SUNY Oneonta

For its opening production of the 2025-2026 academic year, the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department presented "The Firebugs" with 22 students. "The Firebugs," written by Swiss playwright and novelist Max Frisch, is dark comedy that explores themes of morality, complicity and the dangers of ignoring evil. In the midst of escalating arson attacks plaguing his city, businessman Gottlieb Biedermann finds himself entangled in a precarious situation. At home, his attempt to maintain a facade of normalcy clashes with the reality of his own complacency as he unwittingly harbors potential firebugs under his roof. As the story unfolds, Biedermann's struggle to reconcile his moral stance with his actions culminates in a disastrous and ironic conclusion. "The Firebugs has a great deal to say about the times we live in," said SUNY Oneonta Professor of Theatre History, Dramatic Literature and Acting John McCaslin-Doyle. "For example, when the leading character cries out, 'I can't be scared the whole time!' it seems that between politics and advertising, the media is working overtime to keep the population in a state of anger and fear." The performance, directed by McCaslin-Doyle, was a joint production made possible by the Theatre Department faculty and staff and students from the Mask and Hammer theatre club. Rehearsals began at the beginning of the fall 2025 semester, and the show ran four times in the Hamblin Theatre on campus from Oct. 2-5. Students fulfilled cast and crew roles, including lighting and sound design and operation, props coordination, stage management, deck and construction crew, electricians and costume stitchers.

Eight SUNY Oneonta students are exhibiting artwork in the "Hartwick X SUNY Oneonta Student Show 2025" at CANO (Community Arts Network Oneonta). The "Hartwick X SUNY Oneonta Student Show" is an ongoing collaboration between Hartwick's Foreman Gallery and the Galleries at SUNY Oneonta, on view until Oct. 24 at CANO in downtown Oneonta. A closing reception is set for Friday, October 24, from 5-7 p.m. at CANO. SUNY Oneonta is featuring the work of eight students who are the 2025-2026 Jean Parish Scholarship: Symon Andriyevsky, Sydney Creason, Sean Eaves, Abigail Fish, Jessie Reed, Mordue Reinhardt, Alexis Rockefeller and Zoe Zappala. Hartwick is featuring the work of art students from the Hartwick Senior Class of 2026.

In the Project Space Gallery at SUNY Oneonta, Nicholas Stein, of Otego, NY, is exhibiting artwork in a solo show consisting of physically manipulated film photographs called "Voids in Humanity" until Oct. 25. Stein is a senior majoring in Art and Design at SUNY Oneonta. "Voids in Humanity consists of a series of conceptual photographs that explore the shared human experiences of absence, loss and emotion," said SUNY Oneonta Art Gallery Director Sarah Simpson. "Through the use of vague silhouette figures burnt into the photo negatives, the human form is presented both as a symbol and a personification of memory or trauma. These images act as a conduit for memory and meaning, referencing the emotional weight that various experiences can carry within us. The exhibition will encourage viewers to reflect on how society and they themselves create and neglect these so-called voids." Admission to the gallery and reception is free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.

Eight SUNY Oneonta students had their artwork on display in the Jean Parish Scholarship: 2025-2026 exhibition in the Project Space Gallery. An opening reception in the gallery was held on Thursday, Sept. 4. Jean Parish Scholarship: 2025-2026 is a group exhibition featuring work by the 2025-2026 student recipients of the Jean Parish Scholarship: Symon Andriyevsky, Sydney Creason, Sean Eaves, Abigail FIsh, Jessie Reed, Mordue Reinhardt, Alexis Reckefeller and Zoe Zappala. Faculty Emerita Jean Parish enjoyed a lengthy teaching career at SUNY Oneonta, leaving behind a gift to provide financial assistance to students studying art. One of the two endowed funds she set in place supports the Jean Parish Scholarship, distributed by the Art Department through a competitive process every fall semester. Art majors already enrolled in the program are eligible to apply during or after their first semester, and the department gives several non-renewable awards for the academic year. Admission to the gallery and reception is free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle rocked a custom pair of sneakers at Spring Commencement this year, designed and painted by none other than graduating Fashion & Textiles student Colby "Cobe" Aaron. The project was born out of a mentorship between Cobe and alumnus Scott Saltzman, Class of 1986, who is PUMA's national sales manager and returns to campus often to work with fashion students and faculty members. When Associate Professor Sarah Portway learned of Cobe's passion for sneaker design, she connected him with Scott, and the two bonded over their mutual love of kicks. After Cobe gifted Scott with a custom pair, Scott had an idea: To continue to build Cobe's portfolio, why not have him design a custom pair for Dr. Cardelle, who also happens to have a love of cool shoes (and socks!)? Scott gave Cobe a pair of fresh white, leather PUMAs, and Cobe finished the custom Oneonta pair in just four days. President Cardelle proudly wore them onstage Saturday, May 17, turning heads and walking in style. Now that he has graduated, Cobe-originally from Long Island and a transfer from Jefferson Community College-hopes to break into the footwear industry, and already has a solid foothold. "This was a very big opportunity because it was a chance to further connect with Scott and a chance for people to see my work," Cobe said. "And it meant a lot to me that the president actually wore them to graduation."

