Gallery

SUNY Ulster Hosts Annual “Future Voices” Art Exhibit Showcasing Local High School Talent

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Abstract green & black artwork by Kira

May 18, 2022 – Stone Ridge, NY – Ulster County high school students will be showcased in an exhibit of their artwork with “Future Voices 2022: High School Art from Ulster County,” opening May 27 and running through June 10, at the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery on the Stone Ridge campus. The opening reception is on Friday, May 27, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

This annual exhibition features artwork from high school students throughout Ulster County. Participating schools include Saugerties, Onteora, Rondout Valley, Kingston, Ulster BOCES, New Paltz, Ellenville, Marlboro, Highland, Wallkill, and Woodstock Day School. The show will include a wide variety of media including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital media, and more.

The Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. is offering prizes to the artists with the three best pieces in the show. There will be one $100 best-in-show award and two honorable mentions, worth $50 each.

The exhibition is being curated by Allison Constant, owner and founder of Art Bar in Kingston. Ms. Constant is a SUNY Ulster fine art program alumna. In addition to her work at Art Bar, she has curated exhibits for the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum and Woodstock Jewish Congregation. She has also exhibited her own work at The Farber Center in New York City, Samuel Dorsky Museum at SUNY New Paltz, and The Shirt Factory in Kingston, among others.

Ms. Constant will also be joining the SUNY Ulster adjunct faculty to teach a new applied learning course in Curatorial Studies. The course will provide students with hands-on experience in all aspects of curating exhibits culminating in an exhibit in the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery.

The Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and by appointment. It is closed on college holidays. The show and opening reception are free and open to the public. SUNY Ulster requires that masks must be worn in all indoor settings at this time. For more information, call 845-687-5113. 

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Fine Art/Visual Art Students Exhibition April 1 – April 30

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Fine Arts Exhibition paintings and drawings

March 31, 2022 – Stone Ridge, NY – Fine Art/Visual Art students from SUNY Ulster showcase artwork from Drawing & Composition I & II, 3 Dimensional Design, Advanced Studio I & II, Printmaking, Watercolor, and Painting from April 1 through April 30 at the Stone Ridge Library on Main St. in Stone Ridge.

Students participating in the exhibition include Laurel Burch, Magdalana Cruz, Meleah Danner, Sam Goldberg, Isabella Harrell, Margaret Melanson, Alexandra Maher, Arianna Moore, Maggie Priest, Greg Renner, Francis Sargenti, Olivia Schmidt, Lorelei Siegel, Megan Sorbellini, Karen St. Pierre, Brittany Topple, Darryl Underwood, and Kylie Williams.

The Fine Art/Visual Art program at SUNY Ulster is a two-year foundation-based program preparing students for transfer to complete their four year degrees at some of the top art schools or to begin their careers. Students completing the first two years of their four-year degree at SUNY Ulster transfer at the third year level to schools such as SUNY New Paltz, School of Visual Arts, and Pratt Institute. Those entering the job market will graduate with a Competitive portfolio.

This event is free and open to the public. The Stone Ridge Library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Mondays from 1:30 to 7 p.m.

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Fine Art/Visual Art and Fashion Design Faculty Exhibition at Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery

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Faculty ART show flyer showcasing faculty art pieces, 2022

Closing Reception for the Public to be held on April 1 from 4 – 6 p.m.

February 23, 2022 – Stone Ridge, NY – The Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery begins its spring season with an exhibition of the works of its art department faculty. Fine Art/Visual Art and Fashion Design Faculty Exhibition 2022 will run from February 24 through April 1, 2022. A closing reception is scheduled for April 1 from 4 – 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

Described as a celebration of our talented and formidable Fine Art and Fashion Design faculty, the exhibition will include drawings, paintings, digital artwork, fashion garments, and mixed media pieces. The exhibiting artists include James Alderman, Lisa Anderson, Les Castellanos, Joan Ffolliott, Angela Kunz, Chelsea Stingel, Seth Rubin, Chelsea Vierstra, Kristin Flynn, Sean Nixon, and Chris Seubert.

The art department at SUNY Ulster is recognized for the quality of its faculty, who are all working artists. Students graduating from our art programs transfer to some of the best art schools in the nation to complete their four-year degrees including the Fashion Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, Pratt, SUNY New Paltz, Parsons School of Design, and more.

Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m.

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SUNY Ulster Alumni Art Exhibition- Calling All Alumni!

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All SUNY Ulster alumni are invited to submit work to be included in the 2021 Alumni Exhibition! The Exhibition will run from October 1st – November 14th, 2021. Alumni can submit up to three pieces for consideration. All artwork must be original, and all media are acceptable.

