2021 Annual Report | Environments Examined

2021 GUIDING THEME

Watercolors capturing the tension between progress and preservation. Dreamlike Zen landscapes inspired by the global health crisis of HIV. Dynamic installations that encourage a flip of perspective, building bridges through time and space.

connect to

Rockwell

interrupt natural,

and social

the myriad ways

FROM THE DIRECTOR

From our programming and outreach to workspace and experiences, the notion of hybridity impacted every aspect of The Rockwell in 2021. Like everyone, The Rockwell team continued to evolve to the waxing and waning of the virus and numerous other impacts on our work.

In 2021, The Rockwell acquired almost one hundred new works of art for the collection and our community. Many of these works were acquired as part of our initiative to further diversify the collection, bringing additional context to the foundational gift of Bob and Hertha Rockwell almost fifty years ago. Notable additions include the Accession Series by Wendy Red Star, scheduled as a 2022 exhibition in our Spotlight Gallery; works by some of the most important African American artists of the past 100 years like Radcliffe Bailey, Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold and Betye Saar; and the donation of a series of prints by Robin Tichane, an artist raised locally who encapsulated his experience as an HIV+ person through allegory and the American landscape. In a true pandemic success story, an exhibition The Rockwell hosted in 2020 from the Georgia Museum of Art on women printmakers that few people saw in-person, inspired a gift from Dr. Marianne Woods of thirty-six prints by women artists from the Works Progress Administration.

From the Executive Director

All these additions to the collection have a direct impact on the experience of our visitors and the perspectives they encounter when they visit the Museum’s galleries. A recent audit of works on view revealed that 82% represent the diverse perspectives of women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists and makers. In fact, of the works acquired by The Rockwell since 2016, 64% was created by diverse artists and makers.

The work we do around interpreting and sharing these works of art is equally important. The Museum has continued to evolve its interpretative strategy to bring different voices and experiences into the galleries. We have also improved the external representation of our collection with the addition of new banners on both Cedar Street and Denison Parkway. These banners not only illustrate the diversity of the collection, but they also feature a lighting program that allows the Museum to celebrate culture, commemorate events and express solidarity with both the Corning community and communities around the world. We have lit the building in celebration of the winter holidays and in solidarity with Ukraine; from recognition of the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women to the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride. They are a new, hybrid way for the Museum and community to connect.

Whether personal or professional, everyone has adjusted their approach to engagement during the past two years. We understand when you decide to attend a Rockwell program or event, it is a momentous and weighty decision. We greatly appreciate your presence and support—in person, virtual or hybrid! We could not have done everything outlined in this report without you. Likewise, we are thankful for the contributions from the businesses, foundations and individuals that enable The Rockwell Museum to continue to expand how we serve our community and deepen our impact in Corning, our region and beyond. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers, thank you for your support of our continued exploration of the art about the American experience.

— Brian Lee Whisenhunt, Executive Director

2021: Environments Examined

January 7

Art Explorers’ Story Hour: What’s The Weather?*

January 13

Art Talks with the Memory Maker Project*

January 14

ArtRx Virtual Session

January 18

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Free Admission

January 28

Environments Examined Lecture | Women Painting Landscape: Eliza Greatorex, Julia Beers & Their Circle*

February 2

Members-Only | Special Viewing Hours for Blistering Vision: Charles E. Burchfield’s Sublime American Landscapes Exhibition

February 3

Members-Only | Special Viewing Hours for Blistering Vision: Charles E. Burchfield’s Sublime American Landscapes Exhibition

February 4

Art Explorers’ Story Hour: The World Around You*

February 5

Concert on Your Couch featuring Amythyst Kiah*

February 11

Members-Only | Happy Hour with the Director*

February 25

Environments Examined Lecture

| Reclaiming Space in the Built Environment*

March 4

Art Explorers’ Story Hour: Be a Music Maker*

March 9

Members-Only | Tea with the Curator*

March 18

Art at Home: Line & Arc Mobiles*

March 25

Environments Examined Lecture | Revolt*

March 31

Smithsonian Affiliations Virtual Scholar Talks | Women Artists Respond to Place*

April 1

Art Explorers’ Story Hour: Bad Day/Good Day*

April 9

Concert On Your Couch featuring The Ladles*

April 20

Art at Home: Steatite Carving for Beginners | Part I*

April 22

Members-Only | Happy Hour with the Director*

April 29

Environments Examined Lecture | Forces of Nature: A Conversation with Nora Atkinson and Emily Zilber*

May 4

Art at Home: Steatite Carving for Beginners | Part II*

May 5

Members-Only Hours: View the Collection After Hours

ROCKWELL CALENDAR EDUCATION AND PUBLIC

May 6

Art Explorers’ Story Hour: Growing A Seed*

May 6

Members-Only Hours: View the Collection After Hours

May 11

Nathan Benn: Photographing the Finger Lakes for National Geographic*

May 12

Art Talks with the Memory Maker Project*

May 20

Members-Only | Happy Hour with the Director*

May 25

Members-Only | Tea with the Curator*

May 27

Environments Examined Lecture | From High Tech Science to High Tech Art: Transforming Data into Action*

June 1

Celebrate Pride with The Rockwell

July 7 – August 6

KIDS ROCKWELL Summer Explorers | Drop-in Museum Activities

July 15

Rockwell Rekindle: Silver Dollar Society

July 29

Rockwell Rekindle: Members-Only

August 5

Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes | Harp Concert featuring Rosanna Moore

