As I author this column, I am brimming with excitement. On the heels of our successful Genesee Street landscape transformation, Munson recently learned that we received a $1 million grant from the New York State Council on the Arts—the largest grant in our organization's century-long history.
This capital improvement grant establishes the foundation for interior projects aligned with the vision outlined in our 2019 Strategic Plan and refined with our 2023 campus-wide master plan. These foundational documents have been enriched by invaluable input from you, our members, alongside employees, Pratt Munson students, community members, neighbors, business leaders, and many others through focus groups and public conversations.
As we advance our work on the Museum’s indoor public spaces, we’ll be sharing developments on several exciting projects: a new Art Odyssey interactive gallery, a reimagined Museum Shop, upgraded facilities, and more. Completing these projects will require your continued support as we strive to make Munson more welcoming, community-centered, and uniquely positioned to offer experiences unavailable elsewhere in the Mohawk Valley. Stay tuned as we continue this remarkable journey together.
Meanwhile, there’s much to enjoy this summer! We are honored to present the breathtaking Celestial Bodies exhibition, the first comprehensive look at sculptor Karen LaMonte’s bold and innovative creative practice. I’ve long admired LaMonte’s work and am confident you’ll be equally captivated by the beauty, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of these stunning artworks.
With summer here, it’s time for the annual Munson Arts Festival, our area’s longest-running summertime celebration of arts and community. Join the fun beginning July 12 with the Munson Car Show, and don’t miss the Big Ol’ Steamrollin’ Prints event on July 17. Throughout the Festival, enjoy live music, children’s crafts, and special events along with the Festival Art Show, which will once again grace the Museum’s Root Court.
My invitation remains open to share your favorite Munson moments with me. Many of you have already conveyed wonderful stories and insightful ideas. Recently, a gentleman wrote: “Much of my life since moving away from Utica has changed as one would expect. However, Munson remains one of the most influential institutions for my development as an artist.” Another member asked for more information on our rebrand. Whether you have memories to relate, questions to pose, or other thoughts, I value hearing from you and look forward to discovering more of your Munson stories in the months ahead.
Enjoy the wonderful summer weather, planting your gardens, traveling on weekend getaways, and relaxing with family and friends. Be sure to include a summer visit or two to Munson!
Anna Tobin D’Ambrosio President and CEO
Munson Arts Festival 2024
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.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Arts Festival
Saturday, July 12 to Sunday, July 20
Museum of Art
Free | View pages 6–7 for the full schedule
Brian Cirmo: To and Fro Opening Reception
Saturday, July 12, 4 to 6 p.m.
Museum of Art | Pratt Munson Gallery
Free
Bus Trip to Corning Museum of Glass
Thursday, July 31, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
$132 Members | $152 General Public
Lunch & Listen
Fridays, Aug. 1 to 29, noon
Museum of Art | Root Court
Free
Classic Form: Charcoal Drawing Mini-Course
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Aug. 5 to 13 (Four sessions)
10 a.m. to noon
Museum of Art | Root Court
$130 Members | $150 General Public
High school students may enroll with guardian permission
FILM SERIES
Wednesdays and Fridays | 2 and 7:30 p.m.
$8 Members | $10 General Public | $6 Students
Join us each week for new foreign, independent, and award-winning films. Film selections are announced a week before the first series of the month.
Film tickets and descriptions: munson.art/films
Student tickets: call 315-797-0055
The series is sponsored by M&T Bank and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
Dare to Drape: Toga Party at Munson!
Saturday, Aug. 23, 1 to 4 p.m.
Museum of Art | Root Court
$35 Members | $45 General Public
High school students may enroll with guardian permission
Pratt Munson Faculty Exhibition Opening Reception
Friday, Aug. 29, 3 to 5 p.m.
Museum of Art | Pratt Munson Gallery
Free
ONGOING
Celestial Bodies: Sculpture by Karen LaMonte Guided Tours
Saturdays and Sundays, 2 to 3 p.m.
Docents available in the exhibition galleries: Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Art and Yoga
Saturdays | 10:30 a.m.
