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BULLET IN
HOLIDAYS AT MUNSON
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CELEBRATE THE SEASON M U NSO N B U L L E TIN
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Dear Munson Community,
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Christian Heilmann, Chair Dietra Harvey, Vice-Chair Mark Levitt, Secretary Vige Barrie Rev. Sharon Baugh Andrew Britton Dr. Steven J. Brown Ronald Cuccaro Emma Golden David T. Griffith Robert Knight Betty Krulik F. X. Matt III R. Benedikt Sander Jackie Walters Laura Tansey Wetzel Anna T. D’Ambrosio President and CEO
Front cover image: Victorian Yuletide at Fountain Elms
Reflecting on 2026 as it draws to a close, I can truly say it’s been one of the most inspiring years in my time at Munson. We served more than 500 children through free summer art classes, presented a series of dynamic and sold-out concerts, welcomed more than 4,000 schoolchildren for Museum tours, and filled our studios with eager students as well as our galleries with remarkable exhibitions. Plus, we launched Munson’s first-ever capital campaign, Munson For All, to a warm embrace from our Members and the wider community. All of it fills me with pride and gratitude. Yet, the truest thing I can say at year’s end is that Munson isn’t a building or a collection, an auditorium or a studio. It’s the people who show up for it. Munson is you. Everything we do rests on the confidence and capacity you’ve given us, year after year. So let me take this moment to say, most sincerely, thank you. Now, as we close out the year, I'm asking something I’ve never asked before: that you extend your generosity further than ever—supporting our Annual Fund as you always have and also making a gift to Munson For All. Yes, it’s a lot to ask. Once in a while, I hear it said around town that Munson is self-sustaining. Nothing could be further from the truth. We do have an endowment, but it covers only 40% of our sizable operating budget. The rest must be earned or raised year after year. Your gift to the Annual Fund sustains everything we do; it keeps the lights on and the grounds beautiful, it hangs the next exhibition, and welcomes every school bus that pulls up to our door. Munson For All is something different and rarer—a once-in-a-generation chance to build for the future. This year, I'm asking you to do both—sustain us today and help us build for tomorrow. Over the holiday season, as you count the places that make our corner of the world worth living in, I hope Munson is among them. Whatever you’re able to give helps make our work possible—every child in a gallery for the first time, every artist finding their footing in our studios, every neighbor who walks in and feels that this place belongs to them. From all of us at Munson, thank you. I wish you and those you love a joyful, creative holiday season. With appreciation, always,
Munson's programs are made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Anna Tobin D’Ambrosio President and CEO
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Easton Pribble Lecture Series: Lujan Perez Hernandez
Thursday, Nov. 5, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium Free
Art Talk with Dr. Juleen Qandah: Can the Arts Improve Your Health? Tuesday, Nov. 10, noon Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium Free
Art Alive! Family Day with Pushcart Players A More Perfect Union Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium Free
Exhibition Opening: Victorian Groove-tide On view Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, 2027 Fountain Elms Free
Mahjong for Beginners and 1960s Games Saturday, Nov. 14, 1 to 3 p.m. Root Court $5 Members | $10 General Public
Munson Art Night at the Utica Comets Saturday, Nov. 14, 6 to 10 p.m. NBT Bank Arena Tickets available at uticacomets.com
Holiday Felting Workshop with Erin Gardner, Grey Fox Felting Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1 to 4 p.m. Root Court $65 Members | $70 General Public
Book Club: Art Cure, Evening Session Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m. Art Research Library Free | Registration required
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Lunch & Listen: Students and Staff Friday, Dec. 4, noon Root Court Free
First Friday: Broadway Karaoke Friday, Dec. 4, 7 to 10 p.m. Root Court $5 Members | $10 General Public
| $5 Students
The Met: Live in HD: Samson et Dalila, Saint-Saëns
Saturday, Dec. 5, noon Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium $26 Members | $32 General Public | $16 Students
Holiday Art Market
Thursday, Dec. 10, noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Root Court Free
Holiday Open House at Fountain Elms
Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 to 7 p.m. Museum of Art $5 Members | $10 General Public $5 for Children 12 and Over | Free for Children Under 12
Half Moon Orchestra Holiday Concerts
Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Root Court $15 Members | $20 General Public | $5 for Children 5 and Over Free for Children Under 5
Art Alive! Family Day with Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Dynamic Duo Tuesday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium Free
ONGOING
Concert Series: The Brother Brothers
Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Terrace
Merry Macramé Workshop with Karissa Jones, Simply Natural
Art and Yoga
Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium $32 Members | $38 General Public | $16 Students
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6 to 8 p.m. Root Court $35 Members | $45 General Public
Saturdays, Dec. 5 and 12 | 2 p.m. The Terrace at Munson, Fountain Elms NEW! $42 per person, tax and gratuity included Reservations: theterrace@hartshillinn.com or 315-736-3011 Saturdays | 10:30 a.m. Museum of Art Drop-in fee per class: $10 Members | $15 General Public
New York City Excursion
Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 a.m. to midnight New York City $110 Members | $125 General Public
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ON VIEW MUSEUM OF ART Victorian Groove-tide
On view Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, 2027 Fountain Elms | Free This winter, Victorian Yuletide becomes Groove-tide, celebrating the Sixties, a pivotal decade in Munson’s history. In the fall of 1960, Munson opened its Museum building, designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, alongside Fountain Elms, an 1852 Italianate home whose Victorian period rooms were among the first of their kind in the United States. Since then, these distinctive spaces have showcased paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. This winter, we revisit the spirit of the Sixties while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter. Sponsor: Gail Kulaga PRATT MUNSON GA LLERY
Are You Experienced: Featuring Patrick Brennan, Linda Sormin, and Stephanie McMahon On view through Dec. 13 Pratt Munson Gallery, Fountain Elms | Free
Provocative and open to interpretation, Are You Experienced centers on ideas of exploration, discovery, and lived experience. Through painting, sculpture, sound, and installation, the artists create three interconnected environments that unfold sequentially throughout the gallery. Left to right: Patrick Brennan, Light Signal No. 8 (detail). Acrylic on cut paper, 2026. Stephanie McMahon, Echo (detail). Oil on panel, 2025.
MUNSON ON THE MOVE Munson’s magnificent collection is on the move again! We’re sharing our world-class art with other museums in noted exhibitions around the globe.
ON VIEW IN NEW YORK CITY Untitled [Little Image Painting] by Lee Krasner Krasner/Pollock: Past Continuous On view through Jan. 31, 2027 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, N.Y. Lee Krasner (American, 1908–1984), Untitled (Little Image Painting) (detail), 1947–48. Oil on canvas. 25 7/8 x 19 5/8 in. Gift of Clare Eddy Thaw, 2016.2. © 2026 PollockKrasner Foundation / Licensing by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
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CURATOR'S CORNER
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STILL CALLING ALL CHRISTIANAS
DESIGN LAB: LOOKING FOR YOUR INSIGHT
Since my recent appeal for artworks by Edward Christiana, many of you have come forward with beautiful examples of his work, and I am now realizing that he was a very prolific artist, completing thousands of works during his six-decade career! The idea of an exhibition came to mind as I drew a comparison between his watercolors and those of Charles Burchfield during the recent exhibition, Watercolor Stories. Both artists admired each other’s work and shared a deep love of Upstate New York’s landscape and watercolor traditions. With Burchfield being a generation older than Christiana, the influence of one to the other seems evident.
Our curatorial team has just opened an exciting new area in the first floor west gallery off the Root Court for testing aspects of the upcoming reinstallation of the 19th-century American art collection. Munson’s Associate Curator of American Art, Elizabeth Welch, and our Henry Luce Foundation Curatorial Fellow, Shiori Oki, hope to engage visitors in a conversation about various themes as well as techniques and textures being considered for the installation, such as stacked pictures, grouped works, and the layered association of paintings with decorative arts, photography, and other works on paper.