August 12

Alley Art Panel: A Public Art Discussion*

EDUCATION

CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

PUBLIC PROGRAMS COMBINED

August 19

Alley Art Project: Public Ribbon Cutting

August 29

Artists’ Trunk Show | Presented in collaboration with Exhibit A

September 2 – September 5

Imagine! Public Art in the Plaza

September 16

Silver Dollar Society Annual Donor Recognition Event*

September 18

Native Nations Festival at Watson Homestead

September 24

Fingerprints of Place: Exhibition Preview & Meet Elaine K. Ng

September 28

Out & About with the Memory Maker Project*

October 1

High School Learning Center: Identity and the Artist*

October 7

Art Explorers’ Story Hour: Fall Colors*

October 8

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Family Drop-in Activities

October 16

Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration

October 20

Application Deadline: Gingerbread Invitational

November 1 Free Admission for Veterans

November 4

Art Explorers’ Story Hour: Making Friends

November 11 FLXGives

2021: Environments Examined

November 15

Elaine K. Ng: Guest Appearance in the Corning Museum of Glass Amphitheater Hot Shop

November 23

Out & About with the Memory Maker Project*

November 28 Museum Store Sunday

December 2

Art Explorers’ Story Hour: Let’s Show Kindness*

December 4

Holiday Open House + Family Sparkle: Free Admission

December 5

Holiday Open House: Free Admission

*Virtual event or program

In-person events

Online events

New exhibition opened to the public

Month-long event

OPERATIONS + FINANCE

Looking back on 2021, flexibility is a word that comes to mind. While we entered the year with the hopes of putting the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, we again found ourselves navigating the changing landscape of public safety requirements as we continued to offer a safe and welcoming experience. While at times these changes presented challenges, they also provided us with opportunities to be forward-thinking with technology solutions for the Board of Trustees, colleagues and volunteers. We implemented audio and visual equipment that allows us to hold interactive hybrid meetings where virtual participants can be engaged as fully as in-person attendees.

The finance and operations department leads and implements museum-wide IT solutions, maintains fiscal accountability, supports the visitor experience, and ensures the continued care of our historic building. While the pandemic paused some of our initiatives, we are well-positioned as we look to the future and we begin to make some exciting plans for 2022.

— Lisa Gill, Director of Finance and Operations

We were happy to welcome nearly 23,500 daily visitors back to the museum in 2021, a level on-par with previous years.

Retail sales of $209,000 made 2021 our second-best year in our history with a 93% growth in sales over 2020. We implement ed a new cloud-based point of sale system in August, and launched our e-commerce site in December.

The multi-year project to update the banners on the exterior of the building came to life. These vibrant banners hint at what visitors will see and experience inside the Museum, while drawing attention to our beautiful historic building.

2021: Environments Examined

COLLECTIONS + EXHIBITIONS

In 2021, the curatorial department accessioned 96 new objects into the permanent collection through donation, partial gift, and endowment purchase. Each of these new additions strategically enhanced collection diversity in areas such as Hispanic art, African American art, Native American art, works by LGBTQ+ and women artists. Such acquisitions serve to activate our institutional mission, crafted in 2015, by filling identified areas of need within the collection. Be sure to visit our New Acquisitions Gallery frequently throughout the year to see new featured works!

This past year we successfully presented eight temporary exhibitions that aligned with our annual theme of Environments Examined. Five of these special exhibitions were curated in-house, pulling from select works within the permanent collection. Exhibitions are an intentional way we work to highlight the depth and context of The Rockwell collection.

The curatorial department is also pleased to introduce our newest team member, Katherine Koltiska Banerjee, who will be supporting the department as part-time Associate Curator. Katherine is a graduate of Alfred University and currently a PhD candidate in the art history department at Pennsylvania State University. We are thrilled to have her experience with art historical research, scholarly writing, and collections management.

— Kirsty Harper Buchanan, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions

New Acquisitions Gallery

A visitor recognizes himself in a 1975 photograph on view in FLX KODACHROME: National Geographic Photographer Nathan Benn

2021 ACQUISITIONS TO THE PERMANENT MUSEUM COLLECTION

Clara S. Peck Fund Purchases:

Wendy Red Star

2021.2.1 – 2021.2.15

Print, Accession Series 2019

Pigment print on archival paper,

Santo Nino 2021.3a-b

Sculpture, Santero Bulto of St. Francis circa 1830

Wood, gesso, natural pigments, rope

Romare Bearden 2021.4.1

Print, Family (Mother and Child) 1979

Lithograph on paper

Faith Ringgold 2021.4.2

Print, Aunt Emmy, 2005

Lithograph on paper

Jane Peterson 2021.6

Painting, A Day at the Beach circa 1940

Watercolor and charcoal on paper

Whitfield Lovell 2021.11.1, 2021.11.2, 2021.11.3

Mixed Media, Works from the Card Series V (2014), the Card Series II (2006) and the Round Series V (2014)

Charcoal with collaged playing card on buffwove paper

Betye Saar 2021.11.4

Sculpture, Untitled (front and back) 1978

Mixed media, including photogravure copper plate, copper repousse, collage, wood Blanche Lazzell 2021.13.2

Sketch, Study for Abstract Composition 1928

Graphite on sketch paper

Hans Hofmann 2021.13.2

Painting, Untitled 1948 Gouache on paper

Museum Purchase with Funds from Clara S. Peck Fund and Reifschlager Fund:

Radcliffe Bailey 2021.5

Mixed Media, Until I Die / Minor Keys 1997

Color spitbite, sugarlift aquatint, soft ground etching, drypoint, photogravure and chine collé on paper, Museum

Museum Purchase through Funds from The Silver Dollar Society:

Grace Cochrane Sanger 2021.8

Painting, The Red Cloche Oil on canvas board

Museum Purchase with In-Kind Gift by the Artist:

Nathan Benn 2021.9a-c – 2021.10.16 S

Print, Finger Lakes series 1975

Print on acid-free Epson Hot Press Bright paper, using Epson Ultarchrome ink

Gift of Dr. Marianne Woods:

Women printmakers from the WPA school (36 works) 2021.1.1 – 2021.1.36 Woodcuts on paper

In memory of Kenneth Cooper

Gift of James and Marilynn Milmoe: James O. Milmoe 2021.7

Print, Strasburg Colorado Railroad Depot Color photographic print

In memory of Marilynn Milmoe

Gift of Martin Ehlers: William de la Montagne Cary 2021.12

Painting, Buffalo Crossing the Ice on the Missouri circa 1961-1874 Oil on canvas

Gift of Anonymous Donor:

Robin Tichane (1) 2021.13.1

Prints, AIDS’ Dark Terrain: Twelve Stations from a Yankee Pilgrimage 12 prints, color woodcut prints on Inomache Nacre paper

In memory of Robin Tichane and John Schmidt

Left: Robin Tichane, Silent Spring from the series AIDS’ Dark Terrain: Twelve Stations from a Yankee Pilgrimage, 1992, Color woodcut print on Inomache Nacre paper, 7 3/4 × 18 in. Anonymous Gift in memory of Robin Tichane and John Schmidt. 2022.3.10.

