor in the Art Department at New Jersey City University.

One of his sculptures was featured in the 1968 Haskell Wexler film: “Medium Cool”, and the following year he won a sculpture award at the Miami Pop Festival. One of von Schmidt’s engravings is included in the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum and the Neuberger Museum at SUNY, Purchase, among others. Over the years, he has won numerous awards and honors.