With a theme of celestial beauty and ethereal design, 30 SUNY Oneonta fashion students brought "Whispers of the Cosmos: Ethereal Elegance" to life on May 3, producing the annual Spring Fashion Show in the Alumni Field House. The annual spring Fashion Show at SUNY Oneonta is a cornerstone event organized by the Student Fashion Society (SFS), showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of students in the Fashion and Textiles program. This highly anticipated event has been a campus tradition for over 25 years, drawing large audiences to celebrate student-designed collections. Held each spring, the fashion show features original clothing lines designed, constructed and modeled by students. Collections are presented on a runway, often set up in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House, with themes ranging from "Cocktail Hour" to "Life's a Circus." A panel of judges evaluates the collections based on criteria such as innovation, craftsmanship, fit, presentation and salability, with awards given to top designers. The SFS manages all aspects of the show, from publicity and logistics to sponsorships and event coordination. This hands-on experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing skills in design, event planning and marketing. The fashion show complements SUNY Oneonta's Fashion and Textiles curriculum, which offers specializations in merchandising and design. Students gain practical experience in areas like apparel construction, pattern making and fashion marketing, preparing them for careers in the fashion industry. The annual Spring Fashion Show highlights student talent and embodies SUNY Oneonta's commitment to experiential learning and community engagement in the fashion industry. The SFS extends its gratitude to the Office of Alumni Engagement for coordinating the Skybox VIP Access experience and to the alumni who attended in support of the Student Fashion Society. Their continued engagement and encouragement serve as a valued source of inspiration for current students.

For its showcase production of the 2024-2025 academic year, the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department presented the Tony Award-winning musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" with 24 students. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is a fast-paced musical comedy set in ancient Rome, book written by American playwrights Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, music and lyrics written by American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Bursting with mistaken identities, slapstick humor and a cast of lovable misfits, the story follows Pseudolus, a clever slave determined to win his freedom through a series of outrageous schemes. As chaos unfolds with star-crossed lovers, a hapless captor and an eccentric Roman household, this classic farce delivers non-stop laughs. Perfect for fans of witty humor and timeless theater, it's a must-see for audiences of all ages. "Along with being a really funny show, Forum is fun to perform in and has many challenges for designers, managers, directors, etc. It is also the first production in which Stephen Sondheim wrote both the music and the lyrics that made it to Broadway," said Professor of Theatre History, Dramatic Literature and Acting John McCaslin-Doyle. "In his early twenties, Sondheim wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy. After Forum Sondheim would write the books and lyrics to productions like Anyone Can Whistle, Do I Hear a Waltz, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeny Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Passion, Assassins, The Frogs and more. Many of these productions have been revived in recent years and some are currently running on Broadway. Sondheim died in 2021 and it seems right to introduce his work to students and local audiences." The performance, directed by McCaslin-Doyle, ran four times from April 23 to April 26 with help from the Mask and Hammer student theatre club. Faculty and staff made up the show's stage set and properties designer, lighting designer and technical director, costume shop manager and designer, sound designer and choreographer. The vocal director was a local professional and teaches at Hartwick College. SUNY Oneonta students made up the performance's cast, stage managers and crew.