2021 EXHIBITION CALENDAR

Blistering Vision: Charles E. Burchfield’s Sublime American Landscapes

January 29 - May 9, 2021

Spotlight Gallery

This exhibition was organized by the Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo, NY.

FLX Kodachrome: National Geographic photographer Nathan Benn

May 28 - September 7, 2021

Spotlight Gallery

This exhibition was made possible with support from Kathleen and Peter Schweizer.

Elaine K. Ng: Fingerprints of Place – Taiwan

September 23 - January 23, 2022

Spotlight Gallery

AIDS’ Dark Terrain: Woodblock Prints of Robin Tichane

January 9, 2021 - December 2021

Members’ Gallery

Rockwell Favorites: The Social Landscape of the American Experience

January 22 - May 31, 2021

Special Projects Gallery

From the Shadows: Photography of Chris Walters

June 11 - December 31, 2021

Special Projects Gallery

Antigravity Artist Elaine Ng: An Arc, a Line and a Circle

March 2020 – March 2022

Rotunda

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

FLX Kodachrome: National Geographic Photographer Nathan Benn

May 29 – September 7, 2021

FLX KODACHROME features the work of Nathan Benn who photographed the Finger Lakes over the course of a year for National Geographic Magazine in 1975. Benn focused his lens on the heritage and industry of the region, capturing sweeping aerial landscapes of the Finger Lakes and surrounding small towns, as well as portraits of assembly line workers, glassblowers, winery pickers, auctioneers, and racing enthusiasts of the 70s.

Elaine K. Ng: Fingerprints of Place –Taiwan

September 24 2021 – January 30, 2022

In Fingerprints of Place – Taiwan, Elaine K. Ng explores the evidence of human engagement, considering how materials, patterns and landscapes reflect the identity of a place and its people. This exhibition evolved from research Ng did while in Taiwan as a Fulbright Grant recipient. See a blend of works that function as three-dimensional “fingerprints” of Taiwan.

From the Shadows: Photography of Chris Walters

June 11 - December 31, 2021

From the Shadows is a series of over 30 photographic portraits, highlighting a diverse mix of unsung heroes in the Finger Lakes region. Local photographer Chris Walters produced this exhibition as a contemporary response to FLX Kodachrome: National Geographic Photography of Nathan Benn, on view in our Spotlight Gallery (May 29-September 7). Walters is an award-winning photographer active in the regional arts community. It also suggests shining light upon those who have been marginalized in society’s shadows, as Walters seeks to highlight the hidden diversity of the region. His portraits honor unsung heroes including teachers, fly-fishers, community activists, farmers, caregivers, public officials, librarians and more. Walters’ figures are grounded in the natural and built landscapes of the Finger Lakes region; the uniformly sized portraits eliminate a sense of hierarchy.

Nathan Benn, Alice Freeman, (“Rosie the Riveter”), American LaFrance, Elmira, NY, 1975, Print on acid-free Epson Hot Press Bright paper, using Epson Ultarchrome ink, 17 1/2 × 24 in. Museum Purchase with In-Kind Gift by the Artist. 2021.9.6.

Elaine K. Ng, From Guantian to Taipei, part of Installation Exhibition Fingerprints of Place – Taiwan, 2021, Cast concrete, foam, handwoven cotton, plywood pine, 18 x 20 x 8 in. Loan courtesy of the Artist. T2021.14.17a-e. Photo by Jess Spady.

Chris Walters, SatyaVani Pippalla Akula, 2020, Digital photograph on Hahnemuhle Torchon Cellulose Fine Art Paper, 12 x 18 in. Loan courtesy of the Artist. T2021.10.2.

FEATURED LOANS TO THE ROCKWELL

From Art Bridges, Fort Worth, TX:

Painting, Cinema de Pepsi Sketch I by Frank Stella; alkyd on canvas, 1966 (ongoing).

Displayed in 3F-Modern Gallery.

Painting, Self Portrait by Keith Haring; acrylic on canvas, 1985 (ongoing).

Displayed in 3F-Modern Gallery.

From Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester:

Painting, Along the Canal by William Merritt Chase; oil on wood panel, circa 1884 (ongoing.)

Displayed in Modern Gallery

Outgoing Loans

In Exhibition “Help People See: The Art of G. Peter Jemison” at Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY.

Painting, North Farm Pine by G. Peter Jemison. 2017.19.1. On loan March 12, 2021 – February 23, 2023.

In Exhibition “Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass” at Museum of Indian Art and Culture, Santa Fe, NM.

Glass Sculpture, Devon, Leader of the Nevid Herd, from Pueblo Revolt 1680 / 2180 Series by Virgil Ortiz. 2016.9a-c. On loan April 18, 2021 – June 19, 2022.

In Exhibition “Native New York” at Tyler Art Gallery at SUNY Oswego, NY. On loan October 8, 2021 – November 14, 2021.

Basket, Even When the Grass Grew that First Spring, the Chiefs Who Signed Already Knew the Treaties Were Being Broken by Gail Tremblay. 2019.6.3a-b;

ArBasket, Not All the Strawberries and Sugar Will Sweeten Wars of Conquest by Gail Trembley. 2019.6.1a-b;

Artwork, Digital Photomontage Print, Then Everyone Got Mad by

2021: Environments Examined

Frank Stella, Cinema de Pepsi Sketch I, 1966, Alkyd on canvas, 69 x 69 in. Loan courtesy of Art Bridges. AB.2017.6.

