Fine arts exhibit highlights student work at semi-annual show
Zoe Deno
News Editor
The Teaching Gallery opens its doors for students, faculty and community members to appreciate the finest of Hudson Valley’s Art students in its semi-annual art show.
“To see one’s work on a clean wall with good lighting makes a huge difference to an artist, particularly a young artist,” said Tara Fracalossi, director of the Teaching Gallery and assistant professor in the Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Digital Media Department. It is really scary to enter your work into a show that it might not be accepted into, and it is very excited to then have it accepted.”
A total of 232 people gathered in the art gallery to see the best year-end exhibitions by students on April 20. Every year, a local artist is selected to choose which of the student’s submissions are accepted into the gallery, so there is no bias to who gets in from faculty. This year, the Juror, Alex Ross, was a professor from fellow SUNY school, UAlbany.
“I think the turnout of the evening was great, and I’m glad people have been commenting on how much they like certain pieces,” said Joel Olzak, a fine arts student. “It’s my last year here, and it feels like a capstone, a crowning achievement for myself and my classmates.”
Fine arts major Hannah Tremblay believes the art show is a great celebration of the art students’ work.
“I believe the fine arts show is a show of progress and hard work,” Tremblay said. “Anyone, not just artists, can appreciate students working hard for what they [are passionate about].”
The exhibitions are organized and installed by students in Gallery Practicum I classes. The bottom level is dedicated to pieces that were initially assignments for classes, while the top floor is reserved for the advanced students’ work. At Hudson Valley, fine art students have the option of staying at the college for an extra year to build their profile before transferring to another school.
“I think people look at art for all different reasons, and we all have a different understanding of things,” Fracalossi said.“There are some things that are just beautiful to look at, and there are some [art pieces] that are perplexing.”
Awards were also given out to outstanding members of Hudson Valley’s art community.
“We give out awards for academic excellence and community presence as well as the coveted “fresh pots” awards for whoever makes the most coffee,” Olzak said. “I won fresh pots last year and was surprised to win again this year. I thought I had been surpassed.”
“For many artists going on to their futures, they would need the gallery exposure to be able to get jobs in the field of art handling,” Tremblay said. “The Teaching Gallery gives students that chance an a learning environment.”
Fracalossi hopes the art show retains its popularity in the future.
“I hope our students continue partaking in the art shows because it is the first step for them as artists,” Fracalossi said.