The SUNY Oneonta 2025 Juried Student Show features nearly 90 works by more than 60 talented student artists. The exhibition opened on March 25 and will run through May 3 in the university's Martin-Mullen Art Gallery on campus. Featured artwork includes pieces submitted by students and juried by full-time Art faculty, and artworks preselected by the full-time and part-time faculty. This year's award winners were chosen by invited jurors Georgia b Smith and Zelda Smith, the spring Artists-in-Residence. Georgia b Smith is a dancer and architectural fabricator whose internationally staged performances and prosthetic-augmented works have earned recognition, including Best in Show at a 2024 robotic-art exhibition. Zelda Smith, an artist rooted in earth materials and temporal sculpture, brings a background in sustainable architecture and recently co-taught a wearable robotics course with Georgia. Together, their collaboration bridges performance, robotics and material exploration. The Juried Student Show highlights the different mediums and themes students explore over the academic year. This year's offerings include prints, 3D models, clay sculptures, digital designs, photographs, drawings and mixed media. SUNY Oneonta Art and Design senior Melissa Sibilla designed the show's poster. Winners of the following special awards were announced: Jean Parish Art on Campus Award, Excellence in New Media Award, Golden Artist Colors Inc. Award and the Martin-Mullen Creativity Award. Faculty Emerita Jean Parish enjoyed a lengthy teaching career at SUNY Oneonta, leaving behind a gift to provide financial assistance to students studying art. One of the two endowed funds she set in place supports the Jean Parish Art on Campus Awards, facilitating the purchase of student work to be displayed on campus. Excellence in New Media is a new award celebrating the work of students who excel in newer and non-traditional art practices. A permanent virtual gallery space to display the digital art that is purchased through this award is being built, mirroring the beautiful examples of physical art purchased for display across campus through Jean Parish. Golden Artist Colors is an artist materials manufacturer founded in 1980 and is dedicated to creating and sharing the most imaginative and innovative tools of color, line and texture for inspiring those who turn their vision into reality. They have graciously shared gift certificates for the Golden Artist Colors Inc. Awards. The Martin-Mullen Art Gallery and Martin-Mullen Creativity Awards are named after two previous faculty members, Minnie Martin and James Mullen. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This spring, SUNY Oneonta students had the opportunity to work closely and collaborate with interdisciplinary artists Georgia b. Smith and Zelda Smith to explore the intersection of art, technology and narrative during the artists' six-week residency. With SUNY Oneonta as their home base, the duo developed the first iteration of an evolving performance art project that asks: "How do we form our identity as humans?" and investigates the relationships between human bodies and technology, storytelling and artificial intelligence. Bringing together students, faculty and staff from across disciplines-including art, dance, theatre and music-their work culminated in a powerful final performance, "The Uncanny Body," staged inside the Hamblin Theatre. The 20-minute performance incorporated sound, light, movement and sculpture, with the focal point being a large, bone-like wooden "totem," topped with two ceramic structures resembling human lungs. These elements were built and/created using campus studios and spaces. During "The Uncanny Body," six student dancers climbed the movable totem, swaying and turning to an experimental soundtrack. In the background, two large canvases displayed a series of thought-provoking questions, followed by projected, rippling lightworks that were created by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Assistant Professor of Architecture Yael Erel. Zelda and Georgia, who are sisters, were selected as the School of Liberal Arts and Business' Spring 2025 Artists-in-Residence through a competitive process led by Art, Music and Theatre faculty. The joint residency marked a first for the program: two artists working in tandem, merging their distinct backgrounds-earth-based sculpture and robotic performance design-into a singular artistic vision. "I really enjoy working with young creatives because I remember these interactions shaping my own career and trajectory," Zelda said, "and this feels like a small way of giving back and fostering the creative community of the future. ...We've been impressed with everyone we've worked with, from the motivated students to the supportive professors. We had an ambitious project, and SUNY Oneonta rose to meet us there."

During the fall 2024 semester, Fashion and Textile students at SUNY Oneonta had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by creating themed window displays for Shakedown Street, a local thrift and consignment store, as well as inside the Human Ecology building on campus. The project allowed students to apply their skills in visual merchandising, fashion styling and retail display while incorporating sustainable practices by curating secondhand garments. Students worked either solo or in pairs to design displays that featured seasonal themes such as "Rich Layers of Fall," winter holiday concepts and New Year's Eve fashion. Each display was carefully planned to highlight color coordination, layering techniques and accessorizing to create cohesive, eye-catching presentations. Through this experience, students strengthened their collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills. Working under time constraints and with limited resources helped them adapt to real-world challenges often faced in the retail industry. Additionally, students explored ways to attract customer attention, promote sustainable fashion choices and engage with the local community. This hands-on project provided valuable preparation for future careers in fashion merchandising, retail management and creative marketing, allowing students to combine their academic knowledge with practical experience.

Fourteen SUNY Oneonta students were involved in the Theatre Department's production of "The Alleged Children of Darkness," the opening performance of the spring 2025 semester. Set 30 years in the future, on the brink of civil war, "The Alleged Children of Darkness" follows the return of an astronaut from Mars, whose arrival threatens to destabilize an already fragile power struggle on Earth. A stressed ex-NASA employee scrambles to organize a welcome-home gathering, bringing together the astronaut's twin daughters, who are unaware of their connection to him or each other. Inspired by the structure of blockbuster dystopian TV pilots, the play delves into humanity's fight over future resources, exploring conflicts rooted in identity, politics and personal desire. "Dan O'Neil had shared an earlier draft of the play with me when he re-located to Otsego County during the pandemic. The script had been presented as a staged reading but never fully produced," said Professor of Acting & Directing Andrew Kahl. "I really liked Dan's writing, the characters he had developed and the near future he imagined. Last year, I re-read the material and thought it would create a wonderful collaborative experience for students to be directly engaged in workshopping a script for its first fully staged production. When we contacted Dan early last spring, he was enthusiastic about the prospect of working with our students and re-exploring the play from a fresh perspective. His availability also provided the Theatre Department with a chance to offer a playwriting class from a professional playwright." "The Alleged Children of Darkness" was a joint performance made possible by Theatre Department faculty and staff, and students from the Mask and Hammer Club. The show was cast in the final weeks of the fall 2024 semester, followed by a read-through with O'Neil in early December to discuss the plot, themes and character relationships. Using feedback from this session, O'Neil prepared a revised script by mid-January. Rehearsals began on the first night of the Spring semester, with the cast working six nights a week to prepare for the Feb. 28 opening.