Christiana was a much-loved teacher himself, having spent decades as a professor in Munson’s School of Art, leaving a legacy among artists in this region. In the next couple of years, I look forward to introducing his work to a new generation with a retrospective look on his life and exceptional work. Meanwhile, keep those Christianas coming as we build our database of his known artwork. Fun Fact: Munson owns 26 paintings and drawings by Edward Christiana!
This “Design Lab” will be up throughout the fall and winter, with curatorial “office hours” in the space on the second Tuesday and third Wednesday until January. Come meet the curators, give us your thoughts, and join us in reimagining our superb collection. – Stephen Harrison, Director and Chief Curator, Museum of Art
Edward Christiana (American, 1912–1992), Broad Street, 1946. Watercolor on paper. 12 5/8 x 21 7/8 in. Museum Purchase, 55.36.
MUSEUM OF ART RENOVATIONS UPDATE
It is exciting to see renovations underway in the Museum of Art!
Renovations have begun and are expected to finish in August 2027. In this initial stage, work will focus on the AO Level (the parking lot level), removing interior office walls and adding a second point of entry for what will be the new Museum Shop and student store. The shop will remain open for now in its current location by the Root Court, and you can count on the return of the popular Holiday Market in December. Once the new shop is complete, renovation work will move upstairs and the new, expanded Museum Shop will prepare to open.
Access will remain open to most gallery spaces, restrooms, and the passenger elevator while construction is in progress. Curtain walls will be set up to avoid dust and debris issues for the sake of our guests as well as our collection! We will share further updates as construction progresses, with tremendous thanks to those who have generously supported the initiative.
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PERFORMING ARTS Concert: The Brother Brothers
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 7:30 p.m. Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium $32 Members | $38 General Public | $16 Students Blending contemporary folk, bluegrass, and Americana, The Brother Brothers pair soaring harmonies and masterful musicianship with songs that are reflective, hopeful, and quietly joyful. Twins Adam and David Moss deliver an intimate, richly textured performance that feels like a conversation among friends: warm, authentic, and deeply moving. Funding for Munson Concerts is provided by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company and PJ Green, Inc.
The Met: Live in HD: Samson et Dalilia by Saint-Saëns Saturday, Dec. 5 | noon
Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium $26 Members | $32 General Public | $16 Students Sacred, scandalous, and irresistibly alluring, see Saint-Saëns’s spectacular take on the biblical hero of legendary strength and the seductive Philistine, whose beauty overpowers him. Featuring some of opera’s most spellbinding tunes, this masterpiece of French grand opera is a feast for the eyes and ears. The Met: Live in HD at Munson is sponsored by Elizabeth R. Lemieux, Ph.D. The Met: Live in HD series is in partnership with Rolex. The Met: Live in HD series is made possible by a generous grant from its founding sponsor, Neubauer Family Foundation. Digital support of The Met: Live in HD is provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
FIRST FRIDAY BROADWAY KARAOKE
ART ALIVE! FAMILY DAYS
FREE
Art Alive! Family Days at Munson include art-making activities, free performances and workshops, and special guests. Each Art Alive! happens during a school break. Kids Crafts and Activities: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PUSHCART PLAYERS A MORE PERFECT UNION Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day
11 a.m. Performance 1 p.m. Workshop
BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS DYNAMIC DUO
FRIDAY, DEC. 4 7PM $5 Members | $10 General Public Learn more at munson.art/broadwaykaraoke
Tuesday, Dec. 29, Winter Break
11 a.m. Performance 1 p.m. Workshop Funding for Art Alive! is provided by the MetLife Foundation and Sheila and Ron Cuccaro.
