From the Museum

Masters of Fine Arts candidates Matt LaFleur, Darian Longmire, and Vanessa Mastronardi

Collaborations are at the heart of all that we do at the University Art Museum. From working with leading artists, to researching and developing new projects, to partnering with faculty on an exhibition-based curriculum, to mentoring interns and work study students, we are passionate about bringing people together and sharing the transformative power of contemporary art. As a university-wide resource the Museum links campus, community, and contemporary artists. We encourage our visitors to actively engage with the Museum's exhibitions and collections-making connections between individual life experiences and the art and artists on view.

2018 proved a productive year for forging new collaborations while sustaining existing relationships. This year we extended our partnerships to include seven academic art museums: the Picker Art Gallery at Colgate University, the Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College, the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College, The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College, the Neuberger Museum of Art at SUNY Purchase, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at SUNY New Paltz, and the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College. These partnerships resulted in two exhibition projects: This Place, a multi-year project that invited a group of twelve international artists to explore Israel and the West Bank; and Warhol x 5, a collaborative exhibition series in which five Hudson Valley academic art museums presented the work of Andy Warhol. The presentation of This Place is part of a three-year project entitled "Teaching and Learning with Museum Exhibitions: An Inter-Institutional Approach" supported by the Teagle Foundation, in which faculty and students engage cross-institutionally with the exhibition over several semesters. The project will culminate in a national public symposium in 2019.

Drawn from a wide range of artistic and curatorial perspectives, this year's exhibitions and programs including The Creative Life series, spanned generations, backgrounds, geographies, and life experiences−and brought our multiple audiences together. This year marked the third year of The Creative Life series, a joint initiative with the New York State Writers Institute and UAlbany Performing Arts Center in conjunction with regional public radio station WAMC that brings leading figures from writing, music, dance, choreography, visual arts, architecture, theatre, and filmmaking to the University for candid conversations about what it means to sustain a creative practice over time.

We are particularly pleased to report on the realization of our new Collections Study Space. Supported by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation American Arts Program, this multi-purpose space safely houses the University Fine Art Collections, while providing an accessible environment in which students can develop a deeper understanding of creative expression through firsthand encounters with works of art. Our inaugural exhibition in the Collections Study Space features a project by the renowned artist Tim Rollins, who through his more than three decades working with the collective K.O.S. (Kids of Survival), developed a unique model for art as collaboration, activism, and pedagogy in which he created conceptual paintings that derived meaning through the combination of a visual lexicon of bold marks and a gridded backdrop of text pages from literary classics.

In 1998, Tim Rollins came to the University Art Museum and worked with students from four regional middle and high schools to create an artwork based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream. Over the course of three days, Rollins and his students created twenty-four individual watercolor flowers collaged onto book pages−all of which are on view in the Collections Study Space. Through his legendary pedagogical approach, Rollins in his own words challenged "elite notions of fine art that put boundaries on who can appreciate art, who can make art, and who can feel the impact of that art." We are proud to echo Rollins's collaborative spirit, his commitment to access, and his passionate pursuit of excellence and transformation through art and art history in the Museum's new Collections Study Space.

Please join us often in 2019! We promise a full year of eclectic, nimble programming and far-reaching collaborations that reflect the unmistakable personality of the University Art Museum as we continue to serve our students and to build upon the visitor experience to make our exhibitions and collections relevant to as many communities as possible.

Museum Full-time Staff:
Darcie Abbatiello, registrar
Alana Akacki, administrative assistant
Gil Gentile, exhibition and publication designer
Corinna Ripps Schaming, interim director/curator
Jeffrey Wright-Sedam, preparator

Museum Part-time Staff:
Berly Brown, curatorial assistant
Olga Dekalo, associate curator
Naomi Lewis, exhibition and outreach coordinator
Christine Snyder, museum assistant

Museum Interns:
Tarianne Cambronne, communications intern
John Epp, collections intern
Tara Ilyadis, collections intern
Ossie Jon-nwakalo, museum intern
Jaquelyn Mendez, Department of Art & Art History graduate assistant
Max Seiler, collections intern
Kate West, communications intern

University at Albany Art Collections: Behind the Scenes

Registrar Darcie Abbatiello leading a tour of the Collections Study Space

As part of a comprehensive public research institution, the University Art Museum is committed to providing spaces for creative, rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry that can actively transform higher education. In 2018, the the Museum received a major grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to create the Collections Study Space, a multipurpose space designed to safely house the University at Albany Fine Art Collections and simultaneously make them accessible to students, faculty, other researchers and scholars, and the community. The Collections comprise more than 3,000 objects and reflect 50 years of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, and sculpture by many of the most prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Collections Study Space serves as a viewing and study gallery for fine art in a classroom context and offers a range of behind-the-scenes experiences based in current museum best practices and fosters an environment in which contemporary art is experienced through multiple perspectives.