Museum of Art Drop-in fee per class: $10 Members | $15 General Public
No class on July 12.
FREE yoga class on July 19: Meet at the Calder sculpture in front of the Museum.
FILM PASSES
10 multi-film passbooks. Passes do not expire.
$65 Members | $85 General Public Visit the Museum welcome desk or call 315-797-0055.
Festival Art Show
Art and Yoga
MUSEUM OF ART ON VIEW
Celestial Bodies: Sculpture by Karen LaMonte
On view through Dec. 31
Dr. William L. Boyle, Jr. Gallery | Free Members | $10 General Public
Celestial Bodies: Sculpture by Karen LaMonte features the extraordinary sculpture of one of the most celebrated artists of our time. With her award-winning work in glass, porcelain, marble, and bronze, LaMonte has continually explored challenging media to create an expansive, breathtaking array of figures and forms.
Presenting Sponsor: Meyda Tiffany Lighting
Lead Sponsors: Andrew Britton and David Grey; Christian and Cheryl Heilmann; Allison and W. Keyes Hill-Edgar; Elizabeth R. Lemieux, Ph.D.; Family of F. X. Matt II; and Linda and Alan Vincent
Sponsors: Joseph A. Abraham; Cheryl and Fred Haritatos; Jacque and Terry Tolles Fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; Laura and Todd Wetzel MD; and Deborah and Michael Zahn
Karen LaMonte (American, born 1967), Cumulus , 2023. Cast glass. @Karen LaMonte. Photo credit Martin Polak
Brian Cirmo: To and Fro
On view July 12 through Aug. 4
Opening Reception: Saturday, July 12, 4 to 6 p.m. Free
Drawing upon historical, literary, pop cultural, personal sources, and memories, Brian Cirmo’s work is focused on building stories that encapsulate the human condition within the American experience.
Brian Cirmo, Window Seat (detail), 2023. Oil on canvas, 40 x 50 in.
Pratt Munson Faculty Exhibition
On view Aug. 29 through Sept. 26
Opening Reception: Friday, Aug. 29, 3 to 5 p.m. Free
This multimedia exhibition showcases the work of Pratt Munson's talented faculty and their personal art practice outside of the classroom.
PRATT MUNSON GALLERY
MUNSON'S CALDER RETURNS
Alexander Calder’s Three Arches, a beloved sculpture to generations of Museum of Art visitors, has returned to Munson’s Genesee Street lawn. With a newly cleaned surface and a stable and well-lit foundation, Calder’s distinctive sculpture once again serves as a calling card for the Museum building—itself, an architectural landmark.
In the early 1960s, Munson commissioned Calder, who was internationally known for his public sculpture, to create an artwork for its recently opened building designed by Philip Johnson. At the time, Calder was a natural choice for any museum looking to be known as a serious art institution, especially one collecting 20th-century art. Calder’s reimagining of sculpture was revolutionary. He liberated it from a solid object resting in space to an art form that is integrated with its environment, moving at will. In the 1930s, he invented the mobile—dynamic forms cut from sheet metal floating gracefully on wires. They range in scale from the monumental to the diminutive. Even as Calder himself continued to create stationary sculpture—dubbed “stabiles” by his friend, artist Jean Arp—his work is lively and seemingly in motion.
After initial discussion back and forth between the Museum and Calder, the artist shipped a maquette (model) to Director Ed Dwight and a deal was easily struck. Three Arches was initially installed in the grove between the Museum of Art and Fountain Elms, but by 1966, Dwight sought advice about placing it at the Museum entrance on Genesee Street, and Johnson endorsed the idea. Since then, Three Arches has moved around a bit. It has been installed on either side of the Museum entrance and, in the 1980s, even took an excursion to the former Riverside Mall in North Utica.