Thirteen SUNY Oneonta students are showcasing their artwork in the "Project Open Call: Spring 2025" exhibition from Feb. 25 to March 29 in the Project Space Gallery on campus. "Project Open Call: Spring 2025" is a group show of new work submitted by SUNY Oneonta students to the Gallery's semesterly open call. Featuring work by: Mya Barry, Victoria Bodo, Madison Budek, Lulu Q. Burkowski, Hannah Garay, Maya Golos, Sarah Green, Alec Hodge, Amy Kosina, Maya Pauley, Jessie Reed, Lexi Rockefeller, and Zoe Zappala. Project Open Call is an open-call program that accepts applications at the end of every semester for consideration in student shows in the following semester. Students may submit either personal work or coursework and can apply for inclusion in a curated group exhibition or with an original idea for a solo or group show. Admission to the galleries at SUNY Oneonta is free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Gallery Director Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.

Forty students were featured in the Art Across Campus: Spring 2025 exhibition. This was the fourth exhibition in an annual series that showcased the creative final projects by students across campus from a diverse range of majors and focuses. This semester's exhibition features student work submitted by Dr. Suriati Abas (Elementary Education and Reading), Dr. Nathan Asman (Music), Dr. Elizabeth Cruzado Carranza (Anthropology), Dr. Kim Fierke (Sport and Exercise Sciences), Dr. Toke Knudsen (Mathematics Department) in collaboration with Professor Jian Cui (Art) and Dr. Zdenek Tronicek (Computer Science) and Dr. Sheena Mason (English). Art Across Campus was on display in the Open Space Gallery until Feb. 15. An opening reception took place on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5-7 p.m. Admission to the galleries and receptions are free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.

Twenty-six SUNY Oneonta students were involved in the Theatre Department's production of "The Tempest," the final production of the fall 2024 semester. "The Tempest," written by William Shakespeare, features the King of Naples and his followers after being cast ashore on a desert island by a violent storm. "There are so many story elements included in this production," said show director and Professor of Acting and Directing Andrew Kahl. "There are moments of spectacle and magic, rich poetic language, political intrigue, physical comedy and a sweet love story. Getting all the pieces together in a cohesive production felt like a meaningful challenge. Working with our professional guest artist, MaConnia Chesser, was an honor and privilege for our faculty and students." Chesser was the Theatre Department's artist-in-residence for the fall 2024 semester and played Prospero, the protagonist in "The Tempest." The artist appeared in the performance courtesy of the Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. SUNY Oneonta's production of "The Tempest" was a joint performance made possible by Theatre Department faculty and staff, and students from the Mask and Hammer Club. Rehearsals began this semester in September with cast and crew exploring the text and playing through the scenes to make sense of relationships and character intentions. Full-stage rehearsal for "The Tempest" began shortly after Chesser joined the cast in early October. "The play offered design and production challenges, including the spectacle of a storm at sea that opens the play and moments of depicted magic that will challenge our sound, light and scenic designers," said Kahl. "The island setting needed to be mutable, changing based on the characters' perceptions on stage from an inviting tropical paradise to an ominous or dangerous place. At the center of it all lies the play's language and actors' capacity to decode, express and embody the meanings and intentions of the characters so that the audience can fully understand the play."

On Thursday, Oct. 24, the SUNY Oneonta Mask and Hammer Theatre Club presented "Proof," a play written by American playwright and screenwriter David Auburn. This gripping drama navigates the intricate intersections of genius, family and mental health. When a brilliant mathematician passes away, his daughter, Catherine, must confront not only her own precarious grip on sanity but also the shadow of her father's legacy. As secrets unravel and truths emerge, "Proof" asks, "Who inherits brilliance, and at what cost?" "Proof" won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The production of "Proof" was performed in the Hamblin Theatre at SUNY Oneonta from Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 24-26, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. Information about future shows performed by the Mask and Hammer Theatre Club and the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department can be viewed online at https://suny.oneonta.edu/theatre-department/season-shows.

Six SUNY Oneonta students exhibited artwork in the "Hartiwck X SUNY Oneonta Student Show 2024" at CANO (Community Arts Network Oneonta) from Oct.10-20. The "Hartiwck X SUNY Oneonta Student Show" is an ongoing collaboration between Hartwick's Foreman Gallery and the Galleries at SUNY Oneonta on view annually in downtown Oneonta. This year's show featured the work of Noel Lyman, Jessie Reed, Lexi Rockefeller, Alaina Rullo and Helena Williams.