COMMUNITY ARTS
CALL FOR 2027 ART IN BLOOM FLORAL DESIGNERS
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Application Deadline: Jan. 31, 2027
"MOM, I HAVE TO FINISH THE ANTENNAS!" How Munson’s free art classes inspired Rosie beyond the classroom
Whether you’re a floral designer, garden club member, horticulturist, master gardener, or artist, show off your skills at Munson! Submit an application with three images of your floral work for a chance to design for Art in Bloom, April 9–11. Selected designers will interpret a work of art through floral design, with arrangements displayed alongside the artwork during this popular three-day exhibition.
Application: munson.art/spring-weekend For more information, contact Barbara Pratt at 315-797-0000 ext. 2158 or bpratt@munson.art
— By Pietra Yozzo, Rosie’s mom With three kids, our summer calendar fills up quickly, so I’m thoughtful about what we sign up for. When I saw that Munson was offering free art classes, I was excited to find something just for Rosie. She loves art, and I knew she’d have a great time. She took the weeklong creative class for four- and five-year-olds with her little bestie, and she had the best time. She came home excited to tell me what they’d made each day, and seeing her work at the little art show at the end of the week was so cute. Rosie has always loved to color. We keep crayons in the kitchen cabinet because she’s constantly pulling them out, grabbing a coloring book or a plain sheet of paper, and calling, “Mommy, look at my picture!” She loves drawing with chalk in the driveway, too. But I didn’t realize how much she’d taken away from art class until a few weeks later. We were outside having a bonfire and making s’mores with friends when I noticed her drawing with chalk. “Rosa, is that a bumblebee?” I asked. “Yeah. Hold on, I have to put the stinger on it.” Then she said, “I have to finish the antennas!” I was surprised she knew all those little details, so I asked who had taught her to draw a bee like that. “My teacher from art class,” she said. That moment meant so much to me. The class was free, which made it easy for us to say yes during a busy summer. Rosie had a wonderful week at Munson, and weeks later, she was still buzzing about what she’d learned. I’m grateful Munson makes that possible for families in our community, and I hope we can sign her up again. Thank you, Munson!
Mark your calendars!
COMMUNITY ARTS SPRING CLASSES Exclusive Member registration opens on Nov. 12. Register at munson.art/community-arts
FILM SERIES
Wednesdays and Fridays | 2 and 7:30 p.m. $8 Members | $10 General Public | $6 Students Passbooks: $75 Members | $95 General Public Film tickets and descriptions: munson.art/films Student tickets: 315-797-0000 Matinee screenings will continue during renovations, though schedules are subject to change as construction needs arise. Please check munson.art or our social media for the latest updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
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Peace, Love & Holiday Cheer!
Get ready for a holiday season with a groovy twist!
From Victorian Groove-tide at Fountain Elms to the Holiday Art Market, creative workshops, festive shopping, live music, family-friendly fun, and the return of the Half Moon Orchestra Holiday Concert, Munson is celebrating the season with something for everyone.
Victorian Groove-tide On view Nov. 13 through Jan. 3
Step back into the 1960s at Fountain Elms, transformed for the season with groovy décor and nostalgic holiday style. Inspired by a pivotal era in Munson’s history, Victorian Groove-tide celebrates the past while looking toward an exciting future. In collaboration with Handshake Antiques and Thriftish.
Holiday Art Market Thursday, Dec. 10, noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join us for the third annual Munson Art Market—a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the holiday season! Browse original artwork and handcrafted goods by Pratt Munson students, Munson faculty and staff, and Community Arts students. Find one-of-a-kind gifts, meet local creators, and experience the spirit of Munson’s thriving arts community. 6
Holiday Open House AT FOUNTAIN ELMS Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 to 7 p.m.