The Study Space also serves as a site for discussions, talks, small panels, readings, and informal conversations related to the artists and artworks in the Collections. Future plans include inviting artists, curators, writers, and scholars to develop innovative programs and original research linking the Museum's exhibition program and the Collections.

To view selected holdings from the Collections, schedule guided tours, conduct research, or reserve classroom time please email Darcie Abbatiello, museum registrar: dabbatiello@albany.edu. Supported by the Henry Luce Foundation American Arts Program. Stay tuned for updates throughout 2019.

2018 Recap

This Place

February 1 - April 7, 2018
A photography exhibition that explored the rifts and paradoxes of the highly contested spaces of Israel and the West Bank, that featured internationally renowned artists Martin Kollar, Jungjin Lee, Thomas Struth, and Jeff Wall. The complete exhibition was divided among the Picker Art Gallery at Colgate University, the Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College, the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College, and the University at Albany Art Museum. This presentation is part of a three-year project entitled "Teaching and Learning with Museum Exhibitions: An Inter-Institutional Approach" supported by the Teagle Foundation, in which faculty and students are engaged cross-institutionally with the exhibition over several semesters.

Supported by The Bernard D. Arbit Fund and University Auxiliary Services (UAS).

Hank Willis Thomas: Black Righteous Space

February 1 - April 7, 2018
An interactive installation that featured a looping soundtrack combining songs, speeches, and dialogue from more than 50 noted black leaders, musicians, ministers, poets, and celebrities.

Supported by University Auxiliary Services (UAS).

Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition

May 4 - 20, 2018
Master of Fine Arts candidates Owen Barensfeld, Rebecca Flis, Nicholas Gates, Sarah A. Kayhart, Lindsay Kirk, Matt LaFleur, Darian Longmire, Amanda Marinaro, Vanessa Mastronardi, Leah Morris, and Pam Poquette presented work that forms the core of their visual theses and demonstrates the expertise with which these emerging artists explore their media.

Supported by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Ann C. Mataraso MFA '02 Endowment Fund in honor of Professor Emeritus Mark Greenwold.

Younger Than Today: Photographs of Children (and sometimes their mothers) by Andy Warhol

June 29 - September 15, 2018
Included over 60 Polaroids and photographs culled from the shared holdings of the Warhol x 5 collaborating institutions. Taken between 1974 and 1985, all are related to childhood, sibling relationships, and the Maternal. This exhibition was part of Warhol x 5, a project curated from the shared holdings of University at Albany Art Collections, The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College, the Neuberger Museum of Art at SUNY Purchase, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at SUNY New Paltz, and the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College.

Supported by the University Art Museum Endowed Director's Fund and University Auxiliary Services.

Mickey Mouse has grown up a Cow

June 29 - September 15, 2018
Curated by Joe Mama-Nitzberg, this exhibition presented videos by Kalup Linzy, Yoshie Sakai, Frances Stark, and Abbey Williams. Seen in relationship to the work of Andy Warhol, especially his film practice, these videos addressed aspects of the representation of children and, often, parenting.

Supported by University Auxiliary Services (UAS).

Triple: Alex Bradley Cohen, Louis Fratino, and Tschabalala Self

June 29 - September 15, 2018
Featured emotionally resonant and highly charged new works by three artists who are redefining figurative painting and the contemporary portrait.

Supported by University Auxiliary Services (UAS).

2018 Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region

October 11 - December 8, 2018
Artist Jean Shin selected 77 works by 38 artists who live and work in a 100-mile radius of the Capital Region. Founded in 1936 and among the longest-running regionals in the country, this exhibition is collaboratively sponsored by the University Art Museum, the Albany Institute of History & Art, and The Hyde Collection. Over 30 individuals, businesses, government officials, and organizations contributed juror's awards to artists.

FLOW: Works by Alumni Artists from Mohawk Hudson Region Exhibitions 2009-2017

October 11 - December 8, 2018
Supported by the UAlbany Alumni Association through the Dr. Arthur N. Collins '48 Purchase Award for the University at Albany Fine Art Collections, the exhibition included works by Brian Cirmo, Andrew Dines, Jake Fallat, Ray Felix, Katria Foster, John Hampshire, Jenny Kemp, Ken Ragsdale, Marilee Sousie, Wendy Ide Williams, and Allen Yates.