Nine SUNY Oneonta students showed their artwork in the Project Open Call: Fall 2024 group exhibition from Oct. 1-26 Project Space Gallery on campus. Project Open Call: Fall 2024 is a group show of new work submitted by SUNY Oneonta students to the Gallery's semesterly open call. Featuring work by Lulu Q. Burkowski, Michael Conte, Jeanine Gonzalez, Sarah Green, Victoria Hallenbeck, Kento Igarashi, Olivia Rose MacGiffert, Sean Eaves, Izzy Madori and Lexi Rockefeller. Project Open Call is an open-call program that accepts applications at the end of every semester for consideration in student shows in the following semester. Students may submit either personal work or coursework and can apply for inclusion in a curated group exhibition or with an original idea for a solo or group show. Admission to the galleries at SUNY Oneonta is free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Gallery Director Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.

In the Open Space Gallery at SUNY Oneonta, Sean Eaves, of Norwich, NY, exhibited double exposure photographs in a solo art show titled "Twin Visions" from Oct. 1-26. Eaves is a senior majoring in Art and Design at SUNY Oneonta. "By digitally manipulating and overlaying two different photographs, Eaves has created a series of hauntingly familiar black and white images where the viewer often feels off-balance or unsure and is consistently left with the need to look deeper, both to pull apart the two images in their mind and to untangle the perceived meaning of their combined composition," said SUNY Oneonta Art Gallery Director Sarah Simpson. "The main objective of this work is to show that even though daily life may seem boring at times, there is always something beautiful to be seen if you're looking. Through this exhibition, Eaves hopes to show a new perspective on how people view the world around them, bringing two aspects of life together to create something whole and beautiful-two moments in time forever intertwined." Admission to the campus galleries is free and open to the public. Visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

This fall, the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department produced "Novecento," a theatrical piece created by Italian writer and director Alessandro Baricco, with the help of 11 students. The students fulfilled both cast and crew roles, and rehearsal for the show began Aug. 28, shortly after students returned to campus and began the 2024-25 academic year. "Novecento is a poetic yet compelling piece of theatre telling the story of a fictional pianist who was born on an ocean liner, lived all his life on board and died on it," said Associate Professor of Acting, Directing and Movement Kiara Pipino. "He never set foot on land. Yet, his fame went well beyond the bow and the stern. We follow his life and his dreams through the eyes of his friend, experiencing a snapshot of the social and political life of the early 1900s." Directed by Pipino, SUNY Oneonta's production of "Novecento" was a joint performance made possible by Theatre Department faculty and staff and students from the Mask and Hammer Club. The production's wardrobe was designed by Costume Shop Supervisor, Theatrical Designer Marjean McCaslin-Doyle, and Assistant Technical Director and Theatrical Designer Nathan Elsener created the setting.

"Earth-Written" is a solo show of large-scale illustrations by SUNY Oneonta senior Helena "H" Williams selected from the Gallery's semesterly Project Open Call. Williams created these works during her 12-week summer residency at the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb, NY. Her work is on display in the Open Space Gallery until Sept. 21. Admission to the gallery and reception is free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Eight SUNY Oneonta students have their artwork on display in the Jean Parish Scholarship: 2024-2025 exhibition in the Project Space Gallery. An opening reception in the gallery was held on Thursday, Sept. 5. Jean Parish Scholarship: 2024-2025 is a group exhibition featuring work by the 2024-2025 student recipients of the Jean Parish Scholarship: Sean Eaves, Ryan Eno, Kento Igarashi, Amy Kosina, Noel Lyman, Jessie Reed, Lexi Rockefeller and Alaina Rullo. Their work is on display until Sept. 21. Faculty Emerita Jean Parish enjoyed a lengthy teaching career at SUNY Oneonta, leaving behind a gift to provide financial assistance to students studying art. One of the two endowed funds she set in place supports the Jean Parish Scholarship, distributed by the Art Department through a competitive process every fall semester. Art majors already enrolled in the program are eligible to apply during or after their first semester, and the department gives several non-renewable awards for the academic year. Admission to the gallery and reception is free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Twenty-seven SUNY Oneonta students and recent graduates are presenting work created in their upper-level Studio and Digital Art Capstone courses during the spring 2024 semester. "The Capstone: 2024" is the inaugural exhibition of the best work created by SUNY Oneonta students across multiple disciplines in the arts, and will become a staple end-of-year showcase for future upper-level students. "The Capstone: 2024" exhibition is located in the Martin-Mullen Gallery on campus and opened to the public during SUNY Oneonta's Commencement. The exhibition will be open to all without an appointment from June 7-9 for Alumni Weekend from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is open by appointment only from May 22 to June 6. Admission to the gallery is free, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Gallery Director Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.