All this travel and exposure to the elements took its toll on the sculpture’s surface. With support from the Greater Hudson Conservation Network, Three Arches was cleaned and repainted at the Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
Calder was a prolific artist, constantly experimenting with wire and metal forms, and he regularly spent time creating graphic arts and drawings. The Museum of Art celebrates the return of Three Arches to public display by showcasing other Calder works in the collection, including the little model he made of Three Arches, in Calder at Munson: Arches and Other Shapes on the Move, a gem of an exhibition in the Cardamone Gallery, on view throughout the summer.
– Mary Murray, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art
Sponsorships create meaningful connections between businesses and the communities they serve. As the Gold Level Sponsor for this year's Concerts in the Court series, Preferred Mutual—under President Benedikt Sander's leadership—demonstrates how corporate support can transform local cultural experiences.
Their investment helped bring exceptional performances to our community in the 2024–25 season, including the May 10 sold-out performance of Live from Laurel Canyon. Presenting internationally known artists like Danú, and Nella wouldn’t be possible without generous sponsors like Preferred Mutual.
The Concerts in the Court series creates unique opportunities for businesses to connect with engaged, appreciative audiences in a memorable setting. Sponsors like Preferred Mutual don't just make performances possible—they build lasting goodwill while helping preserve our community's vibrant cultural landscape.
TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT
LAURA WETZEL
Born and raised in Chicago, Ill., Laura Tansey Wetzel discovered Munson when she moved with her husband, Dr. Todd Wetzel, to Cooperstown. After retiring from a distinguished career in healthcare, Wetzel immersed herself in the arts at Munson. Her personal experiences became the foundation for a passionate commitment to Munson's mission.
Wetzel joined Munson’s Board of Trustees in January 2023, though her journey with our organization began when she became a dedicated Museum of Art docent (volunteer) in 2019. Today, she chairs the Development Committee, serves on the Museum of Art Advisory Committee, and has contributed her expertise to the HR Committee. Her enthusiasm for Munson shines through in every role she embraces. Beyond her work on the Munson Board, Wetzel is the President of the Guild of Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown and is on the Board of the League of Women’s Voters Cooperstown.
When asked about her favorite artwork in the collection, Wetzel admits it's “not easy to choose,” but she’s particularly drawn to Hudson River School-era artworks, especially the Museum’s new Robert Duncanson painting. She also enjoys the Museum’s 20th-century collection, expressing special fondness for the Ashcan School artists like John Sloan, Maurice Prendergast, and Robert Henri.
“At Preferred Mutual, we believe that supporting the arts is one way we can help our communities thrive. We are proud to sponsor Munson’s Concerts in the Court series and to help make memorable performances like these accessible to everyone.”
— Benedikt Sander, Preferred Mutual President/CEO
For Wetzel, Munson not only represents “the opportunity for art students to develop and learn” from a unique combination of talented faculty, wonderful facilities, and proximity to the art collection, but it connects the community by making it a place where all are welcome. “There is something for everyone.”
Bringing people together is at the heart of Wetzel’s commitment to Munson. She and her husband, who serves as Chief of Orthopedics at Bassett Medical Center, have become integral parts of Munson and generous sponsors of recent exhibitions.
“It is an incredible honor to be a member of this Board,” Wetzel reflects. "Being surrounded by the history, the incredible permanent collection, and the team that makes it all happen is an inspiration.” Her dedication to expanding Munson's impact in the region stems from a personal truth: “I have received so much from Munson, and I want to give and do whatever I can to support their work.”
We are grateful for Wetzel’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing the transformative power of art in our community.
Tax-Wise Giving
As you consider your charitable giving, we want to highlight two financially beneficial options that can maximize your impact while providing tax advantages.
IRA Charitable Rollover: Give More While Reducing Your Tax Burden
If you're 72 or older and hold a traditional IRA, you're required to take minimum distributions (RMDs) annually. Through the IRA Charitable Rollover provision, you can direct some or all of your RMD directly to Munson with significant benefits:
Your contribution counts toward your RMD
The amount transferred is excluded from your taxable income
You support our mission without increasing your tax liability
Funding for Keyboard Conversations is provided by Dr. Lorna Grant, Drs. Douglas Hurd and Cynthia Parlato-Hurd, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Menotti, and Nancy Horvath.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities: Avoid Capital Gains Tax
Many donors find that donating long-term appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, or mutual funds held for more than one year) offers advantages over cash donations:
You avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation
You receive a charitable tax deduction for the full fair market value
You support our work while making a tax-smart financial decision
Your thoughtful gift helps preserve artistic treasures, present captivating performances, and deliver enriching educational programs for our community.