Installation view of This Place, 2018

Hank Willis Thomas
Black Righteous Space, 2012
Interactive video installation, DVD (playlist and video installation), Mac mini, and microphone
60 minutes
Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

Andy Warhol
Unidentified Boy (Wavy Blond Hair), 1981
Polacolor 2 on paper
4 1/4 x 3 3/8 inches
University at Albany Foundation Collection
Gift of © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc

Alex Bradley Cohen
Chanel Thomas, 2018
Acrylic on canvas
48 x 44 inches
Image courtesy of Nicelle Beauchene Gallery

2018 Public Programs

This Place programming included Games Bringing People Together; a roundtable Photography is Dead. Long Live Photography!; an open-mic storytelling event My Place: Storytelling, and a student-focused gathering Art + Food + Dialogue.

Art Lab is a series of hands-on, interactive art projects led by teaching artist Christine Snyder (MFA '16) and inspired by artists in the spring and fall exhibitions. An ongoing series, Art Lab is free and appropriate for all ages.

The Creative Life Conversation Series is a collaboration with New York State Writers Institute, UAlbany Performing Arts Center, University Art Museum, and WAMC public radio station. It brings leading figures in the arts to campus for a conversation with WAMC's Joe Donahue about their creative practice. This year's series included author Lois Lowry, Lion King choreographer Garth Fagan, Broadway star Patti LuPone, acclaimed artist and Warhol superstar Bibbe Hansen, noted sculptor and public installation artist Jean Shin, and best-selling author and essayist Esmeralda Santiago.

Visiting Artists and Lectures included a talk by curator Corinna Ripps Schaming on Younger Than Today: Photographs of Children (and sometimes their mothers) by Andy Warhol; a talk by exhibiting artist Jungjin Lee on This Place; a talk by curator Joe Mama-Nitzberg and exhibiting artist Abbey Williams on Mickey Mouse has grown up a Cow; 2018 Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region artists talks; and FLOW: Works by Alumni Artists from Mohawk Hudson Region Exhibitions 2009-2017 artists talks.

Supported by University Art Museum Endowed Director's Fund and University Auxiliary Service (UAS).

Photography is Dead. Long Live Photography! A roundtable discussion on the past, present, and future of the medium
Moderator: Danny Goodwin
Panelists: Justin Baker, Melinda McDaniel, Owen Barensfeld, and Judah Shepherd

Supporters

The following donors contributed to the University at Albany Art Museum between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. These gifts include annual contributions, bequest intentions, and gifts-in-kind.

William J. Milne Society ($100,000-$249,999)
*Michael A. Boots
*Marco A. DeThomasis

Edward P. Waterbury Society ($25,000-$99,999)
Jay Lewis
Robin Kanson Lewis '70

David Perkins Page Society ($10,000-$24,999)
Lisa R. Jackson
Alan J. Lizotte, Ph.D.
John P. Lowe, Jr. '73
Ann C. Mataraso '02
Matthew H. Mataraso, Esq.

Podium Society ($2,500-$4,999)
Community Foundation for the Capital Region
Charles A. Forma, Esq. '73
Charles M. Liddle, III
Jennifer Troiano
John P. Troiano '83

1844 Society ($1,000-$2,499)
Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation
Susan D. Phillips

Minerva Club ($500-$999)
Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes
Laura J. Backus '92
Timothy P. Backus '89
Kim M. Bessette '90
Tom Bessette
Kathryn K. Lowery '75
Michael C. Lowery '76
Barry C. Ross '71
Susan V. Shipherd '64
Stewart's Shops
Mary J. Wyatt-Ross

Carillon Club ($250-$499)
Lucy Alvarez
Oscar J. Alvarez, Sr. '88
Alvarez Dental, PLLC
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy
James Ayers
Jill E. Baucom '85
Certified Framing & Gallery
Michael J. Marston
Janet Riker
Constance H. Saddlemire '78

Albany Club ($100-$249)
Albany Center Galleries, Inc.
Cynthia L. Blake '78
Carrie Haddad Gallery
Dawn M. Clements '87
Sarah R. Cohen, Ph.D.
Rachel Foullon
Gary D. Gold '70
Carrie Haddad
Angela Benezra Mock '02
Judith A. Mysliborski, MD '69
Annette Nanes
New World Bistro Bar
Nancy A. Pierson '69
Corinna R. Schaming '84
Richard W. Southwick '75

Contributors Club (under $100)
Darcie Abbatiello '02
Alana L. Akacki
Elisa Albert
Laura Barron
Margaret L. Bracken '07
Lacey Clarke
Kimberly Colvin
Kimberly A. Comproski
Maria DeLucia-Evans