More than 50 SUNY Oneonta students and the Theatre Department produced "Cabaret," a Tony Award-winning musical and showcase production of the 2023-2024 academic year. Created by American playwright Joe Masteroff, "Cabaret" follows Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer, as he navigates Berlin in the early 1930s, befriending other residents of his low-rent boarding house including relation-interest Sally Bowles, a dancer and singer at the Kit Kat Club. Music and lyrics for the original production were created by John Kander and Fed Ebb. The performance was directed by Andrew Kahl, professor of acting and directing, and will run four times from April 24 to 27 with help from the Mask and Hammer student theatre club. "Cabaret speaks to contemporary conflicts between free expression and authoritarianism," said Kahl. "It is a musical with dramatic teeth, richly drawn characters, and a wonderful score. The show was also a good match for our current student population and offered challenges - on stage and off - for our students, faculty and staff." "Cabaret" was performed in the Goodrich Theater at SUNY Oneonta from Wednesday to Friday, April 24-26, at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Tickets for upcoming productions can be purchased online at https://oneonta.universitytickets.com/, in person at the Hunt Union Information Desk from Monday to Saturday between 1 and 10 p.m. and in person at the box office in the Fine Arts Center one hour before each scheduled performance. View ticket pricing and more information online at https://suny.oneonta.edu/theatre-department/season-shows.

The SUNY Oneonta 2024 Juried Student Art Show features nearly 90 works by more than 50 talented student artists. The exhibition opened on March 26 and will run through May 4 in the university's Martin-Mullen Art Gallery on campus. Featured artwork includes pieces submitted by students and juried by full-time Art faculty, and artworks preselected by the full-time and part-time faculty. This year's award winners were chosen by invited juror Chris Rossi, director of exhibitions at the Fenimore Art Museum. Located in Cooperstown, NY, the Fenimore Art Museum has collections of fine art, folk art, photography, American Indian art and special exhibitions and programs. Named for the property on which it stands, once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper, the Fenimore Art Museum also contains the Cooper family collection, showing the unique qualities of Cooperstown and Otsego Lake as seen in the writings of James Fenimore Cooper. The show highlights the different mediums and themes explored by students over the academic year. Prints, 3D models, clay sculptures, digital designs, photographs, drawings and mixed media make up this year's offerings. SUNY Oneonta Art and Design senior Melissa Sibilla designed the show's poster. Winners of the following special awards were announced: Jean Parish Art on Campus Award, Excellence in New Media Award, Helen and George Zimmerman Memorial Award, Golden Artist Colors Inc. Award and the Martin-Mullen Creativity Award. Faculty Emerita Jean Parish enjoyed a lengthy teaching career at SUNY Oneonta, leaving behind a gift to provide financial assistance to students studying art. One of the two endowed funds she set in place supports the Jean Parish Art on Campus Awards, facilitating the purchase of student work to be displayed on campus. Excellence in New Media is a new award celebrating the work of students who excel in newer and non-traditional art practices. A permanent virtual gallery space to display the digital art that is purchased through this award is being built, mirroring the beautiful examples of physical art purchased for display across campus through Jean Parish. Golden Artist Colors is an artist materials manufacturer founded in 1980 and is dedicated to creating and sharing the most imaginative and innovative tools of color, line and texture for inspiring those who turn their vision into reality. They have graciously shared gift certificates for the Golden Artist Colors Inc. Awards. The Martin-Mullen Art Gallery and Martin-Mullen Creativity Awards are named after two previous faculty members, Minnie Martin and James Mullen. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"A New York Minute" is a solo exhibition by Psychology major Samantha Schein ('24) that captures the essence of her New York City upbringing and her connection to its vibrant culture. Each photograph is a glimpse into the different layers of urban life where the photographer's lens channels what the city is about. "A cohesive theme emerges as the story unfolds: journey past Times Square and see what else the city has to offer," says SUNY Oneonta Art Gallery Director Sarah Simpson. "With the lively and intimate energy of city streets, the photographs weave a story of the heart and soul of NYC. The grainy textures and vivid hues of the 35 mm film evoke something genuine, reflecting the authenticity of the lived experiences captured. Schein invites the audience to take part in the visual poetry of these moments, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own journey. Let the images serve as the beginning of the story of what the city is truly about: culture, life and color, all existing beyond what meets the tourist's eye." Schein's exhibition will be on view in the Open Space Gallery on campus until April 20. Admission to the galleries and receptions are free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.