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AT THE MUSEUM SHOP
$5 Members | $10 General Public | $5 for Children 12 and Over
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Dig the holiday scene and catch the Victorian Groove-tide vibe at Munson! Discover a retro Fountain Elms that’s fab, funky, and all dressed up for the Sixties. Score some outta sight snacks at The Terrace, then split for the Root Court to dig the live music by Pulse, whip up far-out holiday crafts, and bag some boss gifts at the Munson Art Market and Museum Shop.
The Museum Shop is brimming with a variety of handpicked and handcrafted items, including artisanal jewelry, educational toys, and locally created artwork and items that are one-of-akind picks for the holidays and all year long.
Half Moon Orchestra HOLIDAY CONCERT Saturday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 | 2 p.m.
$15 Members | $20 General Public | $5 for Children 5 and Over Free for Children Under 5 The Half Moon Orchestra, under the baton of Mike DiMeo, returns to Munson for its fourth annual holiday classical concert following last season’s two consecutive sold-out performances.
WORKSHOPS
Holiday Felting Workshop
ERIN GARDNER, GREY FOX FELTING
MEMBER PERKS 10% off non-consignment items 20% off on select days:
• Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 29 • Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 10
MEMBERSHIPS, GIFT CARDS + CLASSES With the holidays drawing near, now is a great time to gift memberships, classes, or performances for friends and family. Let your loved ones pick their own artistic endeavor with a Munson Gift Card, ensuring a holiday season filled with creativity and joy! Visit munson.art/holidays to learn more!
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1 to 4 p.m.
$65 Members | $70 General Public Settle into the relaxing vibe of needle felting and put together a retro felted holiday ornament. Erin Gardner, fiber artist and owner of Grey Fox Felting, will guide you through the whole scene in this beginner-friendly workshop. You’ll receive a materials kit, which is yours to keep.
Merry Macramé Workshop KARISSA JONES, SIMPLY NATURAL Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6 to 8 p.m. $35 Members | $45 General Public Life got you feeling all tied up and uptight? Cool your jets and spend the evening getting into the groove of macramé. You'll learn how to knot up a far-out, five-foot holiday garland during this beginner-friendly workshop. Come untangle your mind, do your thing, and whip up something beautiful. It's gonna be a gas!
Join the celebration and learn more at munson. art/holiday
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DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN UPDATE Munson For All launched publicly four months ago with enthusiastic participation by Members, special guests, and the local press. With a focus on upgrading the visitor experience, the campaign will offer new amenities in the Shop, a new Munson Cafe, and revitalized programming in an all-new interactive gallery, plus updated restrooms, HVAC, and lighting. As of this publication, donors have committed a total of $8.2 million, or 87% of our $9.5 million goal. Starting with Mohawk Valley Gives in September, the campaign has been focused on a new Community Engagement Fund, designed to facilitate Munson’s efforts to connect more deeply and expansively with the diverse audience of people who live in the Mohawk Valley as well as visitors from outside the area.
We couldn’t be more grateful for the generous support of our early donors. If you haven’t yet, please consider making a commitment to help build on our excellent base of classes, events, and special programs that engage our neighbors. Thanks for supporting Munson during Mohawk Valley Gives! There is no question about it: our community loves a challenge, and we are grateful that so many people care deeply about Munson. So, when a very generous donor offered a challenge for our Mohawk Valley Gives effort, people stepped up to meet it. Nearly 100 members of our community took part, contributing at all levels. Together, our supporters rocketed past our goals of 70 donors and $150,000 in contributions, earning more than $200,000 in challenge funds.
Munson was #2 on the Mohawk Valley Gives leaderboard with $438,000 in contributions from over 100 donors. We can’t say it enough: THANK YOU for supporting our work!
FOUNTAIN ELMS SOCIETY UPCOMING EVENTS FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION AT MUNSON Nov. 17 | 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Join President Anna D’Ambrosio and Dean Suzanne Snyder for an update on Munson’s plans for Munson’s College of Art and Design.