To learn more about these tax-efficient giving options, please contact Leslie Moseley Rioux in our development office at 315-797-0000 ext. 2243.
Please consult with your tax or financial advisor about your specific situation.
MUNSON ARTS FESTIVAL
Come and enjoy a Central New York tradition— Munson’s annual Arts Festival, the area’s longestrunning summertime celebration of arts and community! Bring your family and friends for a week packed with creativity, color, fun, and this year, even dogs!
Explore the Art Show in the Museum’s Root Court and catch the live Steamrollin’ Prints—now bigger than ever and moved to Genesee Street this year. Kids can get creative with hands-on crafts,
DAILY EVENTS
Festival Art Show
Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.
Museum of Art | Root Court
Sponsored by Bank of Utica
Docents available in the galleries for Celestial Bodies: Sculpture by Karen LaMonte
1 to 3 p.m. daily
Museum of Art
With paid exhibition admission
Meet the Artist Demos
1 to 3 p.m. daily
Museum Shop
ON VIEW
Museum of Art
Celestial Bodies: Sculpture by Karen LaMonte
Calder at Munson: Arches and Other Shapes on the Move
Munson Collection, including Thomas Cole’s Voyage of Life
Fountain Elms period rooms
Pratt Munson Gallery
Brian Cirmo: To and Fro
JULY 12–20, 2025
and everyone loves the everpopular Munson Car Show, kicking things off on July 12. Mark your calendars for lively evenings filled with outdoor concerts by talented musicians, and don’t miss the 15th
SATURDAY, JULY 12
Fountain Elms Invitational
Personal Luxury Cars
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Fountain Elms Grounds and Sculpture Grove
Community Car Show
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Munson Parking Lot and Palmer Park
Mohawk Valley Bonsai Club
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Easton Pribble Room
Nick Carparelli Car Movie Marathon
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bank of Utica–Sinnott Family Auditorium
Concert: The Swooners
Yacht Rock Quintet
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parking Lot Stage
Children’s Craft
1 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent
Mohawk Valley Bonsai Club
Demonstration
2 p.m.
Sculpture Grove
Car Show Awards
3 p.m.
Munson Parking Lot Stage
Exhibition Opening Reception
Brian Cirmo: To and Fro
4 to 6 p.m.
Pratt Munson Gallery
Annual Oneida County Youth Bureau
Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition on July 17. Celebrate summer, art, and community at Munson in Utica. See the full schedule below, and join us to create summer memories!
SUNDAY, JULY 13
Mohawk Valley Bonsai Club
Noon to 5 p.m.
Easton Pribble Room
Children’s Craft: DIY Sidewalk Chalk Art
All Day
Front Lawn Tent
Mohawk Valley Bonsai Club Demonstration
2 p.m.
Sculpture Grove
MONDAY, JULY 14
Children’s Craft: DIY Sidewalk Chalk Art
All Day
Front Lawn Tent
Levitt AMP Utica Music Series
Jessica Lynn
Country Artist
5:30 p.m.
Kopernik Park
Rain location: Delta Hotel
TUESDAY, JULY 15
Children’s Craft: DIY Sidewalk Chalk Art
All Day
Front Lawn Tent
Art Story with Utica Public Library
2 p.m.
Art Odyssey
Free Film
The Bernie Uebelhoer Memorial
Hitchcock Film: The Birds
2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Children’s Craft: DIY Sidewalk Chalk Art
All Day
Front Lawn Tent
Plein Air Painting Demo/Class
Chad Smith, Instructor
9 a.m. to noon | Front Lawn Tent
Join instructor Chad Smith for a relaxed plein air painting demo and class, open to all skill levels. Bring your own materials and paint alongside Chad, or simply stop by to watch and enjoy the creative process in action.