Bird Wallace, of Monroe, NY, was one of three SUNY Oneonta students who interned under Natan Diacon-Furtado as part of the School of Liberal Arts and Business's Artist-in-Residence program. Wallace, who is studying Digital and Studio Art, interned alongside Clayton Davis and Victoria Hallenbeck. Together, the three students were co-collaborators for two giant multimedia installations on campus, the culmination of Diacon-Furtado's residency at SUNY Oneonta. A visual artist driven by collaboration, interaction and mutual learning, Diacon-Furtado left SUNY Oneonta after eight weeks of bringing students, faculty and staff together to create sculptural work that combines visual and audio components with audience participation. What began as a dream at the beginning of the semester quickly developed into a dynamic, evolving art series made possible by the collaborative efforts of Diacon-Furtado, Wallace, Hallenbeck and Davis. The three seniors interned with Diacon-Furtado from the beginning of their spring 2024 semester through the artist's final day-in-residence on March 13. "They're the reason that this piece behind us works," said Diacon-Furtado, gesturing to a colorful multimedia installation tilted "Pattern Offerings" inside the Fine Arts 318 studio. This first installation was on display in Fine Arts 318 during the majority of the visual artist's residency, and it helped Diacon-Furtado and the three interns create the final two pieces. "My work is driven by interaction, collaboration and learning from each other. I seek out fellowships and residencies like this time I've spent at SUNY Oneonta so I can do that," said Diacon-Furtado. "I don't want to work with people my age who think like me and are like me. I want to do it with a wide range of folks, and so working with the student interns has been wonderful for that exact reason - because we get to co-create in a way where it's not just my brain bringing ideas to the table. That's how we ended up with something like this project that is so fluid and dynamic." The second part of "Pattern Offerings" features an edited video of 12 classes interacting directly with the artwork in Fine Arts 318 that will be projected onto the exterior of the Fine Arts Center on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. All three interns will provide remarks on the installation during the opening reception. The final installation created by Diacon-Furtado and the three interns is called "Collaborative Monumentality" and features two pre-recorded videos of the artists projected onto 11 different windows of Fitzelle Hall that give the appearance of the artists coloring in each window. "Collaborative Monumentality" can be viewed after sunset on campus until mid April. "The things I learned most from this internship with Natan are to have fun with art and that no idea is concrete," said Wallace. "Every single time I showed up, I left with a new experience that came from what we worked on that day. I'm used to subject-oriented art, and this projection art took it to a different level. This experience will influence me to make more interesting things."

Victoria Hallenbeck, of Schenectady, NY, was one of three SUNY Oneonta students who interned under Natan Diacon-Furtado as part of the School of Liberal Arts and Business's Artist-in-Residence program. Hallenbeck, who is studying Art and Design, interned alongside Bird Wallace and Clayton Davis. Together, the three students were co-collaborators for two giant multimedia installations on campus, the culmination of Diacon-Furtado's residency at SUNY Oneonta. A visual artist driven by collaboration, interaction and mutual learning, Diacon-Furtado left SUNY Oneonta after eight weeks of bringing students, faculty and staff together to create sculptural work that combines visual and audio components with audience participation. What began as a dream at the beginning of the semester quickly developed into a dynamic, evolving art series made possible by the collaborative efforts of Diacon-Furtado, Hallenbeck, Davis and Wallace. The three seniors interned with Diacon-Furtado from the beginning of their spring 2024 semester through the artist's final day-in-residence on March 13. "They're the reason that this piece behind us works," said Diacon-Furtado, gesturing to a colorful multimedia installation tilted "Pattern Offerings" inside the Fine Arts 318 studio. This first installation was on display in Fine Arts 318 during the majority of the visual artist's residency, and it helped Diacon-Furtado and the three interns create the final two pieces. "My work is driven by interaction, collaboration and learning from each other. I seek out fellowships and residencies like this time I've spent at SUNY Oneonta so I can do that," said Diacon-Furtado. "I don't want to work with people my age who think like me and are like me. I want to do it with a wide range of folks, and so working with the student interns has been wonderful for that exact reason - because we get to co-create in a way where it's not just my brain bringing ideas to the table. That's how we ended up with something like this project that is so fluid and dynamic." The second part of "Pattern Offerings" features an edited video of 12 classes interacting directly with the artwork in Fine Arts 318 that will be projected onto the exterior of the Fine Arts Center on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. All three interns will provide remarks on the installation during the opening reception. The final installation created by Diacon-Furtado and the three interns is called "Collaborative Monumentality" and features two pre-recorded videos of the artists projected onto 11 different windows of Fitzelle Hall that give the appearance of the artists coloring in each window. "Collaborative Monumentality" can be viewed after sunset on campus until mid April. "I've liked interning with Natan, and I've learned a lot," said Hallenbeck. "I never worked on anything using projections before this and it could be useful in the future. Learning how to use the free programs that I've never really heard of and the collaborative part of it has been helpful - just a lot of ideas compositionally have been helpful."

