‘Yes, And: a survey exhibition of art and artists connected to Staten Island’ to Open June 10th at The Staten Island Museum

Art Exhibit, Staten Island

 

 

Nathan’s Kensinger, Managed Retreat, 2018. Video ~ “My art practice examines the intersections of human habitation, natural landscapes, and climate change along the waterfront of New York City…I have been creatively documenting Staten Island’s waterfront for the past 15 years, as part of my larger body of work about the city’s entire waterfront.

The Staten Island Museum’s latest exhibition Yes, And: a survey exhibition of art and artists connected to Staten Island opens to the public on June 10, 2022 with a public reception on June 11 from 2PM – 4PM. This exhibition, featuring thirty-six artists, is a current version of the Staten Island Museum’s longstanding tradition of holding juried art shows for more than 70 years.

Yes, And presents recent work in video, performance, painting, photography, installation, drawing, and more. Together, thirty-six artists express themes of connectivity, resilience, and vitality, reflecting this time in history when a global pandemic continues to teach us the fundamental importance of relationships and the meaning of place. This hyperlocal exhibition references life on an island, legacies of self-determination, land development over time, and the enduring power of nature. Yes, And explores what it means to be connected to Staten Island.

LuLu LoLo, performing at Shared Dialogue, Shared Space (SDSS) at Inwood Hill Park ~ Listening to the Birds (Performance by LuLu LoLo), 2022. Photograph by Paul Takeuchi Costume, Headpiece by Ramona Ponce; Performance for Shared Dialogue, Shared Space Korea Art Forum, Inwood Hill Park, April 30, 2022

“The Staten Island Museum has long been committed to presenting local artists with exhibiting opportunities. We recognize how the past two years have impacted our local artist community, and the museum wants to use this exhibition to shed light on the creative community here and make more visible the stories they have to tell. As we celebrate the Museum’s 140th Anniversary, this is the right moment to revive a longstanding tradition and support artists with a major group exhibition,” states Janice Monger, Staten Island Museum President & CEO.

The Staten Island Museum is providing $30,000 in stipends to participating artists in accordance with W.A.G.E. (Working Artists and the Greater Economy) and thanks to support from Amazon, New York State Council on the Arts, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, and Staten Island Advance/SIlive.

Stevie Ray Soloway, Don’t Just Stand There, Archival Digital Print, 2020 ~ “Upon arriving 25 years ago I did not embrace Staten Island. It seemed cold, overpopulated, and overbuilt. While browsing in a local bookstore I found a book called The Secret Places of Staten Island which directed me to the Greenbelt and the beaches hidden treasures within an urban area which is only 14 miles long, but to the casual observer would not know of these treasures. Over the years I’ve developed a Staten Island pride, if you will. A sanctuary for my spirits and artistic endeavors is right here in Staten Island, my home for the last 25 years.”

The theme Yes, And suggests the abundance of experience on and perception of Staten Island. This complicated and prodigious borough contains a multitude of narratives that cumulatively offer an earnest impression of life in the United States.

The title is a reference to a classic improv rule-of-thumb requiring performers to accept what another participant is suggesting, and then build on it. In this way, Yes, And presents an expansive theme for artists to consider and encourages the open sharing of ideas and perspectives.

Linda Butti, Late Afternoon, 2019, Oil on canvas ~ “Staten Island opened my eyes to the stunning world of nature and spirit.”

Participating artists were chosen from over two hundred submissions in response to an open call. The selection panel was comprised of respected colleagues in their field including artist Ayana Evans; art dealer and gallery director Florence Lynch; curator and gallerist Anthony Spinello; artist, curator, producer, and educator Ed Woodham 

The complete list of artists follows:

Irma Bohórquez- Geisler ~ Mary L. Bullock ~ Robert Bunkin ~ Linda Butti ~ Arlette Cepeda Edward Coppola ~ Lisa Dahl ~ Day de Dada ~ Natasha Do ~ Alanna Dunn ~ Kevyn Fairchild ~ Phyllis J. Featherstone Volker Goetze ~ Susan Grabel ~ Terry S. Hardy ~ Griselda Healy ~ Kay Healy ~ Katarina Jerinic ~Nathan Kensinger ~ Sizhu Li ~ LuLu LoLo ~ Jahtiek Long ~ Paul Moakley ~ Bill Murphy ~ Zahra Pars ~ Samuel Partal ~ Sage Reynolds ~ James Francis Richards ~ John Sanderson ~ Mike Shane ~ Stevie Ray Soloway ~ Rob Stephenson ~ Alana Urcia ~ Amanda Wu & Zach Rothman-Hicks ~ Yu Zhang

Kay Healy, Pile,, 2021. Acrylic and screen prints on fabric, polyester fiber fill, 12′ x 16′ x 5:

Lead support for Yes, And provided by Amazon; New York State Council on the Arts; Lily Auchincloss Foundation; NYC Cultural Affairs.

About the Staten Island Museum

Founded in 1881 and celebrating its 140th year, the Staten Island Museum engages visitors with interdisciplinary exhibitions and educational programs that explore the dynamic connections between natural science, art, and history based on its diverse collections. The Staten Island Museum is a proud member of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), a public-private partnership with the City of New York, and receives operating support from the City of New York through the Department of Cultural Affairs, Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, from Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council, Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, with additional support from Staten Island delegation and the Staten Island Borough President, Vito Fossella.

The Staten Island Museum is located on the grounds of Snug Harbor at 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A, Staten Island, NY 10301. Public hours are: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm. Staten Island Museum Members and children under 2: Free. Admission is suggested, Adults: $8, Seniors/Students: $5, Children: $2.