Keith Haring, Self Portrait, 1985, Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48 in. Loan courtesy of Art Bridges. AB.2019.25.

Photographer Chris Walters gives an impromptu tour of his exhibition, From The Shadows

EDUCATION + OUTREACH

2021 was a year of continued community building, developing innovative practices and growth. We’ve remained resilient as we evolve our programs to engage and connect with audiences through guided tours, online content, programming and take-home art experiences. Our community partnerships are adapting and fostering new approaches to reaching our audiences and leveraging the coalescing power of art!

We offered virtual live-streamed tours and events, such as our adult lecture series, Art Talks with the Memory Maker Project for people living with memory loss and their caregivers, middle school Day of the Dead programming, preschool Story Hour and adult art workshops, such as Art at Home: Steatite Carving for Beginners with artist Hayden Haynes (Onödowa’ga:’ – Deer Clan).

In the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, our summer exhibition, What’s in Your World?, featured nature-inspired interactive activities and our new Kids Rockwell Summer Explorers pilot, conducted in the Museum, connected to weekly environmental themes. We continued to provide the popular Art On The Go! kits, distributing over 1,200, bringing fun, art and learning into families’ homes.

Over the summer, we collaborated with several community groups through hosting targeted focus groups with area educators and community members. We coordinated the Southern Tier Summer Arts Institute for K-12 art teachers with cultural partners, and participated in the first ever Smithsonian Digital Learning and Engagement Internship program.

The fall was punctuated with the completion of the 13th Alley Art Mural entitled Life in a Tapestry and we gratefully opened our doors once again, for our full slate of school tour offerings. Over 1,500 students engaged with our online school tour resources, reaching districts across the country and as far as Saskatchewan, Canada. And, once we were able to offer in-person school tours, we were thrilled to have area students in the building.

We thank our community’s educational leaders, teachers, cultural partners, funders and learners for supporting our education events and programs.

— Mary Mix, Director of Education

A Kid’s Guide to The Rockwell

Collaborating with the firm Iron Design, we presented A Kid’s Guide to The Rockwell in Spring 2021. This guide includes prompts for close looking and learning about museum elements such as labels, mini scavenger hunts, art elements terminology and take-home coloring pages of two Alley Art Project murals. It is designed to be enjoyed by a caregiver and child aged 4-10. The guide highlights six artworks that have unique appeal for young children. The Kid’s Guide accompanies our other family-friendly daily visitor offerings such as our Art Hunts, I-Spy Book and Art Cart.

“What’s In Your World” KIDS

ROCKWELL Art Lab Exhibition

Over the summer, we presented What’s in Your World? created by local artists and educators, Gwen Quigley and Tony Moretti, also known as Crow’s Nest Artists. The installation comprised five exploratory stations united by a tree-lined path: Collaborative Map of the Finger Lakes, a light-table activity; Tiny Topographical Landscape, an eight foot plaster model of a Finger Lakes landscape, which artists can add to with an assortment of natural materials; the Ancient Tree of Life, which comes alive by adding the rainbow critters to the 3D Felt Board; an Iroquois Inspired Graffiti Wall, where visitors use hand-made stamps; and the Home, a branch-and-bark shelter created by the artists. We served nearly 2,200 visitors over the duration of the exhibit.

Examined

KIDS ROCKWELL Summer Explorers

The Rockwell piloted a new drop-in Summer Explorers program with five weekly themes about our environments. The program was geared towards children ages 5 - 12 and incorporated fun gallery games, activities and take-home art kits designed to encourage family visitors to engage with art. A total of 400 Art-On-The-Go kits and activity bags were distributed for the Summer Explorers program.

These summer activity resources were designed to encourage critical thinking, visual literacy, communication and collaboration through accessible arts experiences. Providing early exposure to welcoming museum environments supports literacy and educational STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) initiatives, emphasizing the value that art contributes to other academic subject areas. Supporting students in all areas of learning and enrichment activities is critical to early childhood development and cultivating social experiences in fun and inspiring environments.

Alley Art Project: Life in a Tapestry

Life in a Tapestry is the 13th mural created through the Alley Art Project in collaboration with the High School Learning Center (HSLC) of the Corning-Painted Post Area School District and 2021 Teaching Mural Artist Betsy Z. Casañas. 40 students, 5 HSLC teachers, Dakota Stevens (2021 Alley Art Intern) and 3 local assisting artists contributed to the designing and/or painting of the mural, located on Corning’s Northside on the building façade of Pudgie’s Pizza, 61 Bridge Street.

The mural is inspired by Diné (Navajo) textiles in The Rockwell’s collection, and illustrates the weaving process, symbolic of how living traditions, ideas and goals are ongoing and reflective of society and our environments. Thinking about the metaphor of “life as a tapestry,” students were asked to consider their past, present and future, and designed mandalas that focus on the importance of process, growth and transformation. 120 students, teachers, Corning-Painted Post District administrators and community members attended a celebratory ribbon cutting. This project was funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), as well continued support from The Triangle Fund.

A virtual Alley Art Panel: A Public Art Discussion was held on Zoom and facilitated by Dakota H. Stevens, Alley Art Project Intern, Curatorial Track Ph.D. Student and Andrew W. Mellon Fellow at the University of Delaware in Art History. The panelists featured Betsy Z. Casañas, Erich S. Lehman, co-curator and lead organizer of the WALL\THERAPY mural program in Rochester and Connie Sullivan-Blum, director of The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. The panel discussion highlighted behind-the-scenes processes and the creation of Alley Art Project murals around Corning. It also addressed what public art representation means in a city, and how art can create an intentional culture of diversity and vibrancy within a community.

