Breaking through the art mold
The abundance of talented candidates for a Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree are obvious in two moving exhibitions coming up at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art. These special exhibitions offer a look at the challenging and diverse thesis projects created by degree candidates from the State University of New York at New Paltz. This season’s exhibitions will be on view Dec. 4 – 15.
Some of this year’s themes range from the figure, genetics, epidemics and pandemics, the process of artistic creation itself, spirituality, self-portraiture, and people and scenes from campus and community.
“The museum is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with faculty, administrators and students on this semester’s BFA/MFA exhibitions,” said Brian Wallace, curator for The Dorsky Museum.
This season’s exhibiting artists include: Andrew Brischler; Phoebe Doran; Faye Eng; Nicholas Faulhaber; Caitlin Gilbride; Beth Glennon; Melanie Greenberg; Yohei Maeda; Melissa Mandel; Laurel O’Brien; Karin Rutkin; Courtney Dam; Erin Dinan; Corrina Gale Cerio; Victoria Haralam; Kristin Jackson; Nicholas Johnson; Mike McDonough; Carly Nalven; Kristin Natoli; Emily Nyburg; Melissa Sclafani; and Meg Staats.
After completing their studies, graduating students are required to write a dissertation and present their thesis projects in a museum environment. These popular and thought-provoking exhibitions are designed and installed by the candidates in consultation with faculty advisors and museum staff.
BFA/MFA I will open in the Alice and Horace Chandler and North galleries with a reception on Friday, Dec. 4 from 5-7 p.m., and will be on view through Dec. 8. BFA/MFA II opens Friday, Dec. 11 with a reception from 5-7 p.m., and closes on Dec. 15.
Suggested admission to The Dorsky Museum is $5. For event details, reservations, accessibility, or directions, visit www.newpaltz.edu/museum or call (845) 257-3844.
Special museum hours have been set to accommodate the exhibitions: Friday – Tuesday; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.