JINGLE, JIVE, AND BE MERRY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Dec. 16 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Fountain Elms Society’s annual holiday shindig is going totally far-out this year! Get into the Victorian Groove-tide vibe, break out your finest Sixties threads, and join us for a festive night of food, drinks, and good times. Be there or be square! RSVP to events@munson.art or call 315-927-8517. Interested in becoming a Fountain Elms Society Member? Visit munson.art/membership or call 315-927-8516. 8 6 12
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MUNSON MUSEUM SHOP
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND
Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday Nov. 29
Member exclusive: 20% off non-consignment items (an extra 10% off!)
BOGO select holiday boxed cards pend $100 receive a FREE Munson logo tote S (before tax, while supplies last)
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 to 7 p.m.
Member exclusive: 20% off non-consignment items (an extra 10% off!)
20% off select holiday ornaments Learn more at munson.art/museum-shop
First 20 shoppers receive a swag bag! Enter to win a holiday gift basket full of your favorite Munson merch! Winner will be chosen at random and notified Dec. 1
Members enjoy 20% off non-consignment items (and (an extra 10% off!)
Join us on Sunday, Nov. 29, noon to 5 p.m.
YEAR-END GIVING Munson’s supporters are essential partners in our work today and an inspiration for our future. This season, you can make an impact in two meaningful ways—support today’s programs through the Annual Fund and invest in tomorrow through the Munson For All campaign. Munson’s Annual Fund supports all of the many programs that run throughout the year, from performing arts to studio classes, Museum of Art exhibitions to special programs for kids and adults. Your Annual Fund contribution helps ensure
the success of each of the 600+ programs and events at Munson every year! Munson For All is our chance to make Munson an improved and more inviting space that engages our community even more deeply. Your support of renovations in the Museum of Art or of our growing Community Engagement Fund, takes the best of today’s Munson and expands it for the benefit of generations to come.
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MUSEUM EDUCATION PROGRAMS Mahjong for Beginners and 1960s Games Saturday, Nov. 14, 1 to 3 p.m. Root Court $5 Members | $10 General Public
Truck on over to Munson for a far-out afternoon! Learn the basics of mahjong—the game that took the 1960s by storm. Prefer the classics? Try a game of Life, Monopoly, or Old Maid. Wear your grooviest threads, catch a vibe, and enjoy some tasty snacks and beverages while you play. Seating for mahjong is limited; please register for a spot.
MUNSON BOOK CLUB Join fellow art and literature enthusiasts for Munson Book Club, featuring engaging discussions about books that explore the art world and its intersections with history, culture, and creativity. Stay tuned for updates in 2027!
Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m. Art Research Library | Free (Registration required)
Discover the science behind engaging with the arts and living a healthier and longer life. Visit munson.art/book-club for all the latest information.
Art Talk with Dr. Juleen Qandah: Can the Arts Improve Your Health?
Tuesday, Nov. 10, noon Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium | Free
Lunch & Listen: Pratt Munson Students and Munson Staff
Can the arts improve our health and help us live longer? Dr. Juleen Qandah explores research linking arts engagement to lower stress, improved mood, brain health, social connection, and healthy aging. She’ll separate promising science from hype and share practical ways to bring art into everyday life.
Enjoy an hour of music presented by some of our talented Pratt Munson students and Munson staff members. There’s a lot of creativity around here! Bring your lunch or order one to go from The Terrace.
This program complements the Munson Book Club selection, Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives by Daisy Fancourt, which positions the arts as an essential pillar of health. All are welcome!
Friday, Dec. 4, noon Root Court | Free
MUNSON ART NIGHT AT THE UTICA COMETS Saturday, Nov. 14 NBT Bank Arena 6 p.m. | Doors open at 4 p.m. We hope to see you there in your Comets or Munson gear! Tickets available at uticacomets.com 10
PRATT MUNSON
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STUDENTS DESIGN WITH HEART
Pratt Munson College of Art and Design students once again put their creativity to work for the community during the 2026 Design Sprint, held Sept. 26 in partnership with the American Heart Association.