Peter B. Evans
Brian C. Fessler '06
Kathryn L. Fessler '08
Deborah L. Forand
Ben N. Godward '07
Lisa E. Gonzalez '03
Daniel S. Goodwin
Amy L. Griffin
Charlotte J. Wood Kalaghan '09
Timothy S. Kline '98
Michael Lerch
Judy Madnick '65
Stuart Madnick
Mark W. Miller '96
Mark Perez
Abigail R. Rudolph '12
Brian W. Rudolph '12
Edward L. Schwarzschild, Ph.D.
Stuart S. Seidel '12
Stephanie N. Snyder
Christopher M. Thompson '95
Gerald A. Thompson '81
Patricia Alsid Thompson '85
Kelly T. Welton '12
Laurel C. Wemett ‘65
Warren A. Winslow Jr. '73
Jesse Wolfe

Donors to the Collection
Anonymous
Adam H. Brown '87
Brian P. Cirmo '02
Brian Clyne
Cameron Martin
Barry O'Connell
Kristin O'Connell
William Rudolf
Marilee E. Sousie '12
Brian G. Tolle '86
Miriam E. Trementozzi '93

* Individuals whose employers generously matched their gifts

The University Art Museum gratefully acknowledges the continuing support of the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, and The University at Albany Foundation.

The University at Albany Foundation

As UAlbany's fundraising and stewardship entity, The University at Albany Foundation manages the financial resources donors entrust to it, recognizes supporters for their generosity, and distributes their gifts in accordance with their wishes. Thanks to the generosity of UAlbany donors, The Foundation was able to present almost $1.9 million in scholarships/awards/grants/support last year and over $4.6 million supported faculty research and travel; the hiring of graduate assistants for research teams; the construction or renovation of state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities; and the purchase of specialized equipment.

Your tax−deductible gift to the University Art Museum through The University at Albany Foundation will likewise have a great impact. The museum's continued success depends on the generosity of friends like you. Your contribution will support innovative exhibitions that enrich the intellectual life of the university and the community, as well as programs that engage audiences and foster understanding of contemporary visual arts. To designate your contribution for the University Art Museum, please visit us online at www.albany.edu/giving. For more information about ways to support the museum, please call Michael Boots at (518) 225−1229.

2019 Preview

we are here. Nicole Cherubini

February 1 - April 6, 2019
For three decades, Nicole Cherubini has been challenging conventions and expectations of sculpture through her primary medium: clay. By integrating elements like platforms, frames, wood armatures, fiberboard, acrylic paint, and found objects, the artist proposes distinct vantage points for viewing her objects and comments on the way they are displayed. Drawing on the proportions of the distinct architectural space of the Museum designed by Edward Durell Stone, Cherubini will include mobile seating arrangements that reference her recent sculptural works as well as the arc of her artistic career.

Carrie Schneider: Rapt

February 1 - April 6, 2019
Motivated by Linda Nochlin's 1971 historical text "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?," Carrie Schneider: Rapt will feature Schneider's ongoing photographic series Reading Women. From 2012−2014 the artist approached one hundred of her female−identifying friends−including artists, writers, and musicians−to read a text of their choice while she captured the process on film. The exhibition will include a number of the works from the series and invite the public and the student body to read the featured titles in the galleries. Schneider will also exhibit large−scale and intimate black−and−white works that reveal a focused exploration of photo−based printing techniques while pointing to the exhibition's larger thesis of women's access and entry into traditionally male-dominated fields.

Louise Lawler: Birdcalls 1972-81

February 1 - April 6, 2019
Louise Lawler's audio recording and text Birdcalls will be featured in the Museum's entrance and lobby. The artist conceived the work while working on a public project in downtown New York to comment on male and female labor and to ward off potential predators when leaving the worksite late at night. The audio recording sounds the names of Lawler's famous 28 male colleagues and will be played on a continuous loop.

Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition

May 3 - 19, 2019
The Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition features work produced by candidates for UAlbany Art Department's three-year, 60−credit−hour program of intensive training and study in traditional and contemporary fine art practices.

Ace: Art on sports, promise, and selfhood

June 28 - December 7, 2019
The artists represented in Ace will use sports and athletic culture to explore how youth, gender, race, promise, and identity are intertwined with athleticism, and how these elements share roles in defining cultural codes and rituals, thereby engendering community. Ace will include several commissioned projects that will unfold over time during the course of the exhibition.


Nicole Cherubini
746,932,514.549713826, 2018
Earthenware, terracotta, black clay, glaze, underglaze, aluminum, steel bolts, wood, magic-sculpt, PC-11
68 x 21 x 20 inches
Image courtesy of the artist and September Gallery, Hudson, NY

Carrie Schneider
Cauleen reading Gwendolyn Brooks (Blacks, pub. 2008), 2017
C-print
36 x 30 inches
Image courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago, IL

Work Study and Community and Public Service students: Birmania Paute, Gabriel Villeda, Aanaya Rowell-Moten, Cody Mills, Oumou Diallo, and Abdullah Zubair