ICAN Mobile Museum
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent
Children’s Craft
1 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent
THURSDAY, JULY 17
15th Annual Oneida County Youth Bureau Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition
Ages 5–18 | Free
10 a.m. – Registration
10:30 a.m. – Competition
Palmer Park
Rain date: Friday, July 18
10th Annual Big Ol’ Steamrollin’ Print Invitational
10 a.m. till done
Front of the Museum on Genesee Street
Rain date: Friday, July 18
Children’s Craft
1 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent
Foam Party for Kids
2:30 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent
A foam cannon will fill the space with fluffy bubbles while fun music and water shooters add to the action. Wear a swimsuit or clothes you don’t mind getting wet—towels and a change of clothes are a good idea.
Pride Party and Concert:
Pat Tato and the Baked Potatoes
7 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent and Stage Cash bar available
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Children’s Craft
11 a.m.
Front Lawn Tent
Puppy Parade
1 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent
Join us for a dog-gone good time at the Puppy Parade, in partnership with Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society! All leashed dogs are welcome and donations will be collected.
Art Story with Utica Public Library
2 p.m.
Art Odyssey
The D King and Amos Donnell Experience DJ and Karaoke
6:30 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent and Stage Cash bar available
SATURDAY, JULY 19
Outdoor Art and Yoga
10:30 a.m. | Free
Front Lawn
Meet at the Calder sculpture in front of the Museum. Wear comfortable clothes, and bring a yoga mat and water.
Rain location: Museum of Art
Children’s Craft
11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent
Powdered Color Battle
2:30 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent
Get ready for a burst of color with a powdered color battle—safe, non-toxic, and washable! Wear white or light-colored clothing.
Festival Art Show Awards
5 p.m.
Museum of Art | Root Court
Beer Garden and Concert: Our Common Roots
Alternative Folk Rock
7 p.m.
Front Lawn Tent and Stage Cash bar available
SUNDAY, JULY 20
Festival Art Show – Last Chance! Noon to 5 p.m.
Museum of Art | Root Court
SPONSORS
Thank you to all our sponsors who make the Arts Festival possible!
Arts Festival Sponsor
MetLife Foundation
Festival Art Show Sponsor
Bank of Utica
Munson Community Car Show and Invitational at Fountain Elms
Lead Sponsors
Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Vehicles for Vision
Steet-Ponte Auto Group
Associate Sponsors
A&P Master Images
All Pest
Bartlett Tree Experts
Dominick & Christine Celia
Enjem's Flooring America
GoNetSpeed
Hill & Markes
JCA of Utica, Inc.
Lupini Construction
March Associates
ShipRite Services, Inc.
Speedy Awards & Engraving
Stephen S. Starr Mechanical
Stevener's Backhoe Service
Utica Glass
Steamrollin’ Prints Sponsors
4 Elements Studios
Blick Art Materials
Oneida County Department of Public Works
S.C.I. Plywood Co.
Enjoinery Inc. Custom Design + Fabrication
For more information and the most up-to-date schedule, visit munson.art/arts-festival
BUS TRIP TO CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS
Thursday, July 31
7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
$132 Members | $152 General Public munson.art/corning
Dare to Drape: Toga Party at Munson!
Saturday, Aug. 23, 1 to 4 p.m.
Museum of Art | Root Court
$35 Member
$45 General Public
Niki English | All Levels | 18+
High school students may enroll with guardian permission
Experience the process of draping through a workshop with Niki English. Take a look at the sculptures of Karen LaMonte, then spend time fashioning a classic look of your own. The workshop culminates with an opportunity to strut your stuff and celebrate everyone's creations! All materials provided. Preregistration is required.
Register at munson.art/dare-to-drape
Lunch & Listen
Fridays, Aug. 1 to 29, noon Museum of Art | Root Court Free
The nocturnes of Chopin inspired Karen LaMonte's Nocturne series. Spend your lunch hour at Munson listening to piano performances by local musicians. Bring your lunch or purchase a boxed lunch from the Terrace Café.