 

Eligibility:

Open to all SUNY Ulster alumni- not just Art Majors! Works must have been completed after graduation, preferably within the last three years.  Artwork may be 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, video-based, or installation/site-specific.

Entry to this exhibition implies agreement on the part of the sender to the conditions set forth in this prospectus. The deadline to submit is August 27th, 2021.

 

Media/Specifications:

All work accepted for the show must be ready to hang, self-supporting on a pedestal or the floor, prepared for viewing on a monitor, or ready for display in another specified manner.
Three-dimensional or installation work may include up to 2 additional detail images. Artists submitting video artwork must submit a five-minute clip of the video for review. Potential final acceptance of video work will be determined after viewing the full video.

Submission Format:

● All works must be submitted in .jpg format.
● Submissions will be accepted online only; any submitted work that differs from the digital entry guidelines below may be disqualified.
● All image files must be named exactly as follows: Lastname_Firstname_Titleofwork.jpg
● Important: The names of your image files must not contain spaces or special characters ( – / . # etc). Underscores _ are fine.
● Files must be 72 dpi and no more than 600 pixels on its’ largest side.
● Email files to: Gallery@sunyulster.edu Please include “Alumni Exhibition” in your subject line.

Acceptance of Work:

Alumni whose work is selected for the exhibition will be notified by September 3rd, 2021.

Selected artists are requested to provide a current artist statement to accompany exhibited artwork addressing where you are in your career.  Additionally, selected artists are requested to provide information for promotion (3 images, contact information, website, and social media contact).

Accepted work may be delivered in person or shipped postage paid by the artist in appropriate packaging for artwork that is reusable upon return shipment.

Presentation:

  • Wall-mounted work: Not to exceed 5’ in height or width and 60 lbs.
  • Installations: May not alter the character of gallery walls, ceiling, or floor.
  • Pedestals will be provided for 3-D work.
  • All works must be ready to install. 2-D work must be framed under plexiglass or glass (with exception of works on canvas) and wired with the necessary hanging device attached. Unframed works should be shipped with the appropriate hanging equipment and installation instructions.
  • The juror or Program Coordinator may withhold works that are misrepresented by digital submission or that are not adequately prepared for display.

Delivery/shipment of accepted work:

● Delivery, shipment, and return of artwork are at the expense and responsibility of the artist.
● Accepted work may be delivered in person or shipped postage paid by the artist in appropriate packaging for artwork that is reusable upon return shipment.
● Deliver all accepted works to:
○ SUNY Ulster Community College
℅ Muroff-Kotler Gallery
491 Cottekill Rd, Stone Ridge, NY 12484
● Hand-delivered work should be delivered directly to the Muroff-Kotler Gallery.  Delivery times are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
● Shipped artwork will be returned in the packing that it arrives in and must contain information (prepaid shipping label, etc.) for return.
●  All packages must include a pre-paid return address label (if the return address label is not included, the address on the original submission form will be used to return the work.)
● If inappropriate shipping materials are used, damaged work will not be covered by the gallery.
● C.O.D. deliveries will not be accepted.
● Please: No Packing Popcorn

●Pick up/Return of Artwork will be from November 15th – 27th,  2021.

Contact Information: Gallery@sunyulster.edu Please include “Alumni Exhibition” in your subject line.

 

Meet the Juror

Joan Ffolliott began her formal artistic training at the University of Washington in sculpture and printmaking. She went on to earn her MFA at the Rhode Island School of Design and was the recipient of a Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant.

Joan has exhibited her work in numerous shows around the country and she is included in many private collections. In addition to teaching at RISD, Sonoma State University, and Wheaton College, she is currently a member of the faculty at SUNY Ulster Community College, the Woodstock School of Art, and the owner of Ffolliott Design. She lives and works in Malden-on-Hudson, New York.

Drive In Arts Exhibition at SUNY Ulster on April 30

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Collage of students participating in the arts exhibition

April 13, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is holding a Drive In Arts Exhibition on April 30, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Rain date is May 1 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

On exhibit will be art from SUNY Ulster’s first and second year arts program students including Fashion Design, Fine Art/Visual Art, and Music. When visitors drive onto the SUNY Ulster campus, they will be guided through the outdoor exhibits by directional signage, a printed program, and by dialing into a specifically designated radio station to learn more about the works, educational programs, and to hear the performing ensembles.