“Your Voice, Your Place” Student Outreach Program and Exhibition

The Rockwell Museum collaborated with Corning-Painted Post Middle School art teacher Maria Goldwyn and Onödowa’ga:’ – Deer Clan (Seneca) artist Hayden Haynes on a virtual outreach project and student exhibition. 65 eighth-grade students enrolled in IB Digital Art classes created their own digital collages that represent aspects of their heritage and identity inspired by Haynes’ art and artwork from The Rockwell’s collection. The student exhibition was on view in The Rockwell’s Student Gallery. We used a combination of a pre-recorded video and live Zoom sessions facilitated with Haynes to talk with students about his art, culture, history and studio practice. Haynes shared about his recent series of photographs in collaboration with model Jocelyn Jones to spread awareness about the Thomas Indian School (TIS). He emphasized the ongoing impact of assimilation, attempts to erase Native culture and poor treatment of children in boarding schools.

The Rockwell values collaborating with the Corning-Painted Post Area School District and artist Hayden Haynes to bring the arts to classrooms virtually. All participating students received free Family Passes to visit The Rockwell with their families.

STUDENT EXHIBITION CALENDAR

Corning-Painted Post High School International Baccalaureate Student Exhibition*

In collaboration with art teacher Sharron Holland

Exhibition dates: April 1 – May 2, 2021

Rockwell Reimagined*

Corning-Painted Post High School

Exhibition dates: May 5 – June 1, 2021

Alley Art Project: Life in a Tapestry* High School Learning Center

In collaboration with Teaching Mural Artist Betsy Z. Casañas

Exhibition dates: June 8 – September 5, 2021

Rockwell Oaxacan and Butterfly Interactive for Dia de los Muertos

Exhibition dates: September 18 – November 4, 2021

Your Place, Your Voice*

Corning-Painted Post Middle School

In collaboration with Digital Art Teacher Maria Goldwyn and Onödowa’ga:’ – Deer Clan (Seneca) Artist Hayden Haynes

Exhibition dates: November 24, 2021 – January 3, 2022

*These virtual or hybrid exhibitions were published online! Explore at rockwellmuseum.org/blog

2021: Environments Examined

Rockwell Reimagined Student Artwork

The Art Lab opened with regular hours to the public

Artist Tori Burdick painted a Frida Kahlo butterfly interactive for Dia de los Muertos

The launch of Summer Explorers was a hit for families

Teaching Mural Artist Betsy Z. Casañas speaking at the Alley Art Project mural Ribbon Cutting

2021 was a year for experimentation and collaboration, as we are always looking for new and surprising ways to engage with the public.

In the realm of virtual public programs, highlights included the introduction of the Concert on Your Couch music series, the continuation of the fun and educational Happy Hour with the Director, and hands-on workshops like Art at Home. We got creative with inperson gatherings as summer arrived with Rockwell Rekindle, an event highlighting new additions to The Rockwell galleries, followed by a cocktail reception and live music on the terrace.

More than ever, we feel the support from our loyal members and donors. Their continued dedication has opened up so many opportunities for the Museum to evolve and grow with the world around us.

-Brett Smith, Director of Advancement

Grammy-nominated artist Amythyst Kiah performed live for Concert on Your Couch

FEATURED STORIES

Concert on Your Couch

With the beloved Concert in the Gallery on hiatus, we researched the many virtual program options to best suit our audience, and introduced Concert On Your Couch. This live-stream program allowed musicians to perform and stream from the comfort of their home, while Rockwell members and music-lovers tuned in via YouTube Live, making requests, sending dance emojis and cheering through a lively chat! The lineup featured two amazing acts –grammy-nominated artist Amythyst Kiah and returning Rockwell favorites The Ladles. Both of these moving performances can be found on The Rockwell’s YouTube channel.

Elaine K. Ng: Guest Appearance in the Corning Museum of Glass Amphitheater Hot Shop

In addition to her two exhibitions at The Rockwell, Antigravity and Fingerprints of Place — Taiwan, Elaine K. Ng made a three-day guest appearance in the Amphitheater Hot Shop at Corning Museum of Glass, November 15 through 17. Both exhibitions explored human relationships to place through multimedia artworks, using materials like brick, concrete, wood, tile, thread and found objects unique to place, like crumpled receipts and native seed pods. This unique partnership allowed Ng to explore the properties of glass and realize her artistic vision with the support of Corning Museum of Glass gaffers.

Gingerbread Invitational: Environments Examined

The Gingerbread Invitational is made possible with support from Ellen and John O’Hare.

The Rockwell presented the Seventh Annual Gingerbread Invitational – a fun, artful gingerbread competition for baking enthusiasts and community members of all skill levels. In 2021, bakers were asked to respond to the theme of Environments Examined, making creations inspired by the environments of our unique Finger Lakes region – considering the vistas, cityscapes, landmarks and local natural wonders! Julie Paschal and Christina Steffanus took home the Community Choice Award with their rendition of Robert H. Treman State Park.

2021: Environments Examined

Artist Elaine K. Ng

2021 Gingerbread Community Choice Winners

The Ladles for Concert on Your Couch

Despite the world opening back up with more in-person opportunities, digital attendance continued to be a popular way for visitors to engage with the museum, increasing by 27% compared to 2020, including website and blog visitation, social media engagement and e-mail opens, reaching 356,059 individuals.

1,893

In 2021, we were able to continue some of our most beloved programs, bring a Grammy-nominated artist and a National Geographic photographer to couches across America. Through 57 programs, hosted mostly online, The Rockwell engaged 1,893 individuals in 2021 through events and programming.

602

A committed group of 27 volunteers served 897 hours for the Museum. Volunteers assembled Art on the Go! kits, welcomed guests, led school tours, delivered project kts, visitited schools foroutreach programs, led adult tours and assisted in community events.

2021 MEMBERS: SILVER DOLLAR SOCIETY

The Silver Dollar Society unites The Rockwell Museum’s most generous supporters to advance the Museum as a place of learning and a world-class destination for art reflecting the American experience.