Travel to the Corning Museum of Glass with Museum Director and Chief Curator Stephen Harrison. The trip includes admission, a guided tour, and a special session about the cast-glass process used by Karen LaMonte. Explore on your own, see works by Karen LaMonte in the Museum’s permanent collection, and browse the Museum Shop. Enjoy the many lunch options at the Café, or bring lunch and sit at the picnic tables outside.
Classic Form: Charcoal Drawing Mini-Course
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Aug. 5 to 13 (Four sessions)
10 a.m. to noon
Museum of Art | Root Court
$130 Member | $150 General Public
Yulia Levkovich | All Levels | 18+
High school students may enroll with guardian permission
Explore value, form, and structure through this charcoal drawing mini-course with Pratt Munson adjunct instructor and award-winning artist Yulia Levkovich. The draped forms of Karen LaMonte will come to life in classes using live models, allowing you to focus on the challenge of creating classical figures of your own. Preregistration is required.
Register at munson.art/classic-form
Classes in the Museum of Art may be observed by the public.
Looking for the perfect time to reconnect with your creativity? Summer is ideal. The Munson campus is lush and calm, the pace is unhurried, and the studio is yours to explore.
Painting and Drawing Open Studio
All Levels | 18+
July 7 to Aug. 11 | Mondays | 1 to 6 p.m.
Munson’s Painting and Drawing Open Studio offers five luxurious hours each week to dive into your work, experiment freely, and enjoy the quiet energy of summer. Bring your own projects and materials—a supportive facilitator is on hand if you want feedback, but this is your time to create on your terms.
New! Character Design
Ages 16+ | All Levels | with Sean Usyk
July 9 to Aug. 13 | Wednesdays | 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Bring your characters to life this summer! In this course, you’ll explore the fundamentals of character design—like anatomy, proportions, costuming, and posing—through fun exercises and a personal project. Whether you love storytelling, drawing, or just want to level up your skills, you’ll leave with the tools to create dynamic, believable characters long after class ends.
Intro to Jewelry Making
Ages 16+ | All Levels | with Luke Towne
July 7 to Aug. 6 | Mondays and Wednesdays
Afternoons: 1 to 4 p.m. or Evenings: 6 to 9 p.m.
Learn the fundamentals of jewelry-making through hands-on techniques like sawing, texturing, soldering, and bezel-setting stones. Designed for beginners, this course includes demos, practice, and feedback to help students create unique, wearable pieces and explore basic design principles.
Mini-Course: Figure Drawing
Ages 18+ | All Levels | with Chad Smith
July 8 to 29 | Tuesdays | 1 to 4 p.m.
Explore the human figure through drawing—an essential practice for artists at any level. Build visual skills while studying gesture, proportion, and anatomy. Great for beginners and experienced artists alike. Nude models used.
View full class schedule: munson.art/community-arts
Spots are still available — come make something beautiful.
REGISTRATION
Need-based scholarships covering partial or full tuition are available for all ages.
STUDENT RECOGNIZED AT STATEWIDE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
Pratt Munson student Brett Faucett earned statewide recognition at the 2025 New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) for his entrepreneurial venture Kipkees—a concept that reimagines play as a tool for creative development in children.
Representing the Mohawk Valley region, Faucett presented Kipkees at the NYBPC finals in Troy, N.Y., earning the Concept Stage award in the Products and Hardware category. Earlier, he won first place in the “Learn, Work, & Live” track and third place overall at the regional competition, receiving a monetary prize.
“Kipkees invites kids to engage in open-ended, imaginative play,” said Faucett. “I used to think being artistic opposed business acumen, but attending Munson showed me that your quirks are strengths. You’re rewarded here for doing things differently, like entering a business competition.”
Faucett credits the Pratt Munson environment and supportive staff for helping him succeed. “Unique experiences are the
fuel for unique ideas. And shoutout to our Student Life Director, Tiffany Varlaro, for being supportive throughout the competition,” he said.