The Fine Art/Visual Art program is a foundation-based program preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions or career entry. On view will be first-year student paintings, drawings, photography, design, and printmaking. Second year students will display their transfer/career portfolio projects. Second-year students will be finishing their Bachelor degrees at the School of Visual Arts, SUNY New Paltz, and SUNY Fredonia, among other colleges.

The Fashion Design program will be showing pencil skirts and button down shirts that highlight the pattern-making, sewing, and construction skills by first-year students. Second-year graduating students will show their final collections: a coordinated group of garments with tops, pants, dresses, and coats that include a focus on surface decorations including embroidery, applique, and patchwork. Graduating students will be transferring to the Fashion Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design or SUNY Oneonta to complete their four-year degrees.

The Music program will feature several of their performing ensembles available to students and community members including the SUNY Ulster Community Band, Jazz Ensemble, College Chorus, and Guitar Ensemble. Some of the four-year institutions music program students are transferring to include SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Potsdam, Ithaca, and Bard.

To keep traffic flowing, interested attendees are required to register and choose a convenient time slot.

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Drive in Arts Exhibition

Pridesgiving 2020

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Pridesgiving 2020 banner

 

Rae AndersoIn an effort to provide a positive holiday experience to her fellow students, Rae Anderson was inspired to create Pridesgiving – an opportunity for the entire student body to come together and create lasting holiday memories filled with joy.

Many members of the LGBTQ+ community face the holiday season with trepidation and sadness because they lack a supportive and accepting family dynamic. Imagine sitting around a table filled with people who can’t or won’t accept you for who YOU are.

According to Rae, she recognized her own difficulties faced during the holidays. When asked what inspired her creation of Pridesgiving Rae said, “I wanted to provide a positive experience for those who associate holidays with isolation, trauma, hunger, or stress of any kind.”

Pridesgiving 2018

Pridesgiving 2018With assistance from the LGBTQ+ advisor, Brandon Burnette, and the Student life Coordinator, Meg Sheeley, the first Pridesgiving came to fruition on November 20, 2018.

The event was a potluck event held in the Student Dining Hall. Then student, Kerri Hostetter, invited her Queer positive choral group, “Key of Q” to provide musical entertainment. The event was well attended by students, guests, staff, and faculty. It was a great success.

Meg and Brandon discussed the outcome and it was decided…Pridesgiving would become an annual event at SUNY Ulster!

Pridesgiving 2019

In an effort to make a cozier, more personal event, Pridesgiving was held in the Student Lounge. In 2019 many more clubs got involved and collaborated to make an amazing event. Stephanie Sensini, from the Business Club, created an amazing graphic that was made into a physical banner to commemorate the event.
Pridesgiving BannerThe Student Government Organization (SGO) purchased turkeys and Jason from Lessings was kind enough to cook them. “Ready for the Holidays” clothing racks were set up with the supplies and help of those participating in the Start Here. Go Far Boutique. And a staff member, Danielle Wayman, donated beautiful homemade candies.

All of this was complemented by live musical entertainment from “A Judgmental Swarm of Bees”. And once again, the event was an overwhelming success!

Pridesgiving 2020…PRIDE MARCHES ON!

In this year of upheaval and unprecedented change, the tradition will continue. With the efforts of Meg Sheeley, Brandon Burnette, and LGBTQ+ Association President Bailey Savatgy Pridesgiving will continue for its third annual run.

Things will be a bit different this year. It will be a virtual event with students registering to attend. However, do not be discouraged! This is still a free event open to all! Not to mention, those registered will be entered into a raffle drawing for prizes! (Yay, free stuff!)

During this year’s virtual event there will be a slideshow of  “SUNY PRIDE MARCHES ON” artwork submissions. They are still seeking submissions of artwork so get those masterpieces submitted!

There are also many items in the works for this year’s event including musical entertainment and guest speakers.

Come and be a part of an amazing, enriching tradition at SUNY Ulster that continues to inspire a spirit of inclusivity and togetherness in this brave new world we face every day!

 

How Making Art Affects You as a Student

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Brushes on a canvas covered in paint

“I don’t listen to what art critics say. I don’t know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is”.

~Jean-Michael Bassquiat
A piece of art where a woman's face is covered in color as she holds her face with her hands.

It’s the first thing to be underfunded and ignored in terms of educational value. Is this societal disregard for art justifiable? As a matter of fact, no. Having art programs present at educational institutions creates exciting places for learning and discovery. Research by the Americans for the Arts and Vans Custom Culture shows that low income students who are engaged in the arts are more than twice as likely to graduate college compared to their peers with no arts education, proving that creative classes as a part of your education can drastically increase your chances for success. Here’s how:

The Academic Boost of Art

As you can imagine, making art of any kind requires diligent focus and discipline. Which means the practice of turning creativity into a product is enhancing those skills. Focus and discipline are then going to transfer into other aspects of the artist’s life. For example, studying for a final exam is a bit easier when your brain has already been trained to have laser focus and not slack off.