SILVER DOLLAR SOCIETY PATRON ($10,000+)

James Flaws and Marcia Weber

SILVER DOLLAR SOCIETY BENEFACTOR

($5,000-$9,999)

Laura Coleman and Tom Halgash

Jeff Evenson and Karyn Cepek

E. Marie McKee and Robert Cole

SILVER DOLLAR SOCIETY SPONSOR ($2,500-$4,999)

Charlie and Trudy Craig Alan and Lynnette Eusden Kim Frock and Wendell Weeks Melissa Gambol

Ian Harrop and Lynette Estep David and Marianne Lubin Eric and Lee Musser

Barry and Ann Nicholson John and Ellen O’Hare Thomas Snow and Karen Meriwether Charles and Kristin Swain John and Sue Tobin

Lydia Kenton Walsh and Robert Walsh

SILVER DOLLAR SOCIETY MEMBER ($1,100-$2,499)

Monica and Deron Bankston

Stefan and Frauke Becker

Margot A. Bliven and Richard A. Rosenberg

Thomas and Barbara Blumer

Matthew and Maria Brown Colleen Caravati-Birdwell and Trey Birdwell

Tymon and Angela Daniels

Matthew and Elizabeth Dann

Walter and Karen Douglas David and Riki Dowler Paul and Gail Ebeltoft

Ted and Maria Goldwyn Kirk and Penny Gregg

Denise Hauselt Chris and Darryl Heckle Kevin and Angela Julien

Xavier Lafosse and Thérèse Arliguie Adele Lanahan

Nicholas and Megan LaPuma

Tom and Andrea Lynch

Stafford Lyons and Henry Offermann

Joy Macafee

Stephanie and Kevin Morgan Brendan and Kim Mosher Sabeen and Imran Mukhtar

David and Debra Naylor Autumn Pawlowski

A. John and Susan Peck

Thomas and Alison Pisano Jordan Rankin and Sandra Zuraski Gunars Reimanis

Edward and Carissa Schlesinger W. Stuart and Lucia Schweizer Peter and Kathleen Schweizer Christine and John Sharkey

Emily Simon

John and Bonnie Sirianni Eiron and Russell Smith

Dick and Judy Sphon Tony and Mary Tripeny Erica and Ron Verkleeren Karol and Steven Wight Doug and Tami Willard

2021: Environments Examined

Tree of 40 Fruit by Sam Van Aken

2021 MEMBERS

SUSTAINER

William Groome in memory of Kathryn Anastasio

Nick and Anne Harper

Gene Herber

Payal Patel and David Ebeltoft

Patricia Pinkston

Jeanne Propst

Susie Silbert and Jeff Toohig

John Ulrich and Lynn Pifer

DONOR

Diane Austin and Aaron Nurick

Flora Bonzo

Marcy Cathey

Jeanne Cavuoti

Jim and Karen Chamberlain Maarit Clay

Marie H. Cole

Kathryn and Marwin Cummings

Marilyn Jacobson

Johnson-Schmidt & Associates

Elizabeth Jones

Marcus and Charlotte Kantz

Ellen and Carlo Kosik Williams

Katherine Larson and Ryan Hughes

Geoffrey and Susan Lefferts

Charles and Sue Milazzo

Maureen Mines and Mark Holman Rhonda Morton and J McKnight Janet and Moe Newcomb

David Peterson

Lou and Peg Vogel

DUAL

Thomas and Melanie Anastasio

Anonymous

David and Laura Austin

Robert Avvampato and Michael Magliocca

Vincent Azzarelli

Mary A. Bacchus

Elijah and Gail Baity

David Baum and Alexandra Ruggiero Linda Baxter and Brenda Carlyle Beth Bentley and Edward Dougherty

Richard and Alexandra Berg

Mary Jo and Rick Beshore Jill and Thomas Blagg Rod and Lynn Blumenau

Bob and Mary Anne Bly Meredith and Frank Bocek

Timothy and Tammy Bocek James and Susan Bocek Gary and Ann Brouse John and Margo Brown

Michael Buckley and Mason Barnett Joel and Linda Buice Edward and Louise Bush Joe and Giuliana Calderone Michael and Karen Callahan Matthew F Carney III Sumbline Chaudhey

Anthony and Mary Pat Ciccariello

Jeffrey and Catherine Clark

Melissa Colacino and John Sirianni

Timothy and Judy Coleman Mark and Judy Cornfield

Paul and Ellen Corradini

Michaela Cosgrove and Thomas Carey

Amelia and Paul Cueva

Patricia Cunningham Anna and Thomas Czarples

Patricia Dann Lynn Decher Ross Delano and Allison Duncan Dan and Amy Dibble

Laura Doherty

Nancy and Timothy Doutt Kitty and Max Erlacher Jennifer Fais and Noel Sylvester Fred and Jonny Farley

Mike and Paige Farrell David and Lorraine Filip Gary and Janice Fitzpatrick Mary and Edward Franklin Charles and Muriel Friend Dan and Janette Gallagher Alicia and Kevin Gallagher Steven and Kristine Garner Robert and Judy Garrett Henry and Karen Gold Francisco and Joel Gomez-Dossi Bruce and Judith Graf

Richard and Rhonda Grzybowski

Frank and Linda Gudas Janet Hallahan

John Helfinstine

Geoffrey and Joan Heywood Lisa and Michael Hogue Aran and Sharron Holland Donna and Jon Homuth

Tammy Humphrey

Beth Hylen and Brad Turner Bruce and Hope Irvine Meagan and Tim Jackson Sally and Sarah Jacoby Murphy Robert and Marian Johnson Jane Joralemon Cheryl Jordan

Colleen Kaminski and Stephen Czank Armand and Gloria Katz Kamala Keeley Martha H Kennedy Janna Keser