Looking ahead, he hopes to bring Kipkees to life. “Nothing would be cooler than to see this actualized and functional,” he said.
“Brett’s work exemplifies the creative spirit we encourage at Pratt Munson,” said Pratt Munson Dean Suzanne Snyder. “We are incredibly proud of his achievement and look forward to seeing where Kipkees goes next.”
The NYBPC is New York State’s premier collegiate entrepreneurship competition, drawing top student innovators from across the state.
PRATT MUNSON NAMED ONE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN USA’S TOP DESIGN SCHOOLS FOR 2025
Pratt Munson College of Art and Design has been named one of Graphic Design USA’s (GDUSA) Top Design Schools for 2025, highlighting its excellence in graphic design education. This recognition places Pratt Munson among leading institutions such as Yale, Rhode Island School of Design, and Pratt Institute, underscoring its commitment to fostering creative talent. The graphic design program curriculum
emphasizes visual communication, media fluency, and hands-on projects, preparing students to create compelling designs across various platforms. This accolade from GDUSA affirms Pratt Munson’s role in shaping the next generation of innovative designers.
Brett Faucett, self-portrait
Anneilla Pettingill ’26
Nanoka Umehara ’27
MUNSON SPRING EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Munson Community Arts exhibition
After Hours May-riment tarot card readings
Concert in the Court: Live from Laurel Canyon
April Art Alive!
Pratt Munson Commencement Ceremony
Concert in the Court: Nella
Clinton Death Café
ARTS FESTIVAL
10TH ANNIVERSARY
BIG OL' STEAMROLLIN'
PRINT INVITATIONAL
Munson's biggest Steamrollin' Prints yet!
Thursday, July 17 | 10 a.m. till done
New location! Front of the Museum on Genesee Street
Rain date: Friday, July 18
If the rain-date is invoked, it will be held in the Museum of Art parking lot.
Rachel Bartunek
Jan Burke
Kim Carr
Ellie Farr
Ben Garlington
Cole Glover
George Hendrickson
Christina Hopkins
Jed Kimball
Tino Lopez
Alexandria Louise
Ken Marchione
Galen Marquess
Tom Montan
Shannon Nisiewicz
Michael Parks and Oliver Zaifnejad
Tim Rand
Emma Reilly
Alena Revinskaya
Ve Rose
Ashley Stagner
Sarah Swann
Monique Swarthout
Tony Thompson
Maria Vallese
Jonathan Vaughn
Rainer Maria Wehner
2025 Sponsors: Munson, 4 Elements Studios, Inc., Blick Art Materials, Oneida County Department of Public Works, S.C.I. Plywood Co, Enjoinery Inc.,
10TH ANNIVERSARY BIG PRINTS EXHIBITION
On view Aug. 22–Sept. 1
The Westwood 167 Genesee St., Utica, N.Y.
Artists Reception: Aug. 22, 5 to 7 p.m. Free and open to the public
Steamrollin' Prints on view and for sale. Mon.–Sat., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Puccini/Illica & Giacosa TOSCA
Sondheim/Sondheim & Lapine SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
Bermel/Cisneros
THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET
World Premiere
Stravinsky/Auden & Kallman THE RAKE’S PROGRESS
Ben Moore & Kelley Rourke ODYSSEY
JULY 11–AUGUST 17, 2025 GLIMMERGLASS.ORG (607) 547-2255
INFORMATION AND HOURS
Museum of Art, including Fountain Elms
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
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: 315-797-0055, 1-800-754-0797, or munson.art
Pratt Munson and Community Arts Offices
Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Art Research Library
Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Sunday 3 to 5 p.m.
The following areas are accessible to the physically challenged: Museum of Art Galleries, Fountain Elms, Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium, and Root Court, Art Odyssey: Interactive Gallery, Museum Shop, Art Library, Performing Arts Office, School of Art Gallery, Studio D, and the Pottery Studio, the Academic Building, and Student Center.
