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Katrina,
tell us a little about
your background.
I’ve been a New Yorker almost since birth (the first 6 months of
unmemorable
existence happened in New Jersey) and have lived in New York City since
graduating
from CNR in 2002. I am one of four children, having an older sister, a
younger
sister and a younger brother.
My illustrious career in the arts started with drawing blobbish
creatures
in crayon on both walls and on the inside covers of hard copy
books. I was
also keen on painting (the family’s black cat with my mother’s red
lipstick).
Unfortunately, at that time my creativity was not appreciated.
What is your position here at The College of New Rochelle?
I am the
Director of CNR’s three art spaces: Castle Gallery and Mooney
Center
Gallery, both located on the Main Campus, and the Gordon Parks Gallery,
located
on the John Cardinal O’Connor campus in the South Bronx. I’ve
also taught
for the School of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Art Department.
What benefits
do the students receive from having
the Castle Gallery right here on campus?
I think the
Castle Gallery is a great educational resource for all of
CNR’s
students, not just art majors. Located on the ground floor of Leland
Castle,
students on their way to upstairs faculty offices find themselves
taking
a moment to roam through our exhibitions, which vary in concept and
creation.
Often they initially did not know the College had a professional
gallery,
which is why our door is always open during hours of operation and we
do
our best to encourage those passing by to stop in.
The works
displayed can potentially encompass all areas of study. Some
shows
highlight this more than others, such as the fall 2008 show, Beyond
Bio: Clay Bodies
which showcased biology-inspired ceramic pieces. It was a great exhibit
for
nursing students. Our winter show 2008-09, Wonder and Woe, curated by
Dr.
Susan Canning, the art history professor at CNR, exhibited artists who
use
elements of myth and fables within their work. That show seemed to
cater
to our literature students, but was enjoyed by all who visited. A
previous
show also curated by Dr. Canning, R³: Reading ‘Ritin
‘Rithmetic, 30 Years Later,
featured artists who use reading (text or text- based), writing
(language
and words), and arithmetic (numbers and systems) as their medium for
art
making. Racing on a Broken Road, exhibited in the winter of
2006-07,
focused on a portion of Westchester’s own history with work that
employed
the oral history, memories, photographs, and historic material of seven
generations
of two African-European and Native-American families who have lived in
the
area for the past 230 years. These are just a few of our more recent
exhibitions.
Ultimately, all of our exhibits hold educational elements for all
students,
regardless of their age, sex, and/or areas of study.
What are
some of the programs that the Castle
Galley has for undergraduates?
Castle Gallery, like many other CNR departments, has a work study
program
for enrolled CNR students. It is comparable to an internship at a small
museum
or gallery. Our work study gallery assistants perform basic
receptionist
duties, but also learn how to handle, install and de-install work.
Depending
on the exhibits at that time, there are often opportunities for special
projects.
How can
students become involved with the Gallery?
On the easiest and least committed level, students can simply visit our
shows
and attend our receptions and related events, which are always free and
open
to the public. Beyond that, we are always looking for reliable work
study
gallery assistants to help our day-to-day operation run as smoothly as
possible.
What do you
like to do when you’re not at the
College?
When I’m
not at the College, I am often out supporting my friends who
are
involved in music, visual art, or performance art. A few friends
have had
the opportunity to exhibit at Mooney Center Gallery and discuss their
work
with the SAS Art Department students (Sarah Kipp, Joann Harrah, Jen P.
Harris,
to name a few). I try to exhibit my work as well and am currently in a
group
show, Emerged with a fellow CNR alum, Shervone Neckles, at the Theater
for
the New City’s gallery. Also, I am a member of the New Rochelle Council
for
the Arts and I hope to become more involved in the surrounding
community
and other galleries and art spaces.
What do you
like best about your job?
I have
worked for CNR and Castle Gallery in one capacity or another
since
becoming an undergraduate student here in 1998. The growth of the
galleries
has been wonderful to witness and be part of its development.
Overseeing
three galleries on two campuses means that I have to handle multiple
responsibilities
of varying natures. One day I might be installing a strange and complex
piece
with an artist and his/her assistants, the next I may be hosting events
or
providing tours, on another day I may be discussing potential shows
with
the curatorial committees or our Board. Sometimes I handle the shipping
of
art personally. And, of course, there is all that paperwork that needs
to
be done for upcoming shows or meetings. No two days are the same, and I
am
very happy doing what do, having the support of the College, and
working
with people that are creative and supportive.
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