Mark, Millie and Amrit Kilmartin James T. Kirk

Kirk and Cynthia Klingensmith Andrew Knapp and Jenny Wittmaack Jacqueline and Wayne Knitter Jeanne Kotula & Michael Blatt Pam and Joe Lally Anne and Greg Lamb Mark and Beth Landin Laurie Liberatore Rebecca and Brian Litz Anne LoPinto Sean Lukasik

Merrill and Lydia Lynn Rebekah Macfie John and Karen Madison Nancy Magrath

Edward Mainzer and Kevin Chou Joseph and Cathleen Mathey Anita and John Mayes William and Teresa McCahill Melissa and Carson McDonald Sam and Susan McInroy Jim and Cornelia Mead Vickie Mike and Stuart Trock Karel Minor

David Morgan and Mary Wenck

Kevin and Alice Murphy

Richard and Melissa Murray

Mike and Maureen Nicolo

Jennifer and Vincent Nocito Kathy Nordeen

Thomas C. and Barbara F. O’Brien

Francis and Mary Helen Olmstead

Nancy and Robert O’Loughlin Mairead O’Sullivan Meghan O’Toole Tuazon Peter and Anne Parker

Kate Paterson and Patrick Tepesch Mark and Andrea Perez

Ron and Vivian Peters

Frank and Leslie Potter

Kristina Rainey

David and Linda Ralph Ann and Bob Recotta

John and Eileen Reib

William and Carol Reich

Alexis and Jon Rittenberger

Scott and Denise Robinson

Dave and Molly Rochelle

Sandra Rockwell Herron and Christine Rockwell Chow Ande Rooney

Jack and Joan Russen

Marc and Lisa Rustici

Mary and James Sabshin Constance Sargent

J. Noel and Grace Schlageter Pam and Paul Schmitt

James and Delight Scouten Brad and Taryn Sick David and Patricia Silvernail Alyssa and Deven Smith William and Kristin Smith

Kimberly and Nolan Smith Eric and Sarah Snow

David and Pamela Sonnefeld

Jonathan Stalker and Julie Waltz-Stalker

Geoffrey and Alexis Steenberge

Beverly and Harrie Stevens

Louise and Connie Sullivan-Blum

Gilbert and Harriet Sweet

Fred and Penny Tanneberger

Faith and Mike Tarby

Izabela Teixeira and Siavash Yazdanfar

Leo and Judy Thomas

Peigi Cook and Stephen Thomas Paul and Natalie Thonis

Julie and Tom Thurber

August and Marie Titi Kit Tobin

Linda and Martin van der Grinten Marjorie and Gordon VanVleet Susan and Rick Vermillion Bob and Sherry Volk Cathy and Scott Vonderheide Robert and Pamela Walker Chris and Anne Walters

Charles Wasserott IV and Abigail Super William Watman

Matthew and Susan Weibel

Vincent J and Mary Lee Welch

Lisa Wemett and Terry Mulee

Chris and Abbey Wentzel West End Gallery

Sam and Barbara Whisenhunt Will and Lee White

Thomas and Linda Wilcox Peter and Wendy Winnett Alan and Maria Winston Geoffrey Wittig Barbara and Robert Wood Sue Wood Xi Xie and Lan Sheng Roy and Benda Yarnell Connie Zehr and Cornelius Lyon John and Barbara Ullman

INDIVIDUAL

Marcia Adamy Mary Akins Gigi Alvare Mavin Ambrose Anonymous Christine Atkins Alisa Babcock Heather Barber Betty Bennett Sarah Blagg Alisa Brown Warren Cole Pamela Farr Barbara Friedman Dori Fulk

Katherine Funk Madeleine Gionet Janice T. Glover Andrea L. Harris

Ann Hayes Cynthia Huling Hummel

Marshall Hyde

Patricia Jackson Jack James Sylvia Kete Margaret Koontz

Jean Krebs Henry Lush Millicent Clarke Maynard Colleen McCall

Maureen McCarthy Monica Meek

Alison Merkl Katherine Miller Patrick Monahan James Mullen Joyce Noonan Judy O’Connell

Tom and Jill Palmer

Mary Passage Christopher Payne

Mark and Kathy Pilling-Whitney Rick Pirozzolo

Judith Prentice Georgia A. Reynolds Theresa Rossettie

Betty and Bob Santandrea Bonnifer and Les Schweizer Robert K. Scott Constance L Seifert

Adam Setzer

Katie Sirrine Emily Smith Marilynn Sullivan Alice Thompson Stacy Ward

Lois Welk Ann Welles

John Wight

ORGANIZATION

Alfred Box of Books Library

Southeast Steuben County Library Vestal Public Library Friends of the Chemung River Watershed

Thank you to the Corning Incorporated Foundation for matching $18,944 in member gifts!

2021 GRANTS + DONATIONS

The Rockwell Museum’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Very special thanks to Corning Incorporated for their ongoing support.

EXHIBITION SUPPORT

Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc.

Ellen and John O’Hare

ARTWORK ACQUISITION

Lydia Kenton Walsh and Robert Walsh

Alan and Lynnette Eusden

EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

The Hilliard Foundation

Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc.

Chemung Canal Trust Company

The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes Smithsonian Affiliations

THE GREAT CIRCLE: ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

The Anderson Foundation, Inc.