Clayton Davis, of Newport, NY, was one of three SUNY Oneonta students who interned under Natan Diacon-Furtado as part of the School of Liberal Arts and Business's Artist-in-Residence program. Davis, who is studying Art and Design, interned alongside Bird Wallace and Victoria Hallenbeck. Together, the three students were co-collaborators for two giant multimedia installations on campus, the culmination of Diacon-Furtado's residency at SUNY Oneonta. A visual artist driven by collaboration, interaction and mutual learning, Diacon-Furtado left SUNY Oneonta after eight weeks of bringing students, faculty and staff together to create sculptural work that combines visual and audio components with audience participation. What began as a dream at the beginning of the semester quickly developed into a dynamic, evolving art series made possible by the collaborative efforts of Diacon-Furtado, Davis, Wallace and Hallenbeck. The three seniors interned with Diacon-Furtado from the beginning of their spring 2024 semester through the artist's final day-in-residence on March 13. "They're the reason that this piece behind us works," said Diacon-Furtado, gesturing to a colorful multimedia installation tilted "Pattern Offerings" inside the Fine Arts 318 studio. This first installation was on display in Fine Arts 318 during the majority of the visual artist's residency, and it helped Diacon-Furtado and the three interns create the final two pieces. "My work is driven by interaction, collaboration and learning from each other. I seek out fellowships and residencies like this time I've spent at SUNY Oneonta so I can do that," said Diacon-Furtado. "I don't want to work with people my age who think like me and are like me. I want to do it with a wide range of folks, and so working with the student interns has been wonderful for that exact reason - because we get to co-create in a way where it's not just my brain bringing ideas to the table. That's how we ended up with something like this project that is so fluid and dynamic." The second part of "Pattern Offerings" features an edited video of 12 classes interacting directly with the artwork in Fine Arts 318 that will be projected onto the exterior of the Fine Arts Center on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. All three interns will provide remarks on the installation during the opening reception. The final installation created by Diacon-Furtado and the three interns is called "Collaborative Monumentality" and features two pre-recorded videos of the artists projected onto 11 different windows of Fitzelle Hall that give the appearance of the artists coloring in each window. "Collaborative Monumentality" can be viewed after sunset on campus until mid April. "Natan really emphasized collaboration, and I think that is super important with artists, and being able to work together with a group of people is amazing," said Davis. "You're able to get a lot better experiences than just doing things on your own, and you get a lot of outside perspectives rather than just everything within your brain."

Twenty-two SUNY Oneonta students and the Theatre Department produced "Dead by Jack," a "devised theatre" performance depicting the lives of the five women who were Jack the Ripper. Devised theatre is a method of creating theatre that originates from collaborative, often improvised, work by a performing ensemble. The actors, who were all SUNY Oneonta students, were in charge of coming up with their narratives, blocking and dramatic choices, and worked with the Theatre Department to develop the scenery and costumes for the show. The production was directed by Kiara Pipino, associate professor of acting, directing and movement, and five performances were held from March 1 to 6. "Everyone has heard about Jack the Ripper and about the White Chapel Murders," said Pipino. "Theories, speculations and a myriad of literature and media content in all forms has been devoted to this infamous serial killer and yet there is no scientific evidence that can firmly identify him. Perhaps this is why the fascination still exists to this day, more than one hundred and some years after the last killing, which happened in 1888." While the cast didn't work off a script, the characters, Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine (Kate) Eddowes, Mary-Jane Kelly and Jack the Ripper, were based on Hallie Rubenhold's book "The Five: The Untold Lives of Women Killed by Jack the Ripper" and additional research completed by the cast. "We know a lot about these five women. We know where they were born, where they grew up, we know about their families, their struggles, their living accommodations, occupations and how they ended up down on their luck," said Pipino. "They were all labelled as prostitutes and while there is no judgement here about that profession, the fact is that most of them weren't. There are many Jack the Rippers still at large. The number of cold cases regarding slaughtered victims whose murderers were never found is astounding. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report there are about 340000 unsolved homicides just from 1965 to 2021." Students from the Mask and Hammer theatre club, an active and dynamic campus organization that promotes opportunities for students of all majors to become involved in theatre activities, were part of the production in various cast and crew roles. "Dead by Jack" was shown in the Hamblin Theatre on campus. Tickets for upcoming productions can be purchased online at https://oneonta.universitytickets.com/, in person at the Hunt Union Information Desk from Monday to Saturday between 1 and 10 p.m. and in person at the box office in the Fine Arts Center one hour before each scheduled performance. View ticket pricing and more information online at https://suny.oneonta.edu/theatre-department/season-shows.

"Emotional Ties" was a solo show of new work by Digital and Studio Art senior Christine Schmitt selected from the Gallery's Project Open Call exhibition. Her exhibition was on display in the Project Space Gallery from Jan. 30 to Feb. 24. An opening reception was held Thursday, Feb. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. "This collaborative exhibition, which included supporting photographic works by Molly Seidl (SUNY Oneonta '23), featured a wide range of Schmitt's provocative crocheted art such as her 2D abstract wall works, 3D sculptures, wearables and site-specific installations," said SUNY Oneonta Art Gallery Director Sarah Simpson. "Overall, this was an immersive experience where the viewer enters a cohesive and mostly abstract environment that asks you to consider texture, color and shape in relation to the emotions they evoke. Schmitt offered guides in the form of emotive models dressed in the wearables that have since been combined into large-scale installations and in the presence and poses of her stuffed human-like sculptures." Admission to the galleries and receptions are free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.