A study on art in schools done in 2006 by Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum study showed a link between arts education and improved literacy skills. During the study, students were working with an artist to make a masterpiece. They then developed better critical thinking skills. By pondering and discussing different pieces and works, these students were establishing vital life skills. This could then be applied to understanding and analyzing literary material later on in different situations.

Outside of School Benefits

hands reach over a desk to sketch an art drawing of a fashion design

Art can benefit you life in more ways than just in the classroom. Creativity can often act as a bridge between two people of different walks of life. All forms of art can help to significantly improve community cohesion. A study done in 2005 by the Rand Corporation showed that art can connect students. These students might otherwise be culturally isolated, to each other and to the world at large.

A study by Anna Bernadska & Kelly Leroux describes the impact of the arts on individual contributions to US civil society. According to which, among adults, arts participation is related to behaviors that contribute to the health of civil society. These contributions include increased civic engagement and greater social tolerance. Put simply, when you create things for others you’re getting more involved with your community. You’re also learning how to better understand and accept thoughts and opinions of others, even if they may not agree with your own.

A man sits at a computer making graphic designs, the desk also has a coffee and a mug of coffee sitting next to the computer.

Art Is Available To You Everywhere

SUNY Ulster offers several types of art degrees such as fashion or advertising design, theater, music, and fine arts. Learn more information on the programs SUNY Ulster offers here. If a full-fledged art degree is not for you, arts classes can be taken with any degree program. They would siply be classified as an elective during any one of your semesters at SUNY Ulster. The next semester coming up is Fall 2019, and there are plenty of art classes to be had, check it out on the website. Some people may even qualify for free tuition with the college scholars program.

SUNY Ulster Nursing Students and Alumni Study Abroad in Durban, South Africa

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SUNY Ulster students and alumni pose with members of a South African village

From March 9-17, 2019, a group of nine SUNY Ulster nursing students and alumni traveled to Durban, South Africa with Dr. Ellen Tangney, Associate Professor of Nursing, for a study abroad opportunity. While they were there, they visited fellow COIL collaborating students at Durban University of Technology (DUT), traveled to nearby health clinics, met traditional village healers, and visited a few of the local attractions!

SUNY Ulster students and alumni with Auntie Connie and Elliot Makhathini
SUNY Ulster nursing students and alumni meet Auntie Connie and DUT Nursing Professor Elliot Mqansa Makhathini at DUT Pietermaritzburg campus.
Students and alumni at a South African radio station
The group participates in a radio talk show with host Ingelosi Engenamaphiko, discussing the integration of traditional healers in western medicine.
SUNY Ulster students and alumni participating in a Zulu dance
The travelers are entertained and educated on Zulu dance.
Dr. Dudu Sokhela, DUT, Dr. Ellen Tangney, SUNY Ulster, Professor Elliott Makhathini, DUT, and SUNY Ulster Nursing Student Chelsea VanKleeck outside a clinic
Dr. Dudu Sokhela, DUT, Dr. Ellen Tangney, SUNY Ulster, Professor Elliott Makhathini, DUT, and SUNY Ulster Nursing Student Chelsea VanKleeck outside Cato Ridge rural clinic.
Students and alumni hand out bags at a South African clinic
SUNY Ulster students and alumni at a South African clinic. People walk 2-3 hours to arrive at this clinic, which has a western medical doctor, nursing, homeopathy, and chiropractic services.
Students and alumni pose in front of Cato Ridge in South Africa
SUNY Ulster travelers at Cato Ridge, South Africa.
Students and alumni eating dinner at their bed and breakfast
The group prepared and enjoyed an African-style beef stew with the assistance of Lillian, the B&B cook.
Students, alumni, and Durban locals in front of the Nelson Mandela capture site
The travelers visit the Nelson Mandela capture site in Howick, South Africa.
Students, alumni, and Durban locals at a picnic table by the Indian Ocean
SUNY Ulster students and alumni join Durban friends for an evening meal by the Indian Ocean.
Students and alumni in front of sea creatures at the Ushaka Marine aquarium
Before leaving for home, the travelers visit Durban’s Ushaka Marine.
Students and alumni pose on airplane steps
The group heads back home!