Edith Saxton Fund for Steuben County Youth Services M&T Bank Tripp Foundation

ALLEY ART PROJECT & IDENTITY AND THE ARTIST

The Triangle Fund

National Endowment for the Arts

LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT: ARTISTS AS ACTIVISTS

AUDIO TOUR

Art Bridges

KIDS ROCKWELL ART CART

Support for this initiative was provided through ONEHOPE Wine and: Colleen Caravati-Birdwell

Laura Coleman

Matthew and Elizabeth Dann Alan and Lynnette Eusden Melissa Gambol

Ian Harrop and Lynette Estep Denise Hauselt Lydia Kenton Walsh Joy Macafee E. Marie McKee Debra Naylor Barry and Ann Nicholson Autumn Pawlowski Pete Schweitzer John Tobin COVID-19 RESPONSE

New York State Council on the Arts Corning’s Gaffer District

GENERAL DONATION AND ANNUAL APPEAL, $25 AND ABOVE

Kelly Alwine Anonymous Anonymous in honor of Beverly Stevens Jerry Arko and Hank Baker George and Jeanette Babey Monica and Deron Bankston Jill and Thomas Blagg David Blumer Meredith and Frank Bocek Timothy and Tammy Bocek Bill and Susan Boland Ruth Bruning Michael P. Buckley and Mason Barnett Edward and Louise Bush in memory of Bob Rockwell Aria Camaione-Lind Ann Campbell City Club of Ithaca Marie H. Cole Russell and Judy Cranston in memory of Bob Rockwell Martin and Susan Curran Tymon and Angela Daniels Matthew and Elizabeth Dann Vera Dauman Lynn Decher Paul and Gail Ebeltoft Donald and Ann Egan

Coleen Fabrizi

Linda Fields in memory of Dorothy Ketchum

James Flaws and Marcia Weber

Debbie Franks

Katherine Funk in honor of Kristin Swain

John and Lindsay Garrett in honor of Kirsty Buchanan

Janice T. Glover

William Groome in memory of Kathryn Anastasio Ann and David Grossman

Ian Harrop and Lynette Estep

Gene Herber

Patricia A. Jackson

Catherine Jones

Marcus and Charlotte Kantz

James C. Kieffer

Andrea Kust and Stephen Shapiro

Adele Lanahan

Anjanette Lecher

Brian and Deb Lynch

Merrill and Lydia Lynn

Ian Mackenzie

Allison and Joseph Matusick

Denise and Rick Maxa

Millicent Clarke Maynard and Willoughby Maynard in honor of Emily Simon

E. Marie McKee and Robert Cole

Robert B McKinnon Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc.

Jim and Cornelia Mead

Thomas C. and Barbara F. O’Brien

John and Ellen O’Hare

Tom and Jill Palmer

Mary Passage

Examined

Rick Pirozzolo

Nisha Rana

Ken Ratner in memory of Robert Ratner

Georgia A. Reynolds

Dave and Molly Rochelle

Betty and Bob Santandrea

Tanya Saunders

Bevin Savage-Yamazaki

J. Noel and Grace Schlageter

Peter and Kathleen Schweizer

Emily Smith

Paul Solyn Dick and Judy Sphon

Doug Stevens

Geraldine Stevens

Noreen Stevens

Beverly and Harrie Stevens

Bob Stringer on behalf of Duncan Pollock

Marilynn Sullivan

Charles and Kristin Swain John and Sue Tobin

Rob Vanni

Susan and Rick Vermillion

Lydia Kenton Walsh and Robert Walsh Rick and Cindy Weakland

Vincent J and Mary Lee Welch

James and Kristine West West End Gallery in memory of Bob and Hertha Rockwell

Leslie Dann in memory of Jean Wosinski

Nancy and Timothy Doutt in memory of Jean Wosinski

Roy and Benda Yarnell

Allan Young

Adding details to 2021’s Alley Art mural, Life in a Tapestry

Our 7th Annual Gingerbread Invitational winner

STAFF, BOARD + VOLUNTEERS

Staff

Kristen Bocek-Kahn

Operations Manager

Kirsty Buchanan

Curator of Collections and Exhibitions

Tim Decker Registrar Lisa Gill

Director of Finance and Operations

Paul Dressen Preparator

Sherry Kirk

Executive Liaison and Financial Assistant

Katharine Mead Membership and Grants Manager

Ned Milliken

Retail and Guest Services Assistant Manager

Mary Mix Director of Education Ann Recotta Education and Volunteer Programs Coordinator

Rita Reed

Retail and Guest Services Manager

Amy Ruza

Youth and Family Programs Manager

Brett Smith

Director of Advancement

Jess Spady

Digital Media Specialist

Janelle Steiner Events Coordinator

Kate Swanson Interpretation and Public Engagement Educator

Willa Vogel Marketing Manager

Brian Lee Whisenhunt Executive Director

GUEST SERVICES

Mary Ann Denning

Regina George Tori Hamilton Ada Jarosch Marilyn Knight Felicia Lash Nancy Macgrath Katie Reilly Mariah Robbins Candy Sanky Jessica Smith Megan Walsh Sue Weibel SECURITY Mark Robinson Chuck Devine

SUPPORTING STAFF Robert Cassetti Visitor Experience, Advisory

Lucy Dubin Chief Human Resources Officer

Volunteers

Natalie Abruzzo Jan Altilio Linda Baxter Julie Biviano Pat Ciccariello Nancy Doutt Kathi Dwyer Lynn Eusden Mary Franklin Kathy Gill

Roberta Hirliman Lizz Jones

Janna Keser Sylvia Kete Jacqueline Knitter Pam Lally Judy O’Connell Nancy O’Loughlin Pam Schmitt Bev Stevens Faith Tarby Michael Tarby Judy Thomas Susan Vermillion Scott Vonderheide Linda Wilcox Lorraine Williams

Board of Trustees

OFFICERS

John Tobin, President Melissa J. Gambol, Vice President Autumn M. Pawlowski, Secretary Joy Macafee, Treasurer

TRUSTEES

Monica L. Bankston Colleen Caravati Maarit Clay

Laura Coleman

Lynnette S. Eusden Denise A. Hauselt Nick LaPuma Ashley Lomboy Barry Nicholson Thomas Pisano Emily Simon Paul VerValin Lydia Kenton Walsh

TRUSTEE EMERITI

James R. Houghton E. Marie McKee

Joanna Wurtele

STAFF, VOLUNTEERS + BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Examined

Rockwell staff celebrated coming back to the office with a pizza party

A lot of collaboration and laughs happened while experimenting with new digital content School picture day for Brian

Staff got to spend a glowing day at Corning Museum of Glass

Staff pets held a very important morale-boosting meeting

Willa and Jess never have enough hands