Those ideas ultimately evolved into four final concepts, which teams presented to American Heart Association representatives and invited judges. The winning design was created by Raelin Johnston, Adyn-Parker Moffett, and Alessandra Alo.
Twelve student artists and designers from across majors and class years participated in the six-hour challenge to develop the logo for the 2027 America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk, continuing Pratt Munson’s involvement in creating the visual identity for one of the Mohawk Valley’s most recognized community traditions.
For Dean Suzanne Snyder, one of the most impressive aspects of the day was the way students worked together across disciplines and experience levels.
The day began with a client brief from American Heart Association representatives before students developed individual concepts. Over the course of the sprint, students generated approximately 40 initial concepts. Faculty and professional designers then provided critique and selected the strongest ideas, around which students formed teams to develop and refine their designs collaboratively.
NEW YORK CITY EXCURSION THURSDAY, DEC. 3 | 6AM $110 Members | $125 General Public
Tickets: 315-797-0000 or munson.art/nycexcursion Please register by Nov. 19. Payment is nonrefundable after this date unless the trip is canceled.
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“I was particularly proud of the teamwork and collaboration I witnessed throughout the day,” Snyder said. “Students from different years and majors came together in productive, positive groups, building on one another’s ideas and strengths. It was incredibly impressive to watch them work as artists and designers toward a shared goal.” Centered on the theme “Design with Purpose. Create with Heart,” the event gave students the experience of responding to a real client, collaborating under a deadline, and using their creative skills to contribute to a highly visible community event.
Depart the Munson parking lot and arrive in Manhattan for a day of fun. Visit museums, shop, see a show (some offer a Thursday matinee), or enjoy time wandering or tasting your way through the city. SPECIAL ADD-ON: Book an optional two-hour tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Patrick Bringley, author of Munson Book Club favorite, All the Beauty in the World. Space is limited. Additional Bringley/Met tour fee: $200 General Admission | $192 Seniors (65+)
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MUNSON FALL EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Pratt Munson Faculty Exhibition Opening
First Friday
Lunch & Listen
Installation in progression in the Pratt Munson Gallery: Are You Experienced: Featuring Patrick Brennan, Linda Sormin, and Stephanie McMahon Exhibition 12
Watercolor Workshop
Pratt Munson Move-in Day/Orientation
ART RESEARCH LIBRARY NEW ON THE SHELF Depraved: The Story of Dangerous Art By Daisy Dixon In this unorthodox walk through art history, philosopher and artist Daisy Dixon explores works of art that have been deemed as depraved by society. Through analysis and anecdotes, she engages readers with themes surrounding censorship, authority, and social progress.
Munson Members can enjoy library borrowing privileges for books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and board games. Visit munson.art/library for hours, contact information, and the searchable online catalog.
INFORMATION AND HOURS
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Museum of Art, including Fountain Elms Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Fountain Elms will be closed in January. Performing Arts Tickets Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors open one hour before performances and 30 minutes before films. Tickets: 315-797-0000, 1-800-754-0797, or munson.art The Terrace at Munson Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Terrace will be closed in January and February. Pratt Munson and Community Arts Offices Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Art Research Library Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. The following areas are accessible to visitors with mobility needs: Museum of Art galleries, Fountain Elms, Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium, Root Court, Museum Shop, Art Research Library, Performing Arts Office, Pratt Munson Gallery, Studio D, Pottery Studio, the Academic Building, and Student Center.
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MUNSON
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310 Genesee St. Utica, N.Y. 13502 315-797-0000 munson.art
CONCERT
THE BROTHER BROTHERS SATURDAY, NOV. 21 | 7:30PM
Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium
$38 General Public $32 Members $16 Students Tickets at munson.art/thebrotherbrothers Funding for Munson Concerts is provided by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company and PJ Green, Inc.
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