South African Nursing and Human Services Faculty Visit SUNY Ulster

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Professor Makhathini with Health Alliance Hospital staff

From December 1-7, 2018, two faculty from Durban University of Technology (DUT) visited SUNY Ulster and the local area! Elliot Mqansa Makhathini, Professor of Nursing at DUT, and Nomashodo Mirriam Siluma, Professor of Child Welfare at DUT, visited from South Africa to meet SUNY Ulster’s Nursing and Human Services faculty, students, and alumni. Professor Makhathini met with nursing students, faculty, and alumni, as well as the Ulster County community of health practitioners, including doctors, nurses, and the chief administrator of Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. Professor Siluma met with Human Services faculty and students at SUNY Ulster and the KCSU, attending a few of Vicky Burgh-Harris’ and Keri McArdle’s classes.

Hope Windle with South African Professors
COIL Coordinator Hope Windle welcomes Professor Siluma and Professor 
Makhathini to New York!
SUNY Ulster Nursing Professor Dr. Ellen Tangney and Professor Makhathini working together with Sage College professors.
Professor Mirriam Siluma visits a Human Services class.
Professor Makhathini takes a scenic walk in Rosendale with local healer Kate Anjahlia Loye and Hope Windle.
Professor Makhathini and Professor Siluma have dinner with a group of Hudson Valley healers and SUNY Ulster Nursing alumna Elizabeth Bourne.
Professor Makhathini learns about the SUNY Ulster Simulation Lab from Nursing Program Assistant Jackie McDowell.
Professor Makhathini and Professor Siluma visit the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster, meeting nursing professors and students who will be traveling to South Africa in March 2019, as well as Human Services professors Vicky Burgh-Harris and Keri McArdle.
SUNY Ulster Nursing Alumni Jess Robie and Nurse/Reiki Healer Jeannette Duffau at the Health Alliance Kingston Hospital visit with Professor Makhathini about the healing arts incorporated at their hospital.
 Professor Makhathini also got to visit with Health Alliance CEO David Scarpino.

SUNY Ulster’s Interactive Arts Timeline.

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art gallery wide view with many people talking in small groups

SUNY Ulster’s campus, much like the Hudson Valley itself, has served as a hub for both a historic and booming art scene. SUNY Ulster’s interactive timeline provides an intimate look at the lives of the artists that have visited SUNY Ulster’s campus since 1994.

Explore Our Interactive Timeline Here: https://www.sunyulster.edu/artstimeline.html

With assistance from  The Ulster Community College Foundation, INC., SUNY Ulster has been able to provide students and local residents exposure to different cultural and artistic expressions through programs like Words & Music, Herbert H. & Sofia P. Reuner Library Writers Series, Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum, Visiting Artist Series, and the Larry Berk Artist-In-Residence Series.

A Spotlight Of Artists Who Have Visited Us Through The Decades:

 

1994-Sharon Olds (Poet) 

An American poet. Olds has been the recipient of many awards including the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, the 1984 National Book Critics Circle Award, and the first San Francisco Poetry Center Award in 1980.

1999- Mary Frank (Visual Artist) 

Born in London, England in 1933, Mary Frank moved to the United States with her family in 1940. Frank works across mediums as a sculptor, painter, photographer, and gifted ceramic artist.

 

2004- Gail Godwin ( Keynote Speaker Author and Visting Artist) 

Gail Godwin is a novelist and short story writer born in 1937 in Alabama. Gail attended St. Genevieve’s of the Pines, a Catholic school for girls, through the ninth grade. Her time in Catholic school inspired her novel, ‘Unfinished Desires’.

 

2007- Will Cotton (Painter) 

American painter, Will Cotton was born in 1965 in Massachusetts. In 1987 he earned his B.F.A. from the Cooper Union School of Art in NYC. His work primarily features landscapes composed of sweets, often inhabited by human subjects. In 2010, he notably served as the artistic director for Katy Perry’s music video “California Gurls,” and has painted several portraits of the singer.

 

2013- Diane Ackerman (Author) 

Diane Ackerman is the author of two dozen highly-acclaimed works of poetry and nonfiction, including New York Times bestsellers turned blockbuster film ‘The Zookeeper’s Wife’ which starred Jessica Chastain and Daniel Brühl in 2017.

 

2017-Okey Ndibe (Author) 

Okey Ndibe is the author of the novels “Never Look An American In The Eye: A Memoir of Flying Turtles”, “Colonial Ghosts”, and the making of a Nigerian American, “Foreign Gods, Inc.”, and “Arrows of Rain”, and co-editor (with Zimbabwean writer Chenjerai Hove) of “Writers Writing on Conflicts and